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.
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
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.
Bachelor of Design
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.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
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.
Master of Arts
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.
Master of Fine Arts
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.
Master of Professional Studies
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.
Academic Designations
Undergraduate Major
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.
- Credit Requirements: Typically, a BFA or BA major at CCS requires 60 credits within the major coursework, contributing to the total 120-126 credit hours needed for degree completion.
- Curriculum: The major includes core courses, elective options, and often an emphasis or specialization, culminating in a final project or portfolio review.
- Professional Focus: A BFA major is designed to provide students with the artistic and technical competencies needed for careers in creative industries.
While minors and emphases allow for additional specialization, an undergraduate major forms the central focus of a student’s degree program at CCS.
Emphasis
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)
Undergraduate 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 Minors
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.
Specializations/Pre-Professional Pathways
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.
Non-degree Programs
Badges
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.
Seminars
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.
Workshops
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.
Certificates
Non-Credit Certificate
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.
Undergraduate Certificate
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.
Graduate Certificate
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.
Post-Baccalaureate
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.
Post-Baccalaureate Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program
The Post-Baccalaureate Visual Arts Teacher Certification Program is a 27-credit program designed for:
- graduates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in art or design and are seeking Michigan K–12 Visual Arts teacher certification; and
- CCS graduates who completed the Art Education Pathway during their BFA studies must complete the remaining certification requirements.
Visual Arts Teacher Certification Pre-Professional Pathway (BFA Students)
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.