Residency Requirements

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The CalArts Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a 120-unit, 8-semester program. A minimum of one year in residence must be completed and of this minimum at least the final semester before graduation must be in residence. Schools may establish slightly different criteria for the residency requirements under exceptional circumstances and on approval of the Provost.

Master of Fine Arts

A minimum of one year in residence is required, and of this minimum, at least the final semester before graduation must be in residence. Schools may establish slightly different criteria for the residency requirements under exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Provost.

Minimum Residence Requirements for Transfer Students in Years

BFA MFA Cert. Adv. Cert.
Art
All Programs 1 2 1 2
Integrated Media in all programs n/a 2* n/a 2*
Critical Studies
Writing n/a 2 n/a 2
Integrated Media in Writing n/a 2 n/a 2
Interschool Writing n/a 2 n/a 2
Dance
Dance 2 2 1 2
Integrated Media in Dance n/a 2 n/a 2
Film/Video
Program in Film and Video 2 2 2 2
Integrated Media in Film and Video n/a 2 n/a 2
Experimental Animation 2 2 2 2
Integrated Media in Experimental Animation n/a 2 n/a 2
Character Animation 2 n/a 2 n/a
Film Directing Program n/a 3 n/a 3
Music
All programs 1 1 1 1
Integrated Media in Composition: New Media n/a 2 n/a 2
Theater
Acting 3 3 3 3
Directing n/a 2 n/a 2
Integrated Media in Directing n/a 2 n/a 2
Design and Production 2 2 1 2
Integrated Media in Design and Production n/a 2 n/a 2