Admissions
International Admissions: Online Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I earn a degree and/or certificate online?
Academy of Art University offers degrees, online awards of completion, and individual classes online for art and design students. Courses are highly focused, flexible and interactive.
New online degrees, awards of completion, and classes are added on a continuing basis, so please check the website each semester. For more information about current course offerings, degrees, and awards of completion, please visit the following:
Watch a demonstration of how online classes work.
Back to Top
Will I be able to interact with my classmates?
Students are able to interact with their classmates and instructors. Online classes encourage communication through discussion, video conferencing, multimedia feedback and small class sizes. Students participate in flexible discussions, allowing them to ask questions and receive constructive feedback.
Watch a demonstration of how online classes work.
Back to Top
Can I contact an instructor if I need help?
Instructors are accessible via e-mail, phone, or through the online discussion forum.
Back to Top
Can I get academic or language help in my online classes?
Academic Support
Academy of Art University's Online Academic Support team provides personalized assistance, guiding you to:
- manage your time effectively
- communicate with your instructors and classmates
- participate in discussions successfully
To request academic support, click on the Online Academic Support link on the right side of your student homepage or visit the Academy Resource Center.
Writing Support
Students can e-mail the Online Writing Lab (OWL) to receive feedback on their writing. The Online Writing Lab is available for all students enrolled in classes at Academy of Art University. Students can also use the Writing Lab on campus to work with a tutor in-person.
English Language Support
English language support is available to all online students and provides individual tutoring to international students at all levels and in all majors. English instructors are available in some online courses to answer questions. Students can request help by clicking on the English as a Second Language link on the right side of their online homepage. For more information about these services, visit the Academy Resource Center.
Back to Top
What are the online classes like, and how do I participate?
Similar to on-campus classes, your online classes have students, instructors and advisors. Students communicate and ask questions using interactive online discussion forums, e-mail, phone, and fax, enabling them to upload images and work, as well as provide and receive feedback. Online classes are flexible and work with your schedule. Discussions, lectures, and assignments can all be reviewed online at any time. However, assignments do have specific deadlines.
Watch a demonstration of how online classes work.
Back to Top
What class materials will I need and where will I purchase them?
Many classes require books and other materials. These should be ordered before your first day of class. Each class provides clear instructions listing any books and materials you will need to order, as well as how to order them. To access class web pages, visit the Online Course Catalog.
Books
Books can be purchased online through eCampus.com, or locally through Alexander Bookstore (www.AlexanderBook.com) 415.495.2992.
Software
To order software, first check to see if there is an education version at JourneyEd.com. You will need to confirm your registration in certain classes to purchase discounted education versions.
Email online@academyart.edu for all other questions about purchasing textbooks or software.
Back to Top
What are the prerequisites for each class? How do I know if I qualify?
Prerequisites are listed in the Academy of Art University catalog and class bulletins. For online programs, this information is also provided in the Online Course Catalog.
For more information regarding prerequisites, please speak with your advisor.
Back to Top
What kind of computer should I have (Mac or PC)?
Most online classes can be completed on a Mac or PC. Some online classes require computer software that is only available on one or the other. These specific requirements can be found in the Online Course Catalog. Students should refer to the catalog prior to purchasing a new computer.
Back to Top
Which Internet browser should I use?
Your computer must have one of the following Internet browsers to participate in online classes:
PC:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or higher on 32-bit Windows, up to Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 on 64-bit Windows Download Internet Explorer for PC Download
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or higher (recommended) Download
- Please note: other browsers (such as AOL and Netscape) are not supported.
Macintosh OS X (Version 10.4 or higher):
- Safari 4.0 or higher Download
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or higher (recommended) Download
- Please note: other browsers (such as AOL, Netscape, and browsers for mobile devices) are not supported.
Back to Top
What are the system requirements for my computer?
In addition to an Internet browser, your computer must have the following hardware and software to participate in online classes.
- Web Software: The following required software may be downloaded for free.
- Internet Service Provider: You can use any Internet service provider if it provides reliable access to the Internet of at least 1.2 mbps. AOL users should log into AOL and then open their correct browser (see the list of supported browsers above).
- Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later; Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- Computer Memory: 256 MB of RAM (512 MB or greater recommended)
- Processor:
- PC: 2.33 GHz single core or greater
- Mac: PowerPC G4/G5 or greater
- DVD-ROM: Required
- Hard Disk Drive: 5 GB free space, per class, not including additional space for class-specific software
- Video Card: Super VGA (800 x 600 with 64k color or with 64MB VRAM) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
- Sound Card: 16-bit sound card and speakers
- Modem Speed: DSL or Cable internet highly recommended
- Email Accounts: All Academy of Art students receive a free email account after they have registered for a class. To inquire about whether your email login and password has been created yet, view at http://students.art.edu.
- Virus Protection: In online classes, you may choose to share documents and files over email. You are expected to use your own virus protection software. Anti-virus software can be downloaded for free or for a small charge from the Internet. You can also purchase a program at your local software retailer. For more information, visit the following web sites:
- Microsoft Office & Adobe Reader: Some classes require computer software from Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Adobe Reader (for PDF files). Some classes have additional requirements: scanner, software such as Photoshop, or other hardware. Please read the class descriptions carefully.
Back to Top
How much are tuition and fees?
Application fees and tuition deposit:
- Application fee: $100 (non-refundable and non-deferrable)
- Registration fee: $20 (non-refundable)
- Tuition deposit: $100 (non-refundable)
Online Degrees/Classes Tuition:
- Tuition is paid on a semester basis, and students pay only for those classes they are enrolled in for that semester. Each course is three units.
- Undergraduate Courses: $740 per unit $2,220 per course. Starting Fall 2012, this will be $765 per unit, $2,295 per course.
- Graduate Courses: $840 per unit $2,520 per course. Starting Fall 2012, this will be $865 per unit, $2,595 per 3 unit course.
Back to Top
Do you have financial aid or scholarships?
Currently there is no financial aid available for International Students.
Other financial aid resources:
For more information about studying in the United States, please visit eduPASS: The SmartStudent Guide to Studying in the USA
Back to Top
Can I get a Visa as an online student?
Students attending online classes are not eligible for a Visa.
Back to Top
What are your admissions requirements?
For Undergraduate International Online Applications Only
The following items MUST be submitted in order to process your application:
- APPLICATION FORM - Must be filled out completely, signed, and dated.
- APPLICATION FEE ($100) - Please make a check/money order payable to Academy of Art University. Visa, MasterCard and Discover payments are also acceptable. The $100 application fee is non-refundable.
- OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS - Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts and diploma verifying graduation, a declaration form, or other accepted form of verification (see undergraduate admissions requirements for more information). College transcripts (if applicable) are required if you would like to transfer credits. See the transfer page for more information about transferring credits.
** All applicants seeking a Second Bachelor's Degree must submit official college transcripts to verify their prior Bachelor's degree
- PORTFOLIO - Undergraduate applicants are not required to submit a portfolio, but may do so for possible waiver of foundation or major classes.
**Before you register for classes, you will also be asked to submit a $20 registration fee (non-refundable) and a $100 tuition deposit (non-refundable).
- TOEFL OR TOEIC SCORE. (no minimum requirement) Please visit these websites if you have not taken either of these tests: for TOEFL http://www.ets.org/toefl/; for TOEIC http://www.ets.org/toeic/. Academy of Art University's institutional code is 4207. If you do not have TOEFL scores you may request to take an English placement test through the Academy online.
For Graduate International Online Applications Only
The following items MUST be submitted in order to process your application:
- APPLICATION FORM - Must be filled out completely, signed and dated.
- APPLICATION FEE ($100) - Please make a check/money order payable to Academy of Art University. Visa, MasterCard and Discover payments are also acceptable. The $100 application fee is non-refundable.
- PORTFOLIO - You will be registered for the appropriate classes based on the skills demonstrated in your portfolio. If you hold a Bachelor's Degree and do not have a portfolio, we encourage you to contact your advisor. **Before you register for classes, you will also be asked to submit a $20 registration fee (non-refundable) and a $100 tuition deposit (non-refundable).
- OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS - Graduate applicants must submit an official college transcript, verifying prior Bachelor’s degree. Foreign transcripts and diploma must have a Bachelor's degree stated on them. Photocopy is unacceptable. Additional information on foreign transcripts (PDF).
- FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS - If your transcripts are not in English, they must be translated and notarized by a translation service. If you are not sure if your diploma is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma or Bachelor's degree, the following agencies can evaluate your transcripts for a fee: www.eres.com, www.wes.org (these agencies are only suggested, not affiliated with the Academy).
- STATEMENT OF INTENT - A one-page statement of your goals in graduate school.
- RESUME - Should describe your education background, work experience, and skill set.
- LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION - Required for Art Education, Motion Pictures & Television, and Fine Art: Sculpture. Optional for all other majors. Please have your recommenders email their letters directly to your admissions advisor.
- TOEFL OR TOEIC SCORE (optional, no minimum requirement) - Please visit the following websites if you have not taken either test: TOEFL (http://www.ets.org/toefl/); TOEIC (http://www.ets.org/toeic/). Use institutional code 4207.
Learn more about accreditation for Academy of Art University's online programs.
|
