Founded in 1997, Sessions College has graduated many thousands of students from more than 90 countries.

Degree and Certificate Program Admissions

International Students

Since 1997, Sessions College (originally named sessions.edu) has been an international school. The school was founded in New York City by downtown designers from all around the world. Since then, Sessions has become an Arizona based, degree-granting institution with a growing enrollment, and a recognized leader and innovator in online education. And we are proud to say that Sessions has graduated students from more than 90 countries around the world.

On this page, we address frequently asked questions (FAQS) from international students.

General Questions

What programs are offered?

Sessions College offers degree and certificate level programs.

Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate programs are credit-bearing programs. Classes are scheduled in 15-week semesters, with weekly deadlines and maximum student participation in assignments, discussions, and critiques. There are three semesters per year, starting in January, May, and August, with three Early start options in February, June, and October.

Available majors include: Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, Illustration, Advertising Design, and Digital Photography.

Vocational Certificate programs are offered on a continuing education basis with monthly class starts. Classes in the Professional Certificate and Advanced Certificate programs are self-paced, with a primary focus on assignments.

Available subjects include: Graphic Design, Web Design, Multimedia Arts, Digital Arts, Marketing Design, and Fine Arts.

How does online learning at Sessions work?

Courses are structured around hands-on projects designed to simulate the challenges of professional design projects. Lectures are packed with illustrations and case studies, and supported by video tutorials. Exercises are structured around hands-on projects. You’ll get critique and feedback on each exercise from expert instructors. You can learn current design skills and build a portfolio of work as you progress through your program.

Will I get feedback from faculty and students?

Detailed, helpful feedback on your work is a hallmark of every Sessions College program. As you progress through the program you’ll get critiques on every piece of work you submit from a faculty of more than 30 professional artists and designers.

If you’re looking for peer-to-peer interaction, the scheduled classes in our Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate programs are your ideal option. They are structured around discussions and critiques that make group learning productive and fun. Our Vocational programs are more oriented to self-paced learning with plenty of feedback from your instructors.

Do I have to log in at a certain time or day for classes?

All Sessions courses are asynchronous, which means that you can log in any time and any day to work on your courses. Lectures, exercises, discussion areas, and course mail are available 24/7. Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate students have weekly deadlines. Professional and Advanced Certificate program students have more flexibility on when to post assignments, but are expected to keep pace in their programs each month.

How much time do I need each week to complete a program?

Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate students can study full-time (12 or more credits/semester) or part-time (6 or 9 credits/semester). the classes have weekly assignment deadlines, so on a a full-time schedule, students should allocate 15-20 hours per week to their studies.

Professional and Advanced Certificate programs are offered on a self-paced basis that provides more flexibility on when assignments are submitted. In order to complete their programs on time, students should allocate 15 hours per week for coursework. If you need more time to complete your vocational program, you can take advantage of our painless extension policy for up to 12 months of additional access.

I am new to design. Will these programs be too advanced for me?

Sessions programs are designed for students who are new to the world of design. Your first courses will be geared toward learning the basics of software and design fundamentals. From there we aim to take you through increasingly advanced projects that help you build your art and design skills.

I am an experienced designer. Can I transfer in credits or experience?

Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate program students may be able to transfer college credits for courses taken in equivalent subjects.

Certificate students with academic or professional experience in a subject may be able to substitute courses in their programs, replacing them with equivalent or higher courses.

Recognitions

Is Sessions College accredited?

Yes. Sessions College for Professional Design is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Sessions College for certificate programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Accreditation is a recognition that Sessions College meets the high standards set by authorities in education and distance learning. Sessions College is also approved by the United States Department of Education to administer Federal Student Aid.

Is the accreditation internationally recognized?

Yes. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission and Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as nationally recognized accrediting agencies and are recognized members of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The DEAC has emerged as a leading accrediting association in global distance learning. DEAC has accredited members in Australia, Japan, and throughout the United States.

Admissions and Registration

Can I apply and register online?

Absolutely. Our online application process is straightforward and convenient and our team of Admissions Advisors stands ready to help you with any questions you may have.

When can I start?

Associate Degree and Undergraduate Certificate programs begin January, May, and August, with Early start options in February, June, and October.

Professional and Advanced Certificate programs start on a monthly basis. Registered students are provided immediate access to orientation and design classes.

“I already have a BFA, but earning an online certificate will add to my credentials. My primary goal of enrolling is to get solid design skills. I am a working freelancer, and new projects can kick in at any time. Allowing me to study at home at my own pace is important.”

On On Lao

Professional Certificate in Graphic Design, International Student, Macau

Program Costs

What is the tuition?

Sessions College is recognized for its affordable tuition. For more information on program tuition, please visit Admissions and visit the following pages:

Vocational Certificate Admissions
Undergraduate Certificate Admissions
Associate Degree Admissions

Is financial aid available for international students?

For the Associate Degree program, there is an International Student scholarship that can provide eligible students up to $2,000 of tuition. The scholarship is open to students applying to Sessions College for the first time.

For Professional and Advanced Certificate Programs, we offer a no-interest payment plan that allows you to pay your program tuition as you go as a series of low monthly payments.

What hardware or software do I need?

Sessions College programs can be taken on a Mac or a PC. Specific software and hardware requirements vary depending on the program. Please check degree or certificate program areas of this site for details, or the school catalog. Educational discounts are available to enrolled students for hardware and software.

Do I have to buy textbooks?

Students are not required to purchase or utilize any textbooks or reading materials available outside of the Sessions College learning environment. Sessions course developers create all written and visual instructional materials. Degree students also have required course readings that are accessible as part of our free online library, found in the learning environment, which includes access to over 50,000 titles.

How do I pay?

To apply, register, or enroll in any Sessions College program, you can pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card), check, money order, or bank wire.

If you wish to pay by bank wire, ask an Admissions Advisor to send you bank routing information. A $25 processing fee will be charged for bank wire transfers. Depending on your background and the program to which you are applying, various forms of payment assistance may be available, including payment plans, tuition assistance, military student benefits, and more.

Am I entitled to a refund if I withdraw?

A student who cancels an Associate Degree or Undergraduate Certificate program within five days of the beginning of orientation is entitled to a full refund of all fees and tuition. After five days, if a degree student cancels this contract, the school may retain the application and registration fees plus a percentage of tuition based on the number of weeks elapsed in each semester.

A student who cancels a Professional or Advanced Certificate program within five days of enrollment is entitled to a full refund of all fees and tuition. After five days, if a student cancels this contract, the school may retain the registration fee of $200, plus a percentage of tuition based on the number of weeks elapsed in a semester. Certificate programs are administered in 12-week semesters until contract expiration.

Did you know? Sessions College offers an International Student scholarship.

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