The Art Institute of Portland

The Art Institute of Portland is one of The Art Institutes, a system of over fifty schools throughout North America dedicated to providing hands-on education in the creative and applied arts. The Art Institute of Portland offers bachelor's and associate's degree programs as well as non-degree programs for students interested in pursuing career opportunities from among tomorrow's 15 million jobs in creative fields like design, fashion, media arts, and culinary (based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for job growth from 2012 to 2022).

A focused education from The Art Institute of Portland 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 Art Institute of Portland also an important resource for creative industry leaders who value the opportunity provided students to learn by using professional-grade technology to build a portfolio of work to show potential employers after graduation.

Accreditation

The Art Institute of Portland is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institution's accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, Washington 98052; phone: 425-558-4224; www.nwccu.org.

The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503; www.accredit-id.org.

Location

Visual arts, a vibrant music scene, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, cool restaurants, retail stores, and hangouts: Portland, Oregon, is a thriving metropolis that keeps the creative spirit alive. This is a city where art, music, fashion, film, and food are just as hip as the lifestyles of the creative individuals that make their home here.

The surrounding area, including the Willamette River, Columbia River Gorge, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Hood--home of America's longest ski season--is a mecca for bicyclists, wind surfers, snow boarders, skiers, ice climbers, and hikers. Forest Park covers more than 5,000 acres. Washington Park is home to the Oregon Zoo. And Tom McCall Waterfront Park runs the length of downtown along the west bank of the Willamette River.

Portland is well-known for its forward-thinking urban planning and use of land. Due largely to the city's investment in light rail, Portland has been called one of the greenest cities in the world. The city is also referred to as "City of Roses" because its climate is perfect for growing that particular flower and "City of Bridges" because of the many spans that carry its streets across its rivers.

Students find the city's largest art collection at the Portland Art Museum, which recently added a Modern and Contemporary Art wing. There are many more art galleries downtown and in neighborhoods throughout the city. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) sits on the eastern bank of the Willamette, across from downtown.

Portland boasts a wide array of dining options, indoors and out, to suit every budget and every taste--even if it's just a hot dog while watching the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers play basketball at the Rose Garden.