California Institute of the Arts

Bachelor in Experience Design and Production (BFA)

Valencia, United States 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

About the Program

The Bachelor in Experience Design and Production is a Bachelor degree for students who want to learn about experience design and production. It's a great way to gain skills in design thinking, visual communication, and aesthetics. This 4-year program is taught in English at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, United States.

The curriculum includes project-driven Theater Studio Labs, where students examine approaches to design thinking, visual communication, and aesthetics. Students can specialize in areas like Costume Design, Experience Design, Lighting Design, Scene Design, Sound Design, Stage Management, and Technical Direction. The program is highly individualized, with core requirements serving as a framework for further studies customized to each student's goals.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Experience Designers, Theater Artists, Lighting Designers, Costume Designers, or Stage Managers. They can work in the entertainment industry, theater companies, or event production companies, using their skills to create engaging experiences for audiences.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

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85–95

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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