Fine Arts Careers Start at Columbia
Build a Career as a Working Artist at a Dynamic Fine Arts School in Chicago
Begin your career as a visual artist with a BFA in Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago. With the fine arts degree program, you'll develop technical mastery, conceptual thinking, and a personal artistic vision that prepares you to showcase your work locally, nationally, and beyond.
As a fine arts major, you can expect to:
- Build a professional portfolio. Through critiques, studio projects, and gallery exhibitions, you'll develop a cohesive body of work that reflects your creative and conceptual growth.
- Engage in immersive studio practice. Coursework spans painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and art history, giving you the foundation to explore a variety of media and artistic methods.
- Learn from practicing artists. Fine arts faculty are working professionals and mentors who guide you in refining your technique, expanding your creative voice, and navigating the art world.
Plus, you'll gain real-world experience in Chicago's thriving cultural landscape, exhibiting work, connecting with arts professionals, and preparing for careers in the arts, design, galleries, museums, and education. If you are looking for a college with fine arts programs, connect with Columbia today and start building your creative future.
Learn More About Columbia College Chicago
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Live in a City at the Forefront of Arts and Culture
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
A High-Level Look at the Fine Arts Degree
State-of-the-Art Fabrication Facility
Illustration Program Ranking (Animation Career Review, 2025)
Spaces to Show Work and Connect With Arts Community
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries—from design and media to performance, business, and tech. 96% of recent graduates reported being employed, continuing their education, or achieving success in their creative practice within a year.
Graduates of the fine arts degree program are prepared for a wide range of creative careers, including art director, art teacher or art therapist, curator, gallery manager, graphic designer, visual artist, illustrator, and muralist.
"I had a wonderful journey at Columbia, experiencing challenges, endeavors, achievements, and the beauty of sharing and collaboration."
— Young Kim, MFA, '23
Columbia Makes a Creative Education More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: Cheri Charlton
Cheri Charlton is an assistant professor in the Illustration Program at Columbia College Chicago and an active illustrator and muralist whose clients include organizations like the Girl Scouts of America, the Audubon Society, and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. Her work features whimsical depictions of children, animals, and nature, often exploring themes of environmental stewardship and female empowerment. She is committed to supporting emerging artists through community art education.
“I get to bring my own professional experience into the studio and help students build both the technical skills and business knowledge essential for working as professional artists.”