Overview

The Art and Design programme at Northern Kentucky University provides a comprehensive foundation for students seeking to excel in the global creative economy. This undergraduate degree combines rigorous practical training with scholarly inquiry to prepare graduates for diverse professional paths in the arts.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances creative expression with pragmatic skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the modern industry. The department fosters a supportive environment where personal relationships between faculty and peers endure well beyond the completion of the course.

The teaching staff consists of professional artists, designers, and historians who bring their active research and creative interests directly into the studio.

Why Art and Design at Northern Kentucky University?

The university is home to the best-rated graphic design programme in Kentucky, specifically within the Visual Communication Design specialisation. This high ranking reflects the institution's commitment to excellence and its reputation for producing highly skilled practitioners in the field.

Facilities and learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom through industry-focused internships in galleries, design studios, and agencies. These partnerships allow students to gain professional exposure and build a portfolio that stands out in a competitive $760 billion global arts economy.

The School of the Arts (SOTA) emphasises the power of connection, offering collaborations that transform students into critical thinkers. By working alongside award-winning faculty, students develop their unique skill sets while engaging with the rich history and future of visual communication.

Careers with Art and Design

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles within the creative industries, supported by the professional networking opportunities provided during their studies. The programme focuses on building a jump-start for careers in both commercial and fine art sectors.

Common career paths for alumni include working as professional designers in agencies, curators in galleries, or independent studio artists. Others find success in education, photography, or digital media, utilising the diverse technical and conceptual skills gained throughout their degree.

The emphasis on industry-standard practices ensures that students are ready for employment in design studios and creative firms. By integrating practical internships with academic study, the university helps students transition smoothly into the professional workforce upon graduation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Creating Visual Form

Creating Visual Order

Building Meaning in Visual Art

Advanced Writing-Writing/Artists - WC

Art Now

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Highland Heights, United States

Disciplines

Design Visual Arts View 841 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Complete An Online Application

Pay the $40 Application Fee

Submit Password Photocopy

Submit Your Official Transcripts

Submit Proof of English Fluency

Request your ACT and/or SAT Test Scores to be sent to NKU

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

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Out-of-State

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11496 USD / year

≈ 11496 USD / year

Living costs

Highland Heights

United States

900 - 1400 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 and Design.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Why Art and Design at Northern Kentucky University?

Careers with Art and Design

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

Living costs

Highland Heights

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners