The First Year Program's Core Studio courses emphasize craft, work ethic, visual literacy, critical exploration of ideas, and effective communication. The First Year Program is committed to constructive critique, guided research, presentation of ideas, and the highlighted importance of collaboration.

Working closely with the Advising, Student Affairs, and Residential Life offices, the First Year Program holds classes on the San Francisco campus. Together, we provide structure and guidance to help students acclimate to creative life in order to take advantage of the whole college experience, and get exposure to all of the resources that are available to our students.

The studio faculty, a diverse group of artists, architects, and designers supports students in their explorations, while challenging them to take risks, clarify and deepen their processes of inquiry, and refine their techniques.

Faculty members also advise students about how to select a major and design a path of study that will best serve their interests while at the college. With 18 as the average class size, faculty and students have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships.

Through sponsored field trips and special projects, the First Year Program provides students with opportunities to integrate with the larger CCA community as well as the vibrant, creative culture of the Bay Area.

The program’s committed faculty of artists, designers, architects, and writers reflects the diverse cultural fabric of the area. Students join a network that will remain throughout their lives and practices, connecting them to CCA's campus throughout their careers.

At the end of the first year students participate in the First Year Portfolio Review, a capstone experience that informs and reviews work made in the First Year Core Studios and discusses students' preparedness for the majors.

Academic courses in History of Art and Visual Culture, English, and Critical Studies strengthen writing proficiency and critical inquiry skills, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the social, historical, and cultural contexts in art, design, architecture, and writing.

In addition, the first year provides opportunities in studio electives for students to investigate majors and explore new media.

For more information, email firstyear@cca.edu