Tag: Art & Design

Art History

Major Description

Art History gives students the ability to interpret art as a record of social and personal experience, to assess complex and conflicting arguments critically, to understand and to interpret a diverse range of artistic traditions. Students acquire a broad education that will allow them to advance in a wide variety of careers, including (but not limited to) the arts, business, law, and education. An Art History major also prepares students for graduate study in the field, which can lead to a career as a university professor or in a museum.

“There are two ways to major in art history at the University of Illinois. Students may work toward either a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the College of Fine and Applied Arts or a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The B.F.A. program is a degree in Art & Art History and requires more studio and design courses. The B.A. program is a degree in Art History and requires more extensive study in the humanities. Both majors have a Senior Honors Program that is strongly recommended to qualified students. This program offers seniors the opportunity to work closely with a member of the faculty researching and writing a scholarly paper over the course of two semesters.

More About Art History
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • ARTH 110—Introduction to the Art History and Visual Culture
  • Any upper-level (200-400) courses for a more focused introduction, such as:
    • ARTH 241—Modern Art
    • ARTH 260—Graffiti and Murals
    • ARTH 257—History of Photography

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Studying Art History can lead to careers in museums and galleries, in education, art librarianship, the management of visual resources for universities and arts institutions, and conservation. The broad education provided by a Art History degree serves as preparation for a wide variety of careers, including the arts, business, law, and education.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to communicate through the materials used to create works of art
  • Analytical thinking
  • Creativity/inventive skills
  • Discipline and perseverance to build skills in different techniques by working and reworking art
  • Research and writing skills to combine visual analysis of works of art with in-depth research
  • Visual Analysis
Common Career Titles
  • Author
  • Art Lawyer
  • Curator
  • Curatorial Researcher
  • Documentary Researcher
  • Conservator
  • Critic
  • Grant Writer
  • Educational Coordinator
  • Independent Producer
  • Publisher
  • Lecturer
  • Librarian
  • Museum Director
  • Visual Resource Librarian

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • For Art’s Sake: For Art’s Sake is an organization serving lovers of art at UIUC. Anyone interested in art, art history, art theory, film studies, architecture history, new media, criticism, etc. is welcome, regardless of background or major. We are happy to act as educators for those new to Art & Art History and as a community for seasoned historians. We will provide a space for intelligent, insightful conversation as well as activities to extend and practice your understanding of art.
    • Montage Arts Journal: Our purpose is to publish a yearly journal of exceptional undergraduate work in prose, poetry, art, and drama.
    • Society for Art and Fine Art: Builds bridges between undergraduate students in art and fine arts.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to art history, such as the Association for Art History and the College Art Association.

Creative Writing

Major Description

Creative Writing combines small workshops (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) and a variety of literature courses.  The result is a strong but flexible program of study that develops students’ analytical and creative skills and prepares them for work or graduate study in any number of fields.

More About Creative Writing
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CW 100—Introduction to Creative Writing
  • CW 104—Introductory Narrative Writing
  • CW 106—Introductory Poetry Writing

Possible Career Opportunities

Creative Writing majors can use their communication skills in a number of different roles.

Common Career Skills
  • High proficiency in reading/writing/speaking
  • Ability to be highly imaginative
  • Ability to be individually expressive through a variety of creative forms
  • Ability to give and receive effective criticism
  • Good listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills
  • Ability to conduct/explain research
  • Ability to make critical observations/decisions
  • Ability to read analytically
  • Ability to read for style/ideas
  • Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
  • Ability to relate to others with empathy and understanding
Common Career Titles
  • Arranger
  • Associate Media Director
  • Author
  • Biographer
  • Book Reviewer
  • Broadcast Supervisor
  • Columnist
  • Composer
  • Continuity Writer
  • Copy Editor
  • Creative Director
  • Critic
  • Editorial Writer
  • Electronic Publishing Specialist
  • Fact Checker
  • Fundraiser
  • Humorist
  • Librettist
  • Lyricist
  • Medical Writer
  • Orchestrator
  • Patient Relations Specialist
  • Playwright
  • Program Proposals Coordinator
  • Project Supervisor
  • Proofreader
  • Publicity Assistant
  • Publicity Director
  • Reporter
  • Researcher
  • Sales Service Promoter
  • Science Writer
  • Screen Printing Inspector
  • Screenplay Writer
  • Speech Writer
  • Staff Writer
  • Story Editor
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer
  • Trainer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of LAS Career Services
  • Get involved with the Montage Arts Journal
  • Visit the advising blog to learn more about events, activities and opportunities happening in the English department.
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Creative Writing Club: a group for creative writers from all majors who want to get together with peers for fun writing and performance activities.
    • English Student Association (ESA): an organization for English, Creative Writing, and Teaching of English majors, and English and Creative Writing minors, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Creative Writing.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Creative Writing.  These organizations include American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Association of American Publishers, and Modern Language Association. Students are eligible for nomination (by department) for the AWP Intro Journals Contest. Additionally the department hosts a writing contest each spring, providing awards for fiction and poetry.

Media & Cinema Studies

Major Description

Media and Cinema Studies provides students a critical understanding of multiple forms of media and communications from a liberal arts perspective, in addition to training them in the production of cinema and digital media. Students explore the theory and history of contemporary media as they relate to questions of culture, industry, representation, technology, politics, society, social justice, and aesthetics, both in the United States and internationally.

More About Media & Cinema Studies
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MACS 100—Introduction to Popular TV & Movies
  • MACS 101—Intro to the Media
  • MACS 150 – Introduction to Digital Media Production 
  • MACS 203 – Contemporary Movies

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Media and Cinema Studies graduates develop critical media literacy skills that contribute to a more informed and active citizenship, as these are the skills that guide workers of the new century.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to collaborate
  • Ability to think logically and critically and make analogies
  • Ability to understand ideas and values
  • Attention to detail
  • Careful record keeping
  • Communication skills
  • Creative decision-making
  • Knowledge of design and composition
  • Managing a budget
  • Networking Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Possess strong skills in computer technology
  • Proficiency with media technologies
  • Strong research skills
  • Writing and editing skills
  • Digital media literacy
  • Basic media production fundamentals
  • Audiovisual postproduction skills
  • Design fundamentals
  • Inclusive and accessible content creation

See more on the Media Career Resources website.

Common Career Titles
  • Cinematographer
  • Columnist
  • Commentator
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Content Creator
  • Copywriter
  • Director
  • Documentary filmmaker
  • Editing and Postproduction
  • Festival Programmer
  • Film and Television Critic
  • Film and Television Development
  • Grant Writer
  • Location Scout
  • Media Archivist
  • Media Production Assistant
  • Museum Curator
  • Podcaster
  • Public Information Officer
  • Public and Media Relations Specialist
  • Producer
  • Screenwriter
  • Script Supervisor
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Station Programmer
  • Technical Writer
  • Video Essayist

See more information in our Illini Success Report.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Illini Film and Video: Produces high quality independent projects to be screened on campus and beyond.
    • Focus Pull at UIUC: Focus Pull at UIUC is an organization built by and for Black UIUC students with interests in any area of film production. Through workshops, club discussions, and movie nights, we help our community of prospective filmmakers access information, equipment, and on set experience while building a network of brilliant minds.
    • UIUC Student Film Festival: The UIUC Student Film Festival is an annual celebration of the creativity and diversity of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign filmmaking communities. Each spring, students in MACS 464: Film Festivals learn the history, functions, and value of film festivals, and then gain experience organizing, producing, and promoting their own film fest

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Media and Cinema Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Media and Cinema Studies.  These organizations include Association for Women in Communication and Society for Cinema and Media Studies.

Journalism

Major Description

Journalism prepares students for varied careers in areas such as newspaper, magazine, broadcast, online journalism, and emerging media. Students learn the reporting, writing, editing, producing, and multimedia skills and concepts required to produce accurate, fair, and thorough journalism and to navigate the ever-changing news media landscape. The department aspires to prepare broadly educated professionals who eventually assume decision-making and leadership roles.

More About Journalism
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • JOUR 101—Interactive Media and You
  • JOUR 200—Introduction to Journalism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Journalism graduates are prepared to translate their work through the multimedia platforms of today and the emerging technologies of tomorrow.

Common Career Skills
  • Computer skills
  • Gathering information and data
  • Interviewing skills
  • Investigative skills
  • Negotiating skills
  • Oral presentation skills
  • Working as a team
  • Working with deadlines
  • Writing skills

See more on the Media Career Resources website.

Common Career Titles
  • Multimedia reporters
  • Producers
  • Editors and writers for online publications, newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs
  • Web designers
  • Corporate communications specialists
  • Public relations
  • Corporate business and technical writers
  • Political consultants
  • Speechwriters

See more information in our Illini Success Report.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • National Association of Black Journalists: works to improve the quality of news coverage by promoting diversity and ethical reporting.
    • Society of Professional Journalists: provides student journalists with networking, internship and future job opportunities. SPJ offers a place to socialize and connect with the campus’ journalism community, as well as supplements classroom work through extracurricular opportunity to practice journalism skills.
    • The Daily Illini: The Daily Illini provides the campus community with its No. 1 source for news, sports, commentary and opinion in print twice a week and online. With its award-winning website, The Daily Illini covers campus 24/7. Students have the opportunity to gain experience through reporting, writing, editing and selling advertising with this campus publication.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Journalism.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Journalism.  These organizations include News Leaders Association, News/Media Alliance, and National Press Photographers Association.

Computer Science & Advertising

Major Description

Facing the increasing dominance of technology companies such as Facebook and Google in advertising, the CS+ADV degree is aimed at preparing students for a career in the new digital advertising ecosystem. In this new ecosystem, successful careers not only involve understanding and applying concepts in Computer science (e.g. “big data”; “automation”, “real-time systems”) to different aspects of Advertising but also infusing a strategic and creative thinking in the design and creation of new technologies. Students in CS+ADV will graduate with a thorough understanding of the CS core and a new advertising curriculum adapted to the emerging digital advertising space. Armed with this interdisciplinary learning experience, graduates of the CS+ADV program will be attractive to large advertising agencies, leading brands, and digital media and technology companies.

More About CS+ADV
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
  • CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2 
  • CS 173 – Discrete Structures
  • CS 225 – Data Structures
  • MATH 220/221- Calculus/Calculus I
  • ADV 150 – Introduction to Advertising 

Possible Career Opportunities

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Teamwork
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication Skills

See more on the Media Career Resources website.

Common Career Titles
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data analyst
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Media Buyer
  • Public Relations Director
  • Software Engineer
  • Web designer

See more information in our Illini Success Report.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • American Advertising Federation at Illinois: offers professional development opportunities in advertising through a nationally accredited organization
    • Women in Computer Science: Women in Computer Science is a non-profit, educational, service organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of young women who are considering pursuit of a career in computer science or show an overall interest in computers.

Advertising

Major Description

Advertising teaches students about the role it plays in society, as well as its impact in business and sales. Advertising influences the products we buy, the media we consume, the causes we support, and the celebrities we follow on social media. In this program students will learn about branding, strategy, consumer behavior, and more. Advertising can be a reflection of social structure, an art form, and even a basis for community. Whether you are creative, analytical, interested in television, print, or digital media — the advertising major has something for everyone!

More About Advertising
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • ADV 150 – Introduction to Advertising
  • ADV 175 – Diversity in Advertising

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Advertising graduates are prepared to become not only practitioners, but also leaders in the quickly changing advertising industry. They are introduced to the structure, issues and language of the industry and then exposed to the analytical tools and critical thinking skills needed to succeed.

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication skills
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • People skills
  • Teamwork

See more on the Media Career Resources website.

Common Career Titles
  • Advertising Account Assistant
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Advertising Media Planner
  • Copywriter
  • Corporate Communication Specialist
  • Creative Director
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Graphic Designer
  • Market Research Assistant
  • Promotion Coordinator
  • Public Affairs Coordinator
  • Public Relations Officer

See more information in our Illini Success Report.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • American Advertising Federation at the University of Illinois: offers professional development opportunities in advertising through a nationally accredited organization. 
    • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): The Illinois Chapter of PRSSA provides its members with opportunities with our student-run PR agency — working with real clients every semester, the Roger Ebert Film Festival internship — putting together an entire PR campaign for the festival, and our annual networking trip to Chicago.
    • The Fashion Network: The Fashion Network is a student group that helps students interested in fashion get connected. The group explores all aspects of the fashion industry and creates projects to be implemented on campus.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Advertising.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Advertising.  These organizations include American Association of Advertising Agencies and American Advertising Federation.

Theatre

Major Description

Theatre is a form of human expression, taking place in the present, but connecting us to other times and places. Theatre artists provide a window into the human condition and is a dynamic art form, constantly changing to include current issues and new media. It embraces a broad range of skills including acting, directing, design, construction, technology and management.

Illinois Theatre stands for radical inclusion. We value innovation and collaboration in the creation of new artistic work and in approaches to the classics, along with the development of new technologies and methods of performance research. We prepare students for professions in the theatre and related fields by fostering a deep understanding of traditional approaches paired with rigorous training in emerging professional practices. We empower students to work entrepreneurially and as independent, critical thinkers. We believe that building cross-disciplinary partnerships will enhance our impact in local, national, and global contexts.

More About Theatre
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

  • Acting
  • Arts and Entertainment Technology
  • Costume Design & Technology
  • Lighting Design
  • Scenic Design
  • Scenic Technology
  • Sound Design & Technology
  • Stage Management
  • Theatre Studies (Playwriting, Directing, & Dramaturgy)

The BFA is an intensive, specific, pre-professional training program. An audition or portfolio review and interview are required to be admitted to any of the BFA Theatre Concentrations.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • THEA 121—Theatre Foundations: Performance
  • THEA 122—Theatre Foundations: Theory and Practice
  • THEA 123—Theatre Foundations: Production

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Theatre Alumni lead the way in the fields of theatre, television, film, and arts education. 

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to accept public scrutiny and criticism
  • Ability to analyze and interpret emotions
  • Ability to captivate audiences
  • Ability to communicate emotions/ideas
  • Ability to maintain composure under pressure
  • Good ability to concentrate/practice
  • Imagination/Creativity
  • Proficiency in memorizing
  • Public speaking skills
Common Career Titles
  • Actor 
  • Director
  • Costume Designer
  • Playwright
  • Technical Director
  • Theatre Critic
  • Lighting Designer
  • Stage Manager
  • Scenic Carpenter
  • Production Manager
  • Costume Technician
  • Scenic Designer
  • Sound Engineer
  • Master Electrician
  • Media Designer
  • Automation Operator
  • Producer
  • Dramaturg
  • Props Technician
  • Company Manager
  • House Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • New Revels Players: renaissance through modern drama.
    • Penny Dreadful Players: provides all majors with an opportunity to participate in every aspect of live theatre.
    • Krannert Center Student Association: promotes and celebrates the arts by providing volunteer opportunities and activities that unite those who appreciate the arts throughout the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Illinois, and larger communities.
    • Illini Student Musicals: ISM is an organization dedicated to the performance of musical theatre on campus. Students will be able to gain experience in all aspects of putting a musical together.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Theatre.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Theatre.  These organizations include American Society of Theatre Consultants and American Association of Community Theatre.

If you are interested in learning more about the various BFA concentrations in theatre and what a career in theatre might look like — please contact: Cynthia Kocher, Illinois Theatre Director of Undergraduate Studies at ckocher@illinois.edu for more information.

Sustainable Design

Major Description

Sustainable design calls on a student’s creativity to conceptualize, visualize, analyze, communicate, and build products, buildings, cities, landscapes, and communities that use energy and materials in a more environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Sustainable design majors complete course work in graphic and industrial design, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning. The program combines concrete skills development with opportunities to move between disciplinary barriers and traverse traditional boundaries.

More About Sustainable Design
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • FAA 230–Sustainable Design of the Built Environment
  • ARCH 171–Introduction to Design I
  • LA 101–Introduction to Landscape Arch
  • UP 136–Urban Sustainability
  • ARTD 225 or ARTF 102–Design Drawing or Observational Drawing

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Students who graduate from the program are versatile designers equipped work in multidisciplinary teams in a broad range of possible careers and/or graduate programs. 

Common Career Skills
  • Creativity
  • Understanding the interconnectivity between natural and built environments and systems
  • Working in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex design problems
  • Combining design theory and practice with sustainability principles to address environmental issues at various scales
  • Visual and material communication — including sketching, drafting, model-making, 2D and 3D design software and geographic information systems
  • Interpreting environmental and energy policy to design effective solutions
  • Ability to take a complex problem and deconstruct it to actionable components
  • Curiosity
Common Career Titles
  • Environmental Management
  • Landscape Designer
  • Sustainability Policy
  • Urban Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Architectural Drafter/Designer
  • Sustainability Designer
  • Sustainability Program Coordinator
  • Sustainability Specialist
  • Design Engineer
  • Environmental Educator
  • Food-Systems Coordinator
  • Environmental Marketing Specialist
  • Design Researcher
  • Energy Designer
  • Green/Climate Designer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to sustainable design.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse of what sustainable designers do.  These organizations include International Society of Sustainability Professionals, United States Green Building Council Students, American Planning Association, U.S. Green Building Council , American Sustainable Business Council, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Environmental Design Research Association, International Society for Industrial Ecology, and Biomimicry Institute.

Studio Art

Major Description

The BA and BFA in Studio Art offer a student-initiated path through a variety of studio art course offerings. Students may choose a general concentration in studio art, allowing them to use a range of studio practices from different disciplines, or they may choose a concentration in fashion, new media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Concentrations will be noted on the student’s transcript, indicating material expertise and qualification for discipline-specific employment or advanced study.

More About Studio Art
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Students may choose to develop their area of interest by focusing on one of five specializations within the major.

Fashion

Fashion is about more than style, it’s about sustainability, identity, and innovation. Students explore design for the body through a blend of creative research, hands-on making, and future-focused thinking.

Illustration

Illustration is where storytelling meets creativity. Develop strong skills in drawing, painting, and design while learning to communicate ideas visually across media and industries.

Interdisciplinary Practice

Push boundaries, blend media, and make art on your own terms. Interdisciplinary Practice encourages you to combine techniques and ideas from multiple studio disciplines to create innovative, personalized work.

New Media

Provides an opportunity for students to pursue sustained study in art forms that include time-based media, performance, digital imaging, and coding-based practices. New Media courses incorporate established and emerging technologies in the service of art-making that looks to the history of art as well as to contemporary intersections between art, design and community engagement.

Painting

Pursue a course of study that begins with rigorous instruction in traditional Drawing and Painting materials, methods, techniques, and concepts, and proceeds to encourage a diversity of experimental and multi-disciplinary approaches to Painting as a field with a complex and culturally influential history.

Photography

We prepare serious photographers to serve as cultural leaders of the 21st century. Our studios and seminars explore historic traditions, wide-ranging techniques, recent innovations, and the role of the contemporary photographer.

Printmaking

Offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of traditional, photographic, and digital printmaking methods that engage with contemporary art and design fields. Courses provide instruction in screenprint, letterpress, comics and zines, relief printing, intaglio, lithography, and other rotating special topics.

Sculpture

Focus on methods and concepts related to three-dimensional art, form-making, and expanded spatial practices. Contemporary sculpture practice is informed by multiple modes of ideation, making and fabrication, and utilizes a dynamic and ever-expanding set of tools, materials, techniques and approaches.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • *ART 102 Drawing for Non-Majors
  • *ART 103 Painting for Non-Majors
  • *ART 104 Sculpture for Non-Majors
  • *ART 105 Visual Design for Non-Majors
  • *ART 140 Introduction to Art
  • ARTS 210 Ceramics Sculpture I
  • ARTS 220 Introduction to Fashion
  • ARTS 243 Time Arts I
  • ARTS 244 Interaction I
  • ARTS 264 Basic Photography
  • ARTS 280 Beginning Sculpture

*Courses non-majors can take, but do not count toward the major. These courses will help students continue to develop their portfolios and connect them to the department.

Possible Career Opportunities

A studio art degree can lead to a variety of professions related to art.

Common Career Skills
  • Creativity
  • Planning
  • Problem Solving
  • Spacial Visualization
  • Visual Analysis
  • Visual Communication
  • Visual Design
Common Career Titles
  • Apparel Fashion Designer
  • Art Administrator
  • Art Buyer
  • Art Conservator
  • Art Critic
  • Art Dealer
  • Art Gallery Owner
  • Art Teacher
  • Art Therapist
  • Cartoonist
  • Commercial Artist
  • Curator
  • Editorial Illustrator
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Fashion Photographer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Interior Decorator
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Mural Artist
  • Painter
  • Sculptor
  • Silkscreen Artist
  • Videographer
  • Website Designer

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • 8 to CREATE: 8 to CREATE is an art event in which 8 artists have 8 hours to create 8 works of art. The event is open to the public to observe, engage, and participate in the creative process.
    • Life Drawing Club: Allows its members to learn and understand the human figure. Through the use of a live model, the members will observe and render the form to their own degree of satisfaction.
    • Krannert Center Student Association: promotes and celebrates the arts by providing volunteer opportunities and activities that unite those who appreciate the arts throughout the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Illinois, and larger communities.
    • Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics: focuses on the development of computer animation & visual effects, video games, graphics research, multimedia, and software relating to graphics.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to the Studio Arts:

  • American Photographic Artists
  • The American Society of Media Photographers
  • College Art Association (CAA)
  • Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)Mid-American Print Council
  • The New Media Caucus (NMC)
  • Rhizome.org
  • SGC International
  • Society of Illustrators Artists & Designers (SIAD)
  • Women’s Caucus for Art

Music

Major Description

Music includes performance, theory and history, music education and pedagogy, and open studies. The curriculum develops undergraduate students to their fullest potential as teachers and performers. It also acquaints proficient instrumentalists with traditional literature and new compositions and arrangements written by students and faculty. The incorporation of technology such as Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) instruments and computer applications provides students with a well-rounded experience while preparing them for independent studio work, teaching, or further professional study.

Allows students to major in piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, guitar, electric violin, electric viola, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, or percussion.

Be sure to learn about the different degrees that the School of Music offers.

The Bachelor of Music

Focus on public performance as an integral part of the training in applied music, including required student recitals. Foreign language study may be required according to the major chosen, based upon previous experience and/or the results of language placement tests.

Six majors are offered:

Music Composition
Prepares students for careers in composition and teaching, as well as for graduate study in composition or music theory. This major offers comprehensive course work in music theory and composition, with specialized courses in orchestration, music formalization, experimental music, jazz arranging, electronic music, and computer music.

Instrumental Music
Allows students to major in piano, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, harp, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, euphonium, baritone, trombone, tuba, or percussion.

Jazz Performance
Pairs with piano, double bass, saxophone/clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, or guitar as the major instrument.

Musicology
Offers students a broad cultural education, which unites academic and musical training. It provides the sound preparation required for graduate study in research and teaching of music history or ethnomusicology and offers comprehensive course work in the history of western and non-western music.

Open Studies
Allows concentration in diverse fields such as music of other cultures, piano pedagogy, or other areas not included in the majors above. Admission is initiated by petition to a committee of three faculty members, the open studies adviser, and the associate dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

Voice
Includes both private lessons in voice and classes in vocal diction. At least eight semester hours each in the Italian, French, and German languages are required.

The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Music

For students whose musical interests are in the broad historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of music (rather than professional training). It incorporates a high degree of flexibility beyond the core of required courses and can prepare the way for graduate study in music theory, composition, or the various branches of musicology. Students must choose an option, which may include studies in a particular era of music history, ethnomusicology, music theory, music composition, or other possibilities as approved by advisor.  

Four options are offered:

Music Technology
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Technology is designed to build a foundation of digital literacy in the musical arts and provide instruction relevant to contemporary career paths for today’s students. Some examples of career paths in Music Technology include music production, recording/live sound engineering, sound design, multimedia and game design, hardware/software design, film and media scoring, music business, and music education.

Composition
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Composition is designed for students who are broadly interested in studying composition.

Musicology
Offers students a broad cultural education, which unites academic and musical training. It provides the sound preparation required for graduate study in research and teaching of music history or ethnomusicology and offers comprehensive course work in the history of western and non-western music.

Music +
Music+ allows students to combine unique, interdisciplinary fields of study with our core Bachelor of Arts in Music curriculum requirements.

The Bachelor of Musical Arts in Lyric Theatre

Two concentrations offered:

  • Performance Concentration
  • Creative Concentration
More About Music
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MUS 101—Music Theory & Practice I
  • MUS 107—Aural Skills I
  • MUS 110—Introduction to Art Music: International Perspective
  • CS 101/CS 105 – Intro to Computing (for Music Technology option only)tism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The School of Music prepares students for a number of disciplines.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to keep audience’s interests
  • Ability to read and write music
  • Ability to use various sound equipment
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Basic reading, writing, editing skills
  • Communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Entertaining skills
  • Good stage presence
  • Humbleness
  • Observation skills
  • Performance techniques
  • Physical stamina
  • Self-discipline
  • Singing/instrumental talents
  • Teaching abilities
  • Versatility
Common Career Titles
  • Architectural Acoustic Monitor
  • Artist & Repertoire (A&R)
  • Church Music Director
  • Community Development
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Conductor
  • Copyright Specialist
  • Disc Jockey
  • Engineer/Mixer
  • Instrument Service Specialist
  • Film Music Editor
  • Music Software Programmer
  • Music Store Manager
  • Music Stringer
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Therapist
  • Manufacturers Representative
  • Music Attorney
  • Music Copyist
  • Music Critic
  • Music Promoter
  • Music Reporter
  • Musician
  • Orchestra Librarian
  • Piano Tuner
  • Publicist
  • Recording Technician
  • Singer
  • Studio Musician
  • Synthesizer Specialist
  • Tour Manager
  • Voice Teacher

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Illinois Student Association of Music Scholars (ISAMS): enhance the academic experience, scholarship and community of students in musicology (historical and ethnographic) and related fields of music scholarship, including music theory, music education, and composition through fostering community interaction and dialogue, providing scholarly support and critical dialogue, offering professional development and organizational support.
    • Illini Student Musicals (ISM): dedicated to the performance of musical theater on campus and helping students gain gain experience in the administrative, technical, creative, and performance aspects of putting a musical together.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Music.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Music.  These organizations include American Federation of Musicians and The American Musical Instruments Society.

Division of Exploratory Studies
Illini Union Bookstore, Floor 5
807 S. Wright Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
217-333-4710

Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services

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