School of Theatre and DanceComedy Writing and Performance Bachelor's Degree
- BA
Explore comedy across platforms in Columbia College Chicago’s top-ranked Comedy Writing and Performance bachelor’s degree program. With a strong emphasis on writing, this program pushes you to take creative risks, experiment regularly, and hone your creative voice. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready for a career in comedy.
A new BFA program in Comedy Writing and Performance is planned for 2026
Examples of Comedy Careers
The Student Experience
You’ll be trained in every aspect of comedy performance and production, gaining numerous opportunities to write and perform. The program provides a solid foundation in comedy theory, exploring what makes us laugh, why we laugh, and comedy’s role in society. You’ll also study satire, taboo, stereotype, and archetype, all while joining a community passionate about making people laugh.
You’ll study in Chicago, a hub for comedy. From formal training at Second City to informal interactions with The Onion, iO, and The Annoyance, you’ll immerse yourself in the city's vibrant comedy scene. Take advantage of huge events like the Chicago Sketch Fest and Chicago Improv Fest, while gaining performance experience through student productions.
The program culminates in a capstone semester at Second City, where you’ll spend 15 weeks creating a full comedy performance with your classmates on a professional stage. It’s a chance to showcase your writing, performing, and production skills on one of the country’s most famous comedy platforms.
Career Readiness
Beyond the classroom, Columbia College Chicago integrates your comedy training with the vibrant professional scene right outside your doorstep. Chicago boasts a rich comedy history and a supportive community that fosters the careers of emerging comedians. Columbia supports your career readiness by providing:
Columbia’s Career Center connects students with internships in Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Chicago’s comedy community. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a semester in LA, where you’ll take courses on screenwriting, sitcom development, and the business of entertainment. With practical experience from internships, productions, and the capstone semester at Second City, you’ll graduate ready to start your career in comedy.
Columbia alumni have achieved success in a variety of comedy careers. Our extensive alumni network, which includes performers and writers for "Saturday Night Live," late-night television, and major streaming platforms, provides mentorship and job connections for graduates. Many students find post-graduate opportunities by leveraging the alumni network and connections built during their studies.
Alumni Spotlight
Aidy Bryant '09
Writer and actor for “Saturday Night Live.”
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.