Northern Illinois University

Date: Oct 29 2003
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
The art education faculty at NIU is more concerned with their research than with their students. Several grumbled about having to supervise student teachers because it took time away from their research. Classes were not focused, professors rambled for hours about subjects not related to class (we once spent a three hour class listening to our professor talk about his dictionary) and little knowledge was gained in our classes. The administration refused to listen to complaints even though countless complaints were filed. I was told repeatedly that no one had any control over what the professors decided to teach… they did not have to follow course descriptions… keep in mind several of these classes are required by the state in order to be certified to teach… students left the university without required information. NIU's graduate art ed program is not worth the time or hassle. I recommened attending elsewhere if you want a serious program that is devoted to art education.