Columbia College & its environs

Chicago, Illinois

Columbia College Chicago is located in downtown Chicago, in the south Loop area, at the hub of America’s heartland, and easily accessible by air, rail and road. Columbia is within walking distance of the lakefront, and three world-class museums; the Field Museum of Natural History, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Columbia College Chicago is itself the home of the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and numerous other museums, cultural and shopping venues are readily accessible via public transit or automobile. Because of our downtown location, Columbia College Chicago can be conveniently reached using private vehicles, or public transportation from anywhere in the metropolitan area, in particular from O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport.

Columbia College Chicago

Columbia College Chicago is an independent liberal arts college in downtown Chicago. With an enrollment of over 9,400 students, it is the country’s largest arts and communications college. For additional information, visit our website at www.colum.edu.

Science and Mathematics Department

Since its inception, the Science and Mathematics Department has served as an important extension of the professional development of Columbia’s students. The curriculum, designed specifically for those concentrating in performing, visual, and communications arts, provides basic scientific instruction and a mastery of mathematics fundamentals.

The primary objectives of the department are to provide students with a comprehensive scientific and mathematical background, the adaptability and flexibility they will need in order to evolve with continuing changes in the world, and the ability to deal effectively with specific changes in their professional disciplines. Thus, critical thinking and problem solving are major objectives of the various departmental programs.

The Department also seeks to fill in the knowledge gap between scientific and political decision-makers and the lay public on current issues such as energy policy, global warming, the economy, education, genetic engineering, and nuclear energy. The curriculum is designed to educate students so that they may participate intelligently in the national debates of such survival concerns. In order for every citizen to understand and participate in discussions of such issues, they must have some level of scientific literacy.