2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: Academics

Academics

  • Honors/With Distinction

    Honors

    Undergraduate students who have shown outstanding achievement by attaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and above are graduated with honors. Those who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 and above are graduated with high honors

    With Distinction

    Graduate students who have shown outstanding achievement by attaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 and above are graduated with distinction. Those who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 and above are graduated with high distinction.

    Related Policies

    Dean’s and President’s List

    Grading

  • Incomplete Grades

    An incomplete or grade of “I” may be given to a student when a minimal number of course assignments have not been completed due to unavoidable and legitimate circumstances (i.e., injury, hospitalization, jury duty, death of a family member, or other reasons beyond a student’s control).Completion of at least 75% of course work at passing levels is recommended before an “I” grade is assigned.

    Unless otherwise indicated, students have one semester to finish any work necessary to complete the course (i.e. Incompletes assigned for the fall semester must be completed by the end of winter semester; Incompletes assigned for the winter semester must be completed by the end of summer semester; Incompletes assigned for the Summer semester must be completed by the end of fall semester. See also Campus and Facility Access section below.) If work is not completed within this timeframe the Incomplete Grade will default to the grade earned.  Any student receiving an “I” grade in their anticipated semester of graduation, will graduate in a later semester after all unsatisfied credits are confirmed. 

    Important: Faculty may exercise the grade change form for situations where the incomplete grade is not warranted, but late assignments have been approved (see Grade Change policy).

    Incomplete Grade Verification

    The Instructor should submit the current “grade earned” (A-F) for their student during final grading submissions for their course, in the grading module.

    • For students approved to receive an “I” grade: the instructor must submit a completed Incomplete Grade Verification Form to the Academic Advising & Registration Office (AARO).
    • The reason for the incomplete grade and outstanding assignments must be identified on the form and agreed upon by the student.
    • The instructor, student and department chairperson must sign the form.
    • All forms must be received by the final grading deadline of the current semester for “I” grade processing. Incomplete grade submissions will be entered/updated by AARO staff.
    • Forms not received by the deadline will maintain records displaying the “grade earned”.

    Updating an Assigned “I” Grade

    • Once the required coursework is completed by the student, the instructor must submit a Grade Change Form with all required signatures, to the AARO, by the “I” Grade Expire Date (or by the final grade due date for the subsequent semester).
    • Assigned “I” grades that do not have grade change submissions , will revert back to the student’s original “grade earned”.
    • The Office of Academic Affairs must approve all standard grade changes beyond a 60-day period and any grade changes for Incompletes.
    • The final assigned grade is calculated into the student’s cumulative GPA and SAP (see Satisfactory Academic Progress for Undergraduate Students and Satisfactory Academic progress for Graduate Students).

    Resolving “I” Grades if the faculty is no longer teaching at CCS:

    Incomplete Grades assigned by a former faculty member will be handled by the Department Chair of the course; who will review the required assignments and submissions to determine a final grade. The required grade change form must be completed and submitted by the Department Chair to the AARO.

    Campus and Facility Access

    Students working on Incomplete Grades are not granted automatic access to CCS facilities (studios, labs or classrooms). Departments are not obligated to ensure access to CCS facilities if a student is not registered and/or if a registered student has day/time conflicts during hours of facility open access.

    If access to a CCS facility is required (or desired) to complete coursework for an incomplete grade, it is the student’s responsibility to:

    • communicate with the Instructor to understand expectations for completing the coursework;
    • and to confirm If open access to facilities are available through the affiliated department, before agreeing to the incomplete grade.

    If campus facilities are approved for use, each department can determine arrangements for reasonable access, which should be verified in advance with appropriate campus offices as required (i.e. registration, security, etc); and included on the Incomplete Grading Form.

  • Independent Study

    An 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 curriculum. Students may receive credit toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours of independent study.

    The student, working with the supervising faculty, must complete an Independent Study form for consideration by the Department Chair and Academic Affairs. The student may register for the course upon approval from all signatories.

    The student must submit a minimum 150-word Independent Study Proposal, along with the Independent Study Approval Form, to the Chair of the department in which they wish to study stating the reason for the independent study and their plan for study, including topics to be covered and goals.

    Once the Department Chair approves of the Independent Study, the instructor appointed to oversee the Independent Study must write an Independent Study syllabus with a detailed course description, learning outcomes, assignments, meeting dates (minimum of four), due dates, and grading criteria. The Independent Study Approval Form, with faculty and Chair signatures, must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for final approval by the appropriate Dean.

    The final approved form will be sent by Academic Affairs to the Academic Advising and Registration Office for registration of the Independent Study. Independent Study forms must be turned in no later than the final day to add a class of the semester in which the Independent Study is to be taken.

  • Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

    The faculty of the College have articulated the general objectives of a CCS education in the form of Institutional Student Learning Outcomes and the criteria of the various majors have been aligned with these Institutional Outcomes. Institutional Learning Objectives are as follows:

    CCS graduates will be able to:

    THINK
    Demonstrate critical thinking characterized by experimentation, inquiry, and theoretically informed social, cultural, and historical awareness.
    CREATE
    Synthesize knowledge and skills in the conceptualization and realization of creative expression.
    COMMUNICATE
    Articulate ideas and visual concepts in writing, presentations, and professional practice.
    INNOVATE
    Frame visionary responses to evolving social, cultural, and economic needs and opportunities.
    CONNECT
    Engage as responsible and ethical citizens of diverse, local, global and professional communities.
    LEAD
    Demonstrate leadership through appropriate research, methods, design, and professional conduct.

      Program Learning Outcomes –
      Graduate Studies

      Program Learning Outcomes – Undergraduate Studies

    • Internship Program

      The Internship Program allows qualified students to earn academic credit while gaining first-hand experience in their chosen fields. Internships are available to BFA students with a junior or senior ranking and MFA students who completed one year of course work– although it is never too early to begin researching opportunities.  

      Benefits Students Gain by Participating in an Internship

      • Using classroom skills in a real-world employment situation
      • Learning new skills from professionals in one’s chosen field
      • Gaining first-hand work experience prior to graduation
      • Networking with professionals, which may lead to future employment opportunities

      Steps to Pursue an Internship for Credit 

      Internships for credit are intended to replace a studio or elective course in your major. Course placement will be determined and approved by the department chair.  Students should work closely with their Department Chair or faculty and their Academic Advisor to determine which class should be replaced for the internship. The internship needs to replace a required class within the student’s major department.

      Students may earn 3 or 6 credits for an internship, depending on internship structure and contact hours.

      International Students and Internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

      Additional US Dept. of Homeland Security regulations apply to international students seeking internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

      The Office of Partnerships does not advise students on OPT, CPT, or Visa rules and regulations. International students must meet with the Director of Global Engagement to receive approval to proceed before internship paperwork will be initiated. The Office of Global Engagement determines a student’s eligibility to participate in an internship/CPT and has precedence over Faculty recommendations.

      BFA Requirements:  

      • Student must be a Junior or Senior in studio courses.   
      • Student must meet the College’s Junior Status Policy requirements.  
      • Student interns must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher. 
      • Portfolio Approval Form signed by Department Chair or full-time faculty member.
      • All students pursuing an internship must have their portfolio approved by their department chair or full-time faculty member. 
      • Internship credit can not replace a Liberal Arts required course.

      MFA Requirements:  

      • Complete one year of course work.
      • Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better.
      • Portfolio Approval Form signed by Department Chair or full-time faculty member.
      • All students pursuing an internship must have their portfolio approved by their department chair or full-time faculty member.
      • Internship credit can not replace a Liberal Arts required course.

      Students may search for internships in the following ways:

      • Visit CCS Handshake to view internships and jobs that have been vetted by the Office of Partnerships 
      • Job Search sites such as the ones listed in the Additional Resources section on the  Office of Partnerships departmental page
      • Visit websites of companies of interest to research internship opportunities and the application process.  
      • Schedule an appointment with the Office of Partnerships if additional assistance is needed.   

      Once you have secured your internship location:

      Considerations:

      • For credit internships are only $450 for 3 credits.
      • A student may take ONE 6-credit internship or TWO 3-credit internships. 
      • The contact hour requirement for a three-credit internship is 135 hours over the course of the semester; six-credit internships require 270 contact hours over the course of the semester.
      • You must register for your internship when you register for classes. The last day to add a class is the same for internships. Contact the Office of Partnerships to get the paperwork necessary to register for a for credit internship.

      Requirements:

      BFA
      • Must get approval from your Department Chair
      • Portfolio approval form required on file
      • Must be a Junior or Senior in studio courses
      • Must  meet the College’s Junior Status Policy 
      • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
      MFA
      • Must have  have approval from your Department Chair
      • Portfolio approval form required on file
      • Must complete one year of course work
      • Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

      Onboarding Process:

      • Share an update with your Chair to identify a Faculty Supervisor
      • Share an update with your Academic Advisor for credit approval 
      • Collaborate with Office of Partnerships to complete necessary paperwork:
        • Portfolio Approval Form (if needed)
        • Internship Site Information Form and Learning Contract (In collaboration with your Internship Site Supervisor)  Link to form: Fillalble Internship Site Information Sheet AND Learning Contract
        • Provide GPA, Student ID, name of faculty supervisor and which course will be replaced with Office of Partnerships
      • Review Internship Handbook and Canvas Requirements:
      • Internship Handbook 2022
      • Provide Weekly Journal Entries
      • Two check-ins with Faculty Supervisor
      • Final Presentation with Faculty Supervisor
      • Submit all information to Office of Partnerships before drop/add date each semester

      For more information contact Shannon McPartlon – smcpartlon@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

      Internship Cost and Billing

      Internships for credit are billed at a lower per-credit hour rate ($150 per credit hour) than other CCS coursework. 

      All enrolled courses, including internship courses for credit, will be billed the same tuition rate .  The Financial Aid Office will be notified that a student is taking an internship for credit and will apply the Internship Grant to the students account, reducing the internship course cost to $150.00 per credit hour or $450.00 for a 3-credit internship course or $900.00 for a 6-credit internship course. 

      A student can review their semester billing statement through Self Service and contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss any further financial aid eligibility. 

      Steps to Pursue a Non-Credit Internship

      Non-credit internships are another option for students to pursue a professional experience. Non-credit internships do not require a specific GPA, class standing or a mandated number of contact hours.  There is no tuition cost for a non-credit internship and there is no limit on the number of non-credit internship opportunities that a student can take.

      Students who will be on hiatus or enrolled less than 6 credits during their internship should contact the Financial Aid Office in order to fully understand any financial implications.

    • Junior Status

      A student achieves Junior Status upon earning a minimum of 60 credits, as required for Junior class level. The completion of Studio Foundations and core Liberal Arts courses is necessary to ensure progression toward degree requirements and eligibility for Junior level (or higher) courses. Students must:

      Complete all 15-18 credits of Foundation courses (based on their major requirements).

      Complete 15 credits of 100/200 level core Liberal Arts credits before enrolling in Junior-level departmental studio courses, including:

      • WRT 101, Composition I
      • WRT 102, Composition II
      • AHV 100, Introduction to Material Culture
      • AHV —, History of Major or other designated art history requirement (e.g. History of Illustration, Photography etc.)
      • Art History Option, Choose one of the following:
        • AHV 203, Global Art History I
        • AHV 204, Global Art History II

      Students who do not meet Junior Status requirements by the end of their sophomore year (or later) are evaluated and may receive a “Junior Status hold” to address outstanding credits; registration approval may then be required. Each department determines which departmental courses students must complete before progressing to junior-level courses within their department.

      Exceptions:

      Academic Advisors or Department Chairs may grant exceptions for students with transfer credits or those in specific majors, considering degree timelines and completed credits. 

      Students placed in ELS 107 are exempt from the same Junior Status Policy requirements, for Liberal Arts.

      Incoming transfer students who 1) are at or near Junior Status by credits and 2) have verified completion of appropriate credits through transcript review for freshman and sophomore-level major studios will be exempt from the Junior Status Policy upon entry, in order to accommodate first-semester scheduling needs, Prerequisite or other restrictions may still apply. Holds may be applied if issues are identified during annual degree progress reviews.

    • Leave of Absence

      A student in good academic standing may take a leave of absence of no more than four semesters and return to the College without reapplying. Undergraduate students who meet this criterion must contact the Academic Advising and Registration Office to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Graduate students who meet this criterion must contact the Dean for Graduate Studies to schedule an appointment.

      After a break of more than four semesters, undergraduate students must reapply through the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Graduate students must reapply through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students are cautioned that they must satisfy the course requirements in effect at the time of their readmission; previous credits may not apply.

    • Nondiscrimination

      Notice of Nondiscrimination

      The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions, educational practices, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs, and strives to provide an educational environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Discrimination, including harassment, because of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical attributes, marital or familial status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law is strictly prohibited.  

      Questions, comments, and reports about harassment or discrimination based on any of these characteristics can be directed to one of the following administrators:

      Related federal and state laws:

    • Obtaining Grades Online

      Grading is based on work performed, growth in ability, attendance and attitude. A continuous record of all students’ classes is kept in the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Final grade reports are available through WebAdvisor, the on-line student registration system, the week after classes end provided there are no restrictions (holds) on the student’s record.

    • Repeated Courses and Federal Student Aid

      When a successfully completed course is repeated, the previous enrollment is deducted from the calculation of successfully completed courses; therefore, this will lower your Course Completion Rate. The earned higher grade is counted in the cumulative GPA. Per the Federal Student Aid handbook, students may repeat a course as many times as necessary to receive a passing grade and receive federal funding for that course. The federal definition of a passing grade is anything above an F.

      Once the student has taken the course and received a grade above failing (anything above an F), the student may repeat the course only one additional time to try to earn a higher grade and receive federal financial aid funds. Any subsequent repeats of that course cannot be covered by federal financial aid funds. CCS does have some required courses that require at least a C grade per College policy. The College policy does not affect federal eligibility, so the student may still only retake this course once after receiving a grade above an F and receive federal funding.

      EXAMPLE:

      A student has taken a course requiring a C grade and received above an F but less than a C. The student takes the course a second time but again earns less than a C. The student must continue to retake the course to pass it per CCS policy but is no longer eligible for federal financial aid for that course. If the student subsequently enrolls for 12 credits, including the course they are having to repeat, only 9 of those credits are eligible for federal financial aid. Institutional aid is not affected and can still be processed at the full-time amount. Students who are enrolled for 15 credits are not affected since they will still have 12 eligible credits and would still be considered full-time.