The Cliffe College of Creative Arts

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Phyllis M. Paul, Ph.D., Dean

A Community of Artistic and Academic Excellence

The Cliffe College of Creative Arts (CCCA) is a national leader in visual and performing arts education, creating a dynamic ecosystem where creative passion transforms into professional excellence. Our vision is to cultivate trailblazers who push artistic boundaries, drive cultural innovation, and make meaningful impacts across creative industries. We inspire the next generation of imaginative performers, artists, designers, educators, and industry professionals by championing a forward-thinking approach to artistic education. Students not pursuing degrees in the College are welcomed and encouraged to take classes, earn a minor, and participate in other opportunities in art, dance, music, or theatre as a means of broadening and complementing their university experience.

Our Mission

The Cliffe College of Creative Arts provides a dynamic learning environment in the visual and performing arts to strengthen and broaden the intellectual and cultural horizons of a diverse community in support of the goals of Youngstown State University. The College is dedicated to:

  • Creating & Innovating \\ an environment that engages its faculty, staff, and students to become leaders in their professional and civic lives
  • Engaging the Community \\ utilizing music, visual arts, theater, and dance to present a highly visible presence reaching throughout and beyond the University community
  • Teaching & Scholarship \\ our students, who are guided by world-class artists and educators who remain on the cutting-edge of knowledge in their fields

Accreditation

Youngstown State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Degrees

The Cliffe College of Creative Arts offers the following degrees:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
  • Associate of Arts (A.A.)
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
  • Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
  • Master of Music (M.M.)

Academic Areas and Programs

Department of Art

Joy Christiansen Erb, M.F.A., Chair

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS, MINORS, and CERTIFICATES
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
       Minors
Certificates

Dana School of Music 

Joseph Carucci, D.M.A., Director

undergraduate MAJORS, MINORS, and CERTIFICATES

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
Minors
​Certificates
GRADUATE MAJORS
Master of Music (M.M.)

University Theatre

Joseph Carucci, D.M.A., Director

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS and MINORS

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Minors

Facilities

The activities of the College are primarily conducted in Bliss Hall, which houses the College's administrative offices as well as over 150,000 square feet of specialized learning, making, exhibiting, and performing spaces. Our state-of-the-art facilities include theaters, art studios, rehearsal spaces, classrooms, concert halls, laboratories, industry-standard technology and equipment, the John J. McDonough Museum of Art, the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery, and more. In addition, students, faculty, and guest artists are regularly featured in numerous regional venues, including The Butler Institute of American Art, the DeYor Performing Arts Center, and Stambaugh Auditorium.

Student Life

Our innovative academic experiences empower our students to succeed in their educational and professional endeavors. Students in Cliffe College have the opportunity to participate in national and international performances and exhibitions, study abroad programs, and internships with regional and national businesses–including the Youngstown Business Incubator, the Cafaro Company, the Pittsburgh Ballet Company, and more. We understand that the college experience isn't just about a degree, and Cliffe students are also active outside the classroom. They are involved in university and community events and join professional and student organizations. 

The Cliffe College of Creative Arts Living Learning Community (LLC) is a community of students pursuing art, music, or theatre opportunities at YSU, including those earning degrees from other colleges on campus. The program provides specialized living environments that give our students additional academic, artistic, and personal support to further enhance the world-class education they receive at YSU. Located in Wick House—a restored mansion on the campus of YSU—our LLC offers 24/7 access to community study and practice spaces, a dedicated MAC computer lab, an art project space, and dedicated music and theatre rehearsal and study spaces. Students enrolled in the program form connections with peers who share similar academic and personal interests; experience increased interactions with faculty, staff, tutors, and upper division students; form study groups with peers; work on class projects; and take classes in the residence hall. 

Community Engagement

Cliffe College is a vital cultural asset to Youngstown State University and serves as a major regional arts resource. Our nearly 200 events each year feature faculty and students as well as internationally acclaimed visual and performing artists such as Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ken Rinaldo, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Julie Mehretu, Phillip Huber, David Krakauer, Al Bright, Harlem String Quartet, Marlene Aron, Karim Sulayman, and Teri Frame. The College also sponsors the Cliffe College Performing Arts Series, the Department of Art Lecture Series (DALS), the Red Press Collaborative, and dynamic seasons from University Theatre. CCCA students are also actively involved in our community – participating in productions with area theatre organizations, performing with professional music groups, and completing mural commissions throughout the region.

Alumni Success

Graduates of Cliffe College enjoy fulfilling and broadly diverse careers as visual and performing artists. They are employed as lead designers by international corporations–including The Walt Disney Company, Facebook, and the Weather Channel–as performers with organizations such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Opry Band, and multiple professional and military ensembles across the globe, as well as in hundreds of university and school classrooms around the country. Our highly accomplished alumni have won Grammy® and Emmy® Awards, ASCAP awards, the Purchase Prize for Sculpture, are enshrined in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and more.

Degree Requirements

High School Preparation

In the Undergraduate Catalog under Admissions, please refer to the "New Freshman Applicants" page.