Graduation and Grad Show

At ArtCenter, we celebrate our graduating students in grand fashion with all the pomp and circumstance this achievement deserves.

We hold commencement events twice a year, at the end of our spring and fall terms. Our Graduation ceremony and accompanying Grad Show exhibition, held at the Pasadena Convention Center and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, form the two anchors of our culmination programming, each recognizing our graduating students’ achievements with the polish and professionalism that is distinctly ArtCenter.

Grad Show takes place in both digital and physical spaces designed specifically for each new class of graduates. Students are assigned gallery space to place the best pieces in their portfolios on display for visiting recruiters, family, friends and even the general public, since the exhibition takes place off-campus in the heart of Old Town Pasadena.

Upcoming Graduation Dates

Fall 2024: Saturday, December 14
Spring 2025: Saturday, April 26

Graduation Activities

Student Presentations and Networking Opportunities

Career and Professional Development hosts a robust slate of activities offering graduating students the opportunity to network with industry professionals looking to identify talent for current or potential job openings.

Thursday before graduation employers from the world’s most recognizable brands (running the gamut from Netflix to Google to SpaceX) are invited to a dedicated recruiting event where they have the opportunity engage one-on-one with students and their work. This event can lead to invaluable professional connections and even job offers.

Graduation Ceremony

Educational leaders from the College confer degrees upon our graduating students in a ceremony with live music and inspiring speakers. In addition to hearing from the Student Leadership Award winner and class Valedictorian, a graduation address is typically offered by a notable artist or designer, a celebrated faculty member or a distinguished alum. Please note: Graduation is a ticketed event.

Graduation Livestream

For those unable to attend in person, the Graduation Ceremony is streamed live on our homepage.

Grad Show

Following the Graduation Ceremony on Saturday afternoon, Grad Show opens to the general public, providing friends, family and people from across Greater Los Angeles a chance to view the work of our newly minted grads at a more leisurely pace.

* Days subject to change