Chicago Art Schools & Programs

Chicago is home to a number of renowned educational institutions, and art students have a variety of options to choose from, including Columbia College, a school dedicated solely to the arts. Here, students can major in fine art, illustration, advertising art, or product design, to name a few. At the Art Institute of Chicago, majors include digital media, game art and design, media art and animation, and visual effects, while at the International Academy of Design and Technology, students can study computer art/design, graphic design, and interactive media.

Chicago’s robust economy offers a favorable outlook for artists. Art and design occupations are forecasted to have a 13% increase in job opportunities through 2012. Multimedia artists and animators, graphic designers, and fashion designers are expected to see the greatest gains, each predicted to increase around 20%.


Art Schools, Programs & Courses in Chicago
Subjects listed are highlights of programs and/or courses offered.
  • University of Phoenix
    Visual Communication
  • The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago | (800) 351-3450
    3D Design, Advertising, Airbrush, Animation, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Game Design, Media Arts, Multimedia, Visual Communication, Web Site Design
  • The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg | (800) 351-3450
    Animation, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Game Design, Interior Design, Media Arts, Multimedia, Visual Communication, Web Site Design
  • American Academy of Art | (312) 461-0600
    3D Design, Art History, Art-General, Computer Art/Design, Design, Digital Design, Drawing, Film/Video, Illustration, Multimedia, Painting, Web Site Design
  • Columbia College
    Advertising, Animation, Architecture, Art History, Cinematography, Computer Art/Design, Digital Design, Fashion Design, Film/Video, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interactive Media, Interior Design, Liberal Arts, Multimedia, Performing Arts, Photography,Product Design
  • Harrington College of Design
    Interior Design, Photography
  • International Academy of Design and Technology - Chicago
    Advertising, Computer Art/Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Interior Design, Multimedia
  • Westwood College
    Animation, CAD, Drafting, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Visual Communication, Web Site Design



Why Chicago is a Great Place to Study Art

Chicago, Illinois, is often thought of as being one of America’s cultural capitals. Its downtown landscape is an architectural museum with a vast display of differing architectural styles reflected in the city’s famous skyscrapers. Also downtown is the museum campus, home to three of Chicago’s many acclaimed museums. The city also boasts dozens of performing arts and musical groups and venues, offering enough variety to please all styles and interests.


Other Resources for Art Education and Careers in Chicago
  • Art Chicago Annual Fair
  • Art World Chicago
  • Chicago Gallery News
  • Chicago Art District
  • Art - Employers in Chicago
  • The Art Institute of Chicago Museum
  • Chicago Sun-Times
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Sandstorm Design Inc.
  • Studio North

  • Art - Internship Opportunities in Chicago
  • Chicago Children’s Museum
  • Chicago Artists’ Coalition
  • Chicago Historical Society
  • Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine
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