Overview

The Art programme at Northern Illinois University provides a versatile platform for students to develop their creative talents within a scholarly community. This degree is designed to foster expertise in design, history, and technique while preparing graduates for a wide variety of professional paths in the creative industries.

Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science pathway depending on their academic interests. The B.S. track incorporates a stronger focus on mathematics and science, whereas both options ensure a deep understanding of complex systems and modern creative markets. The curriculum is built to adapt to new technologies and evolving artistic standards.

The learning environment encourages collaboration among a talented group of designers, scholars, and artists.

Why Art at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University hosts one of the most comprehensive and respected public university art programmes in the nation. The institution provides an exceptional environment for growth, featuring extensive facilities that include more than 20 specialised labs and studios. These resources allow students to experiment with various media and professional tools.

The campus is home to several dedicated exhibition spaces, such as the Jack Olson Gallery, where students can showcase their work to the public. This focus on practical exhibition experience is a distinctive feature of the teaching model. Furthermore, the university offers robust career support resources, including leadership courses and merit-based scholarship opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Art
Design
Art History
Complex Systems
Creative Markets
New Technologies

Careers with Art

Graduates from this programme develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership that are highly valued by modern employers. The degree serves as excellent preparation for a range of roles within the creative sector and beyond. Alumni often find success in fields that require a blend of technical proficiency and innovative thinking.

The diverse nature of the training allows students to pursue goals in various professional environments, from private design firms to public cultural institutions. By focusing on both traditional techniques and contemporary market trends, the university ensures that its graduates remain competitive in a global job market. The programme's emphasis on versatile skill sets supports long-term career flexibility.

Programme Structure

Courses

Capstone Seminar

Beginning Life Drawing

World Art

Art and Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

48 SCH

48-60

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Art History Game Design View 1644 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.

Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores
A completed NIU application

Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score (if applicable)

Proof of English ability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners