The Art Institute of California, a college of Argosy University, Orange County - Overview
From the College
A focused education from The Art Institute of California--Orange County can help students turn their creative energy into a powerful tool that can make a difference in the world. Students are part of a collaborative and supportive community, where experienced instructors provide the guidance and skills needed to pursue a career in the creative economy.
The school's programs in the areas of design, media arts, fashion, and culinary give students the opportunity to learn by using professional-grade technology and build a portfolio of work to show potential employers after graduation.
The Art Institute of California--Orange County is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor¿s degrees. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. ACICS can be contacted at 750 First Street NE, Suite 980, Washington, D.C. 20002; phone: 202-336-6780.
The Art Institute of California--Orange County has been granted approval to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, California Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S-308, Sacramento, California 95834; phone: 916-574-8200; http:// www.bppve.ca.gov.
The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503; http://www.accredit-id.org.
Location
The Art Institute of California--Orange County is strategically located in the heart of the booming Southern California region that includes the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura. Southern California is a central hub of the entertainment, advertising, design, aerospace, and culinary industries. Orange County offers 42 miles of beautiful, sandy Pacific Ocean coastline, and wilderness parks are minutes away for camping, hiking, and biking. The area has more than 250 sunny days a year and is home to Disneyland, Knott¿s Berry Farm, and world-renowned cultural events, including the annual Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts.
Programs of Study and Degrees
No matter which course of study a student may choose, the professionals at The Art Institute of California--Orange County will guide, support, and help each student as their talents evolve on their journey of personal and professional transformation. Students studying design learn to fine-tune their visual thinking and problem-solving skills, as they create everything from logos to TV ads. Programs in the area of media arts focus on utilizing technology to deliver information and entertainment, while students studying fashion learn to design clothes for the runway or run a retail shop. Culinary programs focus on the fundamental techniques while exposing students to a full menu of international cuisines and management techniques.
Bachelor's degree programs are offered in advertising, culinary management, digital filmmaking and video production, fashion design, fashion marketing and management, game art and design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, media arts and animation, visual and game programming, visual effects and motion graphics, and Web design and interactive media.
Associate degree programs are offered in baking and pastry, culinary arts, digital photography, graphic design, and Web design and interactive media.
Diploma programs are offered in the art of cooking and baking and pastry.
The culinary arts, culinary management, graphic design, and interior design programs are available in an evening and weekend option format.
Academic Programs
A bachelor's degree requires the completion of 192 credits, while an associate degree requires the completion of 112 academic credits. The academic year is divided into four quarters that begin in January, April, July, and October. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to continue to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
The school arranges study trips to local cultural and commercial sites. These visits offer an opportunity for valuable exposure to places and events relating to the student's field of study. In addition, out-of-town seminars and visits may be planned in individual programs.
The Student Tutoring Program is a peer-to-peer tutoring assistance program that is available to all current students. Each tutor has unique qualifications in his or her area of expertise.
Academic Facilities
The Art Institute of California--Orange County provides a learning environment with professional-grade technology applicable to each student¿s course of study. Students have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work that shows potential employers that they are trained to use the software, hardware, or equipment utilized within the industry. Depending upon the course of study, students are immersed in a creative environment--from classrooms to computer labs to studios--focused on relevant, hands-on education designed to prepare students for the real world.
Costs
Tuition cost varies by program. Prospective students should contact the school for current tuition costs. Other charges include a starting kit for all first-quarter students. Kits vary in price depending on the program of study.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who require financial assistance should first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with a financial aid officer.
Faculty
Faculty members are experienced professionals who create a learning environment that is similar to the professional world students will face after graduation. Instructors are focused on helping students develop the skills they need to transform their creative potential into marketable skills.
Student Government
The President's Club is a group of students who promote the philosophy of "students helping students." Members act as emissaries for the school and as liaisons between students and faculty and staff members. The club assists new students as well as helping in the organization and promotion of campus activities. Student members must be nominated for the organization by a member of the faculty or staff.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate or have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. High school seniors who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript that indicates their expected graduation date. All prospective students are required to submit two essays of approximately one page in length, describing what they expect from the school and how an education at The Art Institute of California--Orange County may help them to reach their career goals. Applicants are interviewed either in person or by telephone by an assistant director of admissions. In addition, other standardized exams, such as the SAT or ACT, may be considered. Prospective students may apply at any time prior to the start of the upcoming quarter, and applications may be submitted online or mailed directly to the school. There is a $50 application fee.
For the most recent information regarding admission requirements, please refer to the current academic catalog.
Application and Information
To obtain an application, make arrangements for an interview, or tour the school, prospective students should contact:
The Art Institute of California--Orange County
3601 West Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, California 92704-7931
United States
Phone: 714-830-0200
888-549-3055 (toll-free)
Fax: 714-556-1923
Web site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/orangecounty
See aiprograms.info for program duration,tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.
FOOTNOTE
The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Atlanta--Decatur1; The Art Institute of Austin2; The Art Institute of California--Hollywood; The Art Institute of California--Inland Empire; The Art Institute of California--Los Angeles; The Art Institute of California--Orange County; The Art Institute of California--Sacramento; The Art Institute of California--San Diego; The Art Institute of California--San Francisco; The Art Institute of California--Sunnyvale; The Art Institute of Charleston1; The Art Institute of Charlotte; The Art Institute of Colorado; The Art Institute of Dallas3; The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale; The Art Institute of Fort Worth3; The Art Institute of Houston; The Art Institute of Houston--North2; The Art Institute of Indianapolis4; The Art Institute of Jacksonville5; The Art Institute of Las Vegas; The Art Institute of Michigan; The Art Institute of New York City; The Art Institute of Ohio--Cincinnati6; The Art Institute of Philadelphia; The Art Institute of Phoenix; The Art Institute of Pittsburgh; The Art Institute of Portland; The Art Institute of Raleigh--Durham; The Art Institute of Salt Lake City; The Art Institute of San Antonio2;The Art Institute of Seattle; The Art Institute of Tampa5; The Art Institute of Tennessee--Nashville1; The Art Institute of Tucson; The Art Institute of Vancouver; The Art Institute of Virginia Beach1,7; The Art Institute of Washington1,7; The Art Institute of Washington--Northern Virginia1,7; The Art Institute of Wisconsin; The Art Institute of York--Pennsylvania; The Art Institutes International--Kansas City; The Art Institutes International Minnesota; The Illinois Institute of Art--Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art--Schaumburg; The Illinois Institute of Art--Tinley Park; Miami International University of Art & Design; The New England Institute of Art.
1A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta
2A branch of The Art Institute of Houston
3A campus of South University
4The Art Institute of Indianapolis is regulated by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 West Washington Street, Room E201, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, AC-0080
5A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
6The Art Institute of Ohio--Cincinnati, 8845 Governors Hill Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249-3317, OH Reg. #04-01-1698B
7Certified by the State Council of Higher Education to operate in Virginia