General Information
Art Center welcomes applications from students who have chosen to pursue a career in the visual arts.
The programs are highly specialized, and we ask applicants to seriously consider their choice of major.
Students must specify one major at the time of application. The College does not offer an undeclared major option and requires a focused portfolio directed toward one major for admission. For this reason, many applicants choose to complete prior coursework at another college to explore options and develop a specific direction.
Admission is competitive. Your classmates will be serious, motivated and talented.
Art Center offers a complete program of academic and studio courses. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is offered in Advertising, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography and Imaging. A Bachelor of Science degree is offered in Entertainment Design, Environmental Design, Product Design and Transportation Design.
To graduate, students must complete the requirements of the curriculum for their chosen major. This is estimated to take a minimum of eight 14-week terms.
There are three scheduled terms in each academic year: fall, spring and summer. Students who choose to continue their studies uninterrupted may complete the program in a minimum of two years and eight months, with the exception of Entertainment Design students who attend studio classes in the Fall and Spring only; Summers may be taken off, or students may take Humanities and Design Sciences classes.
Admission to Art Center is based on a strong portfolio and a sound academic record in high school or college. Although the program of study focuses primarily on the visual arts, a student's academic record often indicates seriousness of attitude and conceptual ability and motivation.
Transfer Students
Students who have completed studio coursework at another college that parallels the major coursework at Art Center may receive advanced standing.
Advanced standing is determined on the basis of portfolio level and prior college experience.
Studio transfer credit is based on portfolio review. Although credit may be granted for liberal arts classes, placement is based on studio credit determining the length of the program. See Transfer Credit for full details.
International Students
Art Center welcomes international students and values cultural diversity in the classroom. All Art Center courses are conducted in English. Undergraduate applicants with a native language other than English must score at least 80 on the Internet Based TOEFL (iBT).
In addition, the College may require the following minimum scores on each section of the test, as described in detail under Application Requirements: Writing: 19; Speaking: 23; Reading: 20; Listening: 18.
Read more about programs and services for international students here.
Veterans
Special Student Status
Art Center occasionally admits a few select students to its Special Status Program. These students are allowed to attend Art Center classes for up to three terms without the intent to complete a degree.
These students will be charged the current tuition rate. Certain academic policies do not apply to these students; however, they must still abide by all College deadlines, policies, financial obligations, enrollment policies and student conduct codes. Those admitted under Special Status are not entitled to all benefits, programs and services afforded to degree-seeking students, including financial aid and scholarships.
Courses taken in this program may not be applied towards an Art Center degree at any time.
Admission to this program is subject to the approval and terms established by Admissions and the Department Chairs.
Admissions Contact Information
626.396.2373
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