How many classes will I take?
Each Art student is enrolled in four classes per 3-week session. Classes meet Monday-Thursday. Morning classes run from 9am-12pm and afternoon classes meet from 1pm-4pm. Core coursework is the same for all students. Student schedules are generated upon enrollment into the program.
What is the difference between the 3-week program and the 6-week program?
We highly recommend signing up for the 6-week program! That said, we understand that time and financial commitments are different for everyone and will ultimately dictate whether you choose the 3-week or 6-week program. We divide the program into two halves so that students leaving after the 3-week program feel that their coursework has been brought to a natural close. A celebratory exhibition and reception mark the end of our first three weeks. The 3-week option is only available during Session One (Weeks 1-3). No exceptions are ever made to this rule.
The primary difference between the two options is the amount of time spent in the studios and on campus. As a 6-week student, you will become better acquainted with campus, with the city of Pittsburgh, and with one another. By taking a broader array of courses, you’ll develop a deeper skill set and be pushed further conceptually. Students enrolling in the 3-week program will take four classes while 6-week students will take eight.
On average, how many hours of work are assigned outside of the classroom each week?
Every course and teacher will manage homework assignments differently. On average, you can expect to spend 8-10 hours per week working on projects outside of class.
How much time is spent on portfolio development?
All students are invited and encouraged to participate in one-on-one portfolio reviews with CMU School of Art faculty. These individual sessions are informal and last between 15-30 minutes. This is a wonderful way for you to build confidence and to practice for future in-person reviews when applying to college.
Depending on individual levels of completion and effort, you should expect to create portfolio-quality work in each of your art courses.
What level of artistic experience do I need to have to apply to Pre-College Art?
Most students have taken high school art classes or extracurricular art programs held within the community. However, some students are successful with little experience given they are highly interested and motivated.
Will I earn college credit from this program?
No, Pre-College Art students do not earn college credit.
What kinds of supplies will I need to bring?
Students will receive material kits from the CMU Art Store once they arrive on campus; this is included in the program cost. These kits are made to the specifications of the Pre-College faculty and will include items needed for individual classes such as Drawing and Painting.
Other items not included in the material kit are listed below. It is imperative that you purchase these before classes begin.
Students are responsible for purchasing and bringing these items:
All 3- and 6-week students
- Personal sketchbooks (works in progress or new)
- A large portfolio (20x30 or similar size)
- Documentation of previous artwork in the form of physical 2D pieces, digital files, or a personal website (for use during the portfolio review)
- A laptop computer (with Adobe Creative Suite) is not required but recommended
All 6-week students
- A quality digital camera with manual settings
What are workshops?
Art students participate in morning and afternoon workshops every Friday. Workshops are unique opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge in areas of their personal choosing. Workshop sign-ups occur during orientation weekend.
Students are not evaluated on participation or any artwork produced during workshops. Pre-College faculty, teaching assistants, CMU affiliated artists, and Pittsburgh-based experts teach various selections. Examples of past offerings include puppetry, performance art, soft sculpture, green screening, kinetic sculpture, matte painting, creating an artist website, bonsai tree tending, kite-building, using a laser cutter, anatomy for artists, GIF-animation, and introduction to installation art.
