Creative Technologies CERT

The Creative Technologies Certificate (CTC) is a new curriculum expansion at Teachers College, Columbia University. It explores and strengthens the relationship between art, technology, and education. The goal is to prepare artists and art teachers to be leaders in educational ecologies that aptly interweave digital tools and creative materials in multi- and cross-disciplinary, collaborative, and playful pedagogies. The state-approved advanced certificate is a 15-credit point offering within the Art and Art Education Program. 

The Creative Technologies Curriculum is designed for individuals with work experience and/or undergraduate or graduate degrees in studio art, art education, art history, media design, or instructional technology, among others. Candidates for the CTC would ideally be art educators, artists, designers, technologists, and others who wish to incorporate creative technologies in various educational settings.

New media and digital technologies have changed the making, teaching, learning, and accessibility of art. These changes have influenced formal and informal learning environments such as universities, schools, libraries, community centers, after-school programs, and art studios. Consequently, the landscape of traditional art itself is changing as a new creative reality steeped in media, technology, and social experience emerges.

The CTC strengthens and explores the relationship between art, technology, and education. This critical trifecta is an interdependent force at the forefront of educational efforts in primary, secondary, and university-level teaching and learning. In a world of increasing digital fabrication and social practice, it is more essential than ever to demonstrate proficiency beyond any one skill set. The CTC provides this diverse training to participants so that they may become leaders in this interdisciplinary movement. 

Course Sequence

Required Courses (15pts)

• A&HA 4089 New Media, New Forms 2pts

• A&HA 4084 Digital Foundations in Creative Technologies 2pts (Elective)

• A&HA 5128 Studio in Creative Technologies 2pts

• A&HA 5125 Inquiry-based Art & Design 2pts

• A&HA 5063 Adv. Studio in Creative Technologies 2pts

• A&HA 5120 Creative Technologies Research Seminar 3pts

• A&HA 5601 Creative Technologies Colloquium 0pts

Elective Course

Students should consult with their advisors to select a relevant elective course of 2pts to complete the 15 required credits.  This course needs to address creative technologies integration across the curriculum and be taken from the Art & Art Education Program and other TC programs (see list of courses in the TC catalog or online).

Course Load and Program Timeline

Students must plan their schedules carefully, as some courses are only offered in the Fall (F) semester and others in the Spring (Sp). Some courses are offered in Summer (Su) session A and/or B as well.

Transfer Credit

Credit points from other institutions may not be transferred into the certificate/concentration.  

Statement on Satisfactory Progress

Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of certificate requirements. Program faculty will review each student’s progress annually. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty. If a student is performing below expectations he/she may be required to complete additional coursework. The Program will provide a plan and timeline for remediation so students know the expectations for their continuance in the Program. If satisfactory progress is not maintained a student may be dismissed from the Program.

For more information see the CTC website.