Arts in the Summer Program

Every summer, Columbia University welcomes hundreds of students to the New York City campus to study the arts. The School of the Arts offers courses in Film, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Writing, taught by renowned professors who are experts in their field.

Arts in the Summer courses are open to all. These courses are perfect for students looking to explore the arts or build their portfolio. The program is also a great fit for prospective graduate students.

Those applying to Arts in the Summer are only interested in taking courses under the subject areas below (theatre, film, writing, visual arts). If you are interested in taking additional courses outside the subject areas (journalism, mathematics, computer science, etc.), you will need to submit an application to the Visiting Student program.

To apply to Arts in the Summer, select “Visiting Student Programs” on the online application and then "Arts in the Summer" as your program of study.

Subject Areas

Choose courses from subject areas offered by the School of the Arts.

A group of dancers on stage, throwing flower petals into the air.

Theatre

Includes the New York Theatre Event, a course that takes students to theatre productions around the city.

See courses

Film

Includes courses in TV Writing, Screenwriting, Producing, Film History, and more.

See courses

Writing

Includes writing workshops in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry, as well as craft courses in Humor, YA Literature, Travel Writing, and more.

See courses

Visual Arts

Includes studio courses in Photography, Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking.

See courses

Additional faculty and course details can be found by visiting the School of the Arts summer programs webpage.

Arts in the Summer students who plan to enroll in two courses can also opt into the Culture and History in NYC Focus Area.

FAQ

Arts in the Summer courses are open to all who wish to enroll (with the exception of the intensive courses offered). These courses are a great option for individuals who would like to explore the arts, students looking to build a portfolio, or those looking to attend graduate school down the line. Please consult with an admissions counselor to learn more.

Students admitted to the Arts in the Summer program can enroll in Film, Theatre, Writing, and Visual Arts classes. If a student is also interested in taking a course outside of these four subjects, they should apply to the Visiting Student Program, pending eligibility.

Arts in the Summer students who plan to enroll in two courses can also opt into the Culture and History in NYC Focus Area. Focus Area students are eligible to earn a Certification of Participation and a LinkedIn badge.

New York State law requires that all students, regardless of credit options or course modality selection, document their immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. To do so, you must submit the Columbia University Measles, Mumps, and Rubella form to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office and confirm your Meningococcal Meningitis decision online.

Read more about immunization requirements.

We encourage students to take action on these requirements as soon as possible, as it can take up to 10 business days for processing.

Academics

Arts in the Summer Program