Category: Undergraduate

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • CDS-505 AICAD EXCHANGE

    Through the College’s affiliation with the,Association of Independent Colleges of Art and,Design, junior or first-semester senior students,in good academic standing have the opportunity to,spend a semester (Fall or Winter) or full year,studying at another member institution in the,United States or abroad. Application information,is available in the Academic Advising and,Registration Office.

    Credits: 12

    Prerequisites:

  • CDS-515 STUDY ABROAD

    Junior or first-semester senior students in good,academic standing have the opportunity to spend a,semester (Fall or Winter) or a full year of study,at an accredited institution abroad. Further,information is available from International,Student Services.

    Credits: 12

    Prerequisites:

  • CFD-101 FASHION APPAREL: PATTERN MAKING

    This course will introduce the technical skills,required for apparel construction. Students will,learn essential techniques such as pattern,drafting, draping, and sewing. The course will,also include lectures and readings that highlight,designers and artists that approach garment making,with a distinctive artistic vision.

    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites:

  • CFD-121 FASHION APPAREL; DRAPING

    This course will introduce the technical skills,required for apparel construction. Students will,learn essential techniques such as pattern,drafting, draping, and sewing. The course will,also include lectures and readings that highlight,designers and artists that approach garment making,with a distinctive artistic vision.

    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites:

  • CFD-131 FASH APPAREL: DESIGN

    This course will introduce the technical skills,required for apparel construction. Students will,learn essential techniques such as pattern,drafting, draping, and sewing. The course will,also include lectures and readings that highlight,designers and artists that approach garment making,with a distinctive artistic vision.

    Credits: 1

    Prerequisites:

  • Communication Design + Strategy

    Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements


    Catalog Year 26/27

    Total Credits 120-122


    First Year

    First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN-119 Digital Techniques3
      DFN-120 Design Color and Context3
      DFN-137 2D & 3D Integrated Design3
      CDS-151 Typography I3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DFN-138 4D Design Studio (TR)3
      DFN-142 Performative Spaces (TR)3
      CDS-124 Motion Essentials3
      CDS-152 Typography II3
      WRT-101 Composition I (CR) 3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-251 Typography III3
      CDS-263 UI Design3
      CDS-211 Design Semiotics3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
      Choose one: AHV-203 or AHV-204 Global Art History I/II (CR)3

    Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-264 UX Design3
      CDS-212 Design Research3
      CDS-224 Motion Narratives3
      AHV-247 History of Communication Design I (MR)3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-311 Brand Strategies3
      CDS-317 Professional Studio Practice I 3
      CDS-365 Extended Reality (XR) Design3
      AHV-248 History of Communication Design II (MR)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-312 Campaign Strategies3
      CDS Major Elective3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      Open Elective3

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-411 Integrated Brand Strategy3
      CDS-418 Professional Studio Practices II3
      CDS Major Elective3
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003

    Eighth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      CDS-412 Design Theory3
      CDS Major Elective3
      CDS Major Elective3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Additional ”Program & Credit Requirement Details” attached; includes ”approved course lists” and ”recommended courses (RC)” for any requirements with noted selections. Enrolled students should view Self-Service (My Progress/Plan & Schedule) for complete program information; see catalog for additional course details and descriptions.

    This plan is provided for use as a guide only and is based on full-time status with successful completion of credits outlined per semester. Degree Timelines and requirements may vary based on actual program, credits completed per semester and/or catalog year. Students are responsible for confirming completion of all requirements before graduating (use program/student resources to support degree progression). Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 required.


    Program & Credit Requirement Details

    Degree RequirementsTotal credits requiredRequirement Details
      First Year Experience1.0SLP-007 is waived for eligible transfer students with 12.0 (or more) college.
      Foundations15.0Required for all majors. Successfully complete listed DFN Foundation courses for enrolled major; requirements may vary per major.
    (TR) = Additional transfer consideration for DFN-138 & DFN-142, based on review of CDS majors.
      General Education39.0Liberal Arts courses required for all undergraduate majors; total credits may vary per program.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Requirements (CR)12.0Successfully complete WRT & AHV core general education prerequisites requirements (Composition pathways may vary based on completed assessments, test scores or transfer credits).
      General Education MAJOR Requirements (MJ)6.0Successfully complete major specific Liberal Arts. Requirements vary per major.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Electives (CE)9.0Successfully complete core general education electives required for all UG majors (Science, Humanities, Art History & Visual Culture) as outlined on 4 year pathway/degree requirements:
    3.0 cr. Science: Successfully complete one course from the SCI subject; 200-400 level
    3.0 cr. Humanities Option: Successfully complete one of the following approved courses: LIT 239, LIT 203, DHS 201, DSS 215, DSS 240 or DPL 201
    3.0 cr. Art History & Visual Culture: Successfully complete course from AHV subject, 200-400 level
      General Education Electives12.0Successfully complete any non-required 200-400 level Liberal Arts course from subject codes: AHV, BUS, DHS, DPL, DSS, SCI, WRT, LIT
    (Total Gen.Ed Elective credits vary per major).
      Major §60.0Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus.
      Major Courses §48.0Successfully complete listed CDS courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites)
      Major Electives12.0Non-required major courses with subject code CDS are considered major electives; exceptions require approval.
      Open Electives6.0Successfully complete 100-400 level courses from any Undergraduate subject (Studio or Lecture).
    Total Program Credits121.0Total credits required 120 – 122
    Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, GPA minimum requirement = 2.0

    Footnotes

    * ELS 101 Composition I for Multilingual Students 4.0 cr.
    † WRT 101/102 Self Placement Survey available.
    ‡ Based on SLP 007 (1.0 cr.) and ELS 101 (4.0 cr.)§ Remaining Major course sequence impacts timeline to degree completion.

  • DCE-105 INTRODUCTION TO WHEELTHROWING

    Learn to use the potter’s wheel as an expressive,tool! Traditional techniques and forms are,covered, such as teapots, plates, bowls and,covered containers. The aim is for students to,find their individual expression within the,context of tradition.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Take SAC 106 (formerly DFA 106)

  • DCE-112 INTRODUCTION TO SLIPCASTING

    This course offers a comprehensive introduction to,Slipcasting, a key ceramic technique that,utilizes liquid clay and plaster molds to create,forms and multiples. Students will explore the,properties,of ceramic materials, glazes, and kiln firings,while mastering the construction of one-, two-,,and,three-part plaster molds. The curriculum covers,the historical origins and industrial significance,of,Slipcasting, examining its evolution and impact on,mass production and studio art. Students will,investigate the importance of Slipcasting in,contemporary ceramics, focusing on how artists and,designers utilize the technique to push creative,boundaries.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SAC-106 (formerly DFA 106)

  • DCE-125 CLAY PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

    Students will demonstrate proficiency in,production techniques to produce multiples,,including,the use of plaster molds in relation to,Wheelthrowing, Slipcasting, and Handbuilding, to,create ceramic,multiples of vessels. They will apply design,principles-such as form, aesthetics, and,usability-to,enhance the functionality and appeal of their,work. Additionally, students will develop a,cohesive,portfolio of multiples and production pieces in,functional ceramics that showcases their technical,skills,,artistic vision, and craftsmanship. They will also,research and analyze historical and contemporary,ceramic production methods and businesses.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DCE-135 INTRODUCTION TO HANDBUILDING

    This course provides an in-depth exploration of,handbuilding techniques in ceramics, focusing,on coil-building, slab construction, solid,building, and pinching methods. Students will,develop practical,skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding,of ceramic materials, glazes, and kiln firing,processes. Through hands-on projects, students,will learn how to manipulate clay to create unique,forms, emphasizing both technical proficiency and,creative expression. The course also examines key,historical and contemporary handbuilding artists,,providing inspiration for students to cultivate,their,own unique artistic voices.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SAC 106 (formerly DFA 106)