Global Arts Academy
The Global Arts Academy at Nebraska brings together exceptional students from around the world to a unique and exciting four-year undergraduate program that immerses international and U.S. students in transformative academic, co-curricular, and career-building experiences while learning about each other's cultures. Students major in any of our 10 areas and will graduate with the skills and knowledge to become world-ready artists, performers and leaders. Competitive scholarships are available.
Our partnerships also provide opportunities for faculty exchanges, joint research and other collaborative efforts.
Special Global Arts Academy Opportunities
- Global Arts Academy Artists will arrive on campus early for a special welcome and orientation program.
- Students will participate in a Global Arts Academy course during their first semester at UNL. This course is designed to provide a foundation for student success in this global context.
- Project-based experiences.
- Funding available to support student travel during the academic career.
- Mentoring by faculty and upper-class peers.
- Assistance with Internship(s) placement.
- Connection with cultural centers and communities in Lincoln.
GAA Scholarships
Scholarships for the Global Arts Academy are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is important to submit your application materials to UNL as soon as possible. In addition to scholarships for participation in the Global Arts Academy, students accepted into the Global Arts Academy may be awarded any University or College merit and need based scholarships they are eligible for based on the scholarships’ standard requirements.
Learn Together/Live Together
First-year GAA students are required to live on campus, but you’ll have the flexibility to choose the residence hall and room type that best fits your needs. We understand that there are multiple factors you will consider when choosing where you want to live during your first year of college. Living with or near fellow GAA students is a great way to build strong connections within the program. If you're interested in this option, our team will collaborate with Residence Life to try to facilitate GAA-connected housing placements.
Program Participation Requirements
- Attend the GAA orientation in August which will occur during in conjunction with campus-wide Big Red Welcome events.
- Enroll in the special GAA section of Start Smart (CFPA 30), which is a required course for all FPA students.
- Attend designated GAA events each semester (e.g. show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, social activity, concert, gallery opening, etc.).
- Each semester, enroll in the Global Arts Scholars Seminar, an interdisciplinary, project-based course where students have a unique opportunity for mentoring from faculty across disciplines while working together to create cross-cultural programs and events for the university and community.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor each semester.
- Attend a mid-semester GAA meeting with college leaders.
- Attend the GAA celebration event at the end of each semester.
Program Selection Requirements
- Student must be admitted to UNL.
- Students must be pursuing a major within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts
- Students who are invited to participate in the Global Arts Academy must confirm their commitment to participate and pay their University deposit by May 1.
Application Process
- Step 1. Apply to the University of Nebraska.
- Find information for international students here.
- UNL grants transfer credit for IB and Cambridge A Level courses. Take a look at the university's IB Credit Evaluation Table and A Level Scores Table for more details.
- Step 2. Some of our majors require an audition or portfolio submission. Learn more about our degree programs and specific admissions processes here.
- Step 3. Complete the Global Arts Academy application form here.
- September 1 - application opens
- December 15 - Priority deadline for GAA. Submit by this deadline for top scholarship opportunities.
- February 15 - Early selection notification
- April 1 - Final deadline for GAA consideration
- April 15 - Final selection notification
- May 1 - Students invited to participate in the Global Arts Academy must confirm their commitment to participate and pay their University deposit.
The college offers 10 major programs of study in the following schools:
The School of Art, Art History & Design
Majors available in the visual arts:
Students can focus solely on a professional degree in Art, Art History, or Graphic Design, or combine their study with a wide range of subjects from the fine arts to the sciences. Double majors and minors are possible and even encouraged.
The Glenn Korff School of Music
Majors available in music and dance:
Students are a part of a strong community of musicians and dancers, and you will have access to incredible faculty and professional guest artists. A state-of-the-art new music building is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2025. This technologically advanced facility will increase student opportunities in music production, the business of music, and entrepreneurship.
The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film
(which includes the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts and Nebraska Repertory Theatre)
Majors available in theatre arts:
Majors available in emerging media arts:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Emerging Media Arts (includes Film, Interactive Media, Virtual Reality, Virtual Production, Experience Design, Sound, Wearable Technologies, Data Visualization and Artificial Intelligence)
We’re committed to preparing students to succeed in the technologically advanced entertainment industries. We have strong connections with industry professionals in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the United States. Our connections extend throughout India where we are also setting up career development opportunities for students from India and the United States. Whether the student is interested in acting, technical theatre, or emerging media, we connect students with the best faculty, guest artists and core competencies to give them ownership over their future and allow them to thrive in a changing, diverse, global environment.
The Nebraska Repertory Theatre provides students with opportunities to act, design, and create productions alongside working theatre professionals.
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Screens a wide diversity of high-quality cinema. Student films and acting reels are screened as part of the Ross’s programming.
International Services
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts welcomes international students to campus and provides a variety of services to support their social and academic well-being. We provide support services during the admissions process and throughout an international student’s time at Nebraska. https://global.unl.edu/isso
Student Spotlight
Riley Peters
Chester, VA, BM in Music Composition
"I joined this program to connect with different cultures and diverse perspectives. When people come together to accomplish great things, it can change the world; through music, connection, and new experiences, I believe I can improve society. As a native Virginian, I can relate to the international students in GAA. One feels isolated, nervous, but also excited and hopeful, being so far from home. It is difficult to adapt, but by finding my place in the Global Arts Academy, it has made it much easier. I want to learn, grow, and thrive here as an artist at UNL, and I find I do it best among these people—my friends, collaborators, and colleagues.”
Sophia Caproni
São Paulo, Brazil, BFA acting
"When I discovered the Global Arts Academy, I saw an incredible opportunity to connect with artists from many different disciplines and cultures. I’ve always believed that an artist doesn’t grow by focusing only on their own craft, but by learning from other forms of art and creative experiences. The chance to collaborate, share ideas, and be inspired by people from so many artistic fields and backgrounds is what truly motivated me to apply to the GAA.
My dream has always been to act in front of the camera, something that unfortunately isn’t very accessible in Brazil. While researching universities, UNL immediately stood out to me for offering an Acting program that truly values on-camera performance and integrates theatre, film, and new media in a professional and complete way. Beyond that, I found an incredibly welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment, from professors to classmates. I’ve never felt excluded for being an international student, and that made all the difference. If I could choose a university a million times, I would choose UNL every single one of them."
