2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: 26-27 Catalog

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • AHV-411 DETROIT:COUNTER HISTORIES AND CONTESTED,SITES

    How can artists creatively reframe history? What,narratives around us have been historically,omitted? And what stories can we build on to,create a future archive? “Counter Histories and,Contested Sites” is an introduction to the legacy,of Detroit as a site of resistance through spaces,of care and co-liberation. Seminars, readings,,field trips, and studio visits explore the power,of art in times of crisis and art as a catalyst,for social change. Topics and field trips,investigate how artists, activists, and,collectives are creatively fighting mass,surveillance, water shut-offs, displacement,,climate crisis, and the privatization of public,space. Grounded in the voices and perspectives of,people on the frontlines, this course prioritizes,grassroots histories over the dominant mainstream,narrative

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Any 300 level Liberal Arts (General Education),subject.

  • AHV-490 INDEPENDENT STUDY

    Independent Study is available to students who are,at Junior or Senior level standing with a,cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above.,The student may receive approval to work in an,area or on a project that is not otherwise offered,or addressed in the regular curriculum. An,Independent Study should include opportunities for,individual student voice and provide a space for,diverse perspectives. Students may receive credit,toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours.,The student must submit to the chairperson of the,department in which they wish to study, an,Independent Study Proposal of 150 words (no less),of the student’s plan for study and her/his reason,for choosing to study independently. Once the,department chairperson provides approval and the,instructor for the Independent Study is,determined, the faculty member must write an,Independent Study Syllabus with education goals,,learning outcomes, meeting dates, course,expectations, timelines, and due dates. Art,Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a,grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for,certification.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • AHV-500 GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

    (This is a faculty led study abroad course *,syllabi will differ per destination) ,,On a Global Learning Experience course, students,are brought outside the typical classroom, for a,24/7 learning experience in varying locations,outside the USA. The course will provide students,with tools for analyzing your learning process and,identifying cultural patterns, differences,,similarities and values encountered during the,journey. Students develop a sense of,cross-cultural understanding, and navigate towards,becoming a global citizen. Students develop a,heightened sense of confidence, and leadership as,they plan, and execute this excursion. In,addition students discover the role of becoming an,ambassador for their own culture. Practical issues,about studying abroad (safety, money, packing,,etc.) are delivered via pre-departure sessions,with the International Student Services Office.,
    ,

    , SUMMER 2026,
    ,Art History and Intercultural Studies in,Greece,
    ,In this Faculty-Led study abroad program, students,will travel around Greece and see Athens, Olympia,,Delphi, the Saronic islands, and the Argolida,region. The program will expose students to many,aspects of Greek culture including how both,ancient and modern Greece has put its stamp on art,and design in the contemporary world. Students,will be taking multiple guided tours around the,cities and their iconic landmarks. This program,includes the opportunity to visit many museums,across the country that contain artifacts,important to Greek art history, and tour a UNESCO,world heritage site.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SLP 007

  • Animation

    Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

    Catalog Year 26/27

    Total Credits 120-122

    First Year

    First Semester = 16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN-101 Drawing I: Rapid Concepts3
      DFN-117 2D Design Principles3
      DFN-119 Digital Techniques3
      DMA-120 Creative Visualization3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DFN-132 Process & Making3
      DFN-112 Drawing II: Style & Skill3
      DMA-101 Animation I3
      DMA-217 Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics3
      WRT-101 Composition I (CR) †3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-201 Animation II (2D focus)
      DMA-317 3D Animation I (3D focus)    		3
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-234 Modeling & Texturing (3D focus)
      DMA-243 Animation Nuts & Bolts (2D focus)    		3
      DMA-211 Digital Animation Techniques I3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
      AHV-214 History of Animation & Digital Media (MR)3

    Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-230 Experimental Animation (2D focus)
      DMA-347 3D Animation II (3D focus)    		3
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-202 Animation III (2D focus)
      DMA-228 Stop Motion I (2D & 3D focus)
      DMA-230 Experimental Animation (3D focus)
      DMA-302 Storyboarding for Film/Animation (2D & 3D focus)
      DMA-317 3D Animation I (2D focus)    		3
    Choose one course:
      DMA-270 Animation Production
      FLM-106 Intro to Filmmaking    		3
      DMA-232 Drawing Tech for Visual Media3
      AHV-247 History of Communication Design I (MR)3

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-348 Animation Projects I (2D focus)
      DMA-367 3D Animation III (3D focus)    		3
      DMA-233 Environments and Characters3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-400 (CR)3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-349 Animation Projects II3
      DMA-333 Advanced Story Concepts3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-410 Senior Production Studio I3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Eighth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-420 Senior Production Studio II3
      DMA-424 Professional Futures I3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      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 Electives15.0Successfully 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).

    (RC) Recommended course towards General Education Elective credits: BUS 213 Business Practices
      Major §60.0Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus.
      Major Courses §51.0Successfully complete listed DMA courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites)
      Major Electives9.0Successfully complete courses from the list below, to satisfy required “Animation Major Elective” credits. Must select courses that do not already apply towards other degree program credits.
    Animation Approved Major Electives
    DMA-202 Animation III
    DMA-212 2D Digital Animation II
    DMA-228 Stop Motion I
    DMA-246 Game Art I
    DMA-256 Lighting & Rendering
    DMA-302 Storyboarding for Film/Animation
    DMA-309 Concept Design
    DMA-328 Stop Motion II
    DMA-310 Maquette Sculpture
    DMA-330 Character Rigging    		Additional courses approved to fulfill Animation Major Electives
    DIL-147 Figure Illustration I
    DIL-246 Anatomical Figure Illustration
    FLM-225 Sound Design I
    FLM-226 Sound Design II
    FLM-254 Playing the Self

    Note: Some courses may require additional approval for registration, based on availability, offerings and prerequisites.
      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.

  • Belonging at CCS

    The College for Creative Studies strives to make our campus a welcoming environment for everyone. CCS fosters a community of belonging that is free from harassment and discriminatory practices built on a foundation of respect, empathy, and knowledge.

    Statement of Commitment

    We are dedicated to creating an environment that supports belonging and an equitable campus culture. We value our rich campus community and strive to cultivate an environment where ideas and contributions can flourish. CCS is committed to advancing efforts that enrich our campus community and build stronger communities.

    Land Acknowledgment Statement

    The College for Creative Studies respectfully acknowledges that we are on the traditional, contemporary, and ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe – Council of Three Fires: the Ojibwe/Chippewa, Odawa/Ottawa, and Potawatomi/Bodéwadmi along with their neighbors the Seneca, Delaware, Fox, Shawnee, Loups, Miami and Wyandot who maintained, and continue to preserve lifeways along Detroit’s river banks and throughout the Great Lakes region. Through signing the Treaty of Detroit in 1807, Anishinaabek tribes ceded the land now occupied by the city we stand on.  We recognize Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized tribes who continue to steward this land, in remembrance of their ancestors and thinking of future generations.

    The CCS Covenant: A Commitment to Civility

    The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enhancement of modern culture. This is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility, self-restraint, concern for others, and academic integrity. By choosing to join this community, I accept the obligation to live by these common values and commit myself to the following principles:

    As a CCS Student, Staff, or Faculty Member:

    • I will embrace the concept of a civil community that abhors violence, theft, and exploitation of others;
    • I will commit myself to the pursuit of knowledge, excellence in art & design with personal integrity, and academic honesty;
    • I will respect the sanctity of the learning environment and avoid disruptive and deceitful behavior toward other members of the campus community;
    • I will support a culture of diversity by respecting the rights of those who differ from myself;
    • I will contribute to the development of a caring community where compassion for others and freedom of thought and expression are valued;
    • I will honor, challenge and contribute to the scholarly heritage left by those who preceded me and work to leave this a better place for those who follow.

    By endorsing these common principles, I accept a moral obligation to behave in ways that contribute to a civil campus environment and resolve to support this behavior in others. This commitment to civility is my promise to the College for Creative Studies community. 

    Our Community

    The College for Creative Studies represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities, and worldviews that recognize differences of culture and circumstance. Belonging is interlaced into our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.


    Student Organizations
    Community Arts Partnerships
    Design Core Detroit
    Kresge Arts In Detroit
    Academic Departments
    Policy on Preventing and Addressing Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation

    Nondiscrimination Policy

    Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence (Title IX Policy)

    Employee Assistance Program-Ulliance
    Community Resources

    As always, please report any incidences of discrimination at CCS to Office of Civil Rights and Title IX mhamilton@ccsdetroit.edu

  • BFA + Art Education Certification Pathway

    Catalog Year 26/27

    Standard 4 Year Pathway (full-time status)

    Minimum Program Credits 121

    Art Education Pre-Professional Pathway Courses (DAE)
    Must take in listed semesters

    Note: This is a sample course plan

    First Year

    First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      Major Course3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      WRT-101 Composition I † (CR)3
      DAE-200 Educ. Found. History & Philosophy of Education3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
    Choose one:
      AHV-203 Global Art History I (CR)
      AHV-204 Global Art History II (CR)    		3
      DAE-250 Human Dev. Creative and Visual Learning3

    Fourth Semester = 12 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      AHV History of Major…3
      General Education Elective 0

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3
      DAE-315 Elementary Art Teaching: Meth, Math #3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      DAE-405 Secondary Art Teaching: Meth, Math #3

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Major Elective3
      Open Elective3
      DAE-407 Reading & Language Art Methods #3

    Eighth Semester = 12 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      General Education Elective **0
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      Open Elective ††3

    Additional Information

    The BFA program sample includes 15.0 credits of General Education electives and 6.0 credits of Open Electives. When applicable, Art Education credits may also fulfill General Education Elective and Open Elective requirements within studio majors. Studio major requirements, transfer credit, and other shared-credit arrangements may affect how credits are applied toward standard degree requirements.

    Important! Students considering a pathway (minor, specialization, or other academic program add-on) should meet with their academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office to review degree requirements, potential impacts on time to degree completion; and to understand how additional coursework (outside of the primary degree requirements) may affect financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.

    This plan is provided for use as a guide only. Students are responsible for tracking actual course requirements using degree audit and Self-Service tools based on actual records and remaining credits.

    Post Baccalaureate Semester – Art Education Teacher Certification

    Fifth Year

    Course RequirementCredits
      DAE-510 Directed Teaching10
      DAE-520 Professional Seminar2

    27.0 total credits required for Certificate (includes courses from BFA/Art Education Pathway)

    Additional GPA requirement for Art Education Pre-Professional Pathway Courses  = 2.7

    Required for consideration into Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program after graduation.

    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.
    ¶ Satisfied with DAE-250.
    # Satisfies General Education Elective
    ** Satisfied with DAE-200.
    †† Art Ed elective recommended, if applicable.

  • BUS-213 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS

    This course prepares students to function as,professional artists or designers. It,provides an introduction to contemporary business,theories, trend analysis, and branding techniques,and practices. You will learn and use,basic project management principles, project,costing models, and the elements of business plan,design.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102 (formely DEN 102)

  • BUS-303 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR ARTISTS

    This course addresses the skills and knowledge,needed to succeed as a contemporary artist while,sustaining a professional studio practice. Topics,include creating and organizing your professional,profile, documentation and marketing, applications,for field related opportunities, and basic small,business skills. Students will learn how to,develop a resource database, create valuable,professional networks, and consider marketing,and exhibiting from a broad range of commercial,and alternative contexts. ,Guest lecturers, and visiting-artist presentations,connect course information with real-world,experience.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102

  • BUS-304 LAW FOR CREATIVES

    This course focuses on aspects of legal,matters related to the business of,art and design, including the legalities of,protecting your brand, copyrighting and online,copyright registration, art gallery relationships,,understanding and negotiating contracts,,freelancing, selling art, art on the internet,,licensing, intellectual property law, artificial,intelligence, and basic protections for artists in,law.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: BUS 213 or BUS 303*,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303

  • BUS-313 BRANDING & MARKETING

    This course is offered to students who wish to,understand branding, marketing, creative and,integrated marketing communications, and how they,work in industry.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: BUS 213 OR BUS 303* ,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303