School of

Industrial Design
academyart.edu
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Contents
School of Industrial Design ......................................5
What We Teach.......................................................... 7
The School of Industrial Design Difference.............9
Faculty ......................................................................11
Degree Options ...................................................... 13
Our Facilities........................................................... 15
Student & Alumni Testimonials ............................. 17
Real-World Partnerships ....................................... 19
Collaborate to Innovate ......................................... 21
Career Paths .......................................................... 23
Industrial Design Awards & Competitions ........... 25
Additional Learning Experiences .......................... 27
Awards & Accolades .............................................. 29
Online Education .................................................... 31
Academy Life ......................................................... 33
San Francisco ........................................................ 35
Athletics ................................................................. 37
Apply Today ........................................................... 39

Cover work by students Phil Tandio & Sean Wilson 3

< Student work by Aaron Powers
 BUSINESS
Environment
Environment

ID
ART SCIENCE
Culture Technology

academyart.edu
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

School of
Industrial Design
We focus on the art, science, and business
of the industrial design discipline. Our
curriculum and facilities reflect the trends
and requirements of our industry, and our
teaching faculty is comprised of award-
winning practicing designers.

The School of Industrial Design’s undergraduate

program provides concentrations in furniture, product,
toy, and transportation design. We will foster and
guide your creativity in our studios. In our competitive
and collaborative classes, you will work in teams to create
experiences through the tangible and intangible
components of design. We will also facilitate numerous
opportunities that will lead you to develop a portfolio
of high-quality student work that sets you apart
from the rest upon graduation.

At the MFA level, our programs culminate in a

comprehensive thesis project and can be tailored
to your professional goals.

< Student work by Josh Lopez 5

 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

What We Teach
You will gain the skills required in
today’s marketplace with a hands-on
program. Our courses are taught by
industry professionals in beautiful facil-
ities operating with industry-standard
production equipment and software.

FURNITURE DESIGN PRODUCT DESIGN

You will begin by developing seating concepts and
analyzing the use and means required to create several
original furniture design concepts. You will then evaluate
ergonomic criteria, code/safety requirements, and
construction techniques—including upholstery—and
the appropriate use of materials and details.
This aspect of our curriculum will focus on handheld
products. We will evaluate and discuss ergonomics in
depth as you apply research, ideation, and problem-
solving to develop your concepts. Sketching and
presentation rendering will be emphasized. You will
apply the skills you acquire to final presentations that
will include developmental sketches, orthographic
drawings, and sketch models and renderings.

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TOY DESIGN
This track will include the research and development
of an innovative preschool toy, resulting in concept
development and the creation of a three-dimensional
prototype. You will be able to use 2D and 3D design
tools to depict your designs for a final presentation.
AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION
You will learn about the techniques to preserve, restore
and recreate historically accurate vehicles. We focus
on machine work for upholstery, metal, wood; and
disassembly and assembly. You will gain practical,
collaborative experience from working within a team
to restore a vintage car.
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN
We cover the history of automotive styling trends and
their evolution, design philosophy, and influence. You
will develop sketch, design, and rendering skills as we
emphasize accurate proportion based on the seating
of occupants and packaging of all components.
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 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

The School of
Industrial Design
Difference
We teach students to design with empathy
for their user, use logic to make solutions,
and have the appropriate aesthetic for the
brand and user.

_ Our Industrial Design programs are all fully

offered onsite and online
_ Our competitive cross-sectional classes
sponsored by industry giants will provide you
real-world scenarios and feedback to learn
and grow
_ Our new Associate of Arts in Automative
Restoration program is one of a select number
of such programs in the United States that can
prepare you for a creatively rewarding career in
a niche market of the industry

academyart.edu Student work by Andrew Kang & Lewis Liu >

9
School of Game Development
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Faculty
We believe that the best teachers are
actual working creatives. That is why
our faculty is comprised of nationally
recognized art and design experts who
maintain careers on the leading edge
of industry trends and challenge you to
reach your creative potential.

Tom Matano Antonio Borja

Executive Director Director

Tom Matano is an industry veteran with more than
30 years of experience who has held design and
leadership positions at Mazda, General Motors,
and BMW. He joined the faculty at Academy of
Art University in 2002, and has been steadfast
in his commitment to education, tapping into his
diverse knowledge and experience to enhance the
Industrial Design program, now ranked No. 6 in the
Red Dot World Ranking of Industrial Design schools.
Antonio Borja received his Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree from the School of Industrial Design in 2004.
After launching his professional career as a freelancer
he joined General Motors as a creative designer,
returning to his alma mater as an instructor in 2009,
to teach Design Drawing, Transportation Design, and
Digital 3D modeling courses.
 Lloyd Buck
Associate Director of Automative Restoration

Lloyd Buck is an award-winning classic car restoration

expert with more than 40 years of industry experience.
In 1985, he joined Auto Europa, and a year later, he
began maintaining and restoring vehicles for the Keller
Collection at the Pyramids, one of the most significant
auto collections in the world. He then became the
Keller Collection’s manager until 2012, when he joined
Academy of Art University as a mechanic for its
celebrated Automobile Museum collection.

Hideki Masuda Mark Bolick

Online Director Graduate Director

Hideki Masuda joined the School of Industrial
Design in 1998, as an instructor and one of the
founding members of Transportation Design
discipline. He became Online Associate Director in
2014, and has helped progress the Industrial Design
program by developing new courses and updating
existing offerings to ensure that the school remains
current with rapidly evolving industry standards.
Industrial designer Mark Bolick made a splash in
Silicon Valley, when he collaborated on projects
with Nike, Motorola, IDEO, Stanford, NASA, MIT, and
The Exploratorium before switching gears to pursue
furniture design in the late ’90s. In 2006, he joined
India Rose LLC—a family-business home furnishings
design firm that designs, develops, sources, and
manufactures home products for top retailers.
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academyart.edu
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Degree Options
CERTIFICATE
The four-year certificate program provides a
disciplined approach to the study of Industrial Design.
Your portfolio will demonstrate the variety of skills and
creativity developed.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (AA)

This degree will provide you the opportunity to devel-
op an understanding of the fundamentals of physical
design, as well as a seamless transition into the BFA
program.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (AA)

IN AUTOMOTIVE RESTORATION
Recognizing an industry demand for talented entry-
level automotive restorers, the School of Industrial
Design has launched a new Associate of Arts degree
in Automotive Restoration. The vintage Automotive
Restoration program prepares you for a career dedicat-
ed to the preservation and restoration of vintage cars.
You will benefit from the extremely specialized program,
as emphasis is placed on learning from classic cars that
have been fully restored to the highest standard at the
Academy’s Automobile Museum.

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA)

The Industrial Design BFA program will afford you the
freedom to pursue your personal design vision within a
fully structured and supportive academic environment.
Our faculty of industry veterans will teach you how to
approach your work with aesthetic, business, and
societal considerations.

MASTER OF ARTS (MA)

The MA program provides professional study within
focused fields of physical design. In addition to class-
room and collaborative coursework, each student devel-
ops a professional portfolio that will be used to launch a
career in Industrial Design.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS (MFA)

This program provides advanced study within focused
fields of physical design. In addition to classroom
and collaborative coursework, you will work toward
< Student work by Fardin Haz producing a final thesis project. 13
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Our Facilities
Our creative environment and studios are
equipped with the technologies you’ll use
in your profession, enabling you to realize
anything you can imagine in traditional
and new media.

RAPID PROTOTYPING LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS

Four large-format Epilog laser cutters, 3D Systems Our in-house lab technicians will be able to assist you
large-format MJP printer, Stratasys Powder Printer, with the high-resolution printing of your large format
Formlabs SLA machines and an FDM lab featuring presentation boards using these cutting-edge printers.
machines from Ultimaker and Makerbot comprise
our rapid prototyping labs—enabling you to COMPUTER LABS
complete your projects in-house. You will use the latest software packages on regularly
updated Dell computer workstations connected to
PAINT BOOTH Wacom Cintiq interactive pen displays.
Our headquarters, otherwise known as The
Warehouse, features three heated HVLP spray
booths. We stock Spies-Hecker low-VOC automotive
finishes – with industry standard color and finish
matching capabilities.

MODEL SHOP
Equipped to fabricate and machine wood, plastics,
and metal, our model shop also features sawstop
table saws in four stations for cutting and ripping
wood and plastic. You will also find plenty of mills
and lathes for any machining class.

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 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Student
& Alumni
Testimonials
Hear from some of our current students
and alumni—the future of the industrial
design industry.
“I had to push myself and work a lot harder
than before, which you can do at the Academy
because it provides every student an equal
opportunity to learn.”
Jack Liu
BFA ‘16, Advanced Automotive Designer,
Flat Chrysler Automobiles
“I have learned and grown a lot both as a person
and a designer during my time at the Academy
of Art University. I feel extremely fortunate that
I get to study what I am truly passionate about
with all the creative freedom and resources that
are available to me at this school.”
Jon Johannesson
BFA ‘18 Industrial Design student
< Student work by Jon Johannesson
“Possibly the largest draw to this program,
above all else, is the community of students
and their willingness to work together as a
family unit. Together, everyone achieves more.”
Brett LaBar
BFA ‘19 Industrial Design student
“I’m from South Korea, and I chose Academy
of Art University because of its location in San
Francisco. I believe that your environment
influences the way you learn; so that, combined
with the school’s practical Industrial Design
curriculum, was interesting to me.”
Daewoong Park
Footwear Designer, KI Oriental
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 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Real-World
Partnerships
Our location in the San Francisco Bay Area,
one of the world’s capitals for art and design,
positions us as a unique school able to provide
students with opportunities to collaborate with
other designers beyond the classroom. The
list of Corporate Partners include top design
companies in the world such as General Motors,
Volvo Trucks, Jaguar, Audi, Fiat Chrysler Auto-
mobiles, Samsung, Autodesk, Pininfarina,
NASA, and Nike.

AAU X FCA
AAU X GM AAU X VOLVO TRUCK

AAU X NASA AAU X PININFARINA

AAU X SAMSUNG 19
 INDUSTRIAL DESIGN X
WEB DESIGN & NEW MEDIA

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN X INDUSTRIAL DESIGN X

FASHION
academyart.edu WEB DESIGN & NEW MEDIA
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Collaborate
to Innovate
Industrial Design students work in cross-discipline
teams that include:
Fashion, Web & New Media, Graphic Design,
Communications, and Game Development.

Imagine the possibilities as we expand our future

collaborations to other departments. These collabo-
rations mimic real-world professional environments
by having multi-disciplinary teams work together to
create holistic experiences and products.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN X
GRAPHIC DESIGN 21
AUTOMOTIVE RESTORER CLAY MODELER
Student work by Joseph Ruiz & team Student work by Sunnie Kim

DIGITAL MODELER
Student work by Daewoong Park & Jon Chan Kim

CLAY MODELER
Student work by Han Huynh

JUNIOR DESIGNER
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Student work by Fardin Haz
 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Career Paths
Academy of Art University is recognized
for graduating professionally ready talent
across multiple creative disciplines.

JUNIOR DESIGNER AUTOMOTIVE RESTORER

Research design parameters to generate
concepts and mockups that create initial designs
for a senior design team to realize.
CLAY MODELER
Sketch tangible examples of what the future
might hold to develop detailed 3D physical
clay models based on the design direction and
physical properties of an object such as a vase,
car, or even a ship.
Lead the restoration of a vintage vehicle and
restore yesterday’s beauty in one of tomorrow’s
most creatively rewarding niche markets.
Conduct detailed and thorough historical and
technological research about classic cars and
their systems, and apply your findings to the
preservation or restoration of an old automobile
through impeccable, knowledgeable woodwork
and machine work, sheet metal work, and expert
disassembly and assembly.

DIGITAL MODELER
Create a digital 3D model based on design
direction by taking 2D and visual concepts and WHO IS HIRING OUR ALUMNI
bringing them to life in 3D software. From there,
Adidas Hasbro
help in the visualization and evaluation of a
Autodesk HP
potential final product design.
Camelbak Hyundai Motor Corp.
UX/UI DESIGNER Chrysler Corporation Kohler
Duesenberg Motors Inc. Leapfrog
Develop scenario-based digital and physical
Ekso Bionics LG Electronics
user interaction designs. Craft every touch point
Ford Motor Company Mattel
in a digital or physical product to ensure brand
Fuseproject Microsoft
consistency and emotional appeal.
General Motors Nike
Greenheart Global Tesla Motors
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 SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Awards &
Competitions
Our students enter—and often win—
the most prestigious design com-
petitions in the world such as Red
Dot, Spark, and A Award. Industrial
Design students are also eligible
for two annual merit-based scholar-
ships in the Edwin T. Meyer Design
Competition Scholarship and the Phil
Hill Scholarship.

Brian Johnson & Team

IDA Design Award, Gold 2018
Sophie Cheam Shiyu Guo
Spark Award, Bronze 2016 Spark Award, Bronze 2017

Kevin Chen
Edwin T. Meyer, Grand Prize 2018 25
 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Additional
Learning
Experiences
Academy of Art University has a hands-on
program for every interest at every level.
If you are looking to upgrade your career,
explore something you have never tried
before, or hone existing skills, we have a
program for you.

academyart.edu
PRE-COLLEGE ART EXPERIENCE (PCAE)
This dual-scholarship program allows current high
school students to take art and design courses at
no tuition charge. In addition, they earn scholarship
dollars towards future undergraduate studies at
Academy of Art University.
Visit https://www.dev.academyart.edu/academics/
pre-college-art-experience-program or call
415.274.2200 for more information.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Time for a career upgrade? Want to follow your
passion? Learn, be inspired, and expand your creative
potential by taking hands-on courses from industry-
experienced faculty. Flexible art and design courses
are available online and in San Francisco.
Visit https://www.academyart.edu/academics/
continuing-education or call 415.274.2200 for
more information.

STUDY ABROAD
One of the best ways to learn about the world is to
see the world. Take advantage of one or all of these
exciting Study Abroad opportunities.

The Liberal Arts Seminar in Europe is a three-

week intensive traveling course visiting some of
Europe’s greatest cities and collections.

The Fine Art Intensive in Italy takes you to

Florence, Italy, for seven and a half weeks during
Summer semester.

The School of Fashion at awards scholarships to

study in Paris with Studio Berçot and L’École de la
Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The Illustration Department also has a summer

semester in Florence emphasizing cultural
awareness in painting and drawing.

For more information about these Study Abroad

opportunities, including cost and visa matters, visit
www.academyart.edu/academics/study-abroad

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 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Awards
and Accolades
Academy of Art University is committed
to the highest standards of achievement
in art and design. Here’s a small sampling
highlighting some recent accomplishments
of our outstanding students, faculty,
and alumni.

academyart.edu
“What I like best about the School of is that the
instructors don’t just teach—they constantly
provide resources and opportunities for active
learning.”
Fei F. Ou
2015 Game Development BFA student

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 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Online Education
Take any online course at the Academy,
and experience the visual, interactive, and
dynamic courses we’re known for. You will
have the same quality instructors, the same
hands-on learning opportunities, and the
same attentive support as our onsite students.
The difference? The flexibility to earn your art
and design degree on your terms.

ONLINE BENEFITS
”
• A support staff of over 100 Academy of Art
employees offers 900+ online courses and 1,500 Online classes help
instructional videos per semester, spanning 35
online majors, and teaching students from 50+ me succeed as a
design student by
countries
• Course content is proprietary, created in-house by
industry experts, and exclusive to the Academy
• The classes are a mix of lecture content, video,
adding flexibility to
written content, recorded audio, interactive slide-
shows, and hands-on work
my schedule while I
• The innovative curriculum is created by instructional
designers and industry professionals
perfect my craft and

”
• A student-run Facebook group, AAUHOO, has more learn new subjects.
than 4,000 members and invites you to join this
thriving online community
• We’re constantly building new courses, reworking
old ones and adding features to our LMS based on — Max Benon
student feedback Undergraduate School of Industrial Design
Spring ‘19
Academy of Art University
Visit academyart.edu or call 415.274.2200 for
more information.

academyart.edu
”

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 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Academy Life
A substantial part of an artist’s growth
and inspiration occurs outside the
classroom or studio. At Academy of Art
University, we understand this. Here are
some resources and opportunities that
are available to all students.

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 ACADEMIC CLUBS
Join students with similar interests to discuss
ideas, promote your work, form collaborations,
and share information.

FITNESS & RECREATION

Campus Recreation classes and workshops—and
access to our free gym, pool, basketball courts,
and skateboard ramp—will help you
stay active healthy.

“What I like best about the School of is that the
instructors don’t just teach—they constantly
provide resources and opportunities for active
learning.”
Fei F. Ou
2015 Game Development BFA student
VIRTUAL BOOKSTORE
All required textbooks are available at our
virtual bookstore.
CULTURAL CLUBS
Everyone needs a break from the studio. With
dozens of clubs and organizations, find a new
creative outlet and build lifelong relationships.
ESPORTS
Our active gaming community hosts and
attends regular gaming events for both casual
or competitive players.

EVENTS
Campus Life is designed to inspire, educate, and
promote fun. Our events are created in coordination
with student-run groups and organizations. Make
the most of your university experience: grow, learn,
laugh, and run with us.

Visit https://www.academyart.edu/students/
clubs-organizations/events for more info.

URBAN KNIGHTS RADIO

Listen live online to our athletics teams, hear unique
talk shows, and dance to your favorite tunes on
UrbanKnightsRadio.com, an iHeartRadio partner.

HOUSING
Housing is guaranteed for all new, full-time onsite
students. We have 17 different housing options to
choose from located in the heart of San Francisco.

DINING
Stay healthy with delicious and filling meals in one of
our dining halls with flexible meal plans and Knight
Kash. Use the Knight Kash on your student ID for
dining on campus and at select off-campus vendors.
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 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

San Francisco
One of the world’s great creative capitals,
San Francisco has been our home since
1929. Our neighbors include giants in
everything from advertising, animation,
and architecture to communications,
game development, and web design.

Simply put, Academy of Art University is

an absolutely amazing place to be a
college student.

academyart.edu
 MUSEUMS
Academy of Art University Auto Museum
Legion of Honor
de Young Museum
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
California Academy of Sciences
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Cable Car Museum
Palace of Fine Arts
Theatre Exploratorium
Walt Disney Family Museum
Museum of Performance & Design
Museum of Craft & Design
Museo Italo Americano
Cartoon Art Museum
Museum of the African Diaspora
Museo de la Raza

TRANSPORTATION
MUNI
AC Transit
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Cal Train
Golden Gate Transit

THEATRES & VENUES

The Fillmore
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
The Warfield
Bottom of the Hill
Rickshaw Stop
Alamo Drafthouse
Great American Music Hall
The Independent
The Fox Theatre
SHN Orpheum Theater
The American Conservatory Theater
The Castro Theatre
SFJAZZ
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco Opera
San Francisco Symphony
San Francisco Ballet
AT&T Park

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 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Athletics
We are the Urban Knights—the only higher
arts education institution in the U.S. to
have an NCAA athletics program. Urban
Knight Nation is proud to support our
fierce student-athletes as they fight on
to victory. Go Urban Knights!

We are the Urban Knights—14 varsity athletic teams

that represent Academy of Art University in NCAA
Division II intercollegiate sports. We are dedicated
to distinction, sportsmanship, pride, teamwork,
credibility, and creativity.

As an artist-athlete in the Academy of Art University

Intercollegiate Athletic program, you are empowered
to realize your full potential academically, personally,
and professionally while on the path to collegiate
success. The Academy’s Urban Knights compete as
members of the Pacific West Conference.

WOMEN’S MEN’S NCAA PROGRAM

Basketball Baseball Join one of our teams or come out and support
Cross Country Basketball your fellow artist-athlete. We play in great venues
Golf Cross Country throughout San Francisco, including Kezar Pavilion,
Soccer Golf Paul Goode Field, SF Bay Tennis Club, and Presidio
Golf Course, among others. Let the Fan Bus take
Softball Soccer
you to the games.
Tennis Track & Field
Track & Field
Volleyball
The NCAA is a trademark owned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
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ARTIST ATHLETES
The Urban Knights have quickly made a name for
themselves with numerous conference and national
accomplishments including 10+ NCAA champion-
ships. We are the first athletic program to win two
NCAA National Championships (indoor and outdoor
women’s track & field) in our first year of postseason
eligibility. We have made over 40 postseason appear-
ances in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s
basketball, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field,
men’s and women’s golf, and women’s tennis.
Go Urban Knights!

37
 ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Apply Today at
academyart.edu
Apply year-round, and begin taking classes
in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Our
Admissions Representatives will help you
every step of the way. They want to help
you succeed, and are trained to make sure
your application best reflects your abilities.
Apply today!

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online at academyart.edu
Or call 1.800.544.2787
Or apply in person in San Francisco
(Monday-Saturday)
79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105

YOUR COMPLETED
APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: 

• $50* application fee ($150 international)
• $95* enrollment fee 

• International applicants require a $300*
international student service fee
 TRANSFER STUDENTS

• Fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, Discover. 1. Complete the application
By mail: check or money order 2. Submit electronic transcripts to:
*all fees are non-refundable, non-transferable transcripts@academyart.edu
Or mail transcripts in a sealed envelope to:
Academy of Art University
Attn: Undergraduate Admissions Office

79 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, California 94105

academyart.edu
39
 FA M I LY OW N E D S I N C E 1 9 2 9

The Academy of Art University is located in downtown San Francisco and provides Academy of Art University
instruction around the world through its online campus. We offer training in many 79 New Montgomery Street
specialized creative disciplines: San Francisco, California 94105

info@academyart.edu
Acting Motion Picture & Television 1.800.544.2787
Advertising Multimedia Communications www.academyart.edu
Animation & Visual Effects Music Production & Sound Design
Architecture for Visual Media Accredited Member WSCUC, NASAD, CIDA
Art Education Photography (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD), NAAB (B.ARCH, M.ARCH),
Art History Visual Development CTC (California Teacher Credential).
Fashion Web Design & New Media
Fine Art Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media *The following degree programs are currently
Game Development not offering online courses: Acting, Auto
Graphic Design Restoration, Knitwear Design, and Footwear
Illustration & Accessory Design.
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture & Design Visit www.academyart.edu to learn more about
Jewelry & Metal Arts total costs, median student loan debt, potential
Landscape Architecture occupations, and other information.