With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California — San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive.
The Art Institute is a design, media arts and culinary arts post-secondary school providing bachelor's and associate's degrees in Advertising, Culinary Arts, Game Art & Design, Visual & Game Programming, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Audio Production, and Web Design & Interactive Media. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to the area's thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches.
The school, located at 7650 Mission Valley Road, was designed with the creative student in mind. Light, spacious classrooms and equipped studios, professional skills kitchens and both Mac and PC computer labs offer a productive working atmosphere to explore and render creativity. The school also includes a library resource center, student gallery, student lounge, an art supply store, staff and faculty offices and other amenities. In April 2004, the school opened its dining lab, The Palette—a restaurant open to the public that’s operated by senior level culinary students and overseen by professional chef faculty.
The school is one of more than 40 Art Institutes located in major cities throughout North America. The Art Institutes have provided career-oriented education programs in design, media arts, fashion and culinary for over 35 years, and has more than 150,000 alumni.
Each degree program is offered on a year-round basis, on the quarter system, allowing students to continue to work uninterrupted toward graduation. Academic programs are carefully defined with the support and contributions of members of the professional community through Program Advisory Committees. Curricula are further reviewed by faculty and industry professionals periodically to ensure they meet the needs of a changing marketplace to qualify graduates for entry-level positions in their chosen fields.
The Art Institute of California-San Diego is comprised of more than 100 faculty members who are working professionals in their respective fields. By tapping industry professionals, The Art Institute is able to bring a real-world perspective, work setting and industry standards into the classroom preparing students for entry-level positions upon graduation.
The Art Institute helps prepare its students for the competitive marketplace by teaching real-world, professional skills and directs students' portfolio development and professional resume creation. The school’s partnerships with local and national employers help to deliver industry-relevant education that benefits both students and employers.
Many students gain on-the-job skills through participation in internship or externship experiences at local companies and nationally recognized corporations. Career Services keeps its eye on employer satisfaction and industry trends to provide employers with candidates who fulfill their needs while enabling graduates' career success, both now and in the future.