If you are passionate about art, eager to challenge the ordinary and aspire for the extraordinary, then you absolutely cannot miss this art-filled institution—Academy of Art University.
It is not only one of the most famous private art and design schools in the United States, but also a creative hub full of infinite possibilities.
Founded in 1929, the Academy of Art University offers over 900 art and design courses, 22 different colleges, and 14 STEM programs.
It gathers imaginative students from around the world to explore the infinite possibilities of art and design together.
The campus is situated in San Francisco, a vibrant and creative city. San Francisco is world-renowned for its rich cultural atmosphere, with numerous museums, parks, and beaches.
Even more appealing is that it brings together industry giants in various fields, from advertising, animation, and architecture to game development and web design, offering countless opportunities awaiting art-loving students to explore.
The Academy of Art University not only provides excellent, professional courses but also focuses on cultivating each student's unique style and creative thinking. The school encourages students to combine their talents, skills, and professional knowledge to explore and realize their artistic dreams.
The Academy of Art University places great emphasis on campus experience, offering a variety of student activities. It is also the only art higher education institution in the US with NCAA Division II sports programs. The school also has an e-sports club, allowing students to unleash their creativity through gaming.
It is worth mentioning that most majors also offer online learning options, and both online and on-campus courses are taught by the same professors, most of whom are professionals in the fields they teach.
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Popular Majors at Academy of Art University
Below are some popular majors among international students:
Advertising
BFA、MA、MFA
The Advertising major offers three degrees: BFA, MA, and MFA. Whether on TV, TikTok, or exploring the metaverse, the college provides students with practical and professional art direction, copywriting, and strategic skills.
The curriculum covers advertising concepts, writing, art skills including photography, illustration, typography, graphic design, videography, and UI/UX, providing students with comprehensive training. It aims to cultivate future talents in the advertising industry such as art directors, copywriters, or creative strategists.
Art Education
BFA、MA、MFA、MAT
The program offers BFA, MA, MA (Studio), and MAT (with Teaching Credential) degrees. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in various visual arts and design media, fostering growth as both artists and educators. Through coursework and practice, they learn how to develop curricula and teaching plans for different audiences.
In addition to Art Education, students can also consider double majors in Art Education & Art History and Art Education & Fine Art, which are only offered at the undergraduate level.
Communications & Media Technologies
BA、MA
The major offers BA and MA degrees. The undergraduate curriculum covers modern media, broadcasting, journalism, and mobile platforms.
Under the guidance of industry experts, students will learn the latest techniques in filming, editing, writing, media, and broadcasting.
The master's program focuses on short film production, on-camera performance, multimedia writing, and journalism, incorporating the use of broadcasting and streaming mobile devices, as well as entrepreneurship.
Fashion Marketing
BFA、MA、MFA
This major offers BFA and MA degrees, helping students master the balance between creative and analytical skills in the fashion industry.
Through study, students gain insights into consumers and markets, planning and developing specific fashion marketing plans and promotion strategies for brands, products, and services in the global market.
Game Development
BS、BFA、MA、MFA
Students will experience the entire process from conceiving innovative ideas, to designing and developing art, assets, and code, and then presenting these ideas to players worldwide.
The undergraduate Game Development specialties include: Game Art, Game Design, Game Programming. The master's program continues with advanced techniques in art, design, programming, and development.
Graphic Design
BFA、MA、MFA
This major offers BFA, MA, and MFA degrees. The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes typography, print, packaging, brand design, user experience, and motion graphics.
The master's program focuses on professional and career development, encouraging students to extend their design skills into content creation, entrepreneurship, and social innovation through in-depth study of the field.
Interaction & UI/UX Design
BFA、MA、MFA
This major offers BFA, MA, and MFA degrees. It is taught by professionals from the creative industries in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The program provides education in modern web design and new media theory, emphasizing visual design, user experience, design strategy, web design, and motion graphics.
Rich STEM Major Options
The Academy of Art University offers abundant academic resources and tutoring services, as well as specialized support for international students.
The school's STEM programs also help international students with future employment. Below is a list of STEM majors and degrees at the Academy of Art University, along with scholarship offerings for STEM/STEAM:
STEM Majors
Scholarship List
How International Students Apply to AAU
Application Period
Accepts new applications for spring (early February), summer (mid-June), and fall (early September). There is no formal deadline.
Language Proficiency
Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores.
*Students who do not meet the minimum scores can choose to enroll in the EAP program after admission.
What is EAP?
English for Art Purposes (EAP) is for non-native English speakers; the school provides personalized English language skills training through a nationally recognized art English program.
Academic Resource and Coaching（ARC）：
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Academic Coaches
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Writing Lab Tutor
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Speaking Lab Tutor
Application Materials
Undergraduate application requirements:
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Official high school transcript and official high school diploma/enrollment certificate
Portfolio is optional
Graduate application requirements:
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Official final transcript, official graduation certificate, official degree certificate
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Portfolio
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Statement of Purpose
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Resume/CV
The Academy of Art University has maintained a strong official partnership with CheersYou（清柚教育）, providing exclusive application updates and priority pre-review opportunities for CheersYou（清柚教育） students. Welcome to inquire for more details.
What Other Advantages Does AAU Have?
Institutional Resources
The Academy of Art University maintains close ties with industry leaders and recruiters, offering students one-on-one networking opportunities with professionals.
At the same time, it provides students with ample practical opportunities and career development platforms. The school collaborates with renowned companies such as Apple, Samsung, Adobe, and others.
The school regularly hosts spring shows, fashion exhibitions, music festivals, etc., providing a stage for students to showcase their talents and attracting many industry professionals looking for potential talents. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals on real-world projects.
Career Development Assistance
Career development is undoubtedly one of the most concerned aspects for students and parents.
The school's career services offer a range of services including resume building, cover letter construction, mock interviews, etc., aimed at helping students achieve successful employment. Even alumni who graduated years ago can continue to receive employment assistance from the school.
The school's exclusive Job Board provides numerous on-site, remote, and hybrid internship opportunities, where students can upload their resumes and apply for jobs.
Regular campus workshops and lectures also help students expand their social networks and provide opportunities to meet industry insiders directly.
If you are passionate about art and design and want to learn more about applying to the Academy of Art University, feel free to consult CheersYou（清柚教育）!
