The Art Institute of Charleston

From the College

The Art Institute of Charleston provides students with an educational environment and dedicated faculty members who are committed to preparing students for entry-level positions in the creative arts. Under the guidance of industry professionals, students learn by doing the types of tasks they are likely to encounter in the workplace. In addition, assistance is available to help students with resume writing, networking, and keeping aware of what employers are looking for in job candidates. The school offers seven bachelor’s degree programs, five associate degree programs, and two certificate programs.

The school offers assistance in helping students to secure housing.

The student population includes recent high school graduates, transfer students, and those who have left a previous employment situation to study and train for a new career. Students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for an exciting entry-level position in the arts.

The Art Institute of Charleston places a high value on the quality of student life–both in and out of the classroom. Students can participate in a wide variety of activities, including clubs and organizations, community service, and various committees designed to enhance the quality of student life.

The Art Institute of Charleston 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 Charleston is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (1333 Main Street, Suite 200, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; phone: 803-737-2260; Web site: http://www.che.sc.gov). Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality.

The school’s Market Street location is close to arts, historical, and cultural organizations, allowing students to experience all that Charleston has to offer.

Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in culinary arts management, digital filmmaking & video production, fashion & retail management, graphic design, interior design, photographic imaging, and Web design & interactive media.

Associate degrees are offered in culinary arts, culinary arts with a concentration in baking & pastry, graphic design, Web & interactive media, and wine, spirits, & beverage management.

Certificate programs are available in commercial photography and culinary arts: skills.

The Art Institute of Charleston operates on a year-round, four-quarter system.

The Art Institute of Charleston contains classrooms, Mac and PC computer labs, and a library for student use. There is also a bookstore.

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 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 members at The Art Institute of Charleston have professional knowledge that they bring into the classroom. The school’s faculty members provide their students with a real-world, relevant educational experience.

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or achievement of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate as a prerequisite for admission. In lieu of documenting high school graduation or a GED certificate, applicants may provide proof of attaining an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution. An official transcript indicating date of high school graduation, GED certificate (including test scores), or date of college graduation (including degree granted) is required as proof.

All individuals seeking admission to The Art Institute of Charleston are interviewed in person or by phone by an assistant director of admissions, and each applicant must create an original essay of at least 150 words stating how an education at The Art Institute of Charleston would help the student to achieve career goals. There is a $50 application fee.

For the most recent information regarding admission requirements, please refer to the current academic catalog.

To obtain an application, make arrangements for an interview, or tour the school, students should contact:

The Art Institute of Atlanta®; The Art Institute of Atlanta®–Decatur; The Art Institute of Austin℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Houston; 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 Charleston℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Charlotte®; The Art Institute of Colorado®; The Art Institute of Dallas®; The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale®; The Art Institute of Houston®; The Art Institute of Houston–North®; The Art Institute of Indianapolis℠*; The Art Institute of Jacksonville℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Las Vegas®; The Art Institute of Michigan℠; The Art Institute of New York City®; The Art Institute of Ohio℠–Cincinnati**; 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 Seattle®; The Art Institute of Tampa℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Tennessee℠–Nashville, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Tucson℠; The Art Institute of Vancouver℠; The Art Institute of Washington℠***, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; 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; Miami International University of Art & Design℠; The New England Institute of Art®.

*The Art Institute of Indianapolis is regulated by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 W. Washington St., Rm. E201, Indianapolis, IN 46204, AC-0080.

**The Art Institute of Ohio–Cincinnati, 8845 Governors Hill Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45249-3317, OH Reg. #04-01-1698B.

***Certified by the State Council of Higher Education to operate in Virginia.