Acquire timeless knowledge and skills while fueling your passions by majoring in the arts. No matter where your interests lie, Elmhurst’s programs will provide you with classroom learning, hands-on experience, extracurricular engagements (performing or presenting) and internship opportunities. At Elmhurst, you’ll develop the creative foundation you need for a successful future as you embrace your career journey.
Discover your creative potential through Elmhurst’s dynamic fine arts programs. Whether your passion lies in visual art, music, theatre or a blend of disciplines, we offer a vibrant community where talent is nurtured and innovation thrives. With hands-on learning, expert faculty and opportunities for real-world experiences, students are empowered to grow as artists. Lay the foundation for a successful future career in the arts at Elmhurst University.
Art helps us interpret and shape the world around us. At Elmhurst University, students thrive in supportive environments guided by active, working artists and designers whose professional work is created and exhibited worldwide, inspiring students to pursue bold, real-world creative paths.
B.A. or BFA in Art Business
B.A. or BFA in Graphic Design
B.A. or BFA in Art (Studio Art)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Minors
Art
Art History
B.A. or BFA in Art Business
A degree in art business will combine a passion for art with business skills in preparation for careers in galleries, entrepreneurship or graduate studies. Students will experience a well-rounded curriculum, with courses in graphic design, marketing and art history, so that they are successful in whichever path they choose after graduation.
B.A. or BFA in Graphic Design
Majoring in graphic design equips students to communicate effectively through visual media, preparing them for careers in branding, digital and print design, UI/UX, advertising, marketing, and creative strategy. With hands-on experience, portfolio development and coursework that integrates AI, business and marketing strategies, students graduate ready to excel in today’s competitive market.
B.A., B.S. or BFA in Studio Art
Students who major in studio art are equipped with technical skills through various hands-on and conceptual approaches that are critical to any artistic practice. These techniques are integrated through courses in painting, drawing, sculpture, print making and more, led by faculty who celebrate creative expression and risk-taking.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
The BFA requires expanded studio coursework across multiple media, giving students the opportunity to hone their craft, strengthen their creative practice, and build a robust portfolio. It is an excellent option for those seeking a more rigorous studio focus or planning to pursue an MFA.
An art education at Elmhurst leads to a wide variety of exciting careers. Many of our students successfully pursue graduate study programs in the visual arts; others go directly into rewarding careers as designers, working artists, teachers, curators and art directors. Our graduates are turning their passions into thriving careers—here are just a few examples:
Emily Murphy, ’24, is pursuing her MFA at Missouri State University.
Jimmy Mitchell, ’18, works as manager of content design on the Chicago Bulls’ marketing team.
Rachel Fratt, ’24, with a BFA in Art Business, is continuing her studies with an M.A. in Art Markets in Lisbon, Portugal.
Katie Kubica, ’24, is a graphic designer at the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health.
Students in the Department of Art & Design are encouraged to develop their own visual language as a powerful extension of their perspective. Faculty guide and support experimentation across media while strengthening both technical and conceptual skills. Students exhibit their work across campus, gain real-world experience through internships, explore the Chicago art scene, and have access to semi-private studios as well as the latest technology and software.
Art & Design classrooms are small, collaborative learning spaces, with upper-level classes averaging 10–16 students. The close interaction with faculty fosters hands-on guidance and support for varied media and ideas. Students are empowered to develop their own creative direction and build distinctive portfolios.
The Department of Art & Design presents an annual Juried Student Art & Design Exhibition. Each term, graduating students also exhibit their professional portfolios in a capstone show.
Be Bold. Be Elmhurst Mural
The “Be Bold. Be Elmhurst” mural, located on the north side of campus, further showcases the collaborative experiences among the city of Elmhurst, our faculty and students.
At Elmhurst University, your creativity fuels your success—and our Art & Design faculty provide the guidance, resources and opportunities to elevate your work. These innovative artists and designers bring real-world expertise and meaningful mentorship to help you refine your skills, expand your network and launch a dynamic career in the arts and design.
Andrew Sobol
Chair of the art department and head of the graphic design program, Sobol has more than 18 years of professional experience working in a wide variety of relevant career fields, from Hollywood and the independent film industry to major corporations, nonprofits and government work. A graphic designer by trade, he has managed brands, developed product lines, and overseen multimillion-dollar budgets. He helps our students create professional portfolios to set them up for success.
Dawn Kramlich
A seasoned painting and drawing instructor, Kramlich’s language-based art combines visual and verbal language to investigate power dynamics in contemporary society. Her work primarily takes the form of 2D encaustic paintings, but she also works in mixed media and installation art. Her artistic practice is influenced by her research on semiotics, poetry (particularly ekphrasis), intersectional feminism, and the history of text-based American art.
Joshua Johnson
A specialist in printmaking, Johnson teaches numerous 2D art courses. He also is proficient in other 2D art skills, including all major forms of print media, drawing and traditional design. In addition, he has talents in watercolor, gouache and oil painting. Johnson’s work focuses on intaglio printmaking, which involves etching images onto metal plates and printing onto paper.
Within the past two years, the fine arts program here has really grown and moved in an ideal direction. They’ve hired a lot of new faculty members who have been super involved in the art world, so they are sharing their experiences and helping students get more prepared to work in that world.
Emily Murphy, Sculpture and Ceramics ’24
Digital media is rapidly evolving, creating diverse career opportunities. Elmhurst’s digital media programs equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for a dynamic career in film, television, game design, animation, journalism, screenwriting, digital marketing and beyond.
MAJORS
B.A. in Audio and Visual Production
B.A. or B.S. in Digital Media
B.A. in Games and Animation
B.A. in Writing for the Cinematic Arts
Minors
Digital Media
Film Studies
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Digital media is where creativity meets career potential. From commercial video and audio production to film, gaming and interactive design, our program prepares you to tell stories, design experiences and master the tools shaping today’s media landscape.
B.A. in Audio and Visual Production
A degree in audio and visual production appeals to those with a love of music, sound, video and storytelling. Through hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, students develop practical skills as they prepare for careers in film, broadcasting and multimedia production.
B.A. or B.S. in Digital Media
Majoring in digital media allows students to pursue a path that combines both art and technology, acquiring a core set of media skills that prepare them for creating content in a digital-first world. Students work with their advisors to develop unique programs tailored to their interests.
B.A. in Games and Animation
Students with an interest in the digital arts associated with games and animation collaborate with the art and computer science departments, preparing for roles like animator, 3D modeler, environment artist, character artist, level designer or game designer.
B.A. in Writing for the Cinematic Arts
Majoring in writing for the cinematic arts provides students with digital media skills while offering them a deeper understanding of story structure and the tools needed to develop stories for film and television.
Rapid advances in the world of digital media have opened up a wide range of employment opportunities for Elmhurst University communication and digital media graduates.
With the production and analysis skills, tools and techniques students learn in this program, they can pursue a multitude of careers in media. Even employers in non-media fields value and increasingly expect their employees to possess these skills.
Hands-On Experience
Work on real-world projects through our partnership with The BASE Chicago, producing documentaries, music videos and more. Gain professional credits by collaborating on feature films and independent productions.
Cutting-Edge Tools
Learn with industry-standard equipment including 4K cinema cameras, VR headsets, 360° cameras and Wacom tablets—available for in-class and independent projects.
Creative + Technical Skills
Build a strong foundation in storytelling, animation, design and interactive systems while mastering the latest cinema hardware and software.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Whether your interest is in video, animation, games or immersive media, you’ll explore every stage of the creative process.
Student-Centered Opportunities
Showcase your work at our student-run film festival, join film and animation clubs, and collaborate closely with experienced faculty who mentor your growth.
Career-Ready Outcomes
Employers across industries value digital media skills. Graduates with these competencies increase their employability, expand career options and command higher starting salaries.
Here are just some of the job possibilities in the fields of digital media, communication, multimedia journalism and digital marketing communication:
• Game Designer
• Game Programmer
• 3-D Animator
• Music Producer
• Screenwriter
• Visual Effects (VFX) Supervisor
• Video Editor
• Television Writer
• Sound Designer
• Production Designer
Elmhurst University partners with The BASE Chicago to provide creative learning opportunities for young people on Chicago’s west side. Through programs in film, music and digital media, Elmhurst faculty and students collaborate with The BASE Chicago to foster artistic expression, build skills and empower the next generation of storytellers and community leaders.
The collaboration between Elmhurst University and The BASE Chicago is led by Kristyn Jo “KJ” Benedyk, associate professor and director in Elmhurst’s Digital Media program, and Eric Davis and Frank Brim, co-founders of The BASE Chicago, which is an organization focused on youth sports, academics and community service. They created a pilot program at Leif Ericson Elementary Scholastic Academy, a public magnet school that supports both academics and the arts in the Chicago neighborhood of West Garfield Park, where students were selected to write and record original music that was made into music videos with the support of Elmhurst University’s digital media and music students.
Student participants from Leif Ericson Elementary Scholastic Academy receive a scholarship to Elmhurst University upon graduating from high school. This life-changing opportunity is transforming the conversation about college for these students. Frank Brim, director of operations for The BASE Chicago says, “I didn’t think it would be like this—I thought we would make some good music, and that’s it. We’re helping these kids broaden their vision.”
Elmhurst students and faculty have gained more than expected as well. Ian Murphy ’26 reflected on his first year working on this project saying, “It showed me that what I’m doing, even though I think of it as a fun project for the class, really is making a difference in people’s lives.”
This partnership, now starting its third year, is gearing up for another extraordinary year. Elmhurst graduate Sarah Glees ’24 said, “It’s an investment in the students here, and an investment in the middle school students in West Garfield Park. The goal is that this can continue indefinitely.”
Elmhurst University’s Digital Media faculty are accomplished creators, filmmakers and storytellers whose work spans international exhibitions, award-winning films, acclaimed writing and groundbreaking media. With deep industry experience and a passion for mentoring, they inspire students to explore boldly, hone their craft, and prepare for vibrant, successful creative careers.
John Klein
Klein, who currently teaches film production courses, serves as program director of the Digital Media program. He has shot projects of all shapes, sizes and budgets all over the world, from sweeping documentaries to micro-budget thrillers. He directed and produced the acclaimed postapocalyptic horror film, “Chrysalis,” and an award-winning short film, “Static Space,” which was screened at more than 40 film festivals. His 2024 feature film, the dramedy “Never Not Yours” netted awards at film festivals across the country.
Jason Eppink
Eppink is a digital media artist whose work spans augmented reality games, interactive fiction, installation art, activist bots, immersive theater and more. His projects have been presented internationally, including at New York City’s New Museum of Contemporary Art, the Venice Architecture Biennale, and the Come Out and Play Festival. Before joining Elmhurst, Eppink was curator of digital media at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, where he launched two media arts commissioning programs and curated acclaimed exhibitions on animated GIFs, video games and internet culture, earning coverage from The New York Times, BBC, NPR, Wired and more.
Kristyn Jo Benedyk
Benedyk is an award-winning filmmaker and playwright whose work has screened around the world at festivals and on streaming channels. She co-created the Elmhurst University Digital Media program after creating similar successful programs at other universities. She is a first-generation college graduate who holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in secondary education from the University of Iowa, an MFA in creative writing from Arizona State University, and an MFA in screenwriting from the University of Southern California. She has been teaching writing at the college level for more than 20 years and has published a book on writing for elementary school kids. She runs a non-profit and is committed to giving back; she brings this passion for service to the curriculum through her course Media for Social Change. Benedyk recently completed her first novel and is currently writing her next essay for The Huffington Post. She has multiple narrative and documentary film projects in development including a television adaptation of her play “Stolen Children”. “The Last Stop: Canada’s Lost Locomotive” for which Benedyk wrote the voice narration is now streaming on Apple TV and the BBC.
Elmhurst’s renowned music program offers top-tier faculty and realworld experience, preparing students for various careers in music. See the Department of Music booklet for more information regarding these programs.
Majors
B.A. in Music
B.A. in Music Industry
B.M. in Jazz Studies
B.M. in Music Education
Minors
General Music
Composition
B.M. in Music Production
B.M. in Music Performance
Scan for more information
B.M. or B.S. in Music Business
Popular Music Studies
Music Production
Jazz Studies Religious Studies and Church Music for Music Majors
Music Industry
Certificate Programs
Music Performance Piano Pedagogy
As a music student at Elmhurst University, you will:
• Discover a well-rounded curriculum from engaged faculty who are active scholars and practitioners in their field, so you can gain best practices and professional connections.
• Study on a safe, suburban campus less than 30 minutes from Chicago, so you’ll have access to the city’s top companies and job opportunities.
• Learn in small, supportive classroom environments with high-end technology that can help you excel in your future career.
• Gain a professional edge on your resume through performance experiences opportunities.
Elmhurst’s blend of academic excellence, dedicated faculty and real-world experience prepares graduates for diverse careers in the music industry and beyond. Alumni are making their mark as performers, educators, arts administrators and industry leaders around the world. Notable examples include Alex Stombres ’16, directors of orchestras at Addison Trail High School; Bill Heschl ’15, director of sales at Music Inc. magazine; Shelley Bishop ’14, studio manager at Studios 301; and Laura Chambers ’10, executive assistant and board liaison at Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Their success reflects the skills, versatility and professionalism fostered at Elmhurst.
Theatre and dance foster creativity and storytelling through performance, design and production. Elmhurst’s Department of Theatre and Dance offers programs that allow students to explore their roles as storytellers—and story makers. Each path provides a curriculum exploring the foundations of these storytelling arts. Skills and techniques are partnered with analysis, history and design.
Majors
B.A. in Musical Theatre
B.A. or B.S. in Theatre
Minors
Dance
Dance Education
B.A. in Musical Theatre
B.A. in Theatre Arts Education
Scan for more information
Theatre
Theatre Arts Education
Majoring in musical theatre will help students develop skills in acting, voice and dance through musical theory and hands-on experience. Participating in theatre events and voice ensemble, students prepare for a professional performance career by developing a full range of talents.
B.A. or B.S. in Theatre
Students majoring in theatre choose from six different areas of concentration: acting, directing, design/technology, stage management, arts administration, or general theatre. Regardless of concentration, they will find themselves immersed in the theory and history of drama and stagecraft while gaining hands-on experience through participation in main-stage productions. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to launch their theatre careers or prepare for graduate work.
B.A. in Theatre Arts Education
Our theatre arts education majors are prepared to obtain PreK-12 teaching positions as teachers of drama and theatre arts at all levels, from preschool through high school. They will gain a foundation in theatre theory and practical application through hands-on experiences such as participation in major productions and training in classroom pedagogy. With Elmhurst’s top rated education programs, they will gain the skills, experience and licensure needed to excel as theatre arts educators.
A minor in dance or dance education provides students with strong dance technique, rich historical information, valuable choreography and teaching tools, along with the flexibility to further design their own emphases in dance study. Dance education minors are wellpositioned to work at secondary schools as dance teachers and choreographers.
Adding a minor in theatre or theatre arts education provides students with two terms of theatre or musical theatre practicum, production experience and four courses from the theatre major. Students who minor in theatre arts education can add this endorsement to their professional educator license, making them well-prepared to teach theatre in schools.
Students participate in all aspects of theatre–both onstage and offstage. Collaborative projects stretch our students to delve into all aspects of what it takes to make theatre come to life. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable allows our students to develop a versatile skill set, with first-year students being as involved as graduating seniors.
Each season at the Mill Theatre includes a variety of productions, from plays, such as The Moors (Jen Silverman) and No Exit (Jean-Paul Sartre) to musicals, such as Company (Steven Sondheim, George Furth) and Fun Home (based on a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel), to one-acts, dance programs and opera recitals.
Current Elmhurst students dive deeply into theatre and dance, experiencing every side of these creative arts. They don’t just perform on stage—they actively engage in direction, choreography, stage management, technical design, lighting and costuming, guided by dedicated faculty mentors every step of the way. Musical theatre students develop as true triple threats, honing acting and dance skills through the theatre and dance department while receiving vocal training and performance opportunities through the Elmhurst Department of Music.
The theatre program at Elmhurst is a very tight-knit community. We focus on building each other up and take advantage of all the opportunities that we can.
Theatre and Dance students gain hands-on experience both onstage and offstage, preparing them for creative and professional success. The behind-the-scenes roles include lighting designer, light board operator, hair and makeup designer, sound designer, sound board operator, props designer, costume designer, scenic designer, stage manager, stage crew, assistant director, dramaturg and more. “Theatre, by nature, is a collaborative art,” observes Amy Lyn McDonald, department chair, who notes that all students are encouraged to take on a variety of roles throughout their time in the program—in fact, spending 40 hours per semester working on their craft is required.
• Develop leadership skills through stage management.
• Gain hands-on experience in lighting, scenic construction and costume creation.
• Design or direct full-length college theatre productions.
• Choreograph dance numbers for public performances.
• Receive one-on-one instruction in acting, directing, musical theatre, playwriting, stage management, costuming, design, technology and theatre business.
• Collaborate with local organizations including Elmhurst Children’s Theatre, Green Man Theatre, The Summer Place and Wheaton Drama.
• Complete internships at notable venues such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and First Folio Productions.
• Enjoy a personalized, adaptable theatre and dance experience.
• Thrive in a welcoming, inclusive department that embraces students of all abilities and skill levels including our Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) participants, non-majors and minors.
Finding even something small that you can do outside of your classwork, whether it be joining an organization or a fraternity/ sorority, doing a play, joining an ensemble, is a great way to meet people, and those people will make your experience that much better.
Maddux Masopust, Secondary Education Mathematics Major, Theatre Arts Education Minor ’26
Elmhurst University Theatre and Dance graduates have pursued careers in various theatre and dance-related fields as well as graduate education, such as MFA programs in acting, design and technology. Some of those include:
• High school theatre teachers and directors
• Dance program directors
• Literary development and dramaturgy
• Professional designers, technicians, actors or directors
• Professional stage management
• Leaders within professional arts
Our alumni are bringing their talents to stages, studios and schools around the country.
Arts Education
Brenda Tejada-Perez has choreographed and directed musicals at Metea Valley, Fenton and Lemont High Schools. Jordan Fandrey, our first graduate with a dance education minor, is now master dance teacher at Neuqua Valley High School. Recent theatre education alumni are teaching at Maine East High School and Rockford High School. Dance and dance education graduates are sharing their talents with park districts, schools and theatre companies across the region.
Theatre & Production
Nicole Boylan serves as Costume Shop Manager at Drury Lane Theatre, where recent graduate Nate Fields also works in props. Alumni have performed with local Equity companies, including Drury Lane and the Paramount Theatre Aurora.
Professional Performance
Lauren Carr was cast by renowned theatre director and choreographer Susan Stroman for the Broadway production New York, New York and completed a national tour of The Lion King
Ongoing Studies & Professional Growth
Dance minor Claire Christie recently earned her MFA at Case Western Reserve University and may soon be teaching at Elmhurst Dance Studio.
Student Success in the Field
Current students gain real-world experience in the summer months, including Aron Gomez, who recently performed with Schaumburg On Stage/point2point productions and Cedar Summer Stock in Iowa.
Elmhurst’s theatre and dance faculty are accomplished performers, directors and educators who bring extensive professional experience to the classroom. From acclaimed stage performances and award-nominated acting to innovative choreography and expert costume design, they inspire students to refine their skills, embrace creativity and prepare for dynamic careers in the arts.
Amy Lyn McDonald
Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, McDonald enjoyed a robust professional performing career throughout the Midwest and West Coast and is a member of Actor’s Equity Association. She has performed on stages including Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Drury Lane in Oak Brook, and American Musical Theatre of San Jose, among others. Outside of Elmhurst, she maintains an active career choreographing music videos for e-learning platform Señor Wooly and collaborating with the world-renowned Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She regularly presents workshops with the Illinois Dance Education Organization and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Andrew Behling
A Chicago-based actor, director and educator, Behling’s credits include performances with First Folio Theatre, where he was nominated for a Jeff Award for Best Performer in a Supporting Role in And Neither Have I Wings to Fly. He also has performed at theatres throughout the Chicago area, including The Mercury Theatre and Oak Park Festival Theatre, and in Indiana, New York and Toronto. He holds an MFA in acting and is a member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Janice Pohl
With a MFA in theatre/directing, Pohl is a director and theatre generalist with a focus on costume design and technology. Her research interests include theatre education and interdisciplinary work in the humanities. She has directed and taught in youth drama programs in both Maine and the Midwest. At Elmhurst, she is director of the Theatre program and teaches courses in world drama, creative dramatics, acting and directing.
Ready to transform creative passion into a fulfilling future with a fine arts degree?
No matter the path, Elmhurst offers endless opportunities for artistic growth, a supportive space for self-expression, and a strong foundation for career success.