Bachelor's in Art

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Why Study Art? 

With a Bachelor of Arts in Art, you’ll bring a depth of beauty and understanding to the world of career options at your feet. Art majors communicate effectively, present complex ideas, work collaboratively, solve problems, and think critically — all characteristics needed to drive innovation, inspire growth, and change the status quo in a variety of professions. 

What You'll Learn 

Our progressive curriculum will challenge your way of thinking and open your world to new possibilities. Going beyond a foundational training in techniques and theories, you’ll find inspiration in our hands-on exploration of various materials, techniques, and the principles of art and design. By learning to produce, present, and critique artwork, you’ll find yourself poised to infuse creativity and universal perspective into any pursuit.

Program Details

A Bachelor’s degree prepares you for a rising career and for future graduate study by emphasizing clear communication, critical thinking, and a leading-edge understanding of your chosen field. View the core requirements and electives needed to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Columbia College.

The BA in Art is a flexible program that inspires a breadth of experience in various art mediums. BA students take foundation level courses in each art medium we offer, and then explore any medium(s) further in open upper-level elective hours.

The BA in Graphic Design builds upon a foundational education in the arts across mediums, then you’ll delve into specialized topics like typography, web design, and branding.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a selective degree program designed to help students unleash a professional career in art or attend graduate school. Interested students apply in their junior year, select a specific medium to focus on, and pioneer a body of work for a culminating exhibition.

  • Drawing 
  • Painting 
  • Ceramics 
  • Art History 
  • Photography 
  • Graphic and Web Design 
  • Jewelry 
  • Printmaking

Pair your degree with a related minor or explore your other interests without taking on a full course load.

Careers & Outcomes 

The Bachelor of Arts in Art at Columbia College is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a variety of professional roles. You will learn how to communicate effectively, present complex ideas, work collaboratively, solve problems, and think critically — all characteristics today’s employers seek.  

Learning in the visual arts hones important skills and leads to a wealth of fulfilling career opportunities. Our alumni exemplify the abilities of art majors to thrive and succeed in many different professional careers. 

Some possible paths include: 

  • Potter 
  • Illustrator 
  • Photographer 
  • Commercial Artist 
  • Studio Artist 
  • Arts Educator 
  • Gallerist 
  • Creative Entrepreneur

Flexible Education

Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.

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Day Campus - Columbia, MO

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them— that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.