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Certificate

Art and the Creative Process

Professional Certificate

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About the Art and the Creative Process Program

The Professional Certificate in Art and the Creative Process documents concentrated study in studio art and the creative process. Regardless of profession or lifestyle, students benefit from the essential practice and preparation needed to harness their creativity and express themselves artistically. The program is designed for students with little or no art background and brings them step-by-step through a systematic program of courses to develop basic artistic skills and an understanding of the creative process.

 

Students will choose from a variety of art courses to develop basic artistic techniques, while improving their abilities to observe, to find innovative solutions, and to express individual creativity. The certificate program focuses on both the creative process and the artistic product (a portfolio of finished artwork). Students also develop confidence with experimentation and self-expression.

 
In-Person, Online, Live Online
Online options might be available for some courses.
15-24 Months
Varies by student and courses taken per quarter.
$4,620
Early enrollment discount available. Cost does not include textbooks, materials or parking.

What You Will Learn

  • The knowledge required to develop basic artistic techniques.
  • Basic drawing techniques through instructor demonstrations, guided in-class exercises and homework projects.
  • Contour drawing, positive and negative space, perspective, shading and composition.
  • How to improve your ability to observe.
  • The art of sourcing and discovering innovative solutions.
  • How to express your individual creativity into the creative process.
  • Experimentation with varied mediums: colored pencils, charcoal, markers, chalk pastels and colored paper, oil pastels, paints (watercolor, gouache or acrylic), mixed media, and non-art materials.
  • The opportunity to take electives in Art History, Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media and much more to help enrich and focus your area of concentration.

This Program Is Designed For

  • Students with little or no art background.
  • Those interested in mastering, step-by-step through a systematic program of courses, the development of basic artistic skills.
  • Creative professionals that desire to have a strong understanding to increase their knowledge of the creative process for career advancement or professional enrichment.

How to Apply

Twenty four to forty eight hours after acceptance into the program, you will be able to pay the $95 certificate fee in your MyExtension account under "My Applications". Classes may be taken without being enrolled in the certificate.

Get More Information

For detailed information, please contact our Arts, Humanities, Languages & Digital Arts department.

Art and the Creative Process
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Information Session

Find out more about the program in a free, online information session.

Required Courses

Art History

Minimum of 2 units required. Topics vary.

Drawing Electives

Please note, Drawing I: Focus on Perception is a pre-requisite for most courses. Minimum of 9 total elective units required, 3 of which must be painting elective units.

Painting Electives

Please note, Introduction to Painting is a pre-requisite for most courses. Minimum of 9 total elective units required, 3 of which must be painting elective units.

Mixed Media Electives

Check back regularly for new course listings. Minimum of 9 total elective units required, 3 of which must be painting elective units.

Certificate Guidelines

The program consists of earning at least 26 quarter units (9-11 courses) including 15 required course units (5 courses), minimum of 2 art history units (1-2 courses), and a minimum of 9 elective units, 3 of which must be a painting course (3-4 courses). Students should be able to complete the entire certificate program in 2.5 years.

Required Program Materials

Materials and software requirements vary by course. Before enrolling in a course, please refer to the course description for exact material and software requirements. If you have any additional questions about course materials, please reach out to us at ahl@ucsd.edu.

FAQs

Most courses combine theory with hands-on exercises. For more information about practical experience in any course, visit the course page on our website.
Yes. Our programs are designed to be working-student friendly and most of our students are working professionals. The courses vary between two and three units, which amount to approximately 18-20 hours of class time for a two unit course and 27-30 hours of class time for a three unit course.
You officially have five years to complete all requirements for the certificate, although students can usually complete the entire program in 15-24 Months (5-8 quarters) by taking 1-2 courses per quarter.     
 

While the final cost will vary based on what classes you choose and how you pace your program, the approximate total is $4,620 including certificate fee, and course fees. Estimate does not include textbooks, equipment, or supplies. Students pay as they go when they register for classes, not in one lump sum.

UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies - like all other UC San Diego schools, colleges, and departments - is accredited by WASC through the University. All courses and certificate programs offered by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies have been developed and are administered in accordance with Extension policy and the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. 
You officially have five years from when you begin taking courses in the program to complete all requirements for the certificate.
  • UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies offers continuing education loans through UC Approved Lenders. Each institution offers low competitive interest rates and flexible payment options. You are also encouraged to contact your personal financial institution about possible lending solutions. Direct links to UC Approved Lenders can be found on our website’s Financial Resources page.
  • The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership with state and local agencies/organizations. More information is available on their website at edd.ca.gov.
  • Career Centers Located throughout San Diego County offer their communities comprehensive employment and training services benefiting both business and job seekers. More information is available on their website at workforce.org.
  • Please click here for information about Veteran’s Benefits.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds are limited to degree programs only, and cannot be used for courses or certificate fees at UCSD Diego Division of Extended Studies.
You may take most of the courses in any order you would like. Please check course descriptions for any prerequisites prior to enrolling. We recommend enrolling in Drawing I: Focus on Perception and Introduction to Painting early, as these courses are prerequisites to many other art courses. Creative Process I must be taken prior to Creative Process II.
STEP 1: If you have a My Extension student account, skip to Step 2. If you do not have a My Extension account, go to myextension.ucsd.edu, click "Create an account" on the right side of the page, and follow the instructions to create an account. Once you have a My Extension account, continue to Step 2.

STEP 2:  Click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. Complete the required fields on the application. Then click the "Save" button. Once you have saved the application, the "Submit" button will appear. Click on the "Submit" button to submit your application for review and consideration. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at My Extension. 
Current application or certificate enrollment fees, if any, are listed under the “Apply Now” button on the certificate page on our website.
Yes, you may enroll in the program at any time. However, it is recommended that you enroll as soon as possible. The program curriculum may be updated at any time; if certificate requirements change, you must adhere to the curriculum at the time of your enrollment into the certificate. Enrolling in the certificate also gives you access to quarterly, personalized enrollment reminders from the program manager.
Yes, you may take any course in this program without registering for the certificate, provided you have fulfilled any and all prerequisites for the course.
We recommend enrolling as soon as possible, as occasionally classes will reach capacity.
To enroll into a class, click on the class link in the matrix and that will take you to that class page. There you can find the start date for that course, and you can click on “Add to Cart” which will lead you to complete the registration/payment process.
Enrollment in a class may be blocked in the following situations:

◦The class is closed (see FAQ on when enrollment closes).
◦The class is at capacity. If the class is at capacity you will only be able to join the waitlist.  
◦The class is cancelled due to low enrollments.
◦The class has prerequisites that you have not completed yet.

For these reasons we recommend that you enroll early.
You may take a course for one of three options: Letter Grade, Pass/No Pass, or Not for Credit. If you are taking a course towards a certificate you must complete your courses for credit (i.e. Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade) and receive a C-/Pass or higher grade. Grades below a C-, No Pass, and Not for Credit will not count towards certificate requirements.
The refund deadline for courses in this program is typically 3 days after the start of the course. This allows you to enroll in a course and participate in the first class meeting to determine if the course is a good fit. Then, if needed, either you may either transfer your enrollment to a different course or submit a drop request by emailing Student Services at unex-reg@ucsd.edu. The exact refund deadline for each section is listed in the section notes on the course page in our website, and you can also find it in My Extension by clicking on “My Courses” and then the name of the course.
Students are expected to attend all class meetings, participate in class, and complete all homework assignments. Attendance is factored as a part of students’ final grades, and varies by instructor. Typically students can miss one class meeting without it impacting their final grade as long as they still complete their homework. Students who miss a class meeting should always reach out to their instructor regarding late work and homework.
Each student has their own learning style so this can vary greatly. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend an average of two hours studying for every hour you spend in-class. For online courses, students should plan to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week viewing lectures and completing coursework.
Each instructor has his/her own preferred method of communication and response policy, which will be detailed on the course syllabus. However, most instructors utilize email or the discussion board and will respond within 24-48 hours.
Two unit courses run for 6-7 weeks; three unit courses run for 9-10 weeks; four unit
courses run 10-11 weeks. For exact course dates of upcoming sections, visit the course page on our website.
All of our in-class courses are held at our La Jolla Extension complex or at our University City Center location. For directions, visit https://extension.ucsd.edu/maps 

If your class is located at our La Jolla campus and takes place on a weeknight, you will need to pay for parking. No parking permit is required at our University City Center (UCC) location.

We recommend purchasing a quarterly night parking permit (~$43). If you are taking a 9-10 week class it is more affordable to buy this permit rather than use the hourly permit machines ($3 per hour). Quarterly night permits can be purchased online at: http://ow.ly/DnTP302mth0. Parking on weekends is free.

Parking is free at our University City Center (UCC) location. Prior to your first class please register your car with this link.

Materials and software requirements vary by course. For details, check the course page.
Students can transfer in up to two courses that match the content of our required courses. Please email ahl@ucsd.edu for more information about the transferability of previously completed courses.
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies is not a degree granting institution, however many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses can be transferred to other colleges or universities.

The transferability of credit is determined solely by the receiving institution. Students should discuss how your individual courses will transfer with the Office of the Registrar at the receiving institution prior to enrolling.

Quarter to Semester Unit Conversion

If the receiving institution operates on a semester system, credits will be converted to semester hours during their evaluation. As a general rule, quarter credits are converted to semester credits by dividing the number of quarter credits by 1.5. For example, if the student completed a course worth 4 quarter credits at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, the course would be worth 4 ÷ 1.5 = 2.66 semester credits.

If you are interested in taking courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, you will need to obtain written approval from your school principal or counselor. The approval must be signed and printed on school letterhead, and must be included with your registration. If you are homeschooled, your approval needs to be signed by your contact in your local school district.

The letter should verify that you, the student, have the maturity and academic readiness to attend a post-baccalaureate level or college-level course.

Approvals can be emailed to unex-reg@ucsd.edu.

We are unable to accept letters signed by your parent, even if your parent is your teacher and/or school administrator. If you have taken community college courses, an official transcript from that college verifying coursework will be accepted in lieu of a letter from your high school or district. College transcripts must reflect a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

**Please note that some courses may address adult themes or use nude models.

For questions regarding our classes and certificates, please contact us at ahl@ucsd.edu or 858-534-5760.

Advisory Board

Amy Adler

Associate Professor of Visual Arts
UCSD

Mary Livingstone Beebe

Director
UCSD Stuart Collection

Kathleen McCormick

Principle Architectural Designer
Smith + Others

Ernie Silva

Professor of Visual Arts (deceased)
UCSD

Armistead Smith

Principal Architect
Smith + Others

Erika Torri

Executive Director
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

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