New Student Orientation and Class Scheduling

New students, both undergraduate and graduate, attend a mandatory week-long New Student Orientation program, which is held the week before the first day of the term. At that time they will be given access to their finalized schedule of classes. 

The Orientation schedule will be sent the month prior to the start of the term to students who have submitted their tuition deposit.

During Orientation, students prepare for their ArtCenter experience by receiving valuable information on campus life, academic expectations and policies. They will also have opportunities to develop relationships with other students, faculty, department chairs and staff.

Schedules

Class schedules are arranged so that many subjects are taught once a week. Many classes are from 8 a.m.–12:50 p.m. and from 2–6:50 p.m. Some classes are scheduled in the evening and on Saturdays. Humanities and Sciences classes normally meet at 9 a.m. or at 1, 4 or 7 p.m. on weekdays, and occasionally on Saturdays. Independent-study courses are available by special permission starting in a student’s 5th term. 

Your program and length of study

Most students will enroll in a program that takes a minimum of eight 15-week terms (semesters). Students entering the Bachelor of Science degree programs should expect the possibility of eight to nine semesters for completion. There are three scheduled terms in each academic year: Fall, Spring and Summer. Progress toward the degree is dependent on the course load chosen by the student.

Students can attend one, two or three terms per year, depending on the rate at which they wish to complete the program. Students who attend year-round for three terms can finish in a minimum of two years and eight months, with the exception of Entertainment Design students. The Entertainment Design program offers Summer enrollment, but with a limited slate of studio classes which might make it advisable for some students to enroll in Fall and Spring terms only.