BA Art and Design Studies
Complete your bachelor's degree at CCA. Our BA in Art & Design Studies offers flexible transfer pathways to what's next.
Overview
Finish what you started
Our commitment is simple: getting you to graduation. No matter if you paused your studies for work, family, or military service, or want to continue your education beyond an Associate’s degree, CCA’s BA in Art and Design Studies is designed for you. We maximize your transfer credits, offer flexible scheduling, and provide the support you need.
This degree-completion program welcomes students with significant college credit who want to earn their bachelor’s degree in art and design. As the top school for return on investment (Payscale, 2024), CCA gives you a flexible, transfer-friendly pathway to finish your degree and advance your future—without starting over.
Here to help you graduate
This BA program is for students who already have 30+ college credits and are ready to complete their bachelor’s degree on their terms. Whether you have an Associate’s Degree, took a break from coursework, or are balancing education with work and family, we’ll work with you to maximize your transfer credits and create a pathway that fits your life.
- Made for transfers: We accept up to 90 transfer credits from any accredited institution
- No portfolio required: Your prior coursework speaks for itself.
- Flexible: Part-time options are available as well as per-credit tuition.
- Interdisciplinary foundation: Explore multiple disciplines.
- Graduate with a CCA Degree: Complete your final units with us!
Faculty
Learn from practicing artists and designers
CCA’s faculty are distinguished architects, artists, designers, and writers with careers that span disciplines. Chairs across our programs work closely with students to design experiences that push their practices and advance their careers. You'll gain mentorship and insights into professional practice from these connections in CCA's supportive campus community.
Curriculum
Pathway to graduation
The BA curriculum is a 120-unit degree across our entire liberal and studio arts environment. You’ll maximize your time in CCA’s collaborative, foundational, and interdisciplinary studio environment, choosing electives from a wide range of studios to deepen your skills. All credits fulfill requirements, so you’ll complete your degree on time.
BA Art and Design Studies
Arts & Design Requirements
- Media History
- 3.0 units
- Foundational Studio
- 6.0 units
- Open Studio Electives
- 12.0 units
- Upper Division Studio
- 3.0 units
- Critical Ethnic Studies Studio
- 3.0 units
- Upper Division Interdisciplinary Studio
- 3.0 units
- Capstone Project
- 3.0 units
Collegewide Curriculum
- Writing: Composition
- 6.0 units
- History of Art/Design/Visual Culture
- 6.0 units
- Critical Studies
- 3.0 units
- Ethnic Studies
- 3.0 units
- Literary and Performing Arts Studies
- 3.0 units
- Philosophy and Critical Theory
- 3.0 units
- Social Science/History
- 3.0 units
- Science/Math
- 3.0 units
- Open Humanities and Sciences Electives
- 6.0 units
Open Electives
- 17 courses from any subject
- 51.0 units
Total 120.0 units
Outcomes
A degree that opens doors
Graduates of the BA in Art and Design Studies leave CCA with a broad education that emphasizes professional practice, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. You'll join a robust alumni network of over 25,000 graduates and gain the foundation you need for diverse career pathways.
The bottom line: Your CCA degree pays off. The credibility, skills, and connections will serve you throughout your career, no matter where your path leads.
Preparing you for what's next
Creativity, cultural understanding, and critical thinking are skills that all fields value. From nonprofit work to creative industries to entrepreneurship, here are a few pathways you might pursue:
Graduate education
The BA provides strong preparation for advanced degrees in art history, art education, museum studies, design, or fine arts.
Arts and culture careers
Work in arts administration, curatorial roles, gallery management, or cultural programming.
Careers in education
Pursue K-12 teaching certification.
Tuition & Aid
Affordable, accessible education
The BA program uses a per-credit tuition structure, making it easier to budget for part-time study if needed. Financial aid is available for eligible students. To apply for federal- and state-funded grants and loans, you’ll need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and include CCA's federal school code 001127.
DACA, Dreamer, or undocumented students who are California residents should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA form. The CADAA does not require a Social Security number.
How to Apply
Start the transfer process
Ready to finish your degree? Here’s your path to completion. We evaluate all credits from accredited institutions and work to maximize what counts toward your CCA degree.
Application requirements
- Minimum 30 transferable college credits (we accept up to 90)
- Credits accepted from any accredited institution—community colleges, four-year colleges, other art schools
- No portfolio required
- Must complete at least your final 30 units at CCA
We're here to help
From your first credit evaluation to walking across the graduation stage, we're committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Take charge of your creative future