Category: Uncategorized

  • Photography/Art Education

    Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements


    Catalog Year 26/27

    Standard 4 1/2 Year Pathway (full-time status)

    Total Credits 138-139


    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 & Context3
      DFN-137 2D & 3D Integrated Design3
      DPH-151 Darkroom Photography3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Choose one:
      DFN-116 3D Tech
      DFN-138 4D Design Studio
    3
      DFN-142 Performative Spaces3
      DPH-155 Digital Photographic Methods3
      WRT-101 Composition I (CR) 3
      DAE-200 Educ. Found. History & Philosophy of Education3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-209 Digital Photographic Methods II3
      DPH-211 Lighting I3
      DPH-214 Color & Output3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
      AHV-213 History of Photography (MR)3
      DAE-250 Human Dev. Creative and Visual Learning3

    Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-210 Photographic Concepts3
      DPH-251 Lighting II3
      DPH-254 The Photobook3
      AHV-210 Concept & Methods of Visual Culture (MR)3
    Choose one:
      AHV-203 Global Art History I (CR)
      AHV-204 Global Art History II (CR)
    3

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 16.5 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-311 Advanced Commercial Practices3
      DPH-353 Experimental Forms3
      Photography Major Elective3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3
      DAE-315 Elementary Art Teaching: Meth, Math3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-313 Junior Project3
      DPH-351 Art & Commerce3
      DPH-358 Advanced Digital Media3
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      DAE-405 Secondary Art Teaching: Meth, Math3

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-411 Photography Thesis Project I3
      Photography Major Elective3
      Photography Major Elective3
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      Open Elective3
      DAE-407 Reading & Language Art Methods3

    Eighth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DPH-451 Photography Thesis Project II3
      Photography Major Elective3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Art Education Elective3

    Fifth Year

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

    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.
      General Education33.0Liberal 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 Electives6.0Successfully 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 §57.0Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus.
      Major Courses §45.0Successfully complete listed DPH courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites)
      Major Electives12.0Non-required major courses with subject code DPH are considered major electives; exceptions require approval.
      Open Electives3.0Successfully complete 100-400 level courses from any Undergraduate subject (Studio or Lecture).
      Art Eduction30.0Art Education required courses.
    Art Education (DAE)15.0Successfully complete required credits DAE 200, 250, 315, 405 & 407 – before taking Directed Teaching & Seminar semester.
    Art Education Elective3.0Successfully complete an approved undergraduate studio course to satisfy this requirement (prior to Directed Teaching/Seminar semester)
    Art Education (DAE) Directed Teaching & Seminar12.0Successfully complete DAE 510 & 520 in final semester (all other BFA credit requirements should be satisfied prior).
    Total Program Credits139.0Total credits required 138 – 139
    Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, GPA minimum requirement = 2.0
    Additional minimum GPA requirement for Art Education requirements = 2.7

    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.

  • Record Retention

    The following chart lists the record retention requirements for various areas of the College. The Record Retention Committee is responsible for reviewing this information on an annual basis and updating as needed.

    Reviewed and Updated: April 2025

    Data/DocumentsMinimum Retention Time
    Academic Advising and Registration
    Academic action authorizations (dismissal, etc.)7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Academic records (including demographic info and transcripts)Permanent
    Advanced placement & other placement tests7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Applications for graduation1 year after graduation ro date of last attendance
    Applications for readmission7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Audit authorizations1 year after date submitted
    Changes of course (add/drop)1 year after date submitted
    Change of grade formsPermanent
    Class lists (original grade sheets)Permanent
    Class schedules (students)1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Correspondence, relevant7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Credit by exam reports/scores (CLEP, PEP)7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Credit/no credit approvals (audit, pass/fail etc.)1 year after date submitted
    Curriculum change form7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Degree audit records7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Enrollment verifications1 year after verification
    Fee assessment forms7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    FERPA documentsSee FERPA schedule – permanet record retention
    Grade reports (registrar’s copies)1 year after date submitted
    Graduation authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Graduattion ListsPermanent
    Hold or encumbrance authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Military records7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Name change authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Pass/fail requests1 year after date submitted
    Personal data information forms1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Placement test records/scores7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Registration forms1 year after date submitted
    Teacher certificationsPermanent
    Transcript requests (student)1 year after date submitted
    Transfer credit evaluations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Veterans Administration3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Withdrawal authorizations2 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Admissions Office
    Acceptance letters – International Students3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Admissions decision and scholarship data1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Advanced Placement Records1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Application data for admission1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Entrance exams/test scores (ACT, SAT, TOEFL)1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Letters of Recommendation1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Recruitment materialsMay dispose of materials after enrollment
    Other test scores1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Scholarship letters – International Students3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – high schools7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – international high schools and colleges7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – other colleges7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Argonaut Building/Argo-Business Services
    Closing Document Binders (agreements with financing sources, Articles of Incorporation of all entities, other corporate papers37 years
    Contractor Contracts (all signed contracts during the construction/renovation phases)37 years
    Draw Packages (Contractor Invoices, legal invoices, payments, paper & electronic)37 years
    IRS Tax Returns (returns filed for all entities)37 years
    Reporting Documents (Statements, officer certificates, other reporting documents necessary for compliance with bonds, loan and tax credit requirements, paper & electronic)37 years
    Business Services
    Accounts Payable/Receivables (cash reports, month-end reports, bank reconciliation, consolidated reports)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Accounts Payable/Receivables (year-end reports)Permanent
    Bond (compliance reports, bank statements)Permanent
    Bookstore (price list keep indefinitely for textbooks)Permanent
    Cancelled Checks (relating to expenditures)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Expense Records (travel & expense reports, American Express, Mastercard)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Fixed Assets/Depreciation Schedule (inventory listing of furniture, equipment, computers, etc)Permanent
    Internal Revenue Tax Returns, other returns (returns submitted on our behalf by auditors, sales & usage tax report)Permanent
    Leasing AgreementsPermanent
    Official budget and revisions (approved budget, draft worksheets, electronic documents)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Purchase Orders (purchase req’s submitted by departments, original PO used for materials)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Data/Documents (FERPA)
    Request for formal hearingsPermanent
    Requests & diclosures of personally identifiable infoPermanent
    Student requests for nondisclosures of directory infoUntil terminated by student or parent
    Student statements on content of records regarding hearing panel discussionsPermanent
    Student’s written consent for records disclosureUntil terminated by student or parent
    Waivers for rights of accessUntil terminated by student or parent
    Written decision of hearing panelsPermanent
    Financial Aid Office
    Financial Aid documents3 years after annual audit has been accepted by DOE
    Financial aid assistance records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Social security certifications3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Human Resources
    Background Check7 years after employee termination
    Disciplinary Records7 years after employee termination
    Drug Test Results7 years after employee termination
    Employee and Faculty HandbooksPermanent
    Employee Applications7 years after employee termination
    Employee Benefit Election Forms7 years after employee termination
    Employee Benefit Plan Information6 years after filing or 1 year after plan termination whichever is longer
    Employee Offer Letter7 years after employee termination
    Employee Unemployment Insurance Information7 years after employee termination
    Employee Workers Compensation Information7 years after employee termination
    Employment Records7 years after employee termination
    ERISA Plan Descriptions and Related Documents7 years after filing
    FMLA Related Documents7 years after employee termination
    Form 55006 years after date of filing
    HR PoliciesWhile current + 3 years
    I-9 Documents1 year after termination or 3 years after date of hire (which ever is later
    Interview Evaluation and Assessment Results7 years after employee termination
    Job Applications (Hires)7 years after employee termination
    Job Applications (Non Hires)1 year from date application is received – 3 years if interviewed
    Job DescriptionsPermanent
    Performance Evaluations7 years after employee termination
    Personnel Files7 years after employee termination
    Summary Plan Descriptions, Annual Reports, Summary Annual Reports6 years after date of filing
    Institutional Advancement
    Advancement Events / Receptions etc. InformationWhen administrative value ends, records may be destroyed
    Alumni RecordsPermanent
    Annual Reports (endowment, scholarship, etc)7 years
    Biographical records (prospects & donors)Permanent
    Cash and non-cash gift records7 years
    Donor documentation7 years after expenditure of the gift or donation
    Gift / Pledge Records7 years hard copies, electronic permanently
    Gift acknowledgement letters7 years
    Gift Ageements (scholarship, sponsored project, etc.)Permanent
    Gift batch records7 years
    Revenue Records Contributions, Grant and Non Gift Records – all documents supporting the transaction such as donor correspondence except for credit card information7 years hard copies, electronic permanently
    Office of Civil Rights
    Hate, bias, and discrimination complaintsPermanent
    Title IX Case recordsPermanent
    Office of Global Engagement
    Academic records of enrollemnt3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Addresses of student for duration of program3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Admissions acceptance letter3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Appication to the college and supporting adm requirements3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Concurrent Enrollment documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Copy of 1-943 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Copy of employment authorization card3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Curricular Practical Training authorizations3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    F1, F2, J1 & J2 Visa copies3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Financial and support documents for initial I203 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    I-20s issued3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    ISSO forms3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Passport Information3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Program extension approval documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Reduced Course load authorization documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    STEM OPT I983 Trainging plan3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Termination reasons3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Transcripts3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Office of Partnerships
    Agreements (Sponsored Projects, Design Sprints, Competitions)7 years
    External Partner Contact Information (NEON)Ongoing
    For Credit Internship Paperwork3 years
    Events Records (attendance, post event surveys)3 years
    Portoflio Site (hire.ccsdetroit.edu includes student portfolio1 year after graduation/alumni continued inclusion if requested
    Precollege and Continuing Studies
    Articulation Agreements/MOUs7 years
    Camp DocsWhen administrative value ends, records may be destroyed
    Non-Colleague Outreach Agreements and Program Details3 years
    Precollege and Continuing Studies Catalog5 years
    Publications, Statistical Data/Documents and Institutional Reports
    CatalogsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Commencement ProgramsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Degree StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Enrollment StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Grade StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Schedule of ClassesPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Student Affairs
    ADA records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Disciplinary action recordsPermanent
    Emotional Support Animal recordsPrior academic year retained
    Housing Application dataPrior academic year retained
    Housing charge recordsPrior academic year retained
    Housing withdrawal recordsPrior academic year retained
    Meal plan contractsPrior academic year retained
    Medical records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
  • SAC-105 SURVEY & METHODS I

    The Survey and Methods course sequence provides an,introduction to six of the major studios in Art,Practice and Crafts/Material Studies. In this,dynamic course, students rotate in three 5-week,sessions through the areas of Metals, Print, and,Fibers/Textiles. Each five-week session provides,students with an understanding of materials,,processes, and protocols that are specific to the,context of each studio. Hands-on projects will,cultivate basic visual and technical skills as,students examine how material exploration can,drive innovation and shape individual processes of,making. Students will be guided to explore,critique methodologies while building vocabulary,to articulate their own creative intent and,analyze the work of others. Survey and Methods is,a two-part course taken during the Freshman year. ,Survey and Methods I takes place the fall,semester, followed by Survey and Methods ll during,winter semester. The courses can be taken in,either sequence.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • SAC-106 SURVEY AND METHODS II

    The Survey and Methods course sequence provides an,introduction to six of the major studios in Art,Practice and Crafts/Material Studies. In this,dynamic course, students rotate in three 5-week,sessions through the areas of Ceramics, Glass,,and Sculpture, Each five-week session provides,students with an understanding of materials,,processes, and protocols that are specific to the,context of each studio. Hands-on projects will,cultivate basic visual and technical skills as,students examine how material exploration can,drive innovation and shape individual processes of,making. Students will be guided to explore,critique methodologies while building vocabulary,to articulate their own creative intent and,analyze the work of others. Survey and Methods is,a two-part course taken during the Freshman year. ,Survey and Methods I takes place the fall,semester, followed by Survey and Methods ll during,winter semester. The courses can be taken in,either sequence.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • SAC-205 SOPHOMORE SEMINAR

    Sophomore Seminar explores the foundational,concerns of contemporary studio practice, helping,students develop the discipline, strategies and,perspectives needed to develop an expansive,approach to making. Students examine creative,strategies that support exploration and growth,,and look at the way artists define research within,their practices and how that research fuels ideas,,informs processes, and expands artistic inquiry.,Throughout the semester, students engage with a,range of topics that are essential to contemporary,art and craft. These include the role of the,artist in society, the relationship between artist,and audience, the function of critique and,judgement, and questions surrounding authenticity,and ownership. Discussions draw from diverse,cultural, political, and socio-economic,perspectives that influence contemporary art and,craft. Through research, presentations, field,trips to artist studios, galleries and guest,speakers, students critically examine these themes,in relation to their own evolving,practices and identities as artists and artisans.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SAC-105, SAC-106

  • SAC-285 SPECIAL PROJECT 100/200

    The Special Project class is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific to,the area(s) being explored.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • SAC-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

  • SAC-380 JUNIOR STUDIO I

    Junior Studio begins with students reflecting on,the ideas, themes and methods that are significant,to their current voice as emerging artists.,Students are assigned an individual work area,within a collaborative working space. Class,dialogue, presentations and critiques investigate,ways that ideas and concepts are conveyed through,visual means. Topical studio assignments and,focused critical feedback deepen the students’,understanding of their individual creative process,within a professional context.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DSC 231 (formerly DFA 231) or DCR 103; DFA 245 or DCR 240;,AHV (or DAH)-200; AHV (or DAH)-218 or AHV (or DAH)-251; One,of the following: DFA 251,,DCR 252, DCR 272 or DCR 352

  • SAC-381 JUNIOR STUDIO II

    This course is a continuation of DFA 380, Junior,Studio Il. Students continue to explore the,creative process with the goal of identifying,their own individual content and approach to art,making. Students form an archive of their,research, inspiration and influences in addition,to engaging in relevant studio assignments,,writing exercises and group presentations.,Exposure to contemporary art and artists, along,with individual critical feedback will broaden,students’ understanding of their own process,within a professional context.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SAC-380 (formerly DFA-380) or DCR-350

  • SAC-400 SENIOR SEMINAR

    This critique/research-based seminar provides a,structured and critical forum for students to,explore broader aesthetic, cultural and,theoretical topics relevant to their studio work.,Senior Seminar, together with the Senior Studio,,serve as the capstone courses for seniors.,Individual proposed research, written topical,assignments, and a personal artist statement will,provide the framework for a formal Thesis,presentation. Students culminate Senior Seminar,with the development of a well designed Thesis,research book that integrates both Seminar work,and work samples from Senior Studio. Must be,Senior status.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: AHV (or DAH)-200; AHV (or DAH)-218 OR AHV (or DAH) 251,,SAC-381 (formerly DFA 381 or DCR 351)