Step into the vibrant world of entertainment and art, where creativity knows no bounds, and talent thrives. Our programs nurture aspiring artists, filmmakers, musicians and music industry executives, designers, and storytellers, providing them with the skills, resources, and industry insights needed to make their mark in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and artistic expression. Find your community of artistic exploration and professional growth—discover a path where every dream becomes a possibility, and every talent finds a voice.
Across our programs, CU Denver boasts top rankings and industry recognition—six faculty and alumni are Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, or Guggenheim Creative Arts award winners. From being named the "Top Music Business Program" by Billboard Magazine to being recognized as the "Top Public Illustration Program in Colorado" by Animation Career Review, our programs stand out for their excellence and relevance in the entertainment industry.
Through industry connections, guest lectures, workshops, and networking events, students gain valuable insights and forge meaningful connections with industry professionals. Whether you aspire to be an artist manager, singer/songwriter, graphic designer, animator, illustrator, or filmmaker, our programs equip you with the skills, knowledge, and professional network needed to thrive in your chosen career path.
Students in our Entertainment & Artistry programs become part of a vibrant and supportive creative community, where they can truly thrive. Working on group animation projects, participating in a group design challenges, or producing a short film with fellow students—you'll have the opportunity to work with peers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, gaining exposure to different styles and approaches.
Define Your Path with Artistic Excellence
College of Arts & Media
Dive deep into contemporary and commercial music while gaining invaluable insights into the industry's inner workings. Our top-ranked program, as recognized by Billboard Magazine, offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare you for a successful career in music management, marketing, publishing, and more. Immerse yourself in a vibrant learning environment where industry experts and alumni regularly share their knowledge, providing you with unparalleled networking opportunities. From our state-of-the-art facilities to our emphasis on entrepreneurial skills, we empower you to shape the future of the music industry.
“It's an honor to be recognized among such prestigious and storied music business programs. With our additional focus on advocacy, social justice, and leadership within the industry and local communities, I feel we have set ourselves apart from other programs,”
– Storm Gloor, Associate Professor, Music Business
College of Arts & Media
Are you passionate about music and storytelling? The BS in Singer/Songwriter program offers a unique blend of musical training and artistic expression, empowering you to become a versatile performer and songwriter. Our program provides you with access to world-class recording facilities and professional mentors who guide you through every step of your musical journey. Whether you aspire to be a performer, music producer, or studio musician, our holistic approach to music education ensures that you graduate as a well-rounded artist ready to make your mark in the industry.
“I was really touched by the support I received from everyone at CU Denver, and I’m so grateful to be at a school where I feel like my professors and peers really care about what I’m doing and want to help me succeed,” she said. “It feels like a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one, which is one of the main reasons I chose to come to CU Denver.”
– Finn O., Singer/Songwriter ’24
College of Arts & Media
Are you fascinated by the world of animation and digital art? Our BFA in 3D Graphics and Animation program equips you with the skills and expertise to bring your imagination to life in the digital realm. Curriculum covers everything from modeling and texturing to animation and rendering. With access to the latest technology and top-tier facilities in our Digital Animation Center, students learn from industry professionals and collaborate day-to-day with talented peers, creating a cohesive creative community.
“We’re starting to really see that the skills that we teach our students become applicable to lots of differen industries. In particular, the gaming industry is huge. We have many students who take their 3D animation skills and go on to have jobs in the gaming, defense, textile industries, and beyond!”
– Jeremy Brown, Program Director, 3D Graphics & Animation
College of Arts & Media
Our BFA Digital Design program equips graduates with versatile skills applicable across various industries. Whether you aspire to become a graphic designer, UX/UI designer, motion graphic artist, or video editor, our top-ranked programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that meets modern demands. Experiential learning, real-world projects, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, students graduate ready to make their mark in the ever-changing world of design.
“Having professors that would push me on a project so much that by the end it’s a nearly perfect project or giving an insight into how the work we do can impact the world is truly inspiring. It shows what I could be doing in the future when I think that these professors and designers, we look up to were in the exact same place as we are.”
– Hayden K., BFA Digital Design ’23
College of Arts & Media
Ranked as the top program of its kind in Colorado, the BFA Illustration blends traditional and new-age techniques to prepare graduates for the range of careers available within the illustration industry. From publishing graphic novels to medical illustration and visual development for animation, our graduates are making waves across various fields. With a curriculum focused on anatomy, digital painting, graphic novel creation, and typography, students develop the skills needed to thrive in the competitive illustration landscape.
“Having teachers who have and still work in the illustration field is so helpful. We learned what to expect in the field and how to go about professional things alongside artistic development. Ultimately, the program motivated me to become a graphic novelist.”
– Brandon S., BFA Illustration ’15
College of Arts & Media
Recognized as one of the "25 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada" by MovieMaker Magazine, the BFA Film & Television program offers an unparalleled hands-on education in film production. Under the guidance of industry professionals, students write scripts, edit films, operate cameras, and bring stories to life across various platforms. With access to industry-standard facilities, equipment, and exclusive resources, including sound stages, editing software, and screening theaters, our graduates emerge as skilled filmmakers ready to leave their mark in the dynamic world of film and television.
“After being in the program for over a year, I know I couldn’t have found a better fit for me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I was able to find a community of passionate people who are learning alongside me, all working together for success.”
– Angellina F., BFA Film & Television ’26