Pre-College Courses

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Students choose one area of study for each session they attend. College credits are awarded based on final course grade, and students can earn three credits per session, which a maximum of six credits. 

Click on a course title to view a full description, example projects and an instructor bio.

Apply today; space is limited

Students are encouraged to apply by the February 15 priority deadline as space in each class is limited. After the priority deadline, applications will continue to be accepted until April 1 as space permits. Applicants who apply after February 15 will be notified of acceptance and class placement within two weeks of submitting their application. Students will be placed in a course based on their specified preferences, space availability, and strength of their portfolio.

Complete applications will be reviewed, and accepted students will be placed into a course based on the strength of their portfolio and previous studio experience, with consideration from their personal statements and letters of recommendation. In some cases, a student may also be placed into the core courses 2D Design: Color + Form or Foundation in Observational Drawing, if their portfolio suggests more focus is needed in a traditional studio environment to be successful.

College Credit

Participating students earn three college credits for satisfactorily completing their chosen two-week Pre-College Program. A maximum of 6 college credits can be earned.

Performance level will be assigned by the program instructors and indicated by a letter grade ranging from A to F. This grade will be based on student participation and attendance, and will appear on the student’s transcript from CIA.

CIA is a NASAD accredited school, and the courses in the Summer Pre-College program have been approved by faculty as credit-bearing courses. At CIA these credits would replace an elective course. The application of credit from coursework taken at CIA is based on how the incoming college assesses those credits. CIA can provide supplemental materials to support the credit-bearing nature of these courses upon request. Cleveland Institute of Art accepts up to six Pre-College credits maximum as electives, applied to a student's sophomore or junior years in the undergraduate program. Students should check with their intended school on their credit transfer policies.