Transfer Credits

As a transfer student to Ringling College of Art and Design, you will be choosing a major at the time you apply. Ringling College offers 13 undergraduate programs and each curriculum is distinct. It is important that you read about the majors carefully and then review the portfolio requirements for that major.

Bachelor of Arts:

  • Business of Art and Design
  • Visual Studies

Bachelor of Fine Arts:

  • Computer Animation
  • Creative Writing
  • Entertainment Design
  • Film 
  • Fine Arts
  • Game Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Motion Design
  • Photography and Imaging
  • Virtual Reality Development

Students apply directly to one of 13 undergraduate majors, and a portfolio of work specific to that major is required. While it is possible to change majors, it is not guaranteed, and can result in starting over in the new major.

We encourage students to spend time exploring their academic interests prior to applying to Ringling College of Art and Design. Opportunities to learn about and experience each major include the contact with Ringling Admissions Counselors, campus tours, Ringling College Website, the Pre-college summer program, Open House events, and National Portfolio Day events.

All degree requirements, including studio, art history and liberal arts classes, are offered at Ringling College of Art and Design. Students matriculating at Ringling College are encouraged to complete all their coursework at the College. The rationale for this policy rests in the mission and philosophy of the institution and in its concern for the essential unity and integrity of all aspects of the curriculum: major requirements, liberal arts, art history and open electives. However, you can take the entire program in residence, or transfer in credits prior to entry.

Ringling College of Art and Design will consider for transfer any liberal arts or studio credit that meets academic requirements and in which a grade of ā€œCā€ or better was earned from a regionally accredited college or university. Only the course credit is transferred. Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of grade point averages.

Student transfer credit evaluations for studio art classes will be handled by the department head or his/her designee. The Office of Advising, Records and Registration Services evaluates transfer credit for liberal arts and art history courses. Once the evaluation is complete, transfer students will be able to see what courses have transferred and how they satisfy degree requirements by logging onto Self-Service and reviewing their on-line transcript. Students with liberal arts transfer credits may take additional studio or art history electives.

Students are limited to a total of 66 semester hours of transfer credits. A minimum of 54 semester hours must be taken at Ringling College of Art and Design. The last two academic years of study for a Ringling College of Art and Design degree must be completed in courses of study within a major of the College.

Ringling College of Art and Design reserves the right to decline credit for coursework that is more than 10 years old.