Columbia College Bachelor's in Art
Explore a breadth of experience in various art mediums and strengthen your ability to produce, present, and critique artwork.
Residential classes
Aug
28
next start date
16
week semester
5
year locked-in tuition
Available program formats: In class: BA
Gain marketable skills while nourishing your creativity at Columbia College
A degree in art provides personalized instruction designed to help you prepare for the complex and evolving world of art. You’ll receive training in techniques and theories, while gaining a better understanding of the history and criticism of art.
The flexibility in this program allows you to acquire a breadth of experience in various art mediums, while also exploring any area deeper via a minor or double major.
In our foundation studio art courses, you will become familiar with various materials, techniques, and the principles of art and design. You will then choose upper level courses to strengthen your ability to produce, present, and critique artwork.
Opportunities to study:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Ceramics
- Art History
- Photography
- Graphic and Web Design
- Jewelry
- Printmaking
Prepare for a variety of careers
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
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.
Scott McMahon
"I’ve been encouraging my students to try and move forward creatively, allow for that creative time to bring a little joy to you and others when it’s needed very badly. Make something every day."
Read about ScottView more faculty profiles
Find your path
Submit this form to get information about applying to Columbia College.
Questions about admissions? Call the main line.
Main line: (573) 875-8700
Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.
Department phone: 573-875-7517
Office: BRN 209A
Email: HASS@CCIS.edu
Your degree starts here Take these courses
Available program formats
- Core requirements 60 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
Beginning study of three-dimensional principles of ceramics open to art majors and non-majors. The techniques of wheel throwing and hand building are introduced with an emphasis on the development of an understanding of the form and functions of utilitarian and non-functional projects in clay. The design quality and aesthetics of the project are emphasized.
Beginning black and white film photography course that is the foundation for all photography courses at Columbia College. This course covers basic camera operations, exposure, film processing, darkroom printing, lighting, composition and print finishing. The course begins with an emphasis on understanding and practicing technical processes while investigating the creative and expressive possibilities of the medium. We will look at contemporary trends in the medium as well as movements throughout photography's history. There will be a number of photographic assignments, fieldwork, critiques and lectures as well as a research project. Students may supply their own adjustable 35mm SLR film camera (no digital cameras). Columbia College can also lend out cameras to students for the semester.
The study and application of the fundamentals of graphic design including history, theory and practice. The course brings together a blend of the aesthetic principles of design and hands-on computer-based production skills. Students are introduced to Adobe InDesign. Prerequisites: ARTS 140.
Introduction to the fundamentals of oil painting. Prerequisite: ARTS 120.