College for Creative Studies

Mission Statement

The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern culture.  The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth.  The College fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their lives.  The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic enrichment and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.

International Role

Located in Detroit, the US’s only UNESCO City of Design, the College for Creative Studies has students, faculty, and staff from all over the world, and an extensive global network of alumni. We are a truly international community of learning.
The College has been expanding its global footprint and developing exchange programs and articulation agreements with institutions across Europe and Asia, and we are aiming to extend our reach further in the Cumulus network.

The College will be hosting the Cumulus conference in the Fall of 2022.

National Role

Founded in 1906, the College for Creative Studies has been a leading institution in art and design education with a strong reputation for student success in undergraduate and graduate programs. CCS is a member institution of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), as well as the College Art Association (CAA) and has been making contributions in sharing institutional data, participating in mobility programs, and hosting/attending conferences. Through Design Core, the College is closely involved with the Detroit Month of Design, which has both a national and global reach.

Main Focus

The College for Creative Studies is known for its exceptional links with industry and the city, providing an excellent education that prepares students for their professional growth in all degree programs – BFA, MFA, MA, and Certification (Art Education). The college prides itself on its artistic and cultural role in the city, and its contribution to design-led transformation through inclusivity and collaboration. The college values professional practice and industry engagement in all areas, and many of our faculty and staff are leaders in their field.