The Art + Design Department offers three sequences leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree (Studio Art, Art History, and K-12) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The fundamental objective of the programs in the Art + Design Department is to provide and promote a knowledge and understanding of the visual arts. All of our programs prepare students to pursue graduate school, careers in the fine and applied arts, teaching, and lifelong learning.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Studio Art gives students hands-on exposure to a variety of skills, both analytic and technical, in order to help students express concepts visually. Students choose an emphasis in Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Art + Technology, Graphic Design, Ceramics, Photography, or Printmaking.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Art History introduces students to numerous periods of art, cultural and historical events, visual means of expression and communication, and research methods.
- The Art Education program prepares students to teach the visual arts in a K-12 environment, and upholds state and national performance standards.
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is an applied arts program with a focus on the development of visual solutions to communication problems, and offers students guided hands-on experience in the creation of visual messages in print and electronic media.
Accreditations
The Department of Art + Design programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Art Education program is part of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation.
How to Become a Major or Minor
To declare a major or minor in one of our programs, please contact the Art + Design Department at art@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4910 to discuss your interests, needs and program requirements.
Visit for requirements and application information. The Admissions Office helps new and returning students through the application process. In addition, the Transfer Center assists transfer students with transitioning to our campus.
Advising
We have several advisors to assist you with transcripts, audits, transfer credits, course selection, career options or any questions and concerns you may have. Once you declare your Art + Design major, you will be assigned to one of the following faculty members as your primary contact:
- Kim Ambriz, Printmaking, k-ambriz@neiu.edu
- Lauren Meranda, Graphic Design, l-meranda@neiu.edu
- Nate Mathews, Photography, n-mathews@neiu.edu
- Ana Nieves, Art History, a-nieves2@neiu.edu
- Vida Sačić, Graphic Design, v-sacic@neiu.edu
- William Sieger, Art History, w-sieger@neiu.edu
- Shencheng Xu, Sculpture, s-xu@neiu.edu
ǰٳٱ’s Academic Advising Center will help you fulfill general education requirements.
Scholarships
The Art + Design Department offers an Art + Design Merit Scholarship for declared Art (Studio or Art History) and Graphic Design majors at all levels. Applicants are required to submit a complete application along with examples of their work. Please review all information and guidelines before submitting your application. If you have any questions, please contact Art + Design at art@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4910. Scholarships from the College of Arts and Sciences or the University are also available to students in the Art + Design Department.
Facility
Located in the Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center, our studio spaces accommodate the range of art courses offered at ŷϷ: sculpture, printmaking, art + technology, photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, letterpress and graphic design. All of our facilities are state of the art with required safety standards in place.
Clubs and Organizations
The NEIU Artists and Designers Association (NADA) provides the opportunity to develop your portfolio and expand your professional and creative experiences. Juried student shows, visiting artists and group critiques are a few examples of opportunities for members as well as monthly meetings to connect with their peers. Explore other clubs through the Office of Student Leadership and Development, which houses chartered clubs and organizations to meet the interests of students on campus. Joining a club is one of the many extracurricular things to do while at ŷϷ.
Additional Opportunities
Local
Throughout Chicago and the surrounding area, internship opportunities are available at many companies, museums and organizations. We encourage and support each student to seek and apply for positions at museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, local galleries, art centers and non-profit organizations.
Global
Looking to go beyond local opportunities? The Art + Design Department organizes annual educational trips to areas in Italy, Peru or China. Find out more about international trips.
