Special Programs

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Cross-Enrollment Programs

ArtCenter has an approved Cross-Enrollment Program with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Occidental College. Full-time ArtCenter students may enroll in non-studio courses at one of these two campuses for no additional tuition charge. ArtCenter students must be enrolled in a full- time course load, 12 units or more, to be eligible for cross-enrollment at Caltech or Occidental College.

Courses taken at Caltech or Occidental must be approved and apply directly to the student’s ArtCenter degree requirements. For more information about this program, contact Enrollment Services.

Special Status Programs

ArtCenter occasionally admits a limited number of students to its Special Status Program, intended for individuals with significant educational or professional experience who wish to take classes on a nondegree basis. Special Status students may enroll in ArtCenter courses for up to three terms and are charged the current full-time tuition rate.

They must meet the same admissions requirements as degree‑seeking applicants, submit an advanced‑level portfolio in one major, complete the undergraduate or graduate admissions process as applicable, and indicate "Special Student Status" on the application form. Admission is granted at the discretion of the Admissions Office.

Special Status students are not pursuing an ArtCenter degree, and courses completed in this program cannot be applied toward an ArtCenter degree at any time. These students are generally not eligible for financial aid, scholarships, institutionally sponsored internships, or many benefits and services available to degree‑seeking students. Although certain academic policies do not apply, Special Status students must follow all College deadlines, financial and enrollment obligations, and student conduct policies. Students admitted under Special Status normally may not transfer into a degree program once enrolled.

The Special Status Program is available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and is open to students with or without a prior college degree. International students admitted to this program must maintain full‑time or College‑approved ACL enrollment each term in order to maintain nonimmigrant status and are advised to consult with the International Student Advisor in the Center for the Student Experience.

ArtCenter Honors Term

ArtCenter Honors Term is a program in which an undergraduate student may enroll for an additional term after graduation at no tuition cost to pursue an area of study of special interest. To apply, the student must complete and sign an ArtCenter Honors Term application and submit two Faculty Recommendation forms, a Department Chair Recommendation form and a portfolio. The portfolio can consist of graduating portfolio pieces and any work the student feels will represent his or her interests and abilities in the area of study chosen for the ArtCenter Honors Term.

If accepted into the ArtCenter Honors Term program, the student must make a $1,000 deposit prior to graduating from ArtCenter. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the ArtCenter Honors Term if the student satisfactorily completes the term. If the student withdraws, is suspended or is expelled, the deposit will be forfeited. All grades received in an ArtCenter Honors Term are calculated separately from the student’s undergraduate GPA.

Financial aid beyond tuition remission is not available for the ArtCenter Honors Term program.

International students should consult with the International Student Advisor in the Center for the Student Experience regarding eligibility for an ArtCenter Honors Term.

Graduate Fellows Program

The Graduate Fellows Program allows exceptional graduate students who have graduated an opportunity to pursue additional research within an approved area of study for one term at no tuition cost. This program allows a select number of students to explore areas not covered in their graduate course of study.

Graduate Fellows terms are not granted to those who wish to use the College’s facilities to generally improve their portfolios. Graduate Fellows terms are granted to students pursuing specific research activities that are considered to be of merit.

To apply, students must complete and sign a Graduate Fellows application and submit two Faculty Recommendation forms, a Department Chair Recommendation form and a portfolio. The portfolio can consist of graduating portfolio pieces and any work the student feels will represent his or her interests and abilities in the area of study chosen for the Graduate Fellows Program.

If accepted into the Graduate Fellows Program, the student must make a $1,000 deposit prior to graduating from ArtCenter. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the Graduate Fellows term if the student satisfactorily completes the term. If the student withdraws, is suspended or is expelled, the deposit will be forfeited. All grades received for Graduate Fellows are calculated separately from the student’s graduate GPA.

Financial aid beyond tuition remission is not available for the Graduate Fellows Program.

International students should consult with the International Student Advisor in the Center for the Student Experience regarding eligibility for the Graduate Fellows Program.