overview
Connect to a world of creative inspiration
Academy of Arts University is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the US. This prestigious institution is renowned for its unwavering commitment to nurturing artistic talent and cultivating creative excellence.
Academy of Art University prepares aspiring professionals in the fields of design, communication, and the arts by delivering excellent undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate and portfolio programs.
The faculty comprises accomplished artists, designers, and industry professionals providing real-world expertise and a passion for nurturing emerging talents. With its state-of-the-art facilities, well-equipped studios and digital labs, students can access a wide variety of tools and resources to fulfil their artistic visions.
Join a vibrant community of artists, designers, filmmakers, and innovators to take part in an exciting journey that transcends boundaries and defines your future. Dare to dream and strive for excellence at the Academy of Art University.
STUDENT GALLERY
Latest artwork and projects from students

Learn from best equipped working professional artists and designers

A practiced-based and career-centered curriculum

Create a professional portfolio

Study on your own time, at your own pace.
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University Pathways
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courses
Study areas for this college
The School of Animation & Visual Effects AA program offers students a strong introduction to the core principles of animation production. Course offerings include visual effects, 3D animation, 3D modeling, 2D animation and stop motion, and storyboarding.
Learn techniques in concept art, 3D art, level design and more at our game design school. Gain specialized design skills, including monetization, unique control types, rapid development via iteration, and production methods. Earn your game development degree and graduate with solid game art principles, including game engine technology and pre-production and production environments.
The School of Visual Development’s AA program provides a strong introduction to the art of scene setting. Core curriculum emphasizes photography, figure modeling, form analysis, figure drawing, and various other design disciplines. Graduates with an AA degree in Visual Development are prepared for a seamless transition into the school’s BFA program.
The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology. Students choose one primary area of emphasis between visual effects, 3D modeling, 3D animation, 2D animation and stop motion, and storyboarding.
The 2D animation and Stop Motion emphasis BFA is designed for students interested in acquiring basic to advanced skills in either hand-drawn or stop motion animation. 2D animation focuses on digitally hand drawn and computer generated movement. Stop motion animation involves both digitally captured and generated work as well as a significant amount of hand crafted art.
The 3D Animation emphasis BFA is designed for students interested in acquiring skills in computer animation. Course works covers elements of movement, performance, and timing as well as training in the software and hardware needed to achieve their goals.
The 3D Modeling BFA prepares students for modeling characters and creatures, as well as accessories like armor, weapons, etc. Students will learn to create textures using various modeling and texturing tools to set new standards for artistic excellence. 3D modelers will learn composition, style, lighting, silhouette, prop modeling, prop placement, color, texture, and shader effects.
The BFA storyboarding emphasis teaches students how to translate an idea or script into a series of cinematic sequences for use in guiding the production of a motion pictures, streaming media or games.
The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology. Students choose one primary area of emphasis between visual effects, 3D modeling, 3D animation, 2D animation and stop motion, and storyboarding.
The four year certificate program provides students with a disciplined approach to the study of Animation & Visual Effects. Student portfolios will demonstrate the variety of skills and creativity developed. Graduates enter the field prepared for professional opportunities in Animation & Visual Effects
The MA program provides students an opportunity to work in 2D Animation & Stop Motion, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, or Visual Effects, while focusing on storytelling with an emphasis on exhibiting technical skills and eliciting emotional responses.
The MA program provides students an opportunity to work in 2D Animation & Stop Motion, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, or Visual Effects, while focusing on storytelling with an emphasis on exhibiting technical skills and eliciting emotional responses.
The Game Development BFA gives a well-rounded education in the arts with an emphasis on understanding and applying techniques including 3D modeling, animation and lighting in video game production.
The four year certificate program provides students with a disciplined approach to the study of Animation & Visual Effects. Student portfolios will demonstrate the variety of skills and creativity developed. Graduates enter the field prepared for professional opportunities in Animation & Visual Effects
The MA program provides students an opportunity to work in 2D Animation & Stop Motion, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, or Visual Effects, while focusing on storytelling with an emphasis on exhibiting technical skills and eliciting emotional responses.
The MA program provides students an opportunity to work in 2D Animation & Stop Motion, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, or Visual Effects, while focusing on storytelling with an emphasis on exhibiting technical skills and eliciting emotional responses.
Asset creation On-campus
Think Tank’s mentorship is designed to help artists that have previous training and/or experience brush up on their skills and produce a viable demo reel. Each student is assigned a personal, state-of-the-art workstation. During your time on campus, you will have access to 4-months of guidance from an industry professional to create and polish your demo reel.
Vancouver, Canada
12 Months
February | June | October
International Students: $50,800 CAD
Canadian Students: $38,400 CAD
asset creation Online
Asset Creation is a term used in the CG industry for the creation of all bits and pieces, both big and small, used in Film and Games. This Asset Creation program is designed to train working artists in the CG Industry for the roles of Props & Environments for Film, Characters & Creatures for Film, Environments for Games as well as Characters & Creatures for Games.
Online
16 Months
February | June | October
$15,840 CAD
If you pay for all 4 terms upfront, you will receive 5% off.
Mentorship
Think Tank’s mentorship is designed to help artists that have previous training and/or experience brush up on their skills and produce a viable demo reel. Each student is assigned a personal, state-of-the-art workstation. During your time on campus, you will have access to 4-months of guidance from an industry professional to create and polish your demo reel.
Vancouver, Canada
4 Months
February | June | October
International Students: $16,500 CAD
Canadian Students: $12,500 CAD
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Animation and Visual Effects
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Game Development
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Visual Development
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (2D Animation and Stop motion)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (3D Animation)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (3D Modelling)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (Storyboarding)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (Visual Effects)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Concept Art for Games
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Game Design
Certificate Program in Animation & Visual Effects
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (2D Animation & Stop Motion)
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (3D Animation)
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (3D Modeling)
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (Visual Effects)
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Concept Art for Games
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Environment Modeling for Games
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Game Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (2D Animation & Stop Motion)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (2D Animation & Stop Motion)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (3D Animation)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects (Visual Effects)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Character Modeling for Games
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Environment Modeling for Games
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Game Development with a career interest in Game Design
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Sound Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Cinematography
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Directing
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Editing
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Producing
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Screenwriting
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Sound Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Fashion Art Direction
Master of Arts (MA) Degree – Writing & Directing for Film
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Acting
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Music Production
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Acting
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Motion Pictures & Television with an emphasis in Production Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Music Production
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Music Scoring & Composition
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Acting
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Costume Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Music Scoring & Composition
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Visual Development with an emphasis in Entertainment Art
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Costume Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Music Scoring & Composition
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Visual Development with an emphasis in Entertainment Art
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Fashion Journalism
Associate of Arts degree in Studio Production for Advertising & Design
Associate of Arts degree in Advertising
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Illustration
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Visual Development
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Communications & Media Technologies
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Advertising
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Printmaking
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in illustration with an emphasis in Comics
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Visual Development
Certificate Program in Advertising
Certificate Program in illustration
Master of Arts (MA) Degree – Advertising & Branded Media Technology
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Communications & Media Technologies
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Fashion Journalism
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in illustration
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Advertising
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in illustration with an emphasis in Comics
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Graphic Design
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Fashion Styling
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fashion Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fashion Product Development
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fashion Styling
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Graphic Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Textile Design
Certificate Program in Fashion Design
Certificate Program in Graphic Design
Certificate Program in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Fashion Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Graphic Design (Graphic Design & Digital Media)
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Career Interest in Knitwear Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Fashion Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Fashion Product Development
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Graphic Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Textile Design
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Fashion Marketing
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Fashion Merchandising
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fashion Marketing
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Fashion Merchandising
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Fashion Marketing
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Fashion Merchandising
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Fashion Marketing & Brand Management
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Fashion Merchandising & Management
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Automotive Restoration
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Industrial Design
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Interior Architecture & Design
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design (BA-ARH-D) Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Industrial Design with an emphasis in Transportation Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Interior Architecture & Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Landscape Architecture
Certificate Program in Industrial Design
Certificate Program in Interior Architecture & Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Industrial Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Interior Architecture & Design
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Landscape Architecture
Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH) Degree – Track 1
Master of Arts in Advanced Architectural Design (MA-ARH) Degree – Track 2
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Industrial Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Interior Architecture & Design
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Landscape Architecture
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Photography
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree in Photography
Certificate Program in Photography
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Photography
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Photography
MENTORS
Learn from industry experts

Saddie Williams
BFA Graphic Design / Designer at Airbnb. Founder and Art Director, Greta Magazine – She designed a publication in School of Graphic Design Director Phil Hamlett’s Visual Systems 2 class. Where it started as a school project but now it’s taken shape as an award-winning publication—Greta Magazine, founded by alumna Sadie Williams.

Mark Cofer
MFA Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media – After graduation and his success at the Spring Show, Cofer started getting freelance work to pursue careers in music production, including a gig with a company called Cue Carnivore, which creates cutting-edge music and sound effects for film advertising.

Ruby Wang
MFA Visual Development / Concept Artist at Flight School Studio – Art Director for Award-Winning VR Film “Lutaw”. Lutaw is the latest chapter in Wang’s journey from Taiwan to San Francisco and now Dallas, Texas. She’s currently a concept artist at Flight School Studio, which also has offices in Los Angeles and Montreal, and is producing films, games and other productions incorporating emerging technologies.

Jason Sperling
MFA School of Advertising, Executive Creative Director for Reality Labs at Facebook – Sperling is best known for creating the Adweek Campaign of the Decade with his “Get a Mac” campaign, as well as Honda’s “Matthew’s Day Off” Super Bowl spot, which was chosen by Entertainment Weekly as one of the Top 10 Super Bowl commercials of all time.

Job Placement
Companies that have hired graduates








application process
How to apply to this college?
- Read course pages and select the course you’d like to study
- Fill out our application form
- Provide documents needed (check course page for individual course requirements)
- Confirm details
- Sign contract and payment
- Start learning!






About this college
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