Columbia College Chicago
Address: Columbia College Chicago, 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Phone: +1 312-369-1000
Email: admissions@colum.edu
Website: www.colum.edu
Columbia College Chicago requires international students to demonstrate proficiency in English, as all classes are taught in English. Here are the main language requirements and accepted tests:
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- iBT: Minimum score of 72
- Paper-Based: Minimum score of 527
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no subscore lower than 5.5
3. Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score of 100
4. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- Minimum score of 50
5. ACT/SAT Scores (Alternative for English Proficiency)
- Columbia may accept a qualifying ACT or SAT score in place of other English proficiency tests, though students should check directly with admissions for specific requirements.
6. Conditional Admission and ESL Program
- Columbia College Chicago offers a Pathway Program in collaboration with the English Language Academy (ELA) for students who do not meet the minimum English proficiency scores. This program allows students to improve their English skills while beginning their studies.
7. Exemptions
Students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction or those who have completed a certain number of years of education in English may qualify for an exemption from these language requirements.
These requirements ensure that students can fully participate in the academic and creative activities of the college. Columbia College Chicago’s admissions team reviews English proficiency test scores as part of the overall application process.
Columbia College Chicago is well known for its specialized programs in the arts, media, and communication, offering a unique educational experience that blends creativity with professional training. Here are some of the key areas of course specialty at Columbia College Chicago:
1. Film and Video
Columbia College Chicago has a strong reputation in film and video production. Students in this program have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of filmmaking, including directing, producing, editing, screenwriting, and cinematography. The program is renowned for its emphasis on hands-on experience and is located in the heart of Chicago, providing students with real-world opportunities to network and work in the film industry.
2. Theatre and Performance
Columbia College Chicago offers a comprehensive curriculum in theatre arts. The programs in this area focus on acting, directing, stage design, and production. Columbia’s theatre department is known for its vibrant performance opportunities, with students frequently participating in shows both on-campus and at various venues throughout Chicago.
3. Music
The college has a robust music program, offering degrees in areas like composition, performance, and music production. The Music Department is well-regarded for its contemporary approach to music, blending classical training with modern genres such as jazz, pop, and electronic music. Columbia College also offers sound design and music technology programs, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the music industry.
4. Visual Arts
Columbia College Chicago’s visual arts program allows students to specialize in areas like painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and new media. The program is designed to foster creativity and artistic expression while also preparing students for careers in art direction, gallery management, and design.
5. Journalism
The journalism program at Columbia College Chicago focuses on both traditional and digital journalism, with opportunities for students to develop skills in writing, reporting, editing, and multimedia production. The program has a strong emphasis on real-world experience, offering internships and opportunities for students to contribute to the student newspaper and various local media outlets.
6. Fashion Studies
Columbia College is well-regarded for its Fashion Studies program, which focuses on fashion design, fashion merchandising, and fashion marketing. Students are taught the skills necessary to succeed in the fashion industry, including design theory, textile science, sustainability in fashion, and marketing strategies.
7. Photography
The photography program at Columbia College Chicago is highly specialized, offering courses in commercial photography, portraiture, fine arts photography, and photojournalism. The program emphasizes technical proficiency along with artistic creativity, and students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
8. Graphic Design and Interactive Media
Columbia College Chicago is also known for its programs in graphic design, interactive media, and web design. Students learn to create visually engaging and interactive content, working on projects that include brand design, website development, and user experience (UX) design.
9. Creative Writing
Columbia College Chicago’s creative writing program is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Students are encouraged to develop their own writing style while also learning about publishing, editing, and writing for various media platforms.
10. Advertising
The Advertising program at Columbia College Chicago offers students the skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of advertising and marketing communication. The curriculum includes courses in digital advertising, branding, copywriting, and consumer behavior.
11. Interactive Arts and Media
Columbia College is also known for its innovative interactive arts and media programs, which prepare students for careers in game design, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive media production. The college provides a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of these rapidly growing fields.
12. Arts Management
The Arts Management program at Columbia College Chicago focuses on preparing students for managerial roles in the arts and cultural sectors. Students learn about the operations, marketing, and financial management of arts organizations, as well as the practicalities of running galleries, museums, theatres, and other artistic enterprises.
Summary of Columbia College Chicago's Specialties:
- Film & Video Production
- Theatre & Performance
- Music & Music Production
- Visual Arts (Photography, Sculpture, Graphic Design)
- Journalism & Multimedia
- Fashion Studies
- Photography
- Graphic Design & Interactive Media
- Creative Writing
- Advertising
- Interactive Arts & Media (Game Design, VR, AR)
- Arts Management
Columbia College Chicago is renowned for its creative arts and media programs, offering students a blend of artistic and professional training that prepares them for success in competitive industries such as film, music, theatre, visual arts, and interactive media. The programs emphasize hands-on experience, real-world applications, and artistic expression, making it a popular choice for students interested in pursuing careers in creative industries.
Columbia College Chicago is known for its distinguished faculty, composed of industry professionals, artists, and scholars with extensive experience in their fields. Here are a few notable professors who have made significant contributions to their areas of expertise:
1. Bruce Sheridan - Film and Television
- A respected filmmaker and former chair of Columbia's Cinema and Television Arts Department, Sheridan is known for his work in documentary filmmaking and cinematic arts education. His teaching emphasizes storytelling, production skills, and critical engagement with media.
2. Eugene Izzi - Creative Writing and Fiction
- Izzi, a published novelist, is known for his contributions to crime fiction. His experience in both writing and publishing gives students valuable insight into the craft and business of writing, helping them understand the intricacies of creating and marketing literature.
3. Michelle Citron - Film and Interdisciplinary Arts
- Citron is a filmmaker and writer known for her work in experimental and feminist media. Her films often explore themes of gender, identity, and family, and she brings this perspective into her teaching, where she mentors students in both traditional and experimental film practices.
4. Peter Cook - American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies
- Cook is an internationally recognized Deaf performer, poet, and storyteller known for his unique approach to ASL poetry and visual storytelling. He brings rich experience in Deaf culture and ASL performance to his students, especially those in Columbia's ASL-English Interpretation program.
5. Jeff Abell - Interdisciplinary Arts and Media
- A well-known artist and performer, Abell focuses on performance art and interdisciplinary media. His work often challenges boundaries between different forms of art, making him a key faculty member for students interested in pushing creative boundaries across multiple media.
6. Kelli Simpkins - Acting and Performance
- Simpkins is an accomplished actor and theater artist, known for her work with Tectonic Theater Project, including the renowned production The Laramie Project. She brings real-world acting experience and insight into creating socially impactful theatre to her students.
7. David Lazar - Creative Writing (Nonfiction)
- An essayist and editor, Lazar is known for his work in creative nonfiction and has published several acclaimed essays and anthologies. He is also the founding editor of the literary magazine Hotel Amerika, a significant platform for experimental nonfiction and poetry.
These faculty members are highly regarded in their fields and provide students at Columbia College Chicago with mentorship, hands-on experience, and industry connections in the arts, media, and communication industries. Their expertise and dedication contribute significantly to Columbia's reputation as a leading arts and media college.
Columbia College Chicago does not have any Nobel laureates among its alumni or faculty, as it is primarily an institution focused on arts, media, and communication. Nobel Prizes are traditionally awarded in fields like Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. Since Columbia specializes in creative fields, its contributions are more commonly recognized through other prestigious honors and awards in film, music, literature, and visual arts.
While Nobel Prizes aren't part of Columbia's legacy, the college is known for producing notable alumni who have earned significant accolades in fields aligned with its curriculum, such as Emmy, Oscar, and Grammy awards in the entertainment industry.
Established in 1890, the Columbia College Chicago is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Chicago (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Illinois. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Columbia College Chicago is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 6,000-6,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Columbia College Chicago offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 134-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Columbia College Chicago also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Columbia College Chicago is famous for its strong emphasis on the arts and media, making it one of the leading institutions in the United States for students pursuing creative careers. Here are some key reasons why the college is well-regarded:
1. Specialized Programs in the Arts
Columbia College Chicago is particularly known for its specialized programs in film, theatre, music, visual arts, fashion, photography, advertising, and creative writing. The college's focus on these fields has helped establish it as a go-to institution for students looking to build careers in creative industries.
- Film and Video Production: The college has a highly respected film program, known for producing successful alumni who go on to work in Hollywood and independent filmmaking.
- Theatre and Performance: Columbia has a strong reputation for its theatre program, with students frequently involved in innovative productions both on campus and in the city.
- Music: With a comprehensive music program that blends classical and contemporary training, the college is known for producing musicians, composers, and sound designers.
2. Location in Chicago
Located in the heart of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago benefits from the city's rich cultural landscape, offering students access to a variety of arts, music, theatre, and media opportunities. Chicago is home to numerous film festivals, art galleries, music venues, and theatre productions, providing students with valuable real-world exposure.
- The city is home to organizations like the Chicago International Film Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre, and The Second City, which serve as prime locations for internships, collaborations, and career opportunities for Columbia students.
3. Notable Alumni
Columbia College Chicago has produced high-profile alumni who have achieved success in a variety of fields. Some of these include:
- Barbara Stanwyck – Iconic actress, star of classic films such as Meet John Doe and Double Indemnity.
- Joe Mantegna – Actor best known for his role in Criminal Minds and a prolific career in film and television.
- Kanye West – One of the most influential music producers and artists of his generation, known for his work in hip-hop, fashion, and entrepreneurship.
- Judy Greer – Actress known for roles in 13 Going on 30, Arrested Development, and Ant-Man.
- Cynthia Nixon – Actress, activist, and politician, famous for her role in Sex and the City.
These alumni have helped raise the profile of the college, particularly in the arts, entertainment, and media industries.
4. Hands-On Learning
Columbia College Chicago is known for its emphasis on experiential learning, where students get hands-on opportunities to work on projects in their fields. The college offers:
- Internships in top cultural institutions in Chicago and beyond.
- On-campus media production facilities for film, TV, and music production.
- Student-run organizations that allow students to practice and develop their skills in real-world environments.
The focus on practical experience in real-world settings prepares students for successful careers upon graduation.
5. Cultural and Creative Community
The college fosters a vibrant, creative community where students, faculty, and alumni collaborate on a wide range of projects. The campus culture promotes artistic innovation, inclusion, and collaboration, contributing to its status as a leader in creative education. Events like film screenings, art exhibits, music performances, and theatre productions are common, offering students avenues to showcase their work.
6. Reputation in Creative Industries
Columbia College Chicago is well-regarded in creative industries for its innovative and cutting-edge programs. The college’s faculty members are often industry professionals themselves, providing students with expert guidance and mentorship. Graduates from Columbia are highly sought after by employers in the arts, media, entertainment, and design sectors.
7. Diversity and Inclusion
The college is also known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It attracts students from various backgrounds and fosters an environment where all voices are heard. This focus on diverse perspectives enhances the academic and creative experience for everyone at Columbia.
8. Collaborative Opportunities
Columbia College Chicago offers collaborative projects where students from different disciplines—such as film, theatre, music, fashion, and journalism—can work together. This encourages a cross-disciplinary approach to creativity and problem-solving, which is highly valued in today's dynamic media landscape.