Academy of Art University - Online

History & Mission

Established in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, the Academy of Art University is the largest private and accredited art and design university, offering professional art and design study at undergraduate and graduate levels. Stephens, a creative director with Sunset magazine, originally opened the school to teach Advertising Art. He formulated the school�s philosophy: hire established professionals to teach future professionals. Son Richard A. Stephens took over the presidency in 1951, and in 1992 daughter Elisa Stephens succeeded her father as the President of the Academy of Art University.

Presently, the Academy of Art University has close to 10,000 students and 13 areas of emphasis. The Academy operates at the intersection of life and art, preparing working artists and designers within a creative environment that is both supportive and challenging. The curriculum incorporates students� talents and visions with the overall goal of preparing them for professional employment in art and design. The Academy emphasizes exceptional personalized teaching and addresses the needs of students of diverse ages and backgrounds.

Schools and Areas of Emphasis

The Academy offers accredited AA, BFA, MFA and M.Arch degrees as well as certificate programs and continuing art education. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program. Students have the opportunity to study Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Computer Arts: New Media, Digital Art & Communications, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, and Photography.

Accreditation

The Academy of Art is approved by the following accrediting associations:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
• Undergraduate Interior Design Program � Council for Interior Design Accreditation (Formerly FIDER) (BFA-IAD)
• Graduate Architecture Program � Candidate Status � National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)

Careers & Career Services

The Academy has partnered with top companies such as Alexander McQueen, Pixar, Sony, DreamWorks, McCann-Erickson and more. Students are provided with many opportunities to network and learn alongside industry giants at shows, industry projects, professional presentations and select recruitment opportunities.

Career Services offers students the opportunity to search job listings on the Academy website to augment their academic studies with real work experience.

Facilities & Housing

Academy of Art University is located in San Francisco, one of the world�s cultural capitals � ideal for emerging artists and designers. The Academy offers twenty-seven locations including academic buildings, campus housing facilities, and galleries � all set in the heart of the city and connected with a morning-to-night free shuttle service.

The Academy is committed to providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment ensuring that their education stays current with industry standards. Millions of dollars are spent constantly updating computers, darkroom facilities, motion picture equipment, and design studios.

Other Student Services & Support

• Financial Aid
  Financial aid packages are offered consisting of scholarships, grants, work study and low-interest loans.
  
  
• International Students/ESL
  The Academy offers its large international student population English as a Second Language (ESL) support throughout all programs. ESL students can improve their English proficiency through classes while continuing their art and design education. All ESL support programs are offered at no additional cost.
  
  
• Academy Resource Center (ARC)
  The Academy Resource Center uses a range of services to provide exceptional educational support and training for students and faculty.
  
  
• Campus Activities & Student Events (CASE)
  A variety of campus activities and special events are designed to encourage student interaction.