Do I need to prepare a portfolio for admission?
A. A portfolio of artwork is not required for admission, but is required for high school seniors entering the annual scholarship competition. (See “Scholarships” in the Financial Aid section for more information.) Work experience in the food service or hospitality industry is not required for culinary arts applicants.
What kinds of computer applications does the college offer?
A. Current applications include Quark, Avid, ProTools, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Maya, Final Cut Pro, PhotoShop, Illustrator, and many more. Students learn to use both PC and Mac platforms.
Is there free Internet access?
A. Yes, Internet access is available in the library for research and in the labs for class work. The entire campus building is fully wired for Internet access. Wireless access is available in the Library and Coffee Bar.
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Why do I have to take the COMPASS test?
A. The COMPASS test measures reading, language skills and math literacy. A student's success in college programs may be partially attributed to their basic skill level. The test is used to help place students in the appropriate general education classes.
Does The Art Institute of Atlanta offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in every program?
A. You can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Illustration & Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, or Photographic Imaging. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising, Audio Production, Fashion & Retail Management, or Visual & Game Programming. You can earn an Associate in Arts degree in Audio Production, Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Photographic Imaging, Video Production, or Wine, Spirits, & Beverage Management. You can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts Management and Food & Beverage Management. Diploma programs are available in Commercial Photography, Advertising Design, Digital Design, Residential Interiors, Video Skills, Web Design, Culinary Arts - Skills, and Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry.
Is The Art Institute of Atlanta accredited?
A. Yes. The Art Institute of Atlanta is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4501) to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and the Bachelor of Science degree; approved by the State of Georgia to award the Associate in Arts degree, the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and the Bachelor of Science degree; approved for the training of veterans and eligible veterans' dependents; and authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The Associate in Arts degree program in Culinary Arts is additionally accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Interior Design is additionally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly FIDER).
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Will there be equipment available at the school when I need it?
A. Students have access to technological and other equipment as needed to complete their class work. In some cases, we work in teams to maximize labs or individual equipment. The Art Institute of Atlanta of cannot guarantee hands-on usage beyond what is called for in the curriculum. Our tech staff is on duty during all hours labs are open. In addition to the college labs, there is a computer lab in the student center in the main college-sponsored housing facility, MetroPointe.
If I relocate, will I be able to transfer to another Art Institute?
A. It is the policy of each school in The Art Institutes system to accept transfer students from other schools within the system. However, programs offered by one school are not identical to similar programs at another Art Institute due to differences imposed by state law, use of different instructional models and local employer needs. Not all of the credits you earn at The Art Institute of Atlanta may be transferable into that school's program. As soon as you anticipate transferring to another Art Institutes system school, you should consult with your dean of academic affairs. You must also be in good standing at the school from which you are transferring.
Who is considered an international student?
A. For the purpose of being admitted to an Art Institutes school, international students are so designated by their need for nonimmigrant visa classification. Legal permanent residents of the United States, residents of U.S. territories, and naturalized citizens are not considered international students.
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Is The Art Institute of Atlanta authorized by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enroll international Students?
A. Yes, The Art Institute of Atlanta is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. This approval means that The Art Institute of Atlanta can enroll category F-1 (academic) international students.
How are the job prospects for graduates?
A. Of all 2004 Art Institute of Atlanta graduates available for employment, 87.5 percent were working in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation earning an average starting salary of $29,176. In the past, our graduates have been employed by companies such as ARAMARK, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, BellSouth IntelliVentures, Bold American Food Company, Brinker International, Buckhead Life Group, Caribiner Audio Visual Services, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, The Coca-Cola Company, CNN Headline News, Cooper Carry, Electronics Graphics Group, Emory Conference Center Hotel, Federated Department Stores, Fifth Group Restaurants, Four Seasons Hotels, Fox Entertainment Group, IBM Interactive, Jones Worley Design, Kroger School of Cooking, Marriott International, Niles Bolton & Associates, Rainwater Restaurant, Ritz Carlton Hotels, StudioCom, Time Warner, and The Weather Channel.
What types of programs does the college offer?
A. The Art Institute of Atlanta offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Associate in Arts degrees. Programs include Advertising, Audio Production, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Illustration & Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Photographic Imaging, Video Production, Visual & Game Programming, Culinary Arts, and Culinary Arts Management.
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Where can I get financial aid?
A. A financial aid officer from the student financial services department meets with every prospective student and his/her family to assess both educational costs and resources appropriate for each individual situation. The Art Institute of Atlanta assists students with applying for federal, state, and other grant and loan aid.
What does the student affairs department do?
A. The student affairs department provides many valuable resources to aid students in reaching their education and career goals. Services include personal counseling, housing assistance, and a variety of planned activities such as on-campus performances and club meetings, parties, hiking and white water rafting, international dinners, and trips to museums and galleries. In addition, the career services department offers part-time job assistance, career planning, quarterly job fairs, regularly scheduled on-campus recruiting events, and referrals for freelance job opportunities.
Will you offer me assistance finding a part-time job?
A. The student employment advisor posts job openings and works with students daily to assist them in finding part-time work. Many employers recruit part time employees on campus. Nonimmigrant students seeking part-time employment must keep in mind that federal Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations directly affect eligibility for part-time employment. Therefore, nonimmigrant students must comply with all federal regulations before accepting any form of employment, including part-time employment.
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Does the college offer housing?
A. Yes, many students choose to live in college-sponsored housing. There are many advantages to this choice: convenience, many optional planned activities, a home-like apartment atmosphere, amenities such as a pool, workout room, and student center with computer lab - all at a reasonable cost.
Are there restaurants and stores close to the college?
A. The Art Institute of Atlanta is located in a bustling suburban area. Public transportation is three blocks away. Also within walking distance is a shopping center with movie theaters and several restaurants as well as stores. One of Atlanta's largest malls is less than a ten-minute drive, or one subway stop, away. There are at least thirty restaurants within a fifteen-minute drive.