In Visual Arts courses, faculty and students work together in a professional and creative learning environment.

Welcome to the exciting journey of the B.A. in Visual Arts at UIS! We're here to help you unlock your creativity, refine your skills and prepare for a future full of artistic possibilities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Visual Arts majors should be able to:
  • Show the acquisition of processes and technical skills in various studio disciplines.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of historical context and philosophical concepts in art.
  • Use critical thinking and creativity and innovation while demonstrating verbally and visually how to effectively communicate their worldview.
  • Work together in a professional learning environment to foster inquiry and analysis through information literacy.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $40,140*
Duration
4 years
Credit Hours
120

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $40,140*

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

star no. 1
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do

Median Annual Wage $78,620
Wage Range $47,570 – $163,350
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Median Annual Wage $55,490
Wage Range $31,630 – $144,210
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

Median Annual Wage $64,370
Wage Range $48,080 – $102,540
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Less than high school diploma

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

Art Therapists

Bright Outlook

Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

Median Annual Wage $77,930
Wage Range $46,540 – $152,530
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Post-doctoral training

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Median Annual Wage $102,030
Wage Range $58,600 – $177,110
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

Have Questions? We Can Help!

Loading...
Say #YestoUIS
Hidden
Yes
No
2026-08-24