2026-2027 Academic Catalog
This course introduces students to core marketing,principles. It focuses on how organizations,create, communicate, and deliver value by,analyzing consumer behavior, conducting market,research, and segmenting markets
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 213 OR BUS 303* ,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303
This course provides students with tools to manage,personal finances, budgeting, and career decision,making. Other financial tools for success include;,credit, savings, and investments. Also covered in,the course are decision making for buying or,renting a home, freelancing and employment,,negotiating pricing for contracts.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 213 OR BUS 303* ,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303
This course is an introduction to the concepts,,methods, and strategies needed to begin thinking,about and creating a new industry venture.,Students are first introduced to different,organizational structures. Using research,,students evaluate their venture’s competitive,landscape, and then create and defend their,strategic brand platform, brand name,,product/service offerings, and core customer base.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 213 OR BUS 303* ,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303
This course is an introduction to the concepts,,methods, and strategies needed to create a new,industry venture, focusing on the process by which,opportunities are identified, evaluated, and,converted into viable business ventures. It,provides a foundation in the core managerial,challenges faced by founders and small business,owners, including financing, resource acquisition,,strategic planning, and growth management.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BUS 213 OR BUS 303* ,*formerly DAS 213/DAS 303
The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area being explored.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
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:
001-099 – Student Life Programs
100-199: Typically no prerequisites. Introductory courses. Primarily for Freshmen and 1st year degree requirements or beginning level minor courses.
200-299: Generally secondary/intermediate level courses taken in the sophomore year for degree programs and minors. Includes Introductory/Intermediate Special Project Courses.
300-399: Upper division courses primarily for Juniors/3rd Year and Seniors/4th Year. Advanced level courses.
400-499: Senior/Fourth Year Advanced level courses. Includes Academic Opportunities & Special Project Advanced levels.
285 – Special Project courses for Introductory/Intermediate levels
485 – Special Project courses for Intermediate/Advanced levels
490 – Independent Study
475 – Internships
500-599: Off Campus Academic Experiences and Foundational Graduate Level courses
500 Global Learning Experience
505 AICAD Exchange
515 Study Abroad
5XXX Cross listed Graduate Elective/Undergraduate course. See Dual Listed Academic Level courses.
600-699 General Graduate Level courses. Includes Special Projects
700-799 Graduate Level; Advanced level research. Includes Academic Opportunity courses.
*685 Special Projects
*775 Graduate level Internship
*790 Graduate level Independent Study
Identified by using a three letter subject code for Graduate & Undergraduate (exp. DIL, DFN, DPR, CMD, etc)
Identifies one course cross-listed as two academic levels (i.e. Precollege and Undergraduate; Undergraduate and Graduate)
Non-Credit Courses: offered through the Continuing Education Department are identified using a four letter department/subject code (exp. ADRW 001)
CCS offers degrees, academic distinctions, certificates, and non-credit learning experiences. The credentials listed below reflect the College’s current academic offerings. Information regarding discontinued or historical credentials can be found in the applicable College Catalog.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is an undergraduate-level academic degree awarded to students who complete a program of study emphasizing broad knowledge in the arts, humanities, and related disciplines while developing specialized knowledge within a chosen field. At CCS, the BA typically requires 120 credit hours of coursework and provides a balance of general education and major-specific study, preparing graduates for a variety of professional, creative, and academic pursuits.
The Bachelor of Design (BDes) is an undergraduate-level academic degree awarded to students who complete a program of study focused on design practice, creative problem-solving, and professional application. At CCS, the BDes typically requires 120 credit hours of coursework and emphasizes design methodologies, collaboration, and industry-relevant skills through a combination of studio coursework and applied learning experiences.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is an undergraduate-level academic degree awarded to students who complete a program of study emphasizing intensive studio practice, creative production, and artistic or design development within a chosen discipline. At CCS, BFA programs typically require four years of full-time study and range from 120–126 credit hours of coursework. In addition to general education requirements, students complete extensive studio coursework in their major and may be required to complete a portfolio, exhibition, capstone, or other culminating project.
The Master of Arts (MA) is a 30-36 credit hour graduate-level academic degree program awarded to students who complete a program in arts and design focused on professional and technical skills and knowledge. The MA includes a final project in the second semester.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate-level academic degree program awarded to students who complete a program in visual arts or design, which may include visual arts, performing arts, or other creative fields. At CCS, the 60-credit MFA is a two-year program with classes focusing on studio coursework, research methods, and a written thesis.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate-level academic degree program awarded to students who complete a program in fine arts. At CCS, the 60-credit MFA is a two-year program with classes focusing on art or design requiring studio coursework, research methods, and a written thesis.
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is a master’s degree that combines the focused study of traditional graduate degrees (such as the Master of Arts or Master of Science) with the specialized, industry-specific skills you can immediately put to use in the workplace. Driven by the demands of today’s professional landscape, MPS degrees emphasize the skills that today’s employers want. MPS degrees are also highly applied, incorporating hands-on research and client engagements to give you firsthand experience practicing what you learn.
An Undergraduate Major at CCS refers to a structured program of study within a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. It is the primary academic discipline that a student selects to specialize in during their undergraduate education. The major consists of a sequence of studio coursework, technical skills development, and conceptual training specific to the chosen field of study in fine arts or design.
While minors and emphases allow for additional specialization, an undergraduate major forms the central focus of a student’s degree program at CCS.
An emphasis is a required focused area of study within a major and is part of the 60 credits required for the major courses within an undergraduate program. Enrolled students are required to meet the current emphasis credit requirements, which range from 12 to 30 credits depending on the major and emphasis.The emphasis appears on the final official transcript but does not appear on the diploma (see Area of Emphasis and Minors)
Liberal Arts and Studio minor options are available to undergraduate level students. A Studio Minor is an area of study outside the major that provides students the ability to customize their studies by gaining knowledge and proficiency in a different discipline. A Liberal Arts Minor is a focused area of study within the Liberal Arts subjects. Studio and Liberal Arts minors require 15.0 credits to complete (see Area of Emphasis and Minors) and appear on the student’s transcript.
Graduate minor options are available to graduate level students. A minor is a group of classes outside of the major requirements dedicated to a specific subject matter, and it must be combined with a major/degree program. Minors require 9 credits to complete and appear on the student’s official transcript.
A specialization or pre-professional pathway is a formal program designation within an academic credential that enables students to pursue focused academic, professional, or pre-professional preparation in a defined area of study. A specialization represents a focused area of study within a major or certificate program and consists of a structured sequence of courses designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills in a particular discipline. A pre-professional pathway represents an approved sequence of coursework and related experiences that prepares students for professional licensure, certification, graduate study, or other specialized educational or career objectives.
Badges are a form of micro-credentials that recognize specific skills or achievements. Badges are often used to supplement traditional academic credentials and are a way to showcase specific competencies or achievements.
A form of academic instruction, typically involving small group discussions, presentations, and active participation. Unlike traditional lectures, seminars are often designed to be interactive, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter through engagement and dialogue.
A type of instructional session that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application of skills or concepts. Workshops are designed to be held in a shorter time period than a typical 15-week semester and are interactive, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with the material, practice techniques, and receive immediate feedback.
A non-credit certificate recognizes successful completion of a structured program of continuing education or professional development that does not carry academic credit. Non-credit certificates document achievement of defined learning outcomes but do not appear on an academic transcript.
An undergraduate certificate is a credit-bearing program of study completed at the undergraduate level that provides focused education in a specific discipline or professional area. Undergraduate certificates consist of fewer credits than a bachelor’s degree, are recorded on the student’s official transcript, and may be completed independently or in conjunction with a degree program.
A graduate certificate is a credit-bearing program of study completed beyond the bachelor’s degree that provides advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized discipline. Graduate certificates include a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours but do not meet the requirements of a master’s degree. Graduate certificate coursework appears on the student’s official transcript.
A post-baccalaureate credential is a program of study available only to students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. These programs provide specialized, advanced, or career-focused education beyond the bachelor’s level and may lead to a certificate or other institutional credential.
The Post-Baccalaureate Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program is a 27-credit program designed for:
The Visual Arts Teacher Certification Pathway is a 15-credit, studio-based teacher preparation pathway completed concurrently with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at CCS.
Students complete approved Art Education coursework alongside the requirements of their primary BFA major, gaining foundational preparation in educational theory, field experiences, studio pedagogy, and professional practice. Coursework completed through the pathway also fulfills designated requirements of the College’s Post-Baccalaureate Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program.
The Art Education Pre-professional Pathway is not a separate degree or certificate. Students earn their BFA degree, and completion of the pathway may be reflected on the academic record in accordance with institutional policy.
Following graduation and upon meeting applicable admission requirements, students continue into the Post-Baccalaureate Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program to complete the remaining clinical experiences and student teaching requirements necessary for institutional recommendation for Michigan K–12 Visual Arts teacher certification, subject to state licensure requirements.
This motion graphics course introduces concepts,and methods used in designing dynamic digital,communications that rely on typography, graphic,form, visual hierarchy, sound, and message. The,language of motion design and its associated,meaning(s) are presented through a series of,projects. Students learn relevant techniques and,motion semiotic concepts, associated digital tools,in order to aid in the creation of well-crafted,dynamic sequential solutions. This course,introduces students to concepts that are,foundational to the department and the skills,required for success.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 151 (formerly DGD 151) or CDS 201 (formerly DGD 201)
This required typography course, the first in a,sequence of three, develops an understanding of,two-dimensional design space and the unique nature,of typographic communication principles. Through,a series of projects centered around the role of,type in communication design, students develop an,understanding of typographic aesthetics, concepts,of organization, understanding nuance of language,based messages to achieve a particular hierarchy,,while emphasizing the role of analog and digital,tools to achieve well-crafted solutions with,specific communication intent. Content used in,this course presents design’s complex history,,while also providing students the opportunity to,lend their point of view in content analysis. This,course introduces students to concepts that are,foundational to the department and the skills,required for success.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
