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Academic Planning Questions

Last updated on Nov 13, 2024

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Students are responsible for monitoring their progress toward degree completion and reviewing and verifying accuracy of their academic plan.

It is crucial that you regularly review your academic progress towards degree completion at the start and end of every term, before and after any registration activity, and anytime changes are made.

In this guide...


How do I check my progress towards degree completion?

Review your academic records and registered courses via Workday closely to verify satisfied, in-progress, and not satisfied requirements.

See Program Course Guides for possible term-by-term sequences of requirements. Be sure to reference the program course guide that corresponds to the academic year you started at CCA for the most accurate list of degree requirements.

If you identify a discrepancy in your academic records or degree requirements, contact Student Records immediately.


What is an Academic Plan?

Your Academic Plan is a recommended sequence in which courses should be taken based on your academic records and degree requirements.

NOTE: As your Academic Plan is subject to change, it is not verification of degree completion and must always be used in conjunction with your academic records. Academic Plans are not updated automatically nor do they restrict your registration. They are merely a planning tool and should be used as such.


Who updates my Academic Plan and why does it change?

Your Academic Plan is updated by administrative staff based on your program's curriculum and your academic record at the time of review. It is subject to change based on course schedule, course offerings and availability, and registration activity such as adding/dropping/withdrawing from courses, final grades and grade changes, transfer credit application, major/minor changes, etc.

If you have questions or concerns about the recommended sequence, contact Academic Advising or schedule an Advising & Planning Appointment immediately.


What if I see requirements listed in my Academic Plan, but the courses are missing?

Although a requirement may be listed on your Academic Plan, a specific course may not be shown. In this case, more than one course may meet the requirement. Select the three dots (highlighted in orange) next to a requirement for a list of courses that meet it.


What is a studio elective?

A studio elective is a studio course in any undergraduate program for which you are eligible (meet all prerequisites) and that does not satisfy another degree requirement. Some courses may be repeated to count toward the studio elective requirement. Consider exploring programs outside of your major to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden your horizons.

NOTE: First Year Core Studios (FYCST) are not considered studio electives.

How do I find a studio elective?


What is a Humanities & Science (H&S) elective?

An H&S elective is a course in any H&S program listed below for which you are eligible (meet all prerequisites) and that does not satisfy another degree requirement. Some exclusions apply.

Humanities & Sciences (H&S) Programs

  • ETHSM Critical Ethnic Studies
  • LITPA Literary and Performing Arts
  • PHCRT Philosophy and Critical Theory
  • SSHIS Social Science and History
  • SCIMA Science and Mathematics
  • HAAVC History of Art and Visual Culture
  • WRLIT Writing and Literature (restricted to Writing and Literature majors and minors)

Excluding the following courses:

  • CRTSD 1500 Foundations in Critical Studies
  • HAAVC 1040 Introduction to the Arts
  • HAAVC 1080 Introduction to Modern Arts
  • WRLIT 1010/1030 Writing 1
  • WRLIT 2010/2030 Writing 2

NOTE: H&S elective requirements vary by major program. See your Academic Progress for details.

How do I find a Humanities & Sciences (H&S) elective?


What is an open elective?

Some programs require open electives, which can be fulfilled with either a studio course or an H&S course for which you are eligible / meet all prerequisites and does not satisfy another degree requirement. See the following for more information:


What if I need or want to update my Academic Plan?

There are many factors to consider when planning and registering for courses such as: progress toward degree completion; eligibility for housing, health insurance, and financial aid; visa status; etc.

If you have questions or concerns about your Academic Plan, contact Academic Advising or schedule an Advising & Planning Appointment immediately.

If considering a part-time schedule, consult the Part-Time Status Guide and contact other departments as necessary to gather additional information.


How do I declare or change my major?

Undeclared students should declare a major as soon as possible and before completion of 45 units (see Declaration of Major).

You can change your major by submitting the Change of Major Form (see Student Records Forms) to Student Records. Before submitting the form, make an Advising & Planning appointment to meet with the academic advisor assigned to your major of interest to discuss degree requirements, academic planning, and other next steps.

NOTE: Students cannot declare Individualized without program approval. Interested students should plan to take INDIV 2000 Individualized Mentorship and meet with Individualized academic advisor to discuss.


How do I declare a minor?

Select programs offer minors to all students while others offer minors to students with specific majors only (see Undergraduate Minors at CCA). The deadline for declaring a minor is the priority registration period of the first semester of your senior-year classes.

Make an Advising & Planning appointment to discuss your interest in a minor and potential impact to your Academic Plan. You can declare a minor by completing the Minor Declaration Form (see Student Records Forms) and emailing it to your academic advisor to be signed and processed.

NOTE: Adding a minor could extend your expected completion and/or require additional courses.


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Need additional help?

  • If you identify a discrepancy in your academic records or degree requirements, contact Student Records immediately.
  • If you have questions or concerns about the recommended sequence, contact Academic Advising or schedule an Advising & Planning Appointment immediately.
  • For any questions you have related to your student record, billing, financial aid, student immigration regulations and visa status, and housing and dining, email student services at ask@cca.edu or text (415) 915-2503.

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