The Art Institute of Washington - Overview
From the College
A focused education from The Art Institute of Washington, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, 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 on professional-grade technology and build a portfolio of work to show potential employers after graduation.
The Art Institute of Washington is a branch campus of The Art Institute of Atlanta. The Art Institute of Atlanta is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of The Art Institute of Atlanta.
The Art Institute of Washington is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to operate in Virginia.
The Associate in Arts in culinary arts and the Associate in Arts in culinary arts with a concentration in baking and pastry degree programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.
The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503; http://www.accredit-id.org.
Location
Located in Arlington, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., The Art Institute of Washington occupies the ground floor and the ninth through twelfth floors of the Ames Center. The area is home to a variety of activities, including professional sports, first-rate theatrical and musical entertainment, beautiful parks, and cultural events. Some of the most popular places to visit are the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Institution and Museums, and Capitol Building. The Arlington community is home to the Fashion Center at Pentagon City, with its more than 150 stores, and the Crystal City Underground and Plaza Shops, which hosts more than 120 retail shops. In addition, Arlington has more than 170 county parks and playgrounds, including over 80 miles of bicycle routes and jogging trails.
Programs of Study and Degrees
No matter which course of study a student may choose, the professionals at The Art Institute of Washington 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. Programs in the culinary area focus on the fundamental techniques while exposing students to a full menu of international cuisines and management techniques.
Bachelor's degrees are available in advertising, audio production, culinary arts management, digital filmmaking and video production, fashion and retail management, food and beverage management, game art and design, graphic design, interior design, media arts and animation, photographic imaging, visual and game programming, visual effects and motion graphics, and Web design and interactive media.
Associate degrees are offered in culinary arts; culinary arts with a concentration in baking and pastry; graphic design; photographic imaging; video production; Web design and interactive media; and wine, spirits, and beverage management.
Diploma programs are available in advertising design, commercial photography, culinary arts--baking and pastry, culinary arts--skills, digital design, video skills, and Web design.
The culinary arts and associate in graphic design programs are available in an evening and weekend option format.
Academic Programs
The academic year is divided into four quarters, beginning in January, April, July, and October. Students may begin their program of study during any quarter. Bachelor's degrees require the completion of 192 credit hours, and associate degree programs require completion of 96 to 112 credit hours.
Academic Facilities
The Art Institute of Washington 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.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students must interview, either by telephone or in person, with a member of the admissions staff in order to explore the student¿s background and interests and how they relate to The Art Institute of Washington's programs. To apply, students must submit a completed application for admission, including an essay, high school transcripts or General Educational Development (GED) test scores, SAT or ACT scores, and a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Prospective students may apply at any time of the year. Applications may be submitted online or mailed to the School.
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 Washington
1820 North Fort Myer Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22209-1802
United States
Phone: 703-358-9550
877-303-3771 (toll-free)
Fax: 703-358-9759
Web site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/arlington
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