Envision. Engage.
Expand. Evolve.

Cliffe College of Creative Arts

Follow your passion
Empower your future

Cliffe College of Creative Arts is a dynamic component of YSU’s campus and a major regional arts resource. Our students develop exceptional artistic and technical abilities and become versatile artists and innovative leaders with global perspectives. The global arts industry provides countless career opportunities for aspiring visual and performing artists. Our students also develop valuable transferable expertise that positions them for a myriad of professions. A degree from YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts will open doors to your future!

Department of Art · Dana School of Music · University Theatre

Welcome to the arts at YSU.

EXPLORE YSU'S CREATIVE ARTS DEGREES

Unique and innovative programs include internships, minors, and certificates (e.g., entrepreneurship, computer science, marketing, social media campaigns) within our degrees. Our students hone exceptional artistic and technical abilities and also develop a range of analytical, communication, organizational, and other transferrable expertise. Our alumni have earned a degree in an area about which they’re passionate, and their skills are applicable to countless careers, including those in other professions as well as limitless opportunities in the arts. YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts will prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career.

Minors

Art History for Non-Art Majors
A curated exploration of visual culture across time and diverse global traditions.
Dance
Provides a broad understanding of the field of dance from the perspective of the performer and choreographer.
Digital Media for Non-Art Majors
Innovative storytelling through video, animation, and interactive media.
Film Studies
Discover different approaches to cinema by examining everything from the classics to new cinema and their influence on culture and society.
Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors
100% online. Gain industry-standard design skills and a professional portfolio.
Interdisciplinary Game Studies
A collaboration between the Department of Art, the Dana School of Music, and CSIS.
Music
Designed for students who are interested in supplementing their prior experiences in music or wish to gain a broad introduction to the study of music.
Musical Theatre
Courses in singing, acting, and dancing. Audition required.
Photography for Non-Art Majors
hands-on experience in digital photography.
Puppetry for Non-Theatre Majors
Students who earn a Puppetry Minor for Non-Theatre Majors often pursue careers in fields such as teaching or social work.
Puppetry for Theatre Majors
Study and practice the core forms of puppet arts.
Studio Art for Non-Art Majors
Integrate creative and artistic pursuits with your other studies.
UX/UI Design for Non-Art Majors
100% online, accelerated minor in UX/UI Design is your gateway to mastering the art and science of user experience and interface design.
The Department of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
The Dana School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Explore Bliss Hall

In Bliss Hall, imagination and inspiration are front and center—our facilities encourage exploration and innovation. You’ll utilize a diverse complement of spaces and equipment that support your creative activityfrom galleries and theaters to industry-standard digital labs and technology. Production and performance halls feature Ford Theater, a 400-seat proscenium space; Spotlight Theater, a 120-seat black-box theater; and the 250-seat Bliss Recital Hall. Galleries include the John J.  McDonough Museum of Art and Judith Rae Solomon Gallery. Teaching/learning facilities encompass spacious studios, distinct rehearsal spaces, costume design and scenic shops, state-of-the art recording studio, and more. Whether you’re creating, performing, rehearsing, or studying, you’ll have outstanding facilities at your disposal.

What's next?

Talk to Us

We know you have questions about your future in the Cliffe College of Creative Arts and you can contact an advisor to help answer any questions you may have. 

Student and Faculty Spotlight

Graduate Student & Faculty

String Quartet

Graduate student Erick Ramos and Dana School of Music Faculty perform an excerpt from Ravel’s only string quartet, String Quartet in F Major.