Accelerated Degrees (BFA + MFA)
Graduate from CCS with both your Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in just five years.
CCS’s Accelerated Graduate program gives motivated, high-achieving students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in just five years, saving a year’s worth of time and tuition.
About Accelerated Degrees
Students will use their senior year of the undergraduate program to combine their undergraduate major courses with courses from the first year of the Master of Fine Arts program, leaving them with one final year to complete their graduate degree.
Save on Time and Tuition
Fast-track Your Career
Increase Your Earning Potential
Get a Competitive Edge on Your Career Competition
The following programs of study are offered for accelerated degrees.
BFA in Interior Design + MFA in Color & Materials Design
BFA in Product Design + MFA in Color & Materials Design
BFA in Communication Design + MFA in User Experience Design
How It Works
During your first three years, you’ll complete core BFA coursework and apply for the Accelerated Degree once you earn 60 credits (typically junior year). Prospective students can also express interest on their initial undergraduate application. In Year 4, you’ll take a hybrid course load blending senior BFA requirements with introductory MFA classes. Year 5 is spent exclusively completing your graduate thesis and MFA requirements.
Students will be charged in the following way:
- Four years of undergraduate tuition or the equivalent of what is needed to complete their BFA degree (for transfer students).
- One year of graduate tuition
Tuition information can be found here*
*Tuition rates may change between now and when you enroll in your programs.
To qualify for admission into the accelerated graduate sequence, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current Enrollment: Enrolled in an approved CCS BFA major (Interior Design, Product Design, or Communication Design).
- Credit Range: Completed between 60 and 90 undergraduate credit hours.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Application Deadline: Submit the official Graduate Studies Application and required departmental review materials by June 1 of your junior year.
If your current BFA major is not listed above, you can still apply to traditional 2-year CCS MFA, or MA or MPS graduate programs upon completing your bachelor’s degree.
If you are a prospective student interested in pursuing an accelerated degree path or have questions, please contact your Admissions counselor or [email protected]
If you are a current student interested in pursuing an accelerated degree path or have questions, please contact your academic advisor.