Transfer Students

Bring Your Journey to Otis College—Where Transfers Thrive

At Otis College of Art and Design, we know that creative journeys don’t all start in the same place—and we welcome transfer students who are ready to take the next step toward earning their BFA. About 30% of new students are transfers, bringing diverse experiences and fresh perspectives that energize our community.

Whether you're looking to maximize your transfer credits, craft a standout portfolio, or explore pathways into your chosen major, our Admissions team is here to support you every step of the way. Plus, transfer applicants are eligible for generous merit scholarships and financial aid. Your future in art and design is waiting—let’s make it happen at Otis.

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Transfer Credits

Applicants who have earned college-level credit can be considered for transfer credits. These include courses taken at another college with appropriate accreditation (see list of accrediting agencies below), participation in dual-enrollment, or having earned AP, IB, or A Level credit. Taking the right classes before transferring is an important step for a smooth transition into the College's art and design programs. If your portfolio of artwork demonstrates necessary creative thinking skills, and you’ve taken an appropriate number of studio art courses, you may be admitted at the sophomore or junior level. We also admit students into 2nd Semester Foundation in the Spring semester which begins in January.

  • 9 semester units of studio art from a regionally accredited institution*
  • 6 semester units of general education are recommended:
  • English Composition (often the first college-level English course at most universities)
  • Art History Survey course covering Prehistoric to Gothic periods
  • A portfolio that demonstrates you are able to bypass the first semester of Foundation Studio

*Note: 2nd semester Foundation entry is available for Spring semester start only.

  • 18 semester units of studio art from a regionally accredited institution*
  • 6-12 semester units of general education are recommended:
    • English Composition (often the first college-level English course at most universities)
    • Art History Survey course covering Prehistoric to Gothic periods
    • Art History Survey course covering Renaissance to Modern periods
    • Social Science (such as a Psychology, Sociology, or Political Science course)
  • A portfolio that demonstrates you are able to bypass the Foundation year
  • 36 semester units of studio art from a regionally accredited institution*
  • Approximately 18 units of general education, including the courses listed for sophomore-level entry and more depending on your intended major. Please note specialized coursework is required by major.
  • A portfolio that demonstrates a high-level of technical and creative ability in your intended major

Please note a maximum of 63 transfer credits can be awarded to undergraduate applicants.

All transfers for Fashion and Toy Design cannot enter higher than sophomore level.

Students must have earned a grade of “C” or better in each class in order to receive credit. All units must be earned at an institution accredited by one of the following six accrediting agencies:

  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (formerly North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement - NCA)
  • Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)
  • Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU)

International institutions must be recognized by the country's national ministry of education.

Dual Enrollment for High School Students

We encourage high school students to take college courses if dual enrollment courses are available to them. We evaluate dual enrollment credits for transfer to Otis if you submit unofficial transcripts during the application process.

The advantage of taking dual enrollment credits includes:

  • More flexibility to enroll in electives and/or complete a minor, having fulfilled some of Otis’s required coursework.
  • Flexibility to take a slightly lighter courseload in certain semesters.
  • The added preparation of studying at the College level to help ease your transition to Otis College.

For students taking a significant amount of Dual Enrollment courses in both studio art, and liberal arts and sciences, you may be able to enter at the sophomore level. Make an appointment with us to discuss further.

If you have any questions about taking college credits while in high school and what would transfer, reach out to us at admissions@otis.edu.

Credit by Examination

Applicants who have taken AP, IB, A-Level or AS-Level exams are eligible to receive transfer credit. Official results must be submitted by your school or the testing body in order to receive transfer credit. See our transfer credit awarding chart here.

International Students

International transfer students who have studied outside the US (other than Japan and Korea) are required to submit an evaluation of their post-secondary (college or university) transcript(s).  This evaluation may be done by any evaluation agency recommended by NACES.org. Options for evaluation services include Span TranWESJosef Silny & AssociatesIEEECE, and Global Credential Evaluators. The document must be officially translated into English by a certified translation service before submitting to any evaluation agency recommended by NACES or any other reputable education evaluation service, e.g., your embassy. Otis asks for a course-by-course evaluation.

More information on the I-20 and Visa process

Graduate Transfer Credits

Graduate applicants can transfer credits dependent on review of coursework completed at the graduate level and approval by the Department Chair. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Transfer Students

All transfer applicants are considered for Otis merit scholarships if they apply by the priority deadlines. Merit scholarships go up to about 50% of the tuition cost and are awarded based on the student's application, with close attention to the portfolio and academic record (unweighted Cumulative GPA from all institutions attended). Students who have submitted the FAFSA are also considered for additional need-based institutional scholarships. Transfer students are also eligible to apply for the Charles White Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship.

More information about Financial Aid

Tips to Maintain Cal Grant Eligibility

  • Log into WebGrants periodically to make sure you are maintaining eligibility | mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
  • File a FAFSA (or CADAA if appropriate) every year – even if it’s a gap year or you don’t think you need it for Community College.
  • Make sure your Community College sends your GPA information to California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
  • When you make your decision to transfer, contact CSAC and inform them you are changing schools.

Articulation Agreements

Otis College of Art and Design has collaborated with several community colleges in the United States to assist transfer students in selecting the right courses to place at an upper-level. Please click on the colleges below to view our current articulation agreements. If your college is not on this list and you have questions about your credits, please e-mail the Admissions Office at admissions@otis.edu.

Explore Articulation Agreements

Contact Us

Wherever you are in your college search, we want to meet you! Our admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about Otis College and help you with the application process.

Phone: 310-665-6820
SMS: 323-870-6820

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