Columbia College Chicago: History, Education and Admissions
Columbia College Chicago can be the ideal choice for you if you’re searching for an institution that values artistic expression, creativity, and innovation. Located in the center of one of the liveliest cities in America, Columbia College Chicago provides an unparalleled education in the fields of media, the arts, and communications.
Everything you need to know about Columbia College Chicago will be covered in this extensive guide, from its academic offerings and campus culture to employment prospects and alumni achievements.
History
Mary A. Blood and Ida Morey Riley, both graduates of the Monroe Conservatory of Oratory (now Emerson College) in Boston, Massachusetts, established Columbia College Chicago in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory.
Why Choose Columbia College Chicago?
Columbia College Chicago serves as a springboard for creative careers in addition to being a university. It is the perfect option for students who have a creative perspective on the world because of its urban atmosphere, varied curricula, and emphasis on experiential learning.
Regardless of your passions—filmmaking, music, design, or entrepreneurship—Colorado gives you the tools, contacts, and portfolio you need to be successful in the creative economy.
Education
We think that every creative vocation requires a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. For this reason, all undergraduates are required to fulfill the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core requirements.
Research
Documenting, researching, preserving, and disseminating knowledge on the history of black music worldwide is the mission of Columbia College Chicago’s independent Center for Black Music Research (CBMR).
Career
- The Job Center creates programs and services to give Columbia College Chicago students self-awareness, industry contacts, and experience so they may build their employability, explore meaningful job-related activities, and build professional confidence.
- The Career Center builds a network of advocates that support students’ interests, passions, and beliefs to assist them in negotiating the transition from college to the workplace by cultivating and sustaining relationships with companies, teachers, staff, and alumni.
Admissions
Columbia College Chicago accepts a diverse spectrum of applications, including transfer students, returning students, and recent high school graduates, and has a 95% admission rate.
Requirements vary by program and student type, but the admissions procedure is simple. For freshman admission, prospective students can apply using the Common App; for transfer and graduate applications, they can apply online.
Columbia University’s student body is active and interesting. Students love Chicago’s vibrant cultural environment, which includes jazz bars and art galleries, while the urban campus promotes discovery.
The institution encourages student wellbeing through its Health Center and offers services like the Library and IT department to help academic success, even when athletic activities have been abolished.
Career Preparation and Industry Connections
One of the main pillars of Columbia’s effort to equip students for long-term success is the Career Center. The center assists students in establishing business contacts and gaining confidence in their careers by cultivating ties with companies, teachers, and alumni.
In order to ensure that graduates are prepared to succeed in the cutthroat creative industry, services include portfolio assessments, internship possibilities, and individualized career coaching.
Additionally, the campus is home to notable cultural and research institutions, including the Dance Center, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and the Center for Black Music Research.
These establishments provide students with exceptional chances to participate in innovative research, exhibitions, and performances, therefore augmenting their professional portfolios.
Financial Aid and Accessibility
Accessible education is a priority for Columbia College Chicago. With an average assistance package of $22,980 for freshmen and $17,597 for transfers, 99% of freshmen and 98% of transfer students received financial help in the fall of 2021.
By providing $89 million in institutional scholarships, the college made sure that deserving students from all walks of life could follow their aspirations. Students may easily manage tuition, obtain documents, and monitor their academic progress thanks to the MyColumbia interface, which simplifies financial and enrollment services.
A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation
The Columbia School of Oratory, founded by Mary A. Blood and Ida Morey Riley in response to the need for public speaking instruction before to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, is where Columbia College Chicago got its start.
Leaders like Mike Alexandroff, who broadened the college’s scope in the 1960s, have helped it evolve during its 135-year existence from a communications-focused school to a full liberal arts college. Today, Columbia is praised for its dedication to developing the kinds of talents that the World Economic Forum has determined are necessary for the modern workforce: creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Columbia’s unconventional urban campus, which is situated in Chicago’s South Loop and Near South Side, incorporates the city as a living classroom. The institution seamlessly integrates classroom instruction with Chicago’s cultural and professional prospects by owning 16 buildings that house academic, gallery, and residential spaces in addition to leasing additional facilities.
Conclusion
With its vibrant fusion of academic rigor, practical experience, and artistic discovery, Columbia College Chicago offers a shining example for aspiring creatives. It enables students to transform their passion into a career with its dynamic urban campus, welcoming community, and solid industry connections. Columbia provides the resources, encouragement, and support needed for anyone who want to pursue careers in the creative arts.
