Transfer Credit Resources

CCS makes every effort to ensure you get credit for your past college-level work. The College will consider transfer credit from the following:

College Credit Earned in High School

Advanced Placement Exams

Learn More

International Baccalaureate Exams

Learn More

A-Levels, Cambridge & AICE

Learn More

Dual Enrollment Courses Completed at CCS

Learn More

Dual Enrollment Courses Completed Outside of CCS

Learn More

Early Middle College Credit

Learn More

Additional Forms of Credit Accepted

Military Credit

Learn More

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Examinations

Learn More

College Transfer Credit

Michigan Transfer Agreement &
MI Transfer Pathways

Learn More

Articulation Agreements & Transfer Guides

Learn More

Talk to Our Transfer Team

Learn More

Transfer Credit Policy & FAQ

Learn More

Assessment of Your Potential College Credits for Transfer

Every student’s experience is unique. At CCS, every program in art and design is designed to be unique as well. To help you understand what is transferable or make recommendations on a transfer pathway, we need to start with what you have accomplished already and get an idea of what you plan to pursue here. Here is how this process works…

Transfer Credit Evaluation

The Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) usually begins when we have completed your application for admission- if you’re not at this stage yet though- we have some other ways to help.

Upon receipt of transcripts* (even unofficial copies will work for initial evaluation and admission), your Admissions counselor will review all credits earned or noted as ‘in progress’ to determine how they may apply to your intended program at CCS.

You will be sent a potential Transfer Credit Evaluation and curriculum chart via email (so be sure to have a good one on file for us). These documents outline which courses have been accepted for transfer credit and how they apply toward your CCS degree.

It is your responsibility to review each page of your TCE and to submit any outstanding or additional documentation requested. Ignoring these requests may result in delayed registration or even loss of credits.  Take time and review your TCE document carefully and let your counselor know if you have any questions.

Transfer of General Education Requirements

BFA degrees at CCS require:

  • 39-42 credits in General Education.
  • 4-5 courses (12-15 credit hours) in Art History and Visual Culture studies including both a Western and Non-Western Art History core requirement.
  • Courses in English, Science, Math, Humanities, Social Science, Psychology, etc. are considered DLE or General Education Electives at CCS. DAH / Art History and DVC / Visual Culture may also be placed toward ‘DLE Elective’ requirements if these elective requirements have been filled.

Applicants who have previously earned a [4 year] Bachelor’s Degree will be exempt from all general education credits with the exception of core courses that are specific to an art and design education such as Art History, Visual Culture Studies, and Business Practices- a business course specific to the needs.

If you have not yet earned a 4-year degree, any previously earned General Education coursework will be assessed on an individual basis, with every effort made to apply it to your new degree when applicable.

Transfer of Studio Requirements

Transfer credit for any art or design (studio) course is awarded based on your ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of the skills you would have gained had you completed the equivalent course at CCS. What you share will help us understand what you learned in a given course, so we can make an accurate course-to-course match. Some Things You Can do now to Prepare for your Studio Credit Evaluation:

  • Document everything you can- even if it is just a photo snapped from your phone’s camera.
  • If photographing images, consider taking a couple of images with various backgrounds and lighting- and if it is helpful, including objects to show scale (such as a ruler or coin)
  • Keep or download important class handouts like syllabi and project briefs that can help refresh your memory on assignments in case you are asked to provide details on anything
  • When organizing your work, be sure to include:
    • Projects that are tutorial in nature as well as developed concepts, pieces, and compositions
    • Details on any software used in the creation of digitally produced or enhanced images or video
    • Notes on any appropriated (borrowed) or sampled imagery
    • Details on your role if submitting collaborative projects
    • Specific instructions for how to submit additional work examples, if required, will be provided by your counselor with your transfer credit evaluation.