The Cliffe College of Creative Arts

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Amy L. Cossentino, 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 experience. 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.) (STEM)
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 Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Minors

Degree Requirements

High School Preparation

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