Our Studio Art Degree Program

Available:
Undergraduate Program

Next Start Date: 
August 2023 (All Programs)

If you wish to pursue a degree in studio art at Columbia College, you will have many opportunities in the studio and academic classes to work with, study, and experience the visual arts from diverse cultural sources, historical periods, and media. The department’s faculty are regionally and nationally recognized artists and scholars. Through their guidance and instruction, you will learn to:

  • Analyze and interpret the non-verbal language and contemporary issues of art or design.
  • Recognize major achievements in the history of art, including the works and intentions of leading artists in the past and present.
  • Establish an emphasis in at least one specific studio area to learn foundation-level skills (e.g. art, two-dimensional design, and/or three-dimensional design).
  • Demonstrate competence in a number of art and/or design techniques. In addition, the Art program provides survey and activity courses for the non-major-seeking learning experiences in visual arts.

Highlights

Our Studio Art program spans three buildings across campus: the R. Wright Spears Center for the Arts, Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Center, and Cottingham Theater.

The Goodall Gallery often features exhibitions of contemporary art, including student works.

The facilities include studios, darkrooms, framing and exhibition labs, and computer labs aimed at giving our students access to industry-standard technology and software.

The department’s faculty are regionally and nationally recognized artists and scholars.

After Graduation

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of internships available to begin preparing you for a career in the arts. Many art majors have pursued graduate degrees in studio art, art education, art therapy, art history, and other areas. Graduates from the Studio Art program have gone on to become:

  • Teachers
  • Practicing Artists
  • Graphic Designers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Museum Workers

Studio Art Areas of Study

Learn about the classes we offer and the areas you can focus on when you study Studio Art. 

Major Course Requirements

Scholarships

If you wish to apply for one of our art scholarships, we'll need to see some of your work. Scholarships are based on a review of an applicant’s portfolio of original artwork. Art faculty are looking for evidence of basic skills, a strong work ethic, and a personal voice. Portfolios should include 8-10 works of the student’s choice and may be in a variety of media or all in one or two media.

Works do not need to be polished, nor is it necessary to mat or frameworks. Inclusion of a sketchpad is optional. Once we have received all portions of your admissions application and portfolio we will contact you with feedback.

There are two ways to show us your portfolio:

  1. Submit by Email
    You may submit a portfolio by e-mail or provide a website that displays an appropriate selection of your works.
  2. Meet with faculty (virtually)
    We believe this is the best option for your work to be reviewed. We encourage you to schedule a meeting with the faculty for a review of your work. 

To submit via email or schedule a time to set up a virtual meeting with faculty, please contact Jacob Rhoads, Program Chair.