Candidates for the BFA degree from Cleveland Institute of Art are required to complete 120 credits. Approximately one-third of these credits are in Liberal Arts or general studies, with the balance in studio areas (including major studio courses). Individual departments (majors) may have specific course requirements among the Liberal Arts or electives. Requirements to complete a degree in each major can be obtained from Academic Services and in this catalog, Section 6: Degree Requirements.

To qualify for graduation, students must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA..

Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to stay informed of their remaining degree requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to satisfy all degree requirements.

Graduation and Commencement

Students who will complete all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester of their last year at CIA and have satisfied all outstanding obligations to the College, are eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony. CIA holds its Commencement ceremony in May. While a student may complete degree requirements at the end of the fall semester, there is no ceremony in December. Degrees are awarded in December and May.

During their final fall semester, students are required to complete the Application for Graduation, available online as provided by the Registrar’s Office. Completion of this form notifies the Registrar to include the student in all communication concerning preparation for graduation and Commencement. Graduation is the awarding of the degree, whereas Commencement is the ceremony in celebration of the achievement.

Students with more than nine credits outstanding at the end of their final year will not be permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.

All students eligible for graduation are charged a graduation fee, regardless of participation in Commencement, as part of their tuition and fees in their last semester of enrollment. This fee covers various Commencement and graduation expenses, including but not limited to printing diplomas, tickets, and programs.

Any student with an outstanding account balance with any department or office will not receive their diploma until all obligations have been satisfied. Graduates with a tuition balance, unreturned library materials or equipment checkout will not be allowed to participate in Commencement ceremonies.

As part of graduation and the commencement ceremony, CIA is pleased to recognize students who graduate with honors, utilizing the following Latin academic achievement designations of distinction.

• Summa cum laude (“with highest honor”) - Designated for students who earn a cumulative GPA between 3.9 and 4.0
• Magna cum laude (“with great honor”) – Designated for students who earn a cumulative GPA between 3.7 and 3.8999.
• Cum laude (“with honor”) - Designated for students who earn a cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.6999.