Columbia College Chicago

Program Information

Degree Offered

MFA - Interdisciplinary Book & Paper Arts

Program Description:

Interdisciplinary, as a means of connecting and integrating distinct creative methodologies, is a defining characteristic of contemporary art practice. At Columbia, the Interdisciplinary Arts department encourages its students to confront traditional ideas about creative practice by working across disciplines—such as visual art, dance, music, theater, or literary arts—to catalyze radically new inquiries, methods, and forms of art-making. Students become fearless innovators in contemporary art by approaching interdisciplinary as a fluid term—it may mean that they ground their work in research, tools or techniques from disciplines outside the field of art, work with artists from other art mediums or non-artists, or create artwork that is itself interdisciplinary: an artist book, an installation, a sculptural work incorporating sound, an interactive video, etc. The Book & Paper program promotes understanding of hand papermaking, printmaking and the book arts as artistic media with application in cultural discourse, community building and collaborative practice. The coursework integrates both technical and conceptual considerations and encourages experimentation with new media, performance, and installation. The program encourages students to create a body of work that reflects the complexity of their world. They are also asked to consider the context for that work—who is the audience, where will it be seen, how will it be presented? The emphasis on both creative practice and professional practice gives students an advantage—they become not only innovative practitioners, but sophisticated professionals who understand how to position themselves in the contemporary art landscape. The student’s classroom and studio experience is enriched by a Visiting Artist program that allows for meaningful interaction—through seminars, workshops, lectures, and individual critiques—with internationally renowned practitioners.

Accreditation:

Accredited at graduate and undergrad levels by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Also accredited as teacher training institution by Illinois State Board of Education

# of Credits Required:

60

International Student Requirements:

International students are required to submit an official TOEFL score of 100 or greater on the internet based test. For more information about requirements for international students at the graduate level, please visit our website.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$733.00 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

41040 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Format: Campus

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999