The School of Art and Design at Urbana-Champaign provides education of the highest quality for professional careers in education, history, and the studio arts. In addition, many courses are available to students in other curricula for personal enrichment.

The Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois is located 200 kilometers south of Chicago. It offers students a full range of stimulating cultural and intellectual activities associated with a mature and progressive university. Resources for students in Art and Design include the excellent permanent collection and major exhibition program of the Krannert Art Museum; the Ricker Library (one of the largest art and architecture libraries in the nation); the visiting artist program; the extensive theatrical and musical programs offered by the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; and a variety of lectures, symposia, and other enriching cultural activities.

The School of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and is regarded as one of the outstanding public university art programs in America.

The School of Art and Design offers programs leading to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Art Education, Art History, Ceramics, Metals, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture. Courses in video, computer imaging, digital media, printing and book arts are also offered.

*Enrollment in the Glass Program is currently suspended, but Glass should still be available as an elective within other programs.

Graduate programs are also offered for continuing study in Art Education, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Art History, Industrial Design, Metals, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture. Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts degree in Art Education, and in the History of Art; the Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art and Design; the Doctor of Education in Art Education; and the Doctor of Philosophy in the History of Art.

All first-year students in Art and Design will be admitted to the Foundation Program and receive instruction in basic drawing, design, and art history. After completing one year in this general curriculum, students must apply for acceptance to specialized art and design curricula. Acceptance into a specialized curriculum is contingent upon a successful portfolio review and interview. Note: initial admission to the School of Art + Design Foundation Program does not guarantee acceptance into a specialized curricular program/major.

Art + Design courses constitute 65% of the total requirements for each B.F.A. degree. The remaining 35% of the curriculum consists of University of Illinois general education requirements and electives. Art + Design courses offer extensive experience in two- and three-dimensional visual organization and the study of drawing, composition, color and the development of proficiency in a wide range of media.