Academy of Art University Information & Programs

The Academy of Art University was established in San Francisco in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, a fine art painter who had accepted the position of Creative Director for Sunset Magazine. Assisted by his wife, Mrs. Clara Stephens, he opened the new school in a rented loft at 215 Kearny Street to teach advertising art. In a few years, a distinguished faculty of practicing art and design professionals was assembled and the school’s philosophy was formulated: hire established professionals to teach future professionals. In 1933 the curriculum was expanded to include Fashion Illustration, and in 1936 a Fine Art Department was added.

In 1951, after graduating from Stanford University, Dr. Richard A. Stephens took over the Presidency from his parents. His vision led to the expansion of the Academy from an enrollment of fifty students in two rented loft spaces to a 5,200 student body, with continued expansion of department majors available. In 1966 the school was incorporated and granted authority to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education of the State of California. The graduate program was inaugurated in 1977 and approved by 1983.

Dr. Elisa Stephens, the granddaughter of the school’s founder, succeeded her father as President of the Academy of Art University in 1992. Dr. Stephens has been committed to expanding the Academy’s curriculum to stay current with new technologies and industry trends, as well as making state-of-the art facilities and resources available to Academy students. In 2004, the name of the school was changed from Academy of Art College to Academy of Art University in recognition of its depth, scope and quality.

Today the University has more than 13,000 students, making it the largest private school of art and design in the country. Students now have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Architecture, Certificate Programs or Continuing Art Education courses, with over 30 areas of academic emphasis.

Courses Offered-:
Advertising

Animation & Visual Effects

Architecture

Computer Arts: New Media

Digital Arts & Communications

Fashion

Fine Art

Graphic Design

Illustration

Industrial Design

Interior Arch. & Design

Motion Pictures & Television

Multimedia Communications

Photography

WHEN TO APPLY
The Academy has rolling admissions; you may apply year-round to enroll in classes for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to ensure enrollment in your top choice classes.

You may apply up to two years before you plan to enroll at the Academy.

Applications are accepted through the first week of each semester.

For more info-:

Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
http://www.academyart.edu/