Academics
Our academic programs support creative practitioners who strive for a world that’s brighter, more inclusive, relentlessly innovative, and ecologically resilient.
Pursue your passions at California College of the Arts, where diverse practices meet and inspiration is at every turn. With access to the Bay Area’s creative communities and thriving industries, you’ll take part in exciting collaborations, deepen your practice, and learn from art and design leaders, including our renowned faculty. You’ll learn to make work that makes a difference.
Attending CCA is your time to discover your voice, listen to other voices, refine your skills, or completely reinvent yourself. Explore our current Course Schedule.
Degree programs
BFA
Animation
BArch
Architecture
BFA
Comics
BFA
Communication Design
BFA
Fashion Design
BFA
Film
BFA
Game Arts & Design
BA
History of Art & Visual Culture
BFA
Illustration
BFA
Industrial Design
BFA
Interaction Design
BFA
Interdisciplinary
BFA
Interior Design
BFA
Jewelry & Metal Arts
BFA
Painting & Drawing
BFA
Photography
BA
Writing & Literature
Craft and technology concentrations
Minors
Challenge yourself to refine, reinvent, or expand your practice. Visit each program’s How to Apply section for essay, portfolio, and resume requirements.
For middle schoolers who love art class
The Young Artist Studio Program (YASP) is a one-week summer intensive where sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students complete various projects in their selected subject area and present their work at a culminating exhibition for family and friends.
For high schoolers finding their voice
Named after the French word for “workshop,” Atelier is a one- or two-week program where high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors concentrate on a specific practice area of art and design, such as drawing, painting, comics, screenprinting, or photography.
For high schoolers dreaming of art and design school
Pre-College is a four-week on-campus program designed for students who have just completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Students experience what it’s like to live and learn at an art and design school, earn three college credits, and create high-caliber work suited for any admissions portfolio.
American Vision Awards nominee Arihant Jain from Mountain View, Condolences.
For young artists ready to showcase their accomplishments
Young artists and writers in grades 7–12 can submit to the Bay Area Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented in partnership with CCA by the Alliance for Youth Artists and Writers — the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Award winners, exhibition opportunities, and scholarship recipients will be announced in January, with local celebrations in the spring.
Key dates
- September: Submission portal opens
- December: Submission deadline
- March: Regional award winners and celebration event date announcement
Extension courses
Community building one class at a time
CCA’s year-round, non-credit classes for adults are a great way to dive into something new or build on skills you already have. With a wide range of courses in design and fine arts, CCA Extension has something for every creative interest. You’ll join a welcoming community of makers, thinkers, and doers—and maybe even find your next creative collaborator. We also offer custom programs for organizations and teams looking to grow together.
Study Abroad
Pursue your passions overseas
Current CCA students can immerse themselves in global design perspectives through our curated summer study-abroad programs. Each year's offerings explore different themes and destinations—from investigating "European Design Capitals" in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Milan to exploring traditional Japanese aesthetics in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kamakura through our "In Search of Emptiness and Wabi Sabi" program.
Summer at CCA
For-credit summer courses
Develop new skills or deepen existing talents with our for-credit summer courses. Open to both CCA students and visitors from other institutions, these concentrated learning experiences make the most of the summer months in one of the world's most creative cities.