The Art Institute of California–San Francisco

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From the College

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco helps students cultivate and refine the talents and skills that are needed for entry-level positions in the creative arts. Curricula are taught in an environment that encourages free expression, leadership, and responsible decision making. The school offers thirteen bachelor’s degree programs to students, as well as five associate degree programs and a master’s degree in computer animation.

Faculty and staff members strive to foster development and cultivate artistic growth. Students are given opportunities to develop leadership skills and build relationships. In addition, assistance is available to help students with resume writing, networking, and keeping abreast of what employers are looking for in job candidates.

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco 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 opportunities, and various committees designed to enhance the quality of student life. Numerous all-school programs and events are planned throughout the year to meet the educational, developmental, and social needs of students. The Art Institute of California–San Francisco also includes a student gallery, a student lounge, staff offices, and an art supply store.

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco helps students to obtain comfortable, affordable housing. The school has two housing locations. Westlake Village Apartments in Daly City offers studio apartments for 2 occupants. Two-bedroom units for 4 occupants are also available. The Fillmore Center in San Francisco offers two- and three-bedroom units for 6 occupants. All apartments are furnished with a full kitchen and one or two bathrooms. Both housing sites are conveniently located within a 20-minute commute of the school, using public transportation. Students may also choose to live in independent housing; those who decide to live off campus are encouraged to begin their housing search early. Roommate referral services are available.

Students come to The Art Institute of California–San Francisco from throughout the United States and abroad. 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. Many clubs and organizations are specific to programs of study, while others are geared toward student interest in photography, the environment, and campus activities. Students also take advantage of San Francisco’s clubs, concerts, museums, ethnic restaurants, and Golden Gate Park. Local activities and clubs include the San Francisco Siggraph Chapter, Graphic Design Guild, San Francisco Fashion Group, and Game Developers Local Chapter. In addition, students have attended events such as the International Game Developers Conference, MacWorld, and the HOW Conference.

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco, is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and diplomas. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools 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.

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco has been granted approval to operate by the California Bureau for Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education (California Department of Consumer Affairs, 1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S-308, Sacramento, California 95834; phone: 916-574-8200; Web site: www.bppve.ca.gov).

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco is located on Market Street, in the center of downtown San Francisco. San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Haight-Ashbury district. With a population of more than 700,000, San Francisco has the highest concentration of arts organizations in the world. Students have access to public libraries, including the Center of Performing Arts Library, with its specialized sections on fashion and costuming. Natural attractions include the rolling hills and mountains in nearby wine country and dramatic vistas overlooking the Pacific, which provide options for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Asian, Hispanic, and Italian neighborhoods are within walking distance. Public transportation, including cable cars, is available. The Bay Area and nearby Silicon Valley are home to leading new-media companies.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered in advertising, audio production, digital filmmaking & video production, fashion design, fashion marketing, fashion marketing & management, game art & design, graphic design, interior design, media arts & animation, visual & game programming, and Web design & interactive media.

Associate degrees are available in culinary arts, fashion design, fashion marketing, graphic design, and Web design & interactive media.

The Bachelor of Science in graphic design and interior design programs are also available in an evening and weekend option format.

A Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in computer animation.

The academic year is divided into four quarters, beginning in January, April, July, and October. A bachelor’s degree requires completion of 192 credits. An associate degree requires completion of 112 academic credits.

The school’s 37,000 square feet houses classrooms, studios, offices, an exhibition gallery, a Learning Resource Center with library and research facilities, a student art supply store, and computer labs with Internet connections. The library is constantly updated and supplemented with new acquisitions. At The Art Institute of California–San Francisco, the library offers a collection of books, magazines, newspapers, videos, CDs, and slides that supports program-specific technology. Light, spacious classrooms and equipped studios and computer labs offer a productive working atmosphere in which students can explore and render their creativity.

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.

The Art Institute of California–San Francisco faculty consists of full-time instructors and part-time instructors, many of whom have advanced degrees and professional experience in their respective fields.

The Student Federation is responsible for student government and acts as a liaison between the student body and faculty and staff members.

Prospective students must submit an application for admission, record of proof of high school graduation or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores, if available. High school seniors who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript that indicates their expected graduation date. Portfolios are welcomed but are not required. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their previous education, background, and stated or demonstrated interest in the school’s programs. Students must be interviewed either in person or via telephone by an Assistant Director of Admissions. Prospective students may apply at any time prior to the start of the upcoming quarter. 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.