Placement in Transitional Studies

The Art Institutes are committed to student success. We recognize that students come with various strengths and skill sets, and to help us determine academic preparation, especially in the areas of English and Mathematics, we have selected the ACCUPLACER test. To ensure proper placement in English and Mathematics courses, entering students are required to take this diagnostic test. Based on the results of the academic placement test, students may be required to take Transitional Studies courses. Students must successfully complete such courses in order to progress in their program of study. Transitional Studies course credits do not count toward the total number of credits for graduation nor do they count in the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA); however, they do count in determining the maximum time frame and the Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). Transitional Studies courses may be individually attempted no more than three (3) times. Failure to pass the course after three (3) attempts will result in academic termination.

Exceptions will be granted to:

1. Those with transferable college credits in 100-level and above Mathematics and/or English courses (grades of C or higher).
2. Those with scores of 450 or higher in the verbal portion of the SAT and/or 400 or above in the Mathematics portion.
3. Those with a composite score of 17 or higher on the ACT.
4. Those with Advanced Placement (AP) scores of three or higher in English and/or Mathematics.
5. Those that have a score of 50 on the CLEP exam in English and/ or Mathematics.

Transitional Studies Courses

The courses included in this program are designed to help build and strengthen the foundation skills. To receive the benefits of such a program, students must enroll in the courses in their first (1st) year. Students enrolled in Transitional Studies courses may be required to take from three (3) to six (6) credits (up to 12 credits in San Francisco) in addition to their standard program of study credit requirements. Students must successfully complete such courses with a grade of C or better in order to progress in their program of study. These credits will increase the total number of credits students must take, and they will not count toward graduation. However, they will be included in determining the maximum time frame and the Incremental Completion Rate (ICR). These credits will be charged at the current per credit-hour rate.

Transitional Studies - Drawing

Students may submit a portfolio to be reviewed for placement out of Transitional Studies--Drawing. Students without a portfolio will be required to take a drawing diagnostic to determine drawing placement.

Transitional Studies - Sewing

Students may submit sewing samples and/or garments demonstrating a basic knowledge of clothing construction. Students without clothing samples will be required to take a sewing diagnostic to determine clothing construction placement.

Advanced Standing

Course credits, which may be awarded by advanced course credit, proficiency examination or proficiency for prior experiential learning, are applied to the total credits required for graduation, but have no letter or point value and are not computed in the grade point average.