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Top Art Schools

Welcome to one of the best art schools in the country

Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest accredited private art school. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of culture and technology, innovative art schools like Academy of Art University offer an art school experience like no other. Every year, our professional instructors help students develop a unique combination of artistic ability and business savvy. Unlike other art schools, students graduate with the knowledge and professional dedication to succeed in doing what they love.

Art School Programs

Students search for diverse art schools that allow them to explore every creative avenue. Academy of Art University offers AA, BFA, BA, MFA, MA and M.Arch degrees in 14 majors, including: Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Photography and Web Design & New Media. Continuing Education and Pre-college Programs are also available for those wishing to explore alternative art school programs.

Art School Online

Academy of Art University’s accredited online degree programs offer the same high level, hands-on art school education as our San Francisco campus. Our professional instructors have created flexible, cutting-edge online classes to help students achieve their art school dreams any place, any time.

Career Opportunities

In the world of art schools, the Academy of Art University goes above and beyond to connect students with job opportunities. Industry leaders are flown in to view student work during the school’s annual Spring Show, which features students from all programs. Twice a year School of Fashion students showcase collections at the Mercedes-Benz fashion shows in New York. Academy of Art University is the only art school invited to this prestigious event.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Academy of Art University takes its facilities beyond typical art schools. From two green screens for filmmakers to a bronze-casting foundry for sculptors, students have the very best at their fingertips, preparing them for careers beyond art school.

Campus Housing

Academy of Art University students live in some of the most unique buildings in San Francisco, but more importantly, they become part of a tightly knit art school community. Making friends with students from other countries and other majors is an important part of the art school experience. Being exposed to different cultures opens students’ minds to new perspectives, while working with art school students in other departments broadens their practical skills and knowledge.

Consider the Athletic Arts

Academy of Art University is one of the few art schools that believes in nurturing the whole artist; this includes developing athletic talents along with artistic ones. Directed by Dr. Jamie Williams, an NFL veteran and film writer, the art school athletics program offers intercollegiate, intramural and club sports.

Accreditation

Academy of Art University art school programs are fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Additionally the Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture is accredited by the Council for Interior Design and the Master’s of Architecture is accredited by Design and National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Request More Art School Information!

To find out more about student work and see photos of the Academy's art and design facilities, request an information packet, which includes Our World, Your World, a colorful portfolio illustrating life at the Academy of Art University, a course catalogue, and a DVD highlighting outstanding student work.