The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved Illinois State University to transition the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Creative Technologies program to the School of Creative Technologies.
The new School of Creative Technologies was previously called the Arts Technology program. It became an official degree program in 1999, with two faculty members and approximately 30 enrolled students. The School of Creative Technologies is home to some of the most popular majors on campus and serves 255 students. The University expects it to grow to over 400 majors by 2027.
Creative Technologies curriculum includes sequences such as Game Design, Audio and Music Production, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Interdisciplinary Technologies. The School of Music, School of Theatre and Dance, Wonsook Kim School of Art, and colleges and departments across campus collaborate with Creative Technologies on student and faculty research and curriculum throughout the academic year. Academic partners have included the Mennonite College of Nursing, College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Applied Science and Technology, Milner Library, ISU Admissions, Research and Graduate Studies, Alumni Engagement, University Advancement, University Galleries, and Redbird Esports.
“Students, faculty, and community leaders are excited by IBHE’s approval for a School of Creative Technologies at Illinois State University,” Jean Miller, dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, said.
“With advances in technology software and innovations in interactivity and artificial intelligence, the opportunities for students with a degree in Creative Technologies are endless. Each Creative Technologies student will be prepared to pursue careers as a game developer, software engineer, video and audio editor, VR/UI/UX designer, digital content specialist, music producer, video animator, or other arts and technology-driven position. Creative Technologies faculty are committed to continually updating curriculum as the interdisciplinary technology industry evolves.”
In fall 2024, Illinois State University will initiate a search for a permanent director, and additional faculty will be hired as the program grows. A new digital design classroom will be developed to enhance existing Creative Technologies facilities and support enrollment growth in the school.
For more information, visit Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.
