Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Academy of Art Institution Overview

If you dreamed of having a career in the art field, the Academy of Art University is your first pick! This for-profit university is owned by the Stephens Institute and was founded in San Francisco, California in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens. With an enrollment of over 16,000 students, the academy is reportedly the largest art and design school in the United States! And thanks to their hands-on online program, you can study there from the comfort of your own home!


 


With their virtual classrooms and conference software, you'll feel like you're in a "true" seminar-style classroom with student interaction and professors available to help you. The courses will teach you skills and techniques used by professional artists and designers — skills which can help you make the most of your creative abilities.


 


What sets Academy of Art Institution apart is that all students take an online educational support orientation, which gives an overview of the support services offered to online students, including academic support, writing support, English language support, and disability services.

Plus, the school offers weekly "Online Townhall" meetings, where students speak directly with their department directors in an open forum. Directors present the immediate goals of their departments, review student and faculty work and answer questions. Topics include new classes, internships, the department's review process, and other issues and concerns. And if you miss a townhall meeting, no worries — you can easily view recordings of past meetings on the chats page!

 


The Academy of Art University offers AA, BA, BFA, MA, and MFA programs focused in sixteen areas of art and design including: Illustration, Fashion, Photography, Motion Pictures & Television, and more.

Here are the programs offered:

-Advertising


-Animation


-Art Education


-Computer Arts - New Media


-Digital Arts and Communications (BFA Only)


-Fashion


-Fine Art


-Game Design


-Graphic Design


-Illustration


-Industrial Design


-Interior Architecture and Design


-Motion Pictures and Television


-Multimedia Communications


-Music for Visual Media


-Photography


 


 


Financial aid and grants are available for those who qualify. In May 2007, Academy of Art University received regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, one of the six major regional accreditation commissions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Degree programs offered by Academy of Art University are also accredited nationally by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.  The Academy is also an institutional member of the Career College Association and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.


Since its inception in 2002, their online program has grown to a current student body of almost 10,000 students from all over the world! You'll be learning from the best of the best, with a faculty of career artists, designers and scholars. Even if you're already a working professional, you can learn a new skill through their "Award of Completion" program designed for all-level students to further their careers.


 


At Academy of Art, your online learning experience will be similar to that in a classroom – your online class has students, instructors and advising. Using web-based discussion, email, and phone, you'll interact with your classmates on a weekly basis. Instead of raising your hand, you'll ask a question in an online discussion. With convenient content always available when needed, you'll feel on top of your coursework. At Academy of Art, you'll truly feel like a student part of the big college community there – it's students first!


 


Get more info on Academy of Art University now!