The Art Institutes
Welcome to Art Institutes
Established in 1929, Academy of Art University fosters passionate and committed artists through cutting-edge art and design programs. With nearly 12,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. The Academy offers:
- Accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs
- 13 areas of art and design
- An inspiring urban campus in San Francisco
- A flexible online degree program
- A dedicated faculty of working artists
- Excellent job placement resources
- Accredited member WASC, NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA – IAD), NAAB (M-ARCH).
Advertising
At the School of Advertising, students learn an integrated approach to marketing communications that is backed by solid strategic thinking. Some areas of focus include:
- Account Planning
- Art Direction
- Copywriting
Successful alumni include Jason Sperling who is the copywriter for award-winning “Mac vs. PC” campaign.
Animation
Be a part of the worldwide technological revolution – and the next one. Graduates of Academy of Art University’s School of Animation have worked on award-winning films such as Ratatouille and wildly popular video games such as World of Warcraft. Some areas of focus include:
- 2D Modeling
- 3D Modeling
- Background Painting
- Character Animation
- Games
- Visual Effects
Alumni have gone on to work at Pixar, Industrial Light and Magic and Blizzard Entertainment.
Architecture (M.Arch only)
The accredited Master of Architecture program is designed to prepare the graduate to create visual and physical changes to our built environment that enhance its quality and our experience in it. Some areas of focus include:
- Green Architecture
- Residential Architecture
- Commercial Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
Graduates have been hired by world-class firms and companies such as Anshen + Allen, Crate & Barrel, Architecture International and many more.
Computer Arts: New Media
From winning awards at the prestigious SIGGRAPH competition to working for international multimedia companies, students in the Academy of Art University’s Computer Arts: New Media program are driving the digital renaissance. Some areas of focus include:
- Web and Interactive Design
- Print Design and Production
- Motion Graphic Design
- Digital Video
- Typography
Alumni have worked for the most cutting-edge multimedia companies such as hulu.com, CNN and Wallace Church.
Digital Arts and Communications (BFA only)
The School of Digital Arts and Communication integrates traditional art skills and concept development with new technologies and platforms. Students become specialists in web site usability, web information architecture, and interactive products. Some areas of focus include:
- Web Site Usability
- Information Architecture Design
- Icon Design
- Motion Graphic Design
Graduates have gone on to lucrative careers working at companies such as American Greetings, Toyota and Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Fashion
The Academy of Art University's School of Fashion combines European artisanship with New York industry savvy, California freshness with modern American technology. The Academy is the only school invited to show at the prestigious New York Fashion Week. Some areas of focus include:
- Textile Design
- Fashion Merchandising
- Fashion Journalism
- Menswear Design
Alumni have gone on to work with Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen and Oscar de la Renta. Academy students have also been featured on MTV’s True Life.
Fine Art
At the School of Fine Art, students learn how to find gallery representation before they graduate, how to present themselves, how to exhibit in a gallery and how to make a living doing what they love. Some areas of focus include:
- Jewelry Design
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Fine Art graduates exhibit internationally and are commissioned for public works.
Graphic Design
Everywhere you look you’ll see the work of a graphic designer. It’s the recognizable mark that makes brands stand out. At Academy of Art University, students learn Graphic Design in a school that is second to none. Some areas of focus include:
- Typography
- Print and editorial design
- Branding
- Packaging
Alumni have been recruited by Dreamworks, Nike and Wired magazine.
Illustration
The School of Illustration teaches the understanding of the figure, the concepts and storytelling, the use of color to convey feeling and mood and the mastery of technique, marketability and presentation. Some areas of focus include:
- Commercial Illustration
- Graphic Novels
- Scientific Illustration
- Creature Design
Alumni have been nationally published in books, magazines and even postage stamps.
Industrial Design
At Academy of Art University’s School of Industrial Design, students don’t learn what’s going to happen tomorrow – they create it. Some areas of focus include:
- Car Design
- Product Design
- Toy Design
- Furniture Design
Alumni have gone on to design at companies like Camelbak, LLC and General Motors.
Interior Architecture & Design
If you have the desire and passion to create comfortable, intriguing, inspiring environments that people will live in, work in and admire, then this is the occupation for you. Some areas of focus include:
- Residential Design
- Commercial Design
- Furniture Design
- Ergonomics
Alumni have gone on to create their own furniture lines and have their work featured on HGTV.
Motion Pictures and Television/Acting
School of Motion Pictures and Television/Acting students learn in a “real world” movie studio setting where there’s a momentum that brings people together to turn the theoretical into practical. Some areas of focus include:- Screenwriting
- Acting
- Directing
- Producing
From directing music videos for the hottest musicians to winning international film festivals, MPT alumni have exciting – and lucrative – careers!
Photography
There is an increasing need for creative, highly educated photographers who are able to blend technical proficiency with technical creativity. The School of Photography trains your artistic eye as your master the camera. Some areas of focus include:
- Digital Photography
- Advertising Photography
- Fashion Photography
- Fine Art Photography
Academy alumni have been published nationally in magazines and newspapers and won numerous prestigious photography awards for their work.
