Columbus College of Art & Design
Founded in 1879, CCAD is one of the oldest colleges of art and design in the United States. With a notable alumni including the artist Robert McCall who has done conceptual illustration for Nasa and films like 2001: A Space Odyssey students are guaranteed to have a revolutionary learning experience!
School Name: Columbus College of Art & Design
Address: 107 North Ninth St. Columbus, OH 43215
Contact Info: Jonathon Neeley, International Student Advisor
jneeley@ccad.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling; CCAD has intakes in August and January.
About CCAD:
Columbus College of Art & Design, a private, four-year, degree-granting institution of higher education, prepares tomorrow’s creative leaders for professional careers. With a history of commitment to fundamentals and quality, CCAD advances a distinct, challenging, and inclusive learning culture that supports the individual development in art, design, and humanities.
Programs:
CCAD offers nine majors: Advertising & Graphic Design; Animation; Industrial Design; Fashion Design; Photography; Media Studies; Interior Design, Illustration; and Fine Arts
Other Specialty: Optional minors available in: Art History, Art Therapy, Writing, and Copywriting.
One year of tuition:
The overall cost for tuition, room & board (including a meal plan), books/supplies, and fees is approximately US$33,300. Tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. All students are eligible for CCAD merit scholarship consideration.
How many students currently attend?
Over 1300 students from the U.S. and 30 countries currently attend CCAD.
What is the average class size?
15-20:1
What is the balance between theory and practice?
CCAD stresses the importance of both theory and practice. Students spend two-thirds of their time in studio classes. Liberal arts courses are also a large and vital part of our curriculum. They provide historical perspectives and rich cultural contexts for studio classes.
What is your school’s strongest point?
Regardless of your major—whether you intend to make your mark on canvas or in clay, on film, or with digital images—we place strong emphasis on the fundamental principles of art and design, and on the mastery of techniques and materials. At the same time, we stress the methods used in today’s professional work environments.
What kind of clubs or extracurricular activities are there?
CCAD students participate in a wide variety of clubs including, but not limited to: Student Government; Habitat for Humanity; African Cultural Association; Gay Straight Student Alliance; Environmental Awareness Society; American Society of Interior Designers; Industrial Design Student Association; Video Game Club; Anime Club, several religious clubs; Indoor soccer, Dodgeball, and Yoga clubs.
How do you select students for admission? What makes a student stand out? What is the balance between portfolio and grades?
Students are selected based on their portfolio of art work, grades, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. CCAD strives to produce well-rounded, well-educated artists. Therefore, a student’s grades are equally important as the portfolio. Avoid creating a “cookie-cutter” portfolio; avoid obvious solutions. Think outside the box! Dedicate yourself to your craft. Strive to find the right balance between concept, technique, and aesthetics.
How many students do you accept into the school each year?
CCAD receives over 800 applications and approximately 350-400 students matriculate.
and Brittany a current Fine Arts Major and Alyssa a Fashion Design Major at CCAD took the time to answer some questions . . .
What is the atmosphere of the campus?
Friendly, relaxed and fun. Everyone is super nice and accepting. You are surrounded by art and people who enjoy art.
What is the best part of the school?
All the awesome classes we get to take. The people, students and teachers. I’ve never met a better group.
How easy is it to get help from profs outside of class?
All professors tell us to email them with any questions and you can always stop by their offices or other classes. They’re very caring and connected with their students.
Is there more emphasis on group work or individual work?
Individual work your freshman year, definitely. Combination of individual and group projects begin second year.
What advice would you give to a new student attending your school?
Work hard; keep up with your projects, time management makes it easier. Do your work and go to class.
Don’t blow things off. Missing 1 day of class puts you at least a week behind.
And there it is folks . . . If you have questions that you would like me to ask for you just drop me an email at info@exploredesign.ca or join us at ED on October 14 + 15 in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and you can talk to CCAD in person!
