The Academy of Art University prepares aspiring artists and designers for careers in the fields of art and design by delivering excellent undergraduate and professional degree and certificate programs.

To achieve its mission the Academy of Art University:

• maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all persons who meet basic requirements for admission and instruction and who want to obtain higher learning in a wide spectrum of disciplines in art and design;
• teaches a disciplined approach to the study of art and design that encourages students to develop their own styles that blend their talents, technical skills and creative aspirations with professional knowledge;
• enlists a dedicated and very able full-time and part-time faculty of career artists, designers and scholars who are professionals and whose success as educators comes from their ability to teach students through the wisdom and skill they have amassed through years of experience and study;
• operates in an urban context so that academic programs can draw upon and contribute to the cultural wealth of those communities that are served;
• provides a creative environment that is at once supportive and challenging and underpinned by excellent personalized teaching and support services that address the needs of students of diverse ages and backgrounds;
• offers an undergraduate general education program designed to stimulate development of critical thinking, and communications skills, and to encourage emerging artists to draw upon a variety of disciplines to look at issues from multiple perspectives and to cultivate the ability to function as educated global citizens;
• manages in an ethical and efficient manner and administers the finances in a prudent fashion; and
• fosters optimum quality in all aspects of programs and services.