School of Visual Arts

Get ready to shape your future at the School of Visual Arts at Columbia College Chicago, where we embrace both innovation and artistic tradition. Our programs empower artists, illustrators, and photographers to develop their unique visions while collaborating closely with art historians exploring modern and contemporary art. From mastering traditional techniques to integrating AI in art creation, our curriculum encourages exploration and growth. You'll have access to a diverse range of curated spaces and galleries, fostering opportunities to showcase your work and engage with a vibrant creative community.

Minors

  • Art History
    In the Art History minor, you'll cover the core art history surveys and take courses on modern and contemporary art, non-Western art, and art theory and criticism. Through research and presentations, you'll gain preparation for graduate study or a career in museums, galleries, art criticism, or cultural agencies.
  • Craft
    The Craft Minor is intended to support a variety of students who seek to develop technical skill proficiency and material knowledge that will creatively inform or strategically complement their personal educational journeys and career aspirations. Students complete a 6-credit common experience of a Craft Culture and History course and three foundational classes introducing ideation sketching, and traditional and contemporary crafts of making. Students also complete 12 credits of electives from lower-and mid-division courses. Structured with inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility in mind, this minor accommodates both those who wish to explore Craft more generally (by taking courses in a variety of media) and those who desire a more focused course of study of a particular tradition. Further, it supports those invested in advanced, project-based explorations of contemporary Craft practice.
  • Fine Arts
    The Fine Arts minor is designed for students from any major who want a studio art experience. You'll learn how to conceptualize and execute fine arts projects using different materials and a variety of skills. This flexible minor allows you to explore a number of different methods and topics. Or, you can focus on a particular medium if you want to develop advanced art practice.
  • Illustration
    The Illustration minor offers students an opportunity to develop drawing and visual storytelling skills using materials and techniques in both traditional and digital media (as well as a hybrid of the two). These illustration skills will expand students' communication abilities and professional possibilities. In required core courses, students will study the basics of drawing, as well as figure drawing, concept art, and the history and studio practice of illustration. Students also choose two electives, allowing them to explore and support their individual career interests.
  • Photography
    A minor in Photography will boost your skills in visual communication and give you the tools and language you’ll need to collaborate across mediums as a designer, artist, filmmaker, journalist, performer, or entrepreneur. Focus your minor studies on a few key foundations courses, and add electives that will help you gain the specific skills you’ll need to feel comfortable behind a camera, in production, and as an editor.
VIEW ALL MINORS
faculty member and student reviewing photos on digital camera
Faculty

Visual Arts faculty are accomplished professionals, including Pulitzer Prize and Guggenheim Fellowship winners, who bridge the gap between classroom and career.

students working in visual arts lab space
Facilities

The School of Visual Arts offers top-notch facilities designed to help students explore their ideas, work on projects and collaborate with each other.

artwork on wall in gallery
Galleries & Museums

Our galleries and museums provide diverse perspectives on art, design, media and culture, serving local, national and international audiences.

students working in office of columbia chronicle newspaper
Publications

Visual Arts students contribute to professional-quality publications of all kinds, gaining invaluable, real-world media experience.

students celebrating at commencement
Alumni

Visual Arts alumni are artists, illustrators, and photographers featured at venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Whitney Museum.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

More Events
×
×
×