Academy of Art University Overview

Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of culture and technology, Academy of Art University offers more than 129 accredited degree programs spanning 70 areas of study, including entertainment arts, advertising, fashion, architecture, game development, music, communication, photography, and more. For more information, please visit https://www.academyart.edu/.

Hands-on Curriculum

Academy of Art University is a professional school—a practical, hands-on art and design school where you learn by doing. Our courses are practice-based and industry-centered, which means you learn the skills you’ll actually use in your future profession. Whether you choose to study online, on campus (onsite), or a hybrid of both, you’ll gain the job-ready skills and experiences that will help you enter your profession in full stride. To learn more about our programs, visit https://www.academyart.edu/academics/

Learn from Working Professionals

Those tasked to teach, mentor, and lead students at the Academy of Art University do so by example. Our instructors earn a living by the skills they teach. Their work-related experience, insider insights, and connections to industry will give you an invaluable competitive edge in your professional career.

Built-in Career Prep Opportunities

We bring industry professionals and students together. We learned long ago that the benefits of collaborating with industry experts while earning your degree can lead to student success. Some of the ways you may benefit include gaining work experience with real companies on real projects, feedback and insights about your work, mentoring and networking opportunities, internships, job opportunities, and more. To learn more about our built-in career prep opportunities, visit 

https://www.academyart.edu/career-prep

Flexible Online Learning

For nearly two decades, Academy of Art University has been offering accredited art and design degree programs. As an early pioneer in online learning, our online programs are designed to provide the same quality of education as what we offer on-campus students, but with greater flexibility. This is your chance to learn from expert instructors that will equip you with work-ready skills and help you succeed. Choose from 120+ undergraduate and graduate degrees offered 100% online by one of the nation’s top art and design schools. To learn more about our online programs, visit https://www.academyart.edu/online-education/.

Campus Facilities and Equipment

Academy of Art University takes its facilities beyond the typical art school. From two green screens for filmmakers and visual effects artists to a bronze-casting foundry for sculptors and jewelry makers to, to Cintiq labs and the Oculus Rift System, students have the very best at their fingertips to prepare them for dream careers beyond the Academy.

A Creative Haven - Campus Housing

Students making their homes in Academy of Art University residence halls live in some of the most unique buildings in San Francisco, but more importantly, they become part of a tightly knit artist community. Making friends with students from other countries and other disciplines is part of becoming a whole artist. Being exposed to different cultures opens students' minds to new perspectives, while working with students in other departments broadens practical skills and knowledge.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for those students who qualify. The Academy offers a number of scholarships and grants. Interested students can visit the Academy online or contact a financial aid representative at financialaid@academyart.edu to learn more. Financial aid representatives are committed to helping students achieve their dreams.

Student Organizations and Activities

Academy of Art University hosts over 40 official student chartered clubs, cultural organizations, and intramural club sports. It is one of the few art and design schools that believe in nurturing the whole artist; this includes developing athletic ability along with artistic talent. The Academy is proud to be the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have an NCAA athletics program, with over 14 NCAA Division II sports teams competing in the Pacific West Conference. The Academy has an active international student population, and it also embraces the military by transforming aspiring Servicemembers into professional artists and designers, now boasting a large number of military Servicemembers scholars.

Admissions Process

Academy of Art University believes that all students interested in studying art and design should have the opportunity to do so, and it's no-barrier admissions policy makes this possible.

Academy of Art University welcomes:

- Students with All Levels of Experience

- Transfer Students

- International Students

- Continuing Art Education Students

- High School Students for the Pre-college Art Experience Program (a tuition-free art and design education program for high school students)

- Undergraduate, Graduate, Certificate, and Continuing Education Students (Personal Enrichment)

Requirements:

- AA, BA, BFA, BS, and Portfolio Development Programs: High School Diploma or Equivalent. No Portfolio Required.

- MA and MFA Degree Programs: Bachelor's Degree, Submission of Portfolio, and Statement of Intent.

Students who do not speak English as their first language must be tested on their written and spoken proficiency in order to place them in the appropriate ESL courses, if necessary. ESL requirements can be completed concurrently with regular art and design coursework. Each of the foundation classes runs sections specifically for ESL students, led by instructors who are experienced in language assistance. Applicants may begin classes at the Academy at the start of the spring, fall, or summer sessions. Undergraduate applicants pay a $50 application fee. *Students should be advised that details provided in this profile may change at any time and may be different for international students. In order to receive the most current information, interested students should visit the website (www.academyart.edu) or use the contact information provided below.

Contact:

Address:

Academy of Art University

79 New Montgomery Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Telephone: 415-274-2219

(Toll Free):800-544-ARTS (2787)

Fax:415-263-4130

Website: www.academyart.edu

Email: admissions@academyart.edu

Academy of Art Upcoming Events

Check out Academy of Art University's upcoming Virtual Online Open Houses! You can sign up for the events by clicking here.