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Design Schools

Welcome to one of the top design schools in the country

Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest accredited private art and design school. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of culture and technology, innovative design schools like Academy of Art University offer an experience like no other in all areas of art and design.

Academy of Art University’s fashion design school, graphic design school, interior design school and industrial design school are nationally renowned among design schools. Every year, our professional instructors help students develop a unique combination of artistic ability and business savvy. Unlike other design schools, students graduate with the knowledge and professional dedication to succeed in doing what they love.

Design School Programs

Students search for diverse design schools where they can explore every creative avenue. Academy of Art University offers AA, BFA, BA, MFA, MA and M.Arch degrees in 14 majors, including: Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Photography and Web Design & New Media. Continuing Education and Pre-college Programs are also available for those wishing to explore alternative design school programs.

Design School Online

Academy of Art University’s accredited online degree programs offer the same high level, hands-on design school education as our San Francisco campus. Our professional instructors have created flexible, cutting-edge online classes to help students achieve their design school dreams any place, any time.

Career Opportunities

In the world of design schools, Academy of Art University goes above and beyond to connect students with job opportunities. Industry leaders are flown in to view student work during the school’s annual Spring Show, which features students from all programs. Twice a year students in the fashion design school showcase collections at the Mercedes-Benz fashion shows in New York. Academy of Art University is the only design school invited to this prestigious event.

State-of-the-Art Design School Facilities

Academy of Art University takes its facilities beyond typical design schools. From a world-class car collection at the industrial design school to Mac labs with the latest graphic design school programs, students have the very best at their fingertips, preparing them for careers beyond design school.

Campus Housing

Academy of Art University students live in some of the most unique buildings in San Francisco, but more importantly, they become part of a tightly knit art school community. Making friends with students from other countries and other majors is an important part of the design school experience. Being exposed to different cultures opens students’ minds to new perspectives, while working with design school students in other departments broadens their practical skills and knowledge.

Consider the Athletic Arts

Academy of Art University is one of the few design schools that believes in nurturing the whole artist; this includes developing athletic talents along with artistic ones. Directed by Dr. Jamie Williams, an NFL veteran and film writer, the design school athletics program offers intercollegiate, intramural and club sports.

Accreditation

Academy of Art University design school programs are fully accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Additionally the Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture is accredited by the Council for Interior Design and the Master’s of Architecture is accredited by Design and National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Request More Design School Information!

To find out more about student work and see photos of the Academy's art and design facilities, request an information packet, which includes Our World, Your World, a colorful portfolio illustrating life at the Academy of Art University, a course catalogue, and a DVD highlighting outstanding student work.