What We Offer
Advertising Design
Copywriting
Art Practice Communication Design Craft & Material Studies
What’s your interest? We’ll help you find the right path.
Ceramics Fiber & Textiles Furniture Glass Metalsmithing & Jewelry
Entertainment Arts
Animation Concept Design Digital Film Game Design
Art Education
Foundation Undeclared Liberal Arts Creative Entrepreneurship
Precollege Programs Dual Enrollment Summer Experience Precollege Courses
Interested in Painting Printmaking Sculpture Installation Time-Based Media
See
See
Advertising Design
Art Practice
Interested in Art Furniture Ceramics Fiber & Textile Design Glassblowing Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design
Interested in Animation Movies Video Games Storyboarding 3D Modeling
Interested in Apparel Design Accessories Design Fashion Footwear Design Colors & Materials Fashion Trends Fashion Business
See
See
Entertainment Arts
Fashion Design
Interested in Digital Photography Traditional Photography Studio Lighting Photo Editing Photojournalism Videography
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Interested in Colors & Materials Environment Design Furniture & Lighting Design Ergonomics of Space Forecasting Interior Decorating Architecture See
See
Illustration
Interior Design
Photography
Interested in Sneaker Design Toy Design Sports Gear Design Furniture Design UX/UI Design Design for Change
Interested in Cars, Boats & Planes Mass Transit Design Vehicle Interior Design Mobility Autonomous Vehicles
Interested in Teaching Art Theory Classroom Setting Art Making Museum Education
Graduate Programs Art Education Color & Materials Design Interaction Design Motion Design Systems Design Thinking Transportation Design
Craft & Material Studies
Interested in Drawing/Sketching Editorial Illustration Graphic Novels Storyboarding Comics Character Design
See
Product Design
Interested in Graphic Design Web/App Design User Experience Motion Design Typography See
See
Fashion Design Illustration Interior Design Photography Product Design Transportation Design Teacher Certification Program
Interested in The “Big Idea” Art Direction Advertising Marketing Idea Generation Social Media
Communication Design
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Transportation Design
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Art Education
15 water bottles are recycled for every one pair of glasses designed by CCS alumnus Evan Sparrow at Genusee Eyewear
The proof is in the numbers When someone tells you they’re making it happen – doing good work, finishing first or fastest or best – don’t just take their word for it. Do some digging. Look at the stats
463
21
international outdoor companies employ CCS alumni in creative positions
Art auction houses, including Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips, all experienced a record year in sales in 2018. Sotheby’s auctioned a KAWS piece that was valued at $1.5 million for $2.66 million
companies came to CCS to recruit in the last three years, and 148 were international companies
Our alumni are employed by companies, galleries, museums and studios where you want to work and they know the quality of a CCS education
The arts contributed $804.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016, more than agriculture or transportation
More than one million artists and designers work in the U.S.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, arts.gov
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov
$22,000
The average scholarship/grant package (money that is not repaid) for incoming students in 2020/2021
18
alumni work at Apple
Artists do better in the professional world — 88% are satisfied with their current work and the number of artists in the workforce has increased by 6% over the last decade Source: snaap.indiana.edu and nea.gov
CCS enrolls more than 1,400 students from 31 states and 28 countries
$27M
The amount CCS commits in institutionally funded scholarships and grants for students
Three alumni are working in high-profile jobs for Lego Megan Shellenbarger ‘09, Communication Design Leah Weston Kaae ‘88, Art Practice (Fine Arts) Matt Betteker ‘09, Product Design
Two alumni are responsible for uniforms and shoes worn during the 2016 Olympics Astin Davis ‘13, Advertising Design Guercy Eugene ‘13, Product Design
90+
sponsored research projects (students working directly with industry artists and designers) took place between 2017 — 2020
Advertising Design
Fact
Alumni have had ads featured during the Super Bowl, Oscars and Olympics
Career Choices Account Executive App Designer Art Director Brand Manager Brand Strategist Copywriter Creative Director Design Director Design Strategist Digital Ad Strategist Digital Content Manager Digital Designer Graphic Designer Interaction Designer Interactive Art Director Mobile Media Designer Motion Graphics Designer Producer Social Content Manager Social Copywriter Social Media Graphic Designer Social Media Manager TV & Radio Producer Visual Designer Web Designer
Students have created actual advertising campaigns for Goldfish, Capri Sun and Walmart
Detroit is the fourth largest advertising market in the U.S., with agencies hiring hundreds of our alumni
Real-world Students are taking classes in agencies, taught by industry professionals
Art Practice
Alumna LaKela Brown exhibited artwork at Art Basel Miami Beach — North America’s premier art show
Graduates’ work has been exhibited at the Guggenheim, MoMA and worldwide
Career Choices Art Administrator Art Appraiser Art Buyer Art Conservationist Art Consultant Art Critic Art Educator Art Fabricator Art Handler/Installer Artist in Residence Art Therapist Color and Materials Designer Community Artist Curator Exhibition Designer Exhibit Manager Film Industry Fabricator Freelance Entrepreneur Gallery Owner or Director Independent Artist Independent Business Entrepreneur Model Designer/Maker Museum Educator Performance Artist Printmaker Prop Designer Public Artist Sculptor Set Designer Sound Artist Studio Artist Videographer
24-hour access to semi-private studios for juniors and seniors, allowing for the self-directed development of a signature body of work
State-of-the-art foundry — includes iron, bronze and aluminum pours
Two alumni have been included in the prestigious Whitney Biennial — Michael E. Smith and Kevin Beasley
STEM-designated program
Communication Design
Career Choices Advertising Designer App Designer Branding/Identity Designer Brand Manager Creative Director Design Director Design Strategist Digital Content Manager Digital Designer Editorial Designer Environment Designer Exhibit Designer
Alumni work in top graphic, motion and interaction design studios all over the world
Alumna Kelli Miller designed the opening graphics for John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” show on HBO
Graphic Designer Interaction Designer Interactive Art Director Mobile Media Designer Motion Graphic Designer Multimedia Graphic Designer Social Media Digital Designer Social Media Director User Experience Designer User Interface Designer Visual Designer Web Designer Web/Mobile Media Designer
Students have access to VR, touch screens, projection mapping, Makey Makey, Arduino and more in a specialized interaction lab
Look around Named one of the top graphic design schools by Graphic Design USA
Alumni are responsible for designing the brands you see and use every day
Ceramics | Fiber & Textiles | Furniture | Glass | Metalsmithing & Jewelry
Craft & Material Studies
Career Choices Apparel Designer Art Educator Blacksmith Ceramic Artist Clay Modeler Color & Trim Designer Colorist Costume Designer Fashion Accessories Designer Furniture Designer Gallery Owner Glass Artist
12
students created wallpaper designs for Guild & Grace that moved into retail production
Yoda
Independent Artist Jewelry Designer Material Designer Metalsmith Mold Maker Ornamental Architecture Fabricator Print & Pattern Designer Prop Designer Sculptor Set Designer Surface Designer Textile Designer Tile Designer
Legendary Jedi Master who first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), fabricated by CCS alumna
Alumni land jobs doing what they love and where you wouldn’t expect
Impressive array of industry-grade equipment and shops for students to create anything they imagine
Alumnus Jeremey Levitt designs custom furniture and lighting in awardwinning interiors across the country
STEM-designated program
Animation | Concept Design | Digital Film | Game Design
Entertainment Arts
Two Batmobiles
There are only six Batmobiles in the history of film — which means CCS alumni have designed one third of them
Hi-tech Full virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) labs
Career Choices 3D Artist 3D Character Artist 3D Modeler 3D Production Artist 3D Visualization Artist Animator Armature Builder CG Artist Character Animator Cinematics Director Cinematographer Colorist Compositor Concept Artist Creative Visualization Designer
Digital Designer Digital Media Creator Digital Product Designer Director Editor Entertainment Designer Environment Artist Flash Artist FX Artist Game Artist/Designer/ Developer Hair & Cloth Artist Interactive Imaging Layout Artist Level Designer Lighter Look Development Artist
Maquette Builder Matchmover Matte Painter Mocap Artist Motion Graphics Artist Multimedia Specialist Rigger Stop-Motion Animator Storyboard Artist Texture Painter VFX Artist VFX Supervisor Video Game Specialist Videographer Video Producer Weapon Artist Web Artist
15+
films in the comic universe that CCS alumni have had key roles to help bring iconic characters to life
The only concept design program in the world led by Hollywood Concept Artist Tim Flattery
18+
movies animated by alumnus Dave Hardin at Disney
Fashion Design
The only program with an Advisory Council of fashion icons, including: Amazon Private Label, Lauren Pierce Atelier, Linda Dresner, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA), Eileen Fisher, The Forbes Company, B.May Bags, Tracy Reese, The Row/ Dualstar Entertainment Group, and John Varvatos
Annual Fashion Symposium hosts international designers to recruit students
Largest and most equipped Fashion Design department in the U.S., including high-end machines and a warehouse full of leather, canvas and metal hardware, zippers, etc.
Career Choices Accessories Designer Apparel Designer Buyer Entrepreneur Fashion Designer Fashion Retail Professional Footwear Designer
Handbag Designer Leather Goods Designer Merchandiser Pattern Maker Production Developer Production Manager Stylist Trend Researcher
Student Kayla Donaldson won Best of Show at Graduate Fashion Week in London, England
Students travel internationally to fashion hot spots to learn from industry experts – Paris, London, New York, Milan
Illustration
Department Chair Don Kilpatrick designed the medals for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics
Alumnus Tommy Scott received an Emmy for the “Pickle Rick” episode of the Rick and Morty show on Cartoon Network
Career Choices Advertising Illustrator Art Educator Character Artist Children’s Book Illustrator Comic Book Artist Concept Artist Conceptual Illustrator for Video Games/Film Creative Director Digital Illustrator Digital Matte Illustrator Digital Painter Digital Photo Illustrator Digitec Compositor Editorial Illustrator Entertainment Designer Environment Artist Fashion Illustrator Freelance Illustrator Gallery Artist Graphic Novel Illustrator Illustrator Merchandising Illustrator Motion Illustrator/Designer Multimedia Designer Storyboard Artist Textile Pattern Illustrator Visual Artist Visual Development Illustrator Web Designer
Alumnus Ryan Savas brings stories to life for Netflix Animation
One Alumnus Gary Brook illustrated all of the packaging for Star Wars toys and collectibles
of only five visual artists to receive the prestigious Hodder Fellowship at Princeton University — Alumnus Mario Moore
Interior Design
Alumni work internationally in color and trim, commercial and residential design, exhibit design, and retail and hospitality design
AR Students use augmented reality to design and walk through spaces
Alumna Michelle Killen designs top-of-the-line interiors for Cadillac
Three CCS alumni take top honors at some of the most prestigious awards in architecture for their commercial and hospitality designs
Named as one of the “Best Interior Design Bachelor’s Degrees” by College Choice
Career Choices Color & Materials Designer Color & Materials Specialist Color & Trim Designer Commercial Interior Designer Corporate Interior Designer Display Designer Exhibit Designer Facilities Design Manager Furniture Designer Hospitality Interior Designer Interior Designer Lighting Designer Residential Designer Retail Interior Designer Space Planner Virtual Reality Designer
Photography
Automotive – Alumnus Michael Simari shoots Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and others for Car and Driver
Named One of the Best Colleges for film and photography by Niche
Sports – Alumnus Patrick Daly shoots for Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Warrior Hockey and Foot Locker
Career Choices Architectural Photographer Art/Photography Educator Commercial Photographer Content Creation Specialist Digital Retoucher Documentary Photographer Fashion Photographer Fine Art Photographer Forensic Photographer Freelance Photographer Image Buyer Image Collection Manager Image Stylist Ophthalmic Photographer Photojournalist Portrait Photographer Producer Sports Photographer Studio Photographer Videographer Visual Media Specialist
Fashion – Alumna Jenny Risher’s photos have been published in The New York Times, Vanity Fair and Redbook
Free of cost Students can check out the most up-to-date lighting kits, cameras and studios on campus
STEM-designated program
Product Design
Faculty have designed for Nike, Whirlpool, Samsung, Ford, Reebok, Black & Decker and New Balance
Students’ designs come to life via 3D printers and laser cutters
70+
alumni are employed in the global footwear industry
Career Choices 3D Modeler Accessories Designer Appliance Designer Athletic Equipment Designer Athletic Shoe Designer Bicycle Designer Brand Manager Color and Materials Designer Consumer Electronics Designer Consumer Wearables Designer
Creative Designer Design Engineer Exhibit Designer Footwear Designer Furniture Designer Independent Design Consultant Industrial Designer Influencer Market Researcher Medical Equipment Designer Motorcycle Designer Product Designer
Recreational Vehicle Designer Recreation Equipment Designer Researcher Shoe Designer Sneaker Designer Toy Designer Trend Forecaster UX/UI Designer Virtual Reality Designer Watercraft Designer
Graduates design products for leading outdoor lifestyle brands
Xenith’s entire design team is made up of CCS alumni
STEM-designated program
Transportation Design
Career Choices Airplane Designer Alias Modeler Automotive Color & Trim Designer Automotive Exterior Designer Automotive Interior Designer Autonomous Vehicle Designer Clay Modeler/Sculptor Concept Hardware Artist Creative Designer Design Engineer Digital Modeler/Sculptor
60%
of the Stellantis (formerly FCA) design team are CCS alumni
10
students entered the 30th Michelin Challenge Design Competition — and won
Industrial Designer Market Researcher Mass Transit Designer Mobility Systems Designer Motorcycle Designer Recreational Vehicle Designer Surface Designer Transportation Systems Designer UX/UI Designer Vehicle Exterior Designer Vehicle Interior Designer Virtual Reality Designer Watercraft Designer
25 years Graduates secure employment at leading companies across the globe
Faculty bring more than 25 years of global industry experience from Tokyo, Milan, Los Angeles and Detroit
Teacher Certification Program Art Education
Hands-on experience at our on-site art- and design-based charter school, University Prep: Art & Design, and schools in the Metro Detroit area
Streamlined certification Prepare for the State of Michigan Visual Arts LQ Certification while completing your BFA
A unique, studio-based Visual Arts Teacher Certification program that combines an internationally recognized BFA degree with teacher preparation courses
Career Choices K-12 Art Teacher Community Arts Gallery Director Community Arts Program Director Educator in Medical Facilities Museum Educator
Two times Alumna Nina Weis won the prestigious Outstanding Arts Educator of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018
Career Development & Experiential Learning At CCS, it’s important that we provide our students with a holistic, well-rounded experience. Through our experiential learning initiatives our students receive, real-world, handson career opportunities before they graduate.
Sponsored Research Projects
84%
of CCS Alumni are working in a field related to their major
Students take many paths after graduation: Positions within organizations and corporations Top graduate program Artist residencies Fellowships Entrepreneurship — launch a business
These opportunities come in many forms:
Major corporations from across the country request the chance to work with CCS students on what we call sponsored research projects. These projects are designed to solve a particular real-world problem the corporation might be challenged with. These industry experts look to CCS students for their creativity and knowledge on how to solve these problems and work directly with the students in a studio setting.
Real-World Experiences Study abroad experiences and faculty-led programs with international destinations support your learning objectives and broaden your perspective. Internships at local, national or even international companies give students an opportunity to work alongside professionals, gain confidence in their abilities and build relationships with key people in their industry.
Internships, residencies and fellowships
A Dynamic Community of Artists and Visionaries
Educational partnerships with external stakeholders like industry and/or community such as sponsored projects and service learning projects
Each month CCS invites prominent fine arts and design professionals to speak at our distinct lecture series:
Entrepreneurship courses Global experiences such as study abroad and exchange programs Research such as MFA thesis or BFA capstone projects Career resources including job search sites, grant information, competitions, fellowships, copyright information, gallery listings, professional organizations, self-promotion, freelance jobs and more Professional topic series including workshops from Resume 101, Interview Skills, Business Etiquette and everything in between Career events throughout the year including on-campus recruiting, panels and round-table discussions, professional portfolio reviews and company information sessions
10+
More people are employed in the visual arts than in all of the performing arts and sports industries combined. The number of archivists, curators and museum techs was 61,000 in 2017 —
a 45% increase
annual industry events highlighting student work
Toyota Lecture on Design Series
2018 median pay by occupation $92,780 $48,960 $72,720 $50,370 $66,590 $53,370 $73,530
Art Directors Craft and Fine Artists Fashion Designers Graphic Designers Industrial Designers Interior Designers Multimedia Artists and Animators
69%
Creative Boost Series Alumni Lecture Series Individual Department Lecture Series The U245 Student Gallery and Hub Gallery feature student work and student-curated programs. CCS students also have free access to the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the largest art museums in the nation, and also our next-door neighbor.
of CCS alumni report getting their first job within six months of graduating. 96% were employed within one year of graduation
Based on responses to CCS’s 2019 First Destination Survey
The College for Creative Studies lives inside Detroit’s Midtown area. You’ll find yourself just steps away from iconic places like the Motown Museum, the Detroit Film Theatre and the Detroit Institute of Arts — one of the country’s largest museums. We’re surrounded by artisanal coffee shops, design boutiques, art galleries, live music venues that belt out indie, garage, EDM, hip-hop, folk, jazz and blues, and so much more.
CCS boasts an impressive and longstanding safety record. Your safety is one of our greatest priorities, and we take pride in being considered one of the safest college campuses in Michigan. Safety & Security 24/7 campus security patrols Access cards used for entrance to dormitories 24/7 shuttle service between campus locations and off-site campus housing Safety escorts to and from vehicles Dedicated parking structures manned by security personnel Emergency notification system Emergency call boxes located throughout campus Closed-circuit camera monitoring system throughout campus First aid services
collegeforcreativestudies.edu/apply Apply Complete our free online application
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Submit your transcript(s)
$22,000
Show us your work
The average scholarship/grant package (money that is not repaid) for incoming students in 2020/2021.
Either show us your work in person, or upload 8 – 12 pieces to https://ccs.slideroom.com (there is a $10 upload fee). Find links and details about our portfolio requirements on our website at collegeforcreativestudies.edu/ admissions/undergraduate-admissions, or reach out to your admissions counselor at admissions@collegeforcreativestudies.edu.
98% of students
Test Blind for Domestic Applicants CCS does not require a standardized test (ACT or SAT) score. If a test score is submitted, it will not be used to influence admission or scholarship.
The test requirement may be waived for international applicants if the primary language of instruction at their secondary school/college is English.
On-Campus & Virtual Events Check out all the ways you can connect with our amazing faculty and students, explore our state-of-the-art campus and studios, and connect with us. See our website for event dates and details. Check out the event calendar and R.S.V.P. at collegeforcreativestudies.edu/visit.
Open House & Tour Events Our on-campus events include faculty as well as staff representatives from admissions, financial aid, career development, precollege and student life. Virtual events focus on the value of a CCS degree, our majors and how to apply.
Campus Tours On-campus tours require advance reservation. Student-led live virtual tours are available from the comfort of your home.
CCS Is Test Blind
English Language Test Score International applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit one of the following English language test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, SAT or ACT.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Admissions Counseling & Portfolio Feedback Request your one-on-one appointment here: calendly.com/ccs-admissions.
Department & Program Sessions
98% of students receive tuition support. CCS is affordable.
Discover more about our majors and supportive student resources.
College Fairs & Portfolio Days Complete the FAFSA
We will participate in virtual and in-person events, and we’d love to meet you from wherever you are in the world!
To learn how much financial assistance you will receive:
Instagram Live Events
Application Deadlines December 1 Early Action For students who want to be considered for our highest tuition scholarships and early registration.
Complete the admissions process
Fill out the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov. Our school code is 006771
FAFSA Available October 1 The FAFSA now allows families to complete the application using their prior-prior year tax return. For Fall 2022, use your 2020 tax information. For more information on all types of scholarships, grant and loan programs available to CCS students, visit collegeforcreativestudies.edu/financialaidinfo.
February 1 Priority For students who want to ensure full consideration for generous scholarships. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 1.
Tuition & Fees For the most up-to-date information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid section on our website: collegeforcreativestudies.edu/tuition.
Follow @CCS_Connect and @BK4CCS on Instagram for live events.
Accreditation Statement The College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit, private college authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Documents regarding accreditation are available in the Executive Office upon formal request. In order to make the accreditation process responsive to a broad range of constituents, the accrediting agencies invite the public to provide written comments about the College’s qualifications for continued accreditation. If you wish to comment, please contact either agency by letter or email.
The Higher Learning Commission 30 North La Salle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504 www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21 Reston, Virginia 20190-5248 http://nasad.arts-accredit.org
Council for Interior Design Accreditation 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350 Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4014 http://accredit-id.org/
admissions@collegeforcreativestudies.edu
313.664.7425 | 800.952.2787
collegeforcreativestudies.edu
Detroit, MI 48202
201 East Kirby
Office of Admissions