Blog

  • Graduate Student Readmission

    Graduate students returning to College for Creative Studies (CCS) after an absence of more than two consecutive academic years or students who seek readmission after suspension, must complete the Application for Readmission. This application along with a $50 nonrefundable readmission fee must be submitted to the Academic Advising and Registration Office at least two months prior to the start of the semester the student wishes to attend. Official transcripts with final grades from other institutions attended during the absence from CCS must be included with the readmission application.

    Readmitted students must meet the program and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Studio courses older than seven years at the time of readmission cannot be used toward the degree, except with prior written approval from the Department Chair and Director of Academic Advising. The Department Chair must review and approve studio courses completed prior to the seven-year limit or taken at another college during the absence from CCS. This approval will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate current curriculum proficiency as evidenced by review of a current portfolio. The cumulative grade point average for all re-admitted students includes all CCS grades, regardless of how much time elapsed between enrollments. Students, who have left for mandatory military service, are not required to apply for readmission to the College for up to three academic years from the time of their withdrawal.

    Readmission for Graduate Students in Good Standing

    Graduate students, who left CCS in good academic standing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, must complete the Application for Readmission and attach the $50 Readmission Fee. Students will be notified via email when their application has been processed.

    Readmission after academic suspension

    Graduate students applying for readmission after academic suspension, must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and address the problems that led to the academic suspension and put forth the case for their success upon returning to CCS. This information must be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the Application for Readmission. The Committee on Academic Performance will review appeals for readmission after academic suspension. If approved, the student’s academic standing would carry the status of “Continued Academic Warning.”

    Readmission after suspension related to conduct

    Graduate students applying for readmission after suspension related to conduct, must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and include any relevant information that will build a case for the student’s success upon returning to CCS. This information must be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the readmission application. The Dean of Students will review appeals for readmission after a conduct suspension.

  • Grading

    Grading is based on performance in coursework, growth in ability, and professionalism. A continuous record of all grades throughout a student’s enrollment is kept in the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Final grade reports are available on the College’s learning management system the week after classes end.  Faculty must enter midterm and final grades into Canvas.

    CCS uses the following grading system:

    Undergraduate Grading Scale

    GradeRatingGPADescription
    AExcellent4.00grade point
    A-3.70grade point
    B+3.30grade point
    BGood3.00grade point
    B-2.70grade point
    C+2.30grade point
    CAverage2.00grade point
    C-1.70grade point
    D+1.30grade point
    DPoor1.00grade point
    D-0.70grade point
    FFailing0.00grade point
    NCNo Credit0.00no grade point value
    PPassing0.00no grade point value
    IIncomplete0.00no grade point value
    IPIn Progress0.00no grade point value
    WWithdrawal0.00second through fourth week of class
    WNWithdrawal0.00after fourth week of class
    WF*Withdrawal0.00stopped attending course without official withdrawal

    Graduate Grading Scale

    GradeRatingGPADescription
    AExcellent4.00grade point
    A-3.70grade point
    B+3.30grade point
    BGood3.00grade point
    B-2.70grade point
    C+2.30grade point
    CBelow Graduate2.00grade point (minimum required standard)
    FFailing0.00grade point
    IPIn Progress0.00no grade point value
    NCNo Credit0.00no grade point value
    WWithdrawal0.00second through fourth week of class
    WNWithdrawal0.00after fourth week of class
    WF*Withdrawal0.00stopped attending course without official withdrawal
  • Dismissal from the College

    The College reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for academic dishonesty or improper behavior. Improper behavior is defined as, but not limited to, actions by an individual that may be detrimental to the student, other students, or the College, or damage to College property. It also includes violations of civil, state, or federal law. See the Code of Student Conduct for further details.

  • Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Students

    ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID

    Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by an analysis of family resources calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive need-based financial assistance from the College, students must:

    • Demonstrate financial need
    • Be accepted for enrollment in a degree program
    • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours (for Direct Loans)
    • Be registered with Selective Service (or be exempt)
    • Have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent
    • Not owe a refund on previous Title IV funds received or be in default on any federal student loan

    For more information, visit www.studentaid.gov

    CCS also awards scholarships based on merit. Students may qualify for these scholarships based on the strength of their admission composite score (portfolio, GPA and test scores) at the time of admittance to the College. No additional application is required for these scholarships.

    Students receiving tuition assistance from their employers will have their tuition scholarship reduced accordingly.

    Duration of Eligibility for Undergraduate Students

    Full-time students may receive financial aid for a maximum of six years (12 semesters) of full-time awards. Half-time students are eligible for a maximum of 12 years (24 semesters) of half-time awards. Some federal and state awards may have a lower maximum number of years for both full-time and part-time enrollment. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

  • Change of Academic Level

    Changing Academic Level from Graduate to Undergraduate

    In order to be eligible for a change of academic level (from Graduate level to Undergraduate level) students must be in good academic standing (2.0 cumulative grade point average and meet satisfactory academic progress). Students, along with their Academic Department Chair, must complete the Change of Academic Level form for processing.

    Students pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree who would like to be considered for the Master of Fine Arts program must go through the admissions process.

  • 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.

  • Guest/Non-Matriculated Students

    Students who wish to enroll in specific courses at the College but who do not apply for admission as degree-seeking students are identified as non-matriculated. Non-matriculated students must meet with the appropriate department chair to obtain permission to enroll. Non-matriculated students may enroll in up to three courses per semester. International guest students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Enrollment for non-matriculated students is on a space-available basis and must take place during the Add/Drop period during the first week of the semester.

    Forms:

    Non-Matriculating Checklist

    Non-Matriculating Student Registration Form

  • First Year Experience

    The First Year Experience is a comprehensive transitional 1 credit hour course that begins the week prior to classes and continues throughout the first semester. It explores topics and issues that are pertinent to the success of students at CCS as well as building social interaction with faculty, staff and upper class students.

    Passing this course is required for all freshmen (excluding transfer students with more than 12 transferable credit hours from an accredited U.S. institution) in order to move on to sophomore level classes.

  • Graduate Admission Requirements for International Applicants

    MFA and MA Application Requirements for Color & Materials Design, Transportation Design and User Experience Design

    Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree Transcript
    Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.

    International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.

    Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

    Statement of Purpose
    Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:

    What is your motivation for studying design?
    What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
    Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
    What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
    This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.

    CV/Resume
    Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.

    Letters of Recommendation
    Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.

    Application Fee
    Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.

    Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197

    IELTS: 6.5

    If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.

    Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.

    Passport: Submit a current scanned copy of your passport.

    All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

    Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

    CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

    MFA and MA Application Requirements for Interdisciplinary Design and Media

    Graduate Program Application Form
    Enter general personal and educational information.

    Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree Transcript
    Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.

    International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.

    Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

    Personal Statement
    Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:

    What is your motivation for studying design?
    What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
    Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
    What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
    This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.

    CV/Resume
    Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.

    Letters of Recommendation
    Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.

    Application Fee
    Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.

    Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197

    IELTS: 6.5

    If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.

    Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.

    Passport: Submit a current scanned copy of your passport.

    All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

    Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

    CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

    MFA and MA Application Requirements for Design for Sustainability

    Graduate Program Application Form
    Enter general personal and educational information.

    Slide Deck
    The Graduate Program in Design for Sustainability welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. While a traditional art and design portfolio is not required, applicants are asked to submit a visual presentation featuring 2 to 3 examples of relevant work, either of their own or by other designers and artists whose work has influenced their perspectives on sustainability and climate change.

    Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree Transcript
    Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.

    International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.

    Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

    Personal Statement
    Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:

    What is your motivation for studying design?
    What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
    Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
    What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
    This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.

    CV/Resume
    Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.

    Letters of Recommendation
    Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.

    Application Fee
    Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.

    Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197

    IELTS: 6.5

    If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.

    Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.

    Passport: Submit a current scanned copy of your passport.

    All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

    Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

    CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

    MPS Application Requirements for User Experience Design

    The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program

    Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree Transcript
    Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.

    International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.

    Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

    Statement of Purpose
    Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:

    What is your motivation for studying design?
    What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
    Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
    What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
    This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.

    CV/Resume
    Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.

    Letters of Recommendation
    Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.

    Application Fee
    Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program, and so is not eligible to issue student immigration documents for study in the US. However, international student are welcome to apply and enroll in this program if they plan to attend from outside the US.

    English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.

    Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197

    IELTS: 6.5

    If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.

    Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.

    All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

    Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

    CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

  • Course Overload

    A class schedule containing more than 18 credit hours in one semester is considered a course overload. Students who wish to register for an overload must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and must be in good academic standing. Permission to take above 18 credit hours in one semester is granted by the academic advisor.