Fast-forward your creative career
Start classes in January, and participate in a condensed 9-week term from May to July to ensure you are prepared to begin your sophomore year in August. And you'll graduate in 3½ years!
Financial Aid and housing is available, even during the summer, so you can live on campus with your classmates.
Questions about the application process?
Contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@cia.edu or 216.421.7418
2026 Spring>Summer Program Dates
Spring semester |
|
| Application deadline | November 15, 2025 |
| Spring semester starts | January 12, 2026 |
| Spring semester ends | May 9, 2026 |
Summer Session |
|
| Summer Session 1 starts | May 26, 2026 |
| Summer Session 2 starts | June 16, 2026 |
| Summer Session 3 starts | July 9, 2026 |
| Summer Session, last day | July 29, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
In January, you’ll take classes during a traditional 16-week semester. The specific classes will depend on whether you’re transferring classes from another college or AP courses.
In May through July, you’ll participate in a condensed 9-week summer program, to complete classes to prepare you for your sophomore year.
The required summer session is divided into three-week studio sessions and a nine-week liberal arts session.
In late August, you’ll begin your sophomore year, focused in your major.
Spring Semester |
Traditional 16-week semester |
| Studio: 3D Design | |
| Studio: Digital I | |
| Studio: Life Drawing | |
| Studio: Major Elective course | |
| Liberal Arts: Writing I |
Summer Session |
Condensed 9-week session |
| Studio: 2D Design | 3 weeks |
| Studio: Digital II | 3 weeks |
| Studio: Observational Drawing | 3 weeks |
| Liberal Arts:: Writing II | 9 weeks |
| Liberal Arts: Critical Issues in Visual Culture | 9 weeks |
Course descriptions and dates are available on myCIA.
Financing your Spring>Summer program is very similar to if you had started in the Fall.
You’d start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and listing Cleveland Institute of Art as your school. Our Financial Aid counselors will use that data to prepare a financial aid offer that may include a merit award and need-based aid.
If you still have a balance due after accepting your financial aid offer, there are several options for paying your balance, including an interest-free payment plan.
When you participate in the Spring>Summer program, you can sign-up for an extended payment plan that stretches your balance across both semesters.
Interested? Contact Student Accounts by email or at 216.421.7318.