CalArts’ pedagogical model values a wide range of voices and experiences as a key component
of a rich learning environment. As part of a larger vision of artistic and pedagogical equity and
inclusion, and a belief in the impact of this inclusive pedagogy in the arts on the future of
democracy and the well-being of our social fabric, CalArts is committed to developing transfer
pathways from pre-college (high school and independent/non-profit pre-college programs) to
partner community colleges with whom we are developing program specific and highly
individualized and supported transfer agreements.

While these transfer agreements do not guarantee admission, they do chart partner community
colleges’ courses transferable to CalArts and help students prepare admissible portfolios with the
possibility of higher year-level placement upon admission. Faculty and staff at CalArts and our
partner community colleges work closely together to support students for this transition.

CalArts is in the process of signing transfer agreements with community colleges throughout the
region, allowing their students to potentially enter CalArts as a junior and save up to two years’
worth of tuition costs.

For more information about these transfer pathways and other transfer partnerships currently in
development with other community colleges contact Patricia Gonzalez, Executive Director for
International & Community Partnerships - gonzalez@calarts.edu

Agreements to date (Spring 2024)

Bakersfield College

Learn about the transfer agreement with Bakersfield College and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media and Program in Art.

Bakersfield transfer agreement

College of the Canyons (COC)

Learn about the transfer agreements established between College of the Canyons and The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts (HASOM), as well as the COC Photography program and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media program.

College of the Canyons (COC) transfer agreement

Glendale City College (GCC)

Learn about the transfer agreements between Glendale Community College and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media program. 

Glendale Community College (GCC) transfer agreement

Los Angeles City College (LACC)

Learn about the transfer agreements established between the Los Angeles City College (LACC) Herb Alpert Music Center and The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts (HASOM), the LACC Photography program and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media program and the LACC Theater program and the Experience Design & Production program in the CalArts School of Theater.

Los Angeles City College (LACC) transfer agreement

Moorpark College

CalArts has also established transfer agreements with Moorpark College and The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts (HASOM), as well as the CalArts Photography & Media program, School of Art learn more about these transfer pathways.

Moorpark College transfer agreement

Rio Hondo College

Learn about the transfer agreement with Rio Hondo College and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media and Program in Art.

Rio Hondo College transfer agreement

Santa Monica College (SMC)

Learn about the transfer agreement with Santa Monica College and CalArts School of Art Photography & Media and Program in Art.

Santa Monica College (SMC) transfer agreement