Overview

The Visual Arts programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous environment to explore creative expression through a diverse range of studio-based disciplines. This Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to function both as a standalone major and as a vital component of a broader liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking alongside technical mastery. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances traditional techniques with contemporary experimental practices in one of the world's most vibrant cultural hubs.

Why Visual Arts at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution grants students access to an exceptional faculty of professional artists and scholars who are active in the global art world. The programme is uniquely positioned within New York City, providing an unparalleled resource for weekly visits to world-class museums, galleries, and private studios. Facilities include dedicated spaces for various media, such as the Prentis Hall sculpture labs and Dodge Hall studios, ensuring students have the tools necessary to produce professional-grade work. Furthermore, the senior thesis experience offers a capstone opportunity to exhibit work in a public venue, supported by visiting critics and distinguished faculty.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to guide students from foundational visual vocabulary to advanced independent research. Majors typically complete between 35 and 36 points, including a mandatory senior project and coursework in 20th-century art history. Modules may include:

Basic Drawing
Painting
Sculpture
Ceramics
Darkroom Photography
Digital Photography
Printmaking: Intaglio
Moving Image: Video, Film & Art
Senior Thesis

Careers with Visual Arts

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse paths within the creative industries and beyond. Many alumni pursue careers as professional fine artists, exhibiting their work in international galleries and museums. The analytical and technical skills gained also support roles in gallery management, arts administration, curatorial practice, and art education. Additionally, the rigorous academic nature of the degree provides a strong foundation for students intending to progress to prestigious Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes or other graduate-level studies in design, architecture, and media.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Painting

Painting II: Representation into Abstraction

Advanced Painting: Process

Painting III: Advanced Painting

Photography: Advanced Photo

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

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IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 1641 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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