University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Fine and Applied Arts

The College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a vibrant academic community dedicated to the study, creation, and application of the arts, architecture, design, and related fields. The college serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, where students and faculty collaborate to push the boundaries of creativity and practical application. FAA’s purpose is to cultivate future leaders, artists, designers, architects, and performers who will shape the cultural, social, and physical landscapes of the 21st century.

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The College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a dynamic, interdisciplinary institution that fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. The College’s mission is to educate and inspire students to become leaders in the fields of art, architecture, design, urban planning, and the performing arts, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to make an impact in the world. This purpose is guided by a commitment to artistic excellence, intellectual inquiry, and social responsibility.

The College’s goals center on fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, where students can collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems, create meaningful art, and design solutions that contribute to society. Through rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and real-world engagement, the College nurtures creativity and supports the development of well-rounded professionals who are equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Our Goals:
Educational Excellence: To provide rigorous, hands-on, and innovative academic programs that prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Creative Innovation: To foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, encouraging students to explore new ideas and technologies.
Community Engagement: To connect with local, national, and global communities through public performances, exhibitions, and collaborative projects.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: To integrate principles of sustainability and social responsibility into all academic and creative endeavors.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: To promote collaboration across disciplines, enabling students to solve complex problems from multiple perspectives.

The College of Fine and Applied Arts has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The School of Architecture was established in 1901, making it one of the oldest architecture programs in the United States. The School of Art and Design followed in 1921, and the School of Music was founded in 1928. Over the years, the college expanded to include programs in Dance, Theatre, and Urban and Regional Planning. In 1985, these schools were consolidated into the College of Fine and Applied Arts, creating a unified academic unit dedicated to the arts and applied disciplines.

Over the decades, the College has built a reputation for academic rigor and artistic innovation. From its early years as a small department offering basic training in the visual arts, the College has expanded to include world-class programs in architecture, dance, theater, urban planning, and industrial design, among others. Many of its alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to their fields, leading design firms, founding architecture practices, and creating revolutionary art and performance pieces.

Through the years, the College’s faculty have included renowned artists, designers, and scholars who have been instrumental in shaping the intellectual culture of the University. The College has cultivated a dynamic environment where artistic experimentation, critical discourse, and professional practice intersect.

The mission of FAA is to inspire, educate, and empower students to become creative professionals who contribute to the world through the arts, design, architecture, and performance. The college is committed to providing a transformative educational experience that combines academic rigor with creative freedom, preparing students to address the challenges of the future with innovation and vision.

Core Values and Educational Philosophy

At the heart of the College’s philosophy is a belief in the transformative power of the arts and design. The College emphasizes a student-centered approach to education, focusing on developing critical thinkers who are not only skilled practitioners but also reflective and engaged citizens. The College encourages cross-disciplinary learning, allowing students to explore multiple facets of creativity and develop a holistic understanding of how their work can influence both local and global communities.

A cornerstone of the College’s philosophy is the integration of theory and practice. Students are encouraged to engage with the real world through internships, professional partnerships, and hands-on projects, ensuring that they graduate with both the technical expertise and the creative problem-solving skills needed in their chosen fields. Furthermore, the College places a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, preparing students to address the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing world.

The College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all students, regardless of background, have equal access to the transformative educational opportunities it offers. The College is dedicated to creating a community where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated, ensuring that students learn from a wide array of experiences, ideas, and artistic traditions.

UIUC FAA offers a wide range of services and offerings to support students’ academic and creative journeys. These include state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary research opportunities, public performances and exhibitions, career services, and community engagement initiatives. The college also provides workshops, online courses, and lifelong learning opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the arts and applied fields.

The College offers a wide range of services and resources to support students throughout their academic journey. From academic advising and career counseling to specialized workshops and internships, the College is committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their careers. State-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, art galleries, performance spaces, and research labs, offer students the chance to engage in creative work at the highest level.

In addition to its academic offerings, the College hosts numerous events, including guest lectures, art exhibitions, theater performances, and music recitals, providing students with opportunities to engage with the broader community. Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and student-run galleries and events, which provide leadership development opportunities and further enhance their academic experience.

Through its global networks and partnerships, the College also offers study abroad programs, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspectives on art, design, and culture. The College’s emphasis on mentorship, both from faculty and alumni, ensures that students receive personalized guidance throughout their academic careers, helping them navigate their studies, internships, and future career paths.

Degree Programs

The College of Fine and Applied Arts at UIUC offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, each designed to provide students with both the theoretical foundation and practical experience needed to excel in their chosen fields. The College’s programs are divided into several categories, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and professional programs.

Undergraduate Programs: The College offers a variety of Bachelor’s degrees in the arts, design, architecture, urban planning, and performing arts. Programs such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Architecture, and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre are designed to give students both foundational skills and specialized knowledge in their respective fields. Students in these programs have the opportunity to develop technical expertise while also exploring creative expression and artistic theory.

Graduate Programs: For students seeking advanced study, the College offers a range of Master’s and Doctoral programs. These include the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art, the Master of Architecture (MArch), the Master of Urban Planning (MUP), and the PhD in Theatre. These programs are designed for individuals who wish to deepen their knowledge, engage in high-level research, and pursue professional careers as leaders in their fields. Graduate students work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research, creative projects, and professional practice.

Professional Programs: The College also offers professional programs such as the Master of Design (MDes) and Master of Architecture (MArch), which are tailored for students who want to advance their careers in design and architecture. These programs are ideal for professionals looking to specialize in areas such as sustainable design, digital architecture, or urban regeneration.

Workshops and Short-Term Programs

In addition to its degree programs, the College offers a range of workshops and short-term programs designed to provide individuals with specialized skills and knowledge in the arts and design. These programs cater to both beginners and professionals, providing practical instruction and hands-on experience. Workshops are typically offered during the summer or as part of continuing education initiatives and focus on topics such as digital art techniques, architectural visualization, and sustainable design practices.

Art and Design Workshops: These workshops offer intensive, short-term training in areas such as graphic design, 3D modeling, and photography. Participants work closely with expert instructors and receive personalized feedback on their work.

Performing Arts Workshops: For students and professionals in theater, dance, and music, the College offers workshops focused on performance techniques, choreography, and stage design. These workshops are led by experienced faculty and visiting artists, providing students with opportunities to refine their craft and develop new skills.

Online Courses

The College also provides a selection of online courses, which allow students to study at their own pace from anywhere in the world. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, from graphic design and digital media to art history and architectural theory. Online courses are designed to be flexible and accessible, offering students the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty while balancing other commitments.

Programs Offered:

Degree Programs:

Architecture:
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS): A pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate study in architecture.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch): A professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA): A professional degree for landscape architects.
Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP): Focuses on community development, transportation, and environmental planning.

Art and Design:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts: Offers concentrations in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design: Focuses on visual communication and design principles.
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design: Emphasizes product design and user experience.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in New Media: Explores digital art, interactive media, and emerging technologies.

Dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: Combines rigorous training in technique with creative exploration.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: Focuses on performance, choreography, and pedagogy.

Theatre
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting: Prepares students for professional acting careers.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design and Technology: Focuses on scenic, costume, and lighting design.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre: Offers concentrations in directing, dramaturgy, and theatre studies.

Music
Bachelor of Music (BM): Offers concentrations in performance, composition, and music education.
Master of Music (MM): Focuses on advanced performance, conducting, and music theory.
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA): A terminal degree for musicians pursuing careers in academia or performance.

Workshops and Short Courses
Digital Design Bootcamp: A week-long intensive workshop on 3D modeling and digital rendering.
Dance Technique Intensive: A summer program focusing on ballet, modern, and contemporary dance techniques.
Architecture Summer Studio: A hands-on design studio for high school students interested in architecture.

Online Courses
Introduction to Graphic Design: A beginner-level course on design principles and software.
Music Theory for Non-Majors: An online course introducing basic music theory concepts.
Urban Planning Essentials: A course exploring the fundamentals of urban and regional planning.