The pursuit of a career in the arts often requires enrolling in an undergraduate art program in either a standalone arts facility or an arts program embedded within a larger university. Consulting the various published lists of top-ranking schools is a great way for students interested in the arts to find schools where they can continue their academic careers.
These lists take into account feedback from faculty and alumni, tuition and fees, admission rates, and much more.
The following are some highly rated arts schools that students may want to consider as they think about their academic futures.
George Brown College: This Toronto-based college is divided into three schools, which include the School of Design, the School of Fashion Studies and the School of Performing Arts. All three offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Yale University: This Connecticut school is well known for many of its excellent programs. The Ivy League school also has topped nearly every listing of the best MFA programs in the nation.
Alberta University of the Arts: Formerly known as Alberta College of Art + Design, this Calgary university focuses on studio-based experiences for students in design, new media and fine art. BFAs are offered in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and print media, among others.
California College of the Arts: Located in San Francisco, this school offers 15 majors and minors in the fine arts. The student-faculty ratio also is low at 8:1, meaning students will get plenty of individual attention from professors.
Vancouver Institute of Media Arts: Aspiring animators as well as those interested in creating video games or special effects for film and television can enrol in this British Columbia school. Students also can develop a professional demo reel and portfolio to help them find their first job.
Rhode Island School of Design: This school’s mission is to educate students in the appreciation of works of art and design through studio-based learning and robust study in the liberal arts. RISD also is home to the RISD Museum.
Pratt Institute: Students can choose from degrees in art and design education as well as digital arts, photography, fine arts, and film at this Brooklyn school. Pratt offers several associate degrees for those not ready to commit to a bachelor’s program.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago: U.S. News and World Report says SAIC is ranked as the No. 2 Graduate Fine Arts Program in the United States. It places as the No. 7 art and design school in the world, according to QS World University Rankings. The school provides a complete liberal arts education with a focus on arts and design.
Students across North America have plenty of highly regarded arts schools to consider as they try to decide where to continue their academic careers.
