The Art Institute of Dallas began in 1964 as the Dallas Fashion Merchandising College. In 1978, it became the Fashion and Art Institute of Dallas, and expanded its programs in Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design, and added a Commercial Art program. In 1979, The Art Institute of Dallas was approved to grant an associate of applied arts degree in each of its programs. In October 1984, The Art Institute of Dallas became a member of The Design Schools. Continuing with the same student body, faculty, and curriculum, the school then changed its name to The Art Institute of Dallas. In September 1988, the school moved to the present facilities at 8080 Park Lane in North Dallas. The Art Institute of Dallas was granted initial membership at Level I granting associate’s degrees with the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools effective January 1, 1998. In June 2000 the Commission awarded membership at Level II granting baccalaureate degrees.

In December 2010, The Art Institute of Dallas became a campus of South University. Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate, bachelor’s master’s, and doctorate levels with campuses located in Austin, Tx.; Columbia, S.C.; Montgomery, Ala.; Novi, Mich.; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Va.; Savannah, Ga.; and Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. Several of South University’s campuses are part of The Art Institutes system of schools, including The Art Institute of Dallas, located in Dallas, Tx. and The Art Institute of Fort Worth, located in Fort Worth, Tx. Additional information about South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu.