Academy of Art University, founded in 1929 by artists for artists, is the nation's largest accredited, private art and design university with over 17,000 students. Having state-of-the-art campuses online and in San Francisco, the Academy guides students to creative professional futures. Alumni currently work at top companies such as Pixar, NBC, Apple, Nike and more.
Academy of Art University offers accredited Associates (AA), Bachelors (BA, BFA) and Masters (MA, MFA, M.Arch) degrees, as well as certificate programs and continuing art education. Additionally, Academy of Art University's pre-college scholarship programs offer high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for art and design.
Classes are available in 18 areas:
- Acting
- Advertising
- Animation & Visual Effects
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Fashion
- Fine Art
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Industrial Design
- Interior Architecture & Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Motion Pictures & Television
- Multimedia Communications
- Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media
- Photography
- Web Design & New Media
Accredited member WASC, NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA – IAD), NAAB (M-ARCH).
Advertising (Associate's)
Academy of Art University instructors guide students through design, copywriting and account planning. They help them build an inspiring portfolio of work to capture the job of their dreams.
- Grad Jason Sperling helped develop the well-known Mac vs. PC ads starring John Hodgman and Justin Long.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: ABC Creative Group, Goodby, Ogilvy One and Yahoo.
Animation and Visual Effects (Associate's)
Blending precise technique with digital expertise, our instructors encourage creative experimentation while teaching the fundamentals of drawing, 3D modeling and character animation. Students graduate with a jaw-dropping demo reel.
- Alum Greg Towner worked on Peter Jackson's King Kong and Pirates of the Caribbean II through Industrial Light and Magic.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic, Blizzard and Sony Picture Imageworks.
Fashion (Associate's)
Students develop their personal style with courses in design, merchandising, textiles and knitwear. They have the exclusive opportunity to show at New York's Fashion Week before graduating. After graduation, students are prepared to become the hottest designers and merchandisers in the world.
- Academy of Art University fashion students packed the Tent at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week in February 2009. They reinvented knitwear and corduroy. They took risks.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Escada and Pottery Barn.
Fine Art (Associate's)
At the School of Fine Art, students master the classical tradition, and then are encouraged to let their imaginations take flight. Career artists help perfect techniques in painting, sculpture, jewelry making and print making while imparting the business savvy necessary to make a living. Graduates leave with a portfolio that has collectors and galleries clamoring for their work.
- Cole Haan, the noted U.S. bag and shoe company, recruited Academy of Art University alumna Anna Sheffield for a fresh perspective. Trying to attract a younger crowd, the company brought in the innovative New York jewelry designer to create a line of jewelry and "pennies" for loafers.
- Graduates are hired at top galleries and universities including: UC Berkeley, Wendt Gallery and Willen Racke Studio.
Game Design (Associate's)
At the School of Game Design, you¹ll use your creativity and skills to design games that will push boundaries, delight the senses and leave the user craving more. Professional game designers will guide you through all the fundamental game art principals including game engine technology, pre-production and production environments. You will graduate with a strong portfolio that shows skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as 3D modeling.
Graphic Design (Associate's)
Our program combines conceptual thinking and technical knowledge to produce award-winning professionals. Working instructors guide students through courses in typography, print design, branding and packaging. You'll graduate with a portfolio that has something important that goes with it, a successful career.
- Alumna Kathrin Blatter was the lead designer in re-branding North Face, one of the world's biggest outdoor clothing and equipment retailers.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: American Greetings, Williams-Sonoma, Nike and LucasArts.
Illustration (Associate's)
School of Illustration students develop expert technique to convey creativity professionally and beyond. Focusing on the subtleties of color, expression and environment, our instructors teach students how to market themselves and develop a portfolio that leaves no dream out of reach.
- Alum Andrea Wicklund was chosen to illustrate an H&M global ad campaign.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Pixar, Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
Industrial Design (Associate's)
Blending form and function to create products of the future, our program explores industrial, transportation, toy and furniture design. Students graduate with the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to work for the most innovative companies in the world.
- Alum Mac Nolan is currently a design sculptor at General Motors, where he has been working to revolutionize automobiles for two and a half years. He is part of a team designing the Volt, a new electric car in production by Chevrolet.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: General Motors, Hyundai, LG Electronics, Nike, Nissan and Speedo.
Interior Architecture and Design (Associate's)
Our program explores interior design and architecture, ergonomics and lighting so students are prepared to improve people's living environment from day one of their careers. Students graduate with a portfolio that shows the aesthetic and functional breadth of their abilities.
- Students recently designed a table for Elle Décor's Dining by Design Event in New York.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Apple, Gensler, Lucid Design, Otak and Tiga Interiors.
Motion Pictures and Television (Associate's)
The School of Motion Pictures & Television combines theory and practice, immersing students in both from day one. Instructors guide students through the intricacies of directing, producing and acting in real studios with cutting-edge equipment. Graduates leave with a dynamic demo reel that has audiences begging for more.
- Alum Chris Milk launched a successful music video direction career, working with artists like Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Kanye West.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Sony Pictures Imageworks, 20th Century Fox, NBC and Telemundo.
Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media (Associate's)
Creating music for film, television, video games, or any other visual medium involves a unique combination of musical expertise and aesthetic sensibility. It is a critical link in the chain of cultural storytelling.
At the Academy of Art University, you will learn the language of music, and how to apply it to the expanding world of visual media:
Photography (Associate's)
At the School of Photography real photojournalists, fashion photographers and technical specialists guide students in capturing the truth in any moment. Ultimately, graduates walk away with an outstanding portfolio that shows the world they've got what it takes.
- Alum Deanne Fitzmaurice recently received a Pulitzer Prize.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Clear Channel Outdoor, Photoworks, Sephora, Studio Schulz Photography and Wired Magazine.
Web Design & New Media (Associate's)
Giving students comprehensive knowledge in print, web and motion graphic design, our program makes them the go-to computer art authority. Knowing it all has never been more important or more profitable.
- The school won the prestigious SIGGRAPH International Student Interactive Media Competition three years in a row.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: CNN.com, CNET, Red Envelope and Creative Habitat.
Multimedia Communications (Bachelor's)
Launched in 2008 and led by 15-year news veteran Jan Yanehiro, our newest program teaches students in professional studios and on location. Graduates develop the abilities to write, shoot, edit, produce and report for a complete multimedia experience.
- The program's forward thinking approach requires that students master both traditional and future media techniques, including Podcasting, blogs and YouTube.
- Students in the first semester of this new program have already landed internships at some of San Francisco's largest media corporations.
Advertising (Bachelor's)
Academy of Art University instructors guide students through design, copywriting and account planning. They help them build an inspiring portfolio of work to capture the job of their dreams.
- Grad Jason Sperling helped develop the well-known Mac vs. PC ads starring John Hodgman and Justin Long.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: ABC Creative Group, Goodby, Ogilvy One and Yahoo.
Animation and Visual Effects (Bachelor's)
Blending precise technique with digital expertise, our instructors encourage creative experimentation while teaching the fundamentals of drawing, 3D modeling and character animation. Students graduate with a jaw-dropping demo reel.
- Alum Greg Towner worked on Peter Jackson's King Kong and Pirates of the Caribbean II through Industrial Light and Magic.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic, Blizzard and Sony Picture Imageworks.
Art Education (Bachelor's)
A degree in Art Education offers the most comprehensive and versatile education in the visual arts by:
* Refining perceptual, problem solving and aesthetic valuing skills
* Connecting communication and visual literacy skills
* Expanding cultural and historical perspective
* Extending and applying the visual arts across other disciplines and real world experience
Through the Art Education curriculum students learn to reflect on their learning process and apply these insights to future teaching in a variety of venues. Students will graduate with a Visual Arts Portfolio and a Presentation Journal of Reflective Practice and Lesson Plans.
*This degee is NOT available online
Fashion (Bachelor's)
Students develop their personal style with courses in design, merchandising, textiles and knitwear. They have the exclusive opportunity to show at New York's Fashion Week before graduating. After graduation, students are prepared to become the hottest designers and merchandisers in the world.
- Academy of Art University fashion students packed the Tent at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week in February 2009. They reinvented knitwear and corduroy. They took risks.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Escada and Pottery Barn.
Fine Art (Bachelor's)
At the School of Fine Art, students master the classical tradition, and then are encouraged to let their imaginations take flight. Career artists help perfect techniques in painting, sculpture, jewelry making and print making while imparting the business savvy necessary to make a living. Graduates leave with a portfolio that has collectors and galleries clamoring for their work.
- Cole Haan, the noted U.S. bag and shoe company, recruited Academy of Art University alumna Anna Sheffield for a fresh perspective. Trying to attract a younger crowd, the company brought in the innovative New York jewelry designer to create a line of jewelry and "pennies" for loafers.
- Graduates are hired at top galleries and universities including: UC Berkeley, Wendt Gallery and Willen Racke Studio.
Game Design (Bachelor's)
At the School of Game Design, you¹ll use your creativity and skills to design games that will push boundaries, delight the senses and leave the user craving more. Professional game designers will guide you through all the fundamental game art principals including game engine technology, pre-production and production environments. You will graduate with a strong portfolio that shows skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as 3D modeling.
Graphic Design (Bachelor's)
Our program combines conceptual thinking and technical knowledge to produce award-winning professionals. Working instructors guide students through courses in typography, print design, branding and packaging. You'll graduate with a portfolio that has something important that goes with it, a successful career.
- Alumna Kathrin Blatter was the lead designer in re-branding North Face, one of the world's biggest outdoor clothing and equipment retailers.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: American Greetings, Williams-Sonoma, Nike and LucasArts.
Illustration (Bachelor's)
School of Illustration students develop expert technique to convey creativity professionally and beyond. Focusing on the subtleties of color, expression and environment, our instructors teach students how to market themselves and develop a portfolio that leaves no dream out of reach.
- Alum Andrea Wicklund was chosen to illustrate an H&M global ad campaign.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Pixar, Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
Industrial Design (Bachelor's)
Blending form and function to create products of the future, our program explores industrial, transportation, toy and furniture design. Students graduate with the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to work for the most innovative companies in the world.
- Alum Mac Nolan is currently a design sculptor at General Motors, where he has been working to revolutionize automobiles for two and a half years. He is part of a team designing the Volt, a new electric car in production by Chevrolet.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: General Motors, Hyundai, LG Electronics, Nike, Nissan and Speedo.
Interior Architecture and Design (Bachelor's)
Our program explores interior design and architecture, ergonomics and lighting so students are prepared to improve people's living environment from day one of their careers. Students graduate with a portfolio that shows the aesthetic and functional breadth of their abilities.
- Students recently designed a table for Elle Décor's Dining by Design Event in New York.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Apple, Gensler, Lucid Design, Otak and Tiga Interiors.
Motion Pictures and Television (Bachelor's)
The School of Motion Pictures & Television combines theory and practice, immersing students in both from day one. Instructors guide students through the intricacies of directing, producing and acting in real studios with cutting-edge equipment. Graduates leave with a dynamic demo reel that has audiences begging for more.
- Alum Chris Milk launched a successful music video direction career, working with artists like Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Kanye West.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Sony Pictures Imageworks, 20th Century Fox, NBC and Telemundo.
Music for Visual Media (Bachelor's)
Creating music for film, television, video games, or any other visual medium involves a unique combination of musical expertise and aesthetic sensibility. It is a critical link in the chain of cultural storytelling.
At the Academy of Art University, you will learn the language of music, and how to apply it to the expanding world of visual media:
Photography (Bachelor's)
At the School of Photography real photojournalists, fashion photographers and technical specialists guide students in capturing the truth in any moment. Ultimately, graduates walk away with an outstanding portfolio that shows the world they've got what it takes.
- Alum Deanne Fitzmaurice recently received a Pulitzer Prize.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Clear Channel Outdoor, Photoworks, Sephora, Studio Schulz Photography and Wired Magazine.
Web Design & New Media (Bachelor's)
Giving students comprehensive knowledge in print, web and motion graphic design, our program makes them the go-to computer art authority. Knowing it all has never been more important or more profitable.
- The school won the prestigious SIGGRAPH International Student Interactive Media Competition three years in a row.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: CNN.com, CNET, Red Envelope and Creative Habitat.
Architecture (Master's)
Exploring residential, commercial and green architecture, our program prepares graduates to build a name in the industry that will be recognized for generations to come. This degree is only offered in San Francisco.
- Chris Hunter was honored with the Dean's Choice Award for his entry for the Mel Ferris Scholarship.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: Gensler, KD Architects, Apple, Otak and Shatara Architecture.
Art Education (Master's)
A degree in Art Education offers the most comprehensive and versatile education in the visual arts by:
* Refining perceptual, problem solving and aesthetic valuing skills
* Connecting communication and visual literacy skills
* Expanding cultural and historical perspective
* Extending and applying the visual arts across other disciplines and real world experience
Through the Art Education curriculum students learn to reflect on their learning process and apply these insights to future teaching in a variety of venues. Students will graduate with a Visual Arts Portfolio and a Presentation Journal of Reflective Practice and Lesson Plans.
*This degee is NOT available online.
Multimedia Communications (Master's)
Launched in 2008 and led by 15-year news veteran Jan Yanehiro, our newest program teaches students in professional studios and on location. Graduates develop the abilities to write, shoot, edit, produce and report for a complete multimedia experience.
- The program's forward thinking approach requires that students master both traditional and future media techniques, including Podcasting, blogs and YouTube.
- Students in the first semester of this new program have already landed internships at some of San Francisco's largest media corporations.
Advertising (Master's)
Academy of Art University instructors guide students through design, copywriting and account planning. They help them build an inspiring portfolio of work to capture the job of their dreams.
- Grad Jason Sperling helped develop the well-known Mac vs. PC ads starring John Hodgman and Justin Long.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: ABC Creative Group, Goodby, Ogilvy One and Yahoo.
Animation and Visual Effects (Master's)
Blending precise technique with digital expertise, our instructors encourage creative experimentation while teaching the fundamentals of drawing, 3D modeling and character animation. Students graduate with a jaw-dropping demo reel.
- Alum Greg Towner worked on Peter Jackson's King Kong and Pirates of the Caribbean II through Industrial Light and Magic.
- Graduates are hired by top companies including: Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic, Blizzard and Sony Picture Imageworks.
Computer Arts & New Media (Master's)
Giving students comprehensive knowledge in print, web and motion graphic design, our program makes them the go-to computer art authority. Knowing it all has never been more important or more profitable.
- The school won the prestigious SIGGRAPH International Student Interactive Media Competition three years in a row.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: CNN.com, CNET, Red Envelope and Creative Habitat.
Fashion (Master's)
Students develop their personal style with courses in design, merchandising, textiles and knitwear. They have the exclusive opportunity to show at New York's Fashion Week before graduating. After graduation, students are prepared to become the hottest designers and merchandisers in the world.
- Academy of Art University fashion students packed the Tent at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week in February 2009. They reinvented knitwear and corduroy. They took risks.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Escada and Pottery Barn.
Fine Art (Master's)
At the School of Fine Art, students master the classical tradition, and then are encouraged to let their imaginations take flight. Career artists help perfect techniques in painting, sculpture, jewelry making and print making while imparting the business savvy necessary to make a living. Graduates leave with a portfolio that has collectors and galleries clamoring for their work.
- Cole Haan, the noted U.S. bag and shoe company, recruited Academy of Art University alumna Anna Sheffield for a fresh perspective. Trying to attract a younger crowd, the company brought in the innovative New York jewelry designer to create a line of jewelry and "pennies" for loafers.
- Graduates are hired at top galleries and universities including: UC Berkeley, Wendt Gallery and Willen Racke Studio.
Game Design (Master's)
At the School of Game Design, you¹ll use your creativity and skills to design games that will push boundaries, delight the senses and leave the user craving more. Professional game designers will guide you through all the fundamental game art principals including game engine technology, pre-production and production environments. You will graduate with a strong portfolio that shows skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as 3D modeling.
Graphic Design (Master's)
Our program combines conceptual thinking and technical knowledge to produce award-winning professionals. Working instructors guide students through courses in typography, print design, branding and packaging. You'll graduate with a portfolio that has something important that goes with it, a successful career.
- Alumna Kathrin Blatter was the lead designer in re-branding North Face, one of the world's biggest outdoor clothing and equipment retailers.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: American Greetings, Williams-Sonoma, Nike and LucasArts.
Illustration (Master's)
School of Illustration students develop expert technique to convey creativity professionally and beyond. Focusing on the subtleties of color, expression and environment, our instructors teach students how to market themselves and develop a portfolio that leaves no dream out of reach.
- Alum Andrea Wicklund was chosen to illustrate an H&M global ad campaign.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Pixar, Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
Industrial Design (Master's)
Blending form and function to create products of the future, our program explores industrial, transportation, toy and furniture design. Students graduate with the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to work for the most innovative companies in the world.
- Alum Mac Nolan is currently a design sculptor at General Motors, where he has been working to revolutionize automobiles for two and a half years. He is part of a team designing the Volt, a new electric car in production by Chevrolet.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: General Motors, Hyundai, LG Electronics, Nike, Nissan and Speedo.
Interior Architecture and Design (Master's)
Our program explores interior design and architecture, ergonomics and lighting so students are prepared to improve people's living environment from day one of their careers. Students graduate with a portfolio that shows the aesthetic and functional breadth of their abilities.
- Students recently designed a table for Elle Décor's Dining by Design Event in New York.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Apple, Gensler, Lucid Design, Otak and Tiga Interiors.
Motion Picture and Television (Master's)
The School of Motion Pictures & Television combines theory and practice, immersing students in both from day one. Instructors guide students through the intricacies of directing, producing and acting in real studios with cutting-edge equipment. Graduates leave with a dynamic demo reel that has audiences begging for more.
- Alum Chris Milk launched a successful music video direction career, working with artists like Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Kanye West.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Sony Pictures Imageworks, 20th Century Fox, NBC and Telemundo.
Music for Visual Media (Master's)
Creating music for film, television, video games, or any other visual medium involves a unique combination of musical expertise and aesthetic sensibility. It is a critical link in the chain of cultural storytelling.
At the Academy of Art University, you will learn the language of music, and how to apply it to the expanding world of visual media:
Photography (Master's)
At the School of Photography real photojournalists, fashion photographers and technical specialists guide students in capturing the truth in any moment. Ultimately, graduates walk away with an outstanding portfolio that shows the world they've got what it takes.
- Alum Deanne Fitzmaurice recently received a Pulitzer Prize.
- Graduates are hired at top companies including: Clear Channel Outdoor, Photoworks, Sephora, Studio Schulz Photography and Wired Magazine.