COLLEGE LISTINGS: Looking for an art school?

IN-DEMAND CAREERS FOR ART & DESIGN MAJORS

BY RYAN O’KEEFE

or many people, say the word “art school” and the first thing that pops into mind is the Sistine Chapel or the statue of David in Florence, Italy. But there is so much more to art—and to art school—than just that. Of course, painting and sculpting and the fine arts are wonderful and plenty of schools will launch students into great careers in either, but there are so many majors and programs within art school that aren’t being explored or considered quite as often. “I love to remind people that going to art school isn't just painting and drawing, and that there are plenty of other programs of study that they should consider,” says Ryan O'Keefe, the assistant Director of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) He sat down and gave us a list of some of the under-explored majors and programs of study that may interest creative students now or in the future.

URBAN DESIGN

City and Regional Planning, also known as Urban Design, is the development and design of plans and programs for the use of urban and regional space. This major allows students to use collaborative skills and their critical thinking abilities necessary to consider realistic urban growth, and economic, environmental, and social justice in urban neighborhoods and regions, but it also takes a lot of skill in drawing and creative planning.

ENTERTAINMENT ARTS

Think all things animation, game design, and video/ film, and television. The Entertainment Arts major is perfect for any creative students who also enjoy playing Xbox or computer games or VR and who want to be part of the design from the ground up. Students would expect to take a full course load of industrial design, illustration and animation to meet their entertainment artist aspirations.

TOY DESIGN

If you have ever wanted to live out the 1980’s movie "Big" as an adult, this is the major for you. But it isn’t the 1980’s anymore. Toy design is expanding beyond the My Little Ponies and American Girl dolls of yesterday. It now includes computer and interactive game design. Students enrolled in toy design programs will cover ideation, marketing and engineering of toys, fully preparing them for employment in the industry.

CURATORIAL STUDIES

Curatorial and Museum Studies programs explore the business side of the art world. A curator manages relationships between artists, artworks, exhibitions spaces, and the public. They get to pick and choose work based on the space and the city and the clients who may come and see it. The work is rich in research and investigation in art history and criticism. It’s almost like matchmaking between the perfect space and the perfect artist. Curators have the opportunity to present their extensive research and knowledge in a published or exhibited format.

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

Environmental Design (also known as Sustainable Design) takes interior design and expands it. This creative field combines elements of architecture and graphic design with interior design, perfect for anyone still remembering the Minecraft houses they loved to build as children. A lot of this space will be commercial projects -- lighting, signage, »

traffic patterns, furniture, and more. It’s about considering how a space is meant to be used and shaping it to facilitate that comfortably for inhabitants. Three-dimensional and spatial abilities are key in this field, as is an understanding of social and human processes.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Industrial or Product Design can mean many things from designing cars to household appliances to medical equipment and computers — nearly any three-dimensional object. The designer gets to be very hands-on and can incorporate sociology and psychology and human behaviour analysis into this creative field along with the obvious graphic design component. This can lead to work as part of a design firm or work as a solo or freelance designer.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

Visual Communications (also known as Visual Communication Design) programs prepare students for work as advertising designers, graphic designers, and illustrators. The major incorporated communication theory, graphic design, illustration, information design, and typography.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Students in Photography can expect careers that encompass all sorts of visual fields, whether they choose to do portraits or product photography or weddings and events. They will explore the fundamentals of film processing and darkroom printing and then move on to experiment with digital capture, high-end printing at medium and large scales, video, installation work and other approaches.

FILM

Like many other areas of art and design, Film Studies can encompass a wide range of formats and approaches. At one end of the spectrum are fine arts-oriented films. At the other end are full-scale Hollywood productions such as “Good Will Hunting” (directed by Gus Van Sant, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design). Imagination and technical knowledge are prerequisites here. •

Animation Art History Ceramics Creative Writing Fiber Filmmaking Graphic Design Illustration Painting Photography Printmaking Product Design Sculpture

Find your place

kcai.edu @kcartinstitute

2021 PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS COLLEGES

Looking for an art school? Here are some colleges that offer great programs in music, theater, dance, graphic design, film production, arts management, gaming and more.

AMDA: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL & DRAMATIC ACADEMY

Location: Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY D, F, M, MT, T

amda.edu

For over 50 years, AMDA has launched some of the most successful careers in theatre, film and television. AMDA creates industry professionals who don’t just wait for life to happen—they stage their own career path. AMDA graduates take the world’s stages, film sets and movie screens, changing the way we think about art in the 21st century. Learn More »

ANDERSON UNIVERSITYTHE SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF ARTS

Location: Anderson, SC Majors: D, F, G, M, MT, P, T, V

andersonuniversity.edu/schoolof-the-arts

The South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University trains professional visual, musical and theatrical artists who are serious about both their art and Christian faith. Staffed by highly trained and world-class artists, musicians, actors, dancers, theatrical designers, and scholars. Students develop their artistry to its fullest potential so they may thrive professionally and serve others through the arts.

Learn More » BIMM INSTITUTE

Location: Brighton, UK Majors: M

bimm.ac.uk

BIMM Institute is the largest and leading provider of music education in Europe. For over 35 years, we’ve taken raw talents and turned them into industry professionals, earning a living doing what they love. Graduates include James Bay, George Ezra (BRIT Award winners) and Ella Mai (Grammy and Billboard Music Awards winner).

Learn More »

BOSTON UNIVERSITY: COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS, SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS

Location: Boston, MA Majors: D, G, M, MT, P, T, V

bu.edu/cfa

The College of Fine Arts at BU brings together the Schools of Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. CFA offers professional training in conservatorystyle environments for undergraduate and graduate students, complemented by a liberal arts curriculum for undergraduate students. Education at the College of Fine Arts begins on the BU campus and extends into Boston—a rich center of cultural, artistic, and intellectual activity.

Learn More »

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS

Location: Valencia, CA Majors: D, F, M, P, T, V, O

calarts.edu

CalArts is renowned internationally as a gamechanger in the education of professional artists. The transformative cultural impact of our alumni shows why: We bring out visionary creative talent unlike any other university, school or conservatory. An all-inclusive community for a diversity of authentic voices, CalArts today offers more than 70 comprehensive degree programs in the visual, performing, media and literary arts. Learn More »

CEDAR CREST COLLEGE

Location: Allentown, PA Majors: D, T, V, O

cedarcrest.edu

Cedar Crest College is a liberal arts college, primarily for women, dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and learners. With degrees in dance, theatre, art and more, Cedar Crest offers the inclusive community and transformative experiences to help you succeed at every level.

Learn More »

COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

Location: Columbus, OH Majors: F, G, P, V, O

ccad.edu

Columbus College of Art & Design teaches undergraduate and graduate students in the midst of a thriving creative community in Columbus, Ohio. CCAD has 12 undergraduate majors in its Bachelor of Fine Arts program and two Master’s programs that produce graduates equipped to shape culture and business at the highest level. Learn More »

CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

Location: Seattle, WA Majors: D, F, G, M, MT, P, T, V, O

cornish.edu

Cornish College of Arts has been offering degrees in the Visual and Performing arts for over 100 years. Areas of study include Art, Design, Animation, Illustration, Film, Interior Architecture, as well as Dance, Music, Theater and Technical Theater. Opportunities to be part of on-campus events as well as intern, exhibit and perform outside of the College.

DEAN COLLEGE

Location: Franklin, MA Majors: D, T, O

dean.edu

Dean College is a private residential college located just outside of Boston, in Franklin, MA, with unique programs geared to individual learning styles. Students can choose from programs in the School of the Arts, the School of Business, the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and the School of Liberal Arts. A degree in theatre or arts and entertainment management from Dean College opens the door to a world of possibilities. Learn More »

DREXEL UNIVERSITY: WESTPHAL COLLEGE OF MEDIA & DESIGN

Location: Philadelphia, PA Majors: D, G, M, P, T, V, O

drexel.edu/westphal

Drexel’s Westphal College prepares students who are passionate about design, media and performing arts to succeed in these competitive fields. We offer 17 undergraduate and 9 graduate majors, including topranked programs in Game Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, and Graphic Design.

Learn More »

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY: CORCORAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & DESIGN

Location: Washington, DC Majors: D, G, M, P, T, V, O

corcoran.gwu.edu

Focused on the idea of direct and intensely creative education, the Corcoran offers 22 bachelors and masters degrees in the visual, scholarly and performing arts. Part of the George Washington University, the school is an incubator for artists, designers and scholars, who learn from renowned faculty in the nation’s capital. Learn More »

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE: SUNDERMAN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Location: Gettysburg, PA Majors: M, F, V, O

gettysburg.edu/music

Gettysburg’s Sunderman Conservatory provides excellent musical training grounded in the liberal arts for students who seek to make music integral to their lives, whether as a career or a life-long avocation. Honoring our place as a dynamic conservatory within one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, we foster rigorous study, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and joy in music.

Learn More » HARCUM COLLEGE

Location: Bryn Mawr, PA Majors: FD, G, P, V

harcum.edu

Harcum is an associate’s degree-granting independent residential college located near Philadelphia offering careerready programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, graphic design, interior design, and photography—all housed in our picturesque, award-winning Art & Design Center.

Learn More »

D: Dance FD: Fashion Design F: Film G: Graphic Design M: Music MT: Musical Theater P: Photography T: Theater V: Visual/Fine Arts O: Other

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY: HAYWORTH SCHOOL OF ARTS AND DESIGN

Location: High Point, NC Majors: D, FD, G, M, T, V, O

highpoint.edu/arts-design

Students studying the arts at High Point University will find small class sizes, incredible resources, and faculty that truly care about your journey to find your artistic voice. Within the rich liberal arts tradition at HPU, we promise extraordinary hands-on experiences and mentoring from a world-class faculty. Accreditations include the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Learn More »

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS DEVELOP YOUR ART!

ART

Promotes an inclusive environment where creativity and critical discourse thrive.

FILM & DIGITAL ARTS

Develops the necessary skills to succeed as a moviemaker, screenwriter, video game designer, film historian, or experimental arts practitioner.

MUSIC

Encourages students to develop their skills as complete musicians.

THEATRE & DANCE

Cultivates critical thinking and analysis, providing a broad, liberal arts education in the related performing arts. And an Interdisciplinary Arts Degree through a customized degree plan with two or three areas of focus in multiple media and arts disciplines.

HUSSIAN COLLEGE LOS ANGELES

Location: Los Angeles, CA Majors: D, F, MT, T, V, O

la.hussiancollege.edu

Hussian College In Studio Los Angeles is the first and only college of its kind, created within a Hollywood studio. Offering accredited BFA degrees in Acting, Film & Digital Content, Commercial Dance, and Contemporary Musical Theatre & Film, our innovative curriculum and campus empower Hollywood’s next-generation of working professionals.

Learn More »

INDIANA UNIVERSITY: ESKENAZI SCHOOL OF ART, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Location: Bloomington, IN Majors: A, FD, G, P, V, O

eskenazi.indiana.edu

Eskenazi School is where artists, designers, and merchandisers find their community and shape their skills with guidance from expert creatives. We offer degrees in Comprehensive Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Merchandising, and Studio Art, with options to explore ceramics, digital art, fibers, graphic design, metals, painting, photo, printmaking, and sculpture.

Learn More » JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY: COLLEGE OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

Location: Harrisonburg, VA Majors: D, G, M, MT, P, T, V

jmu.edu

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University includes the School of Art, Design, Art History; School of Music; and School of Theatre and Dance. Our academic programs focus on highlevel artistic training combined with entrepreneurial action and the integration of practical training along with liberal arts studies. Learn More »

KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE

Location: Kansas City, MO Majors: F, G, P, V, O

kcai.edu

The Kansas City Art Institute is a fouryear, independent, fully accredited college of art and design offering degrees in a variety of disciplines. You will find the tools and space to create: design boldly, sculpt adventurously, capture dramatically, paint vividly, write poetically. Seek inspiration and act on it at KCAI.

Learn More »

KD CONSERVATORY: COLLEGE OF FILM & DRAMATIC ARTS

Location: Dallas, TX Majors: F, MT, T

kdstudio.com

KD Conservatory offers nationally accredited degree programs to put you on a fast track to your career in the entertainment industry! Students train with award winning professionals dedicated to promoting them in school and beyond. Networking opportunities and professional credits are key to our mentoring philosophy.

Learn More » LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN

Location: Laguna Beach, CA Majors: G, V

lcad.edu

Laguna College of Art + Design has a location like no other, in a beachside community that lives and breathes creativity –Laguna Beach, California. Laguna College of Art + Design’s extensive foundation program gives a thorough preparation for excellence in your chosen field.

Learn More »

LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

Location: Appleton, WI Majors: F, M, MT, P, T

lawrence.edu

Charting an uncommon course in higher education for more than 160 years, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education.

Learn More »

LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Location: Liverpool, England Majors: D, F, M, MT, T, V, O

lipa.ac.uk

Co-founded in 1996 by Sir Paul McCartney and based in his former school buildings, we are one of the world leaders for those who wish to perform, or make performance possible. Our training replicates the working practices of the arts and entertainment industries so that you enjoy sustained employment in your chosen field.

Learn More »

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS: COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND MEDIA

Location: New Orleans, LA Majors: F, G, P, V, O

loyno.edu

Loyola University New Orleans is a private, liberal arts, Jesuit institution. The College of Music and Media is home to twenty-five performing and visual arts majors. Each program is grounded in professional mentorship, real world experience, and skill development. Learn More »

MIAMI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS

Location: Oxford, OH Majors: D, FD, M, P, T, V, O

miamioh.edu

You are creative. Your commitment to driving that creativity gives you an opportunity to thrive at Miami University. The College of Creative Arts (CCA) uses an interdisciplinary approach to arts education that combines classic art foundations, proven arts management and entrepreneurship frameworks, and emerging technologies to create the #ThrivingArtists of tomorrow.

Learn More »

MINNEAPOLIS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

Location: Minneapolis, MN Majors: F, P, G, V

mcad.edu

Recognized nationally and internationally for an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to visual arts education since 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers pre-college programs, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and continuing education classes for all ages. Learn More »

MONTSERRAT COLLEGE OF ART

Location: Beverly, MA Majors: F, G, P, V, O

montserrat.edu

Montserrat College of Art is a small, private, residential college of visual art and design in Beverly, MA, a half-hour train ride from Boston and threeblocks to the ocean. Twentyfour/seven arts immersion leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Required internships and rich curriculum help students find their place in the growing creative economy.

Learn More »

NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY ASSOCIATION

Location: Plymouth, MI Majors: G, P, V,

nationalportfolioday.org

The National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) was created solely for the organization and planning of National Portfolio Days to connect visual art. Students who participate receive 100% free, online portfolio reviews. The Association consists of representatives from regionally accredited US colleges and universities that are accredited institutional members of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and Canadian colleges and universities that are members of Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) or that hold NASAD Substantial Equivalency status.

Learn More » NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Location: Miami, FL Majors: D, F, M, MT, P, T, V

nwsa.mdc.edu

New World School of the Arts, located in Miami, Florida, is a center for excellence in the visual and performing arts. It provies a comprehensive educational program of artistic training, academic and creative development and preparation for professional careers in the

arts. Learn More »

NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

Location: Norwich, UK Majors: F, G, V, O

nua.ac.uk

Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is a leading UK university offering three year undergraduate and one year graduate programmes in art, design and media disciplines. For 170 years NUA has offered studio-based, practiceled learning that prepares graduates for success in the creative industries.

Learn More »

PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

Location: Tacoma, WA Majors: F, G, P, V, O

plu.edu/soac

The School of Arts and Communication at Pacific Lutheran University houses the departments of Art & Design, Communication, Music, and Theatre & Dance. Presenting over 250 events each season, we combine the best practices of liberal arts education with the benefits of applied and professional study.

RIDER UNIVERSITY: WESTMINSTER COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

Location: Lawrenceville, NJ Majors: D, M, T

rider.edu/wca

Rider University’s Westminster College of the Arts educates and trains aspiring performers, artists, teachers, and students with artistic interests to pursue professional, scholarly, and lifelong personal opportunities in dance, music, theater, arts administration and more. It is composed of Westminster Choir College and the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Learn More » SCHOOL OF ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (SAIC)

Location: Chicago, IL Majors: F, P, V

saic.edu

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the nation’s most influential art and design schools, offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical

abilities. Learn More »

SETON HILL UNIVERSITY: SCHOOL OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

Location: Greensburg, PA Majors: D, G, M, MT, T, V

setonhill.edu/academics

Creative, innovative, imaginative - this is what it means to be a Seton Hill University student! Seton Hill has a passion for the arts. It is reflected in the work of students and faculty who thrive as a community of artists, musicians performers, therapists and educators.

Learn More »

D: Dance FD: Fashion Design F: Film G: Graphic Design M: Music MT: Musical Theater P: Photography T: Theater V: Visual/Fine Arts O: Other

JESSUP ARTS

Rapidly Growing Nationally Connected Critically Acclaimed

ART MAJORS

• Digital Communication & Design • Music • Theatre • Visual & Fine Arts

GET STARTED jessup.edu

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY: COLLEGE OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

Location: Syracuse, NY Majors: D, F, G, M, MT, P, T, V

vpa.syr.edu

Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (SU:VPA) in Syracuse, New York, is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. Come to SU to Make Your Mark!

Learn More »

D: Dance FD: Fashion Design F: Film G: Graphic Design M: Music MT: Musical Theater P: Photography T: Theater V: Visual/Fine Arts O: Other

THE BLACKBIRD ACADEMY

Location: Nashville, TN Majors: M, MT, O

theblackbirdacademy.com

Learn Live Sound and Studio Engineering on the best gear, from top engineers, producers, recording artists and educators at our Professional School of Audio. The Blackbird Academy’s campus is built on the foundation of the Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, a multi-studio production facility where award-winning records are made every day.

Learn More » THE ROYAL CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA: UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Location: London, UK Majors: MT, T, V

cssd.ac.uk

Located in the heart of London, UK, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama has a long reputation of developing talented creatives who enjoy success across the globe. From Oscar-winning actors to Tony Award-winning sound designers, every area of performance and production is covered by our courses.

Learn More »

The CCA Combines Classic Art Foundations with Emerging Technology to Create the #ThrivingArtists of Tomorrow!