Flickr User Patrick Giblin
Schools are often highlighted for their outstanding programs in math, science, and engineering. While these are all respected and important areas of study, it is also important to remember that not everybody’s talents or interests lie with studying facts and figures. There will always be a need for artistic ability in the workforce, which is why we can’t afford to overlook colleges with exceptional art programs for those with a creative flair. Art and design majors play imperative roles in music, movies, television, illustration, game design, architecture, interior design, art history, museums, and restoration. As more and more high schools cut art programs, it is useful to highlight colleges and universities that offer excellent opportunities in the arts and how their experiences and education at these schools make the world a more colorful, creative, and beautiful place.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Perhaps one of the most well-renowned institutions of art and design in the nation, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers graduate, post-baccalaureate and undergraduate degrees. Their goal is to grant students the freedom and agency to develop their artistic abilities and identities. SAIC prides itself on its broad range of art and design opportunities including painting, sculpture, film, performance, books, inventions, buildings, and community projects. Classes are taught by an impressive faculty of award-winning artists, scholars, and seasoned professionals. The location of SAIC in downtown Chicago offers students daily exposure to impressive architecture as well as a culturally and creatively diverse environment.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is located in New Jersey and was named as one of the Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 Public Colleges and Universities of 2016. It is an officially designated Center of Excellence in the Arts that offers over 50 majors in art and design, television, digital media, communication studies, dance, music, and theatre. The University makes a conscious effort to involve the community by hosting art events and cultural programs. Faculty include highly regarded and experienced artists in the New York metropolitan area working as composers, designers, fine artists, actors, musicians, directors, choreographers and so much more.
City University of New York (CUNY)—Hunter College
Hunter College is the largest college in the CUNY system. It has two Manhattan locations hosting workshops and labs in photography, wood, metal, printmaking, and ceramics. The Art and History Department consists of The History of Art, Studio Art, and the Galleries. Not only are students able to study the theory and history of art, but they are also allowed their own unique studio space for creating their work. Additionally, students in the MA and MFA programs have the opportunity to display their work in an exhibition at the Bertha and Karl Leubsdorf Gallery in New York.
Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University located in San Francisco is proud of its no-barrier admissions, allowing anyone with a passion for art to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. Classes are taught by working art professionals who value collaboration and supporting their students while also challenging them to think critically and achieve their best work. There are over 30 areas of study to choose from including, but not limited to, industrial design, interior architecture and design, fashion, jewelry and metal arts, motion pictures and television, music production and sound design for visual media. Alumni now work at companies such as Adidas, EA, Google, Marvel, and Riot Games.
Interested in pursuing a degree at one of these schools? Use College Raptor’s free match tool to discover if they’re a fit for you! See any schools with great art programs that we missed? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!
