Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) stands as a beacon of artistic and design excellence, offering a transformative educational experience in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio.

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Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest and most prestigious private art and design colleges in the United States. With a legacy spanning over 140 years, the college has consistently been at the forefront of creative education, adapting to the evolving needs of the art and design industries while maintaining its commitment to fostering innovation, craftsmanship, and critical thinking.

A Rich History of Artistic Excellence
CCAD’s origins trace back to the late 19th century when it was established as the Columbus Art School. From its inception, the college was designed to provide a rigorous and immersive education in the visual arts, nurturing the talents of aspiring artists and designers. Over the decades, CCAD has grown from a small art school into a nationally recognized institution, renowned for its innovative programs, distinguished faculty, and successful alumni. The college’s evolution reflects its ability to anticipate and respond to the changing landscape of the creative industries, ensuring that its students are always prepared to meet the demands of the future.

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A Premier Institution in the Heart of Columbus
Located in the bustling Discovery District of downtown Columbus, CCAD is deeply embedded in a thriving cultural and creative community. The college’s urban campus provides students with unparalleled access to galleries, museums, design firms, and tech startups, creating a dynamic environment for learning and collaboration. Columbus itself is a city that values creativity and innovation, making it an ideal location for an art and design college. CCAD’s proximity to industry leaders and cultural institutions allows students to engage with real-world projects, internships, and networking opportunities that enhance their educational experience.

Empowering Students for Success
At its core, CCAD is dedicated to empowering students to transform their passion for art and design into meaningful and successful careers. The college’s mission is to inspire and prepare the next generation of creative professionals who will shape culture, commerce, and communities through their work. CCAD achieves this by offering a curriculum that balances technical skill-building with conceptual thinking, encouraging students to push boundaries and explore new ideas.

The college’s approach to education is holistic, emphasizing not only the development of artistic and technical abilities but also the cultivation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. CCAD students are taught to think like entrepreneurs, understanding how to navigate the business side of creative industries while staying true to their artistic vision. This unique combination of artistic rigor and professional preparedness sets CCAD graduates apart, making them highly sought after by employers and respected within their fields.

A Commitment to Innovation and Evolution
CCAD has always been a forward-thinking institution, embracing change and innovation to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world. The college continually updates its programs, facilities, and teaching methods to reflect the latest trends and technologies in art and design. From integrating digital tools and emerging media into the curriculum to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, CCAD ensures that its students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the 21st century.

One of CCAD’s defining characteristics is its ability to anticipate the future of creative industries. The college has been a pioneer in areas such as animation, industrial design, and user experience (UX) design, offering programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. By staying ahead of the curve, CCAD ensures that its graduates are not only ready to enter the workforce but also capable of leading and shaping the industries they join.

A Global Perspective
While CCAD is deeply rooted in the Columbus community, its reach extends far beyond the city limits. The college attracts students from across the United States and around the world, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This global perspective is reflected in the curriculum, which encourages students to explore cultural influences, global trends, and international markets. CCAD also offers study abroad programs, allowing students to gain inspiration and experience from different artistic traditions and design practices around the world.

A Supportive and Inspiring Community
CCAD is more than just a college; it is a community of artists, designers, educators, and innovators who share a common passion for creativity. The college fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, experiment, and grow. Faculty members are not only accomplished professionals in their fields but also dedicated mentors who provide personalized guidance and support. Small class sizes ensure that students receive individual attention and have the opportunity to develop close relationships with their peers and instructors.

The college also offers a wide range of resources and services to support student success, including state-of-the-art facilities, career development programs, wellness resources, and extracurricular activities. Whether through hands-on learning in the CCAD MindMarket, showcasing work in the Beeler Gallery, or participating in student organizations, CCAD students are immersed in an environment that nurtures their creativity and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world.

A Legacy of Impactful Alumni
CCAD’s influence is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni, who have made significant contributions to art, design, media, and culture. Graduates of CCAD can be found working in leading design firms, animation studios, fashion houses, and tech companies, as well as pursuing successful careers as independent artists and entrepreneurs. The college’s alumni network is a testament to the quality of education and the lasting impact of a CCAD degree.

Looking to the Future
As CCAD looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of inspiring and preparing the next generation of creative leaders. The college continues to innovate, expand its programs, and strengthen its connections with industry partners, ensuring that its students are equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. With its rich history, dynamic present, and promising future, CCAD stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and design education.

Columbus College of Art & Design is more than just an institution; it is a vibrant community of creators, thinkers, and innovators who are shaping the future of art and design. Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success, CCAD continues to be a leader in creative education, empowering students to turn their passion into purpose and their dreams into reality.

Academic Programs Offered at Columbus College of Art & Design

CCAD offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, each designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. Below is a categorized list of programs with brief descriptions, duration, and key details.

Undergraduate Programs
Duration: 4 years (Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA)

1. Advertising & Graphic Design
   • Focuses on branding, typography, digital design, and creative strategy.
   • Prepares students for careers in advertising agencies, design firms, and corporate marketing departments.
2. Animation
   • Covers 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, storytelling, and character design.
   • Equips students with skills for careers in film, television, gaming, and digital media.
3. Cinematic Arts
   • Emphasizes film production, screenwriting, directing, and editing.
   • Prepares students for careers in the film and entertainment industry.
4. Fashion Design
   • Focuses on garment construction, textile design, and fashion illustration.
   • Prepares students for careers in fashion design, merchandising, and styling.
5. Fine Arts
   • Explores painting, sculpture, printmaking, and interdisciplinary art practices.
   • Prepares students for careers as professional artists, educators, and curators.
6. Illustration
   • Covers traditional and digital illustration techniques, storytelling, and visual communication.
   • Prepares students for careers in publishing, advertising, and entertainment.
7. Industrial Design
   • Focuses on product design, user experience, and sustainable design practices.
   • Prepares students for careers in product development, manufacturing, and design consulting.
8. Interior Architecture & Design
   • Emphasizes spatial design, sustainability, and human-centered design.
   • Prepares students for careers in interior design, architecture, and environmental design.
9. Photography
   • Covers studio photography, documentary photography, and digital imaging.
   • Prepares students for careers in commercial photography, fine art photography, and media.

Graduate Programs
Duration: 2 years (Master of Fine Arts – MFA)

1. Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
   • A interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore advanced concepts in art and design.
   • Focuses on research, critical theory, and professional practice.
2. Master of Design in Design Systems
   • Focuses on systemic thinking, design strategy, and innovation.
   • Prepares students for leadership roles in design and creative industries.

Summary of Undergraduate Degrees at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD)

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) offers a diverse range of undergraduate degree programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the creative industries. Each program combines rigorous technical training with conceptual thinking, fostering innovation, creativity, and professional readiness. Below is an overview of the undergraduate degrees available at CCAD:

1. Advertising & Graphic Design

This program focuses on branding, typography, digital design, and creative strategy. Students learn to create compelling visual communications for advertising agencies, design firms, and corporate marketing departments.

2. Animation

The Animation program covers 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, as well as storytelling and character design. Graduates are prepared for careers in film, television, gaming, and digital media.

3. Cinematic Arts

This program emphasizes film production, screenwriting, directing, and editing. Students gain hands-on experience in creating cinematic works, preparing them for careers in the film and entertainment industry.

4. Fashion Design

The Fashion Design program focuses on garment construction, textile design, and fashion illustration. Students learn to create innovative designs and are prepared for careers in fashion design, merchandising, and styling.

5. Fine Arts

This program explores painting, sculpture, printmaking, and interdisciplinary art practices. Students develop their artistic voice and are prepared for careers as professional artists, educators, and curators.

6. Illustration

The Illustration program covers traditional and digital illustration techniques, storytelling, and visual communication. Graduates are prepared for careers in publishing, advertising, and entertainment.

7. Industrial Design

This program focuses on product design, user experience, and sustainable design practices. Students learn to create functional and innovative products, preparing them for careers in product development, manufacturing, and design consulting.

8. Interior Architecture & Design

The Interior Architecture & Design program emphasizes spatial design, sustainability, and human-centered design. Students are prepared for careers in interior design, architecture, and environmental design.

9. Photography

This program covers studio photography, documentary photography, and digital imaging. Students learn to create impactful visual narratives and are prepared for careers in commercial photography, fine art photography, and media.

Key Features of CCAD’s Undergraduate Programs:

• Hands-On Learning: Students work on real-world projects and gain practical experience through internships and collaborations with industry partners.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to cutting-edge technology, studios, and labs, including the CCAD Fab Lab and photography studios.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Programs encourage collaboration across disciplines, allowing students to explore diverse creative fields.
• Professional Preparation: Career services, portfolio development, and networking opportunities help students transition into the workforce.
• Exhibition Opportunities: Students showcase their work in CCAD galleries, including the Beeler Gallery, gaining exposure and building their professional portfolios.

CCAD’s undergraduate programs are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to excel in their chosen fields. By combining artistic rigor with professional preparation, CCAD ensures that its graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in the creative industries. For more details, visit CCAD’s Undergraduate Degrees page.

Continuing & Professional Studies
CCAD also offers non-degree programs, workshops, and courses for professionals and lifelong learners seeking to enhance their skills or explore new creative disciplines.

Contact Information for Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD):

Main Campus Address:
Columbus College of Art & Design
60 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215 USA

Phone:

Main Phone: +1 (614) 224-9101
Admissions Office: +1 (614) 222-3261
Financial Aid Office: +1 (614) 222-3295
Career Services: +1 (614) 222-4012

Email:

General Inquiries: info@ccad.edu
Admissions: admissions@ccad.edu
Financial Aid: financialaid@ccad.edu
Alumni Relations: alumni@ccad.edu

Website: https://www.ccad.edu

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCADColumbus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccadcolumbus
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CCADColumbus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/columbus-college-of-art-and-design
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCADColumbus