HISTORY
The Art Institute of Phoenix opened for business as an additional location of The Art Institute of Colorado (Denver) in September 1995, with classes beginning in January 1996. Initial program offerings included Associate of Applied Science degrees in Visual Communications, Computer Animation, Multimedia, and Video Production. The initial class was made up of 45 students across the four programs with a total staff and faculty of 17.
In July 1996, an additional Associate of Applied Science degree was offered in Culinary Arts. By the fall of 1997, The Art Institute of Phoenix had grown to a total student population of approximately 600 students offering five associate’s degree programs.
In fall 1998, The Art Institute of Phoenix’s first Bachelor of Arts programs were offered in Computer Animation and Graphic Design. These two 36-month bachelor’s degree programs, along with the six associate’s degree program offerings, helped The Art Institute of Phoenix achieve a student population of over 800 students and approximately 110 staff and faculty in fall 1998.
Two additional Bachelor of Arts degree programs began in fall 1999: Bachelor of Arts in Game Art & Design and in Interior Design. Total student population was approximately 900 after fall 1999.
In fall 2000, a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia & Web Design was added. The student population exceeded 1,000. In winter 2002 a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production was added, and the student population exceeded 1,100.
Bachelor of Arts degrees in Digital Media Production and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics were added to The Art Institute of Phoenix catalog in 2002. The first was added to the winter session, the second in fall. Student population exceeded 1,200 in fall 2003.
Bachelor of Arts degrees in Advertising and Fashion Marketing were added to The Art Institute of Phoenix catalog in 2003, Advertising in the fall session, and Fashion Marketing in the winter session. Visual & Game Programming was added in 2004.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Culinary Arts was added to The Art Institute of Phoenix catalog in January of 2005. The Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts received American Culinary Federation accreditation in February of 2005. In February 2006, the Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design degree received Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
The Art Institute of Phoenix is a subsidiary of The Art Institutes International, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Education Management Corporation.
VISION
The Art Institute of Phoenix, an accredited degree-granting institution, strives to be the premier school for visual and practical arts in the Southwest. This vision will be achieved through a learning-centered approach that fulfills the evolving needs of the marketplace in a variety of creative careers.
MISSION
The Mission of The Art Institute of Phoenix is to accomplish its vision by providing employers with quality skilled graduates prepared by experienced faculty using market-driven curricula.
The mission is accomplished by:
- Involving employers in the development of curricula that is responsive to industry needs through Program Advisory Committees.
- Employing faculty who possess appropriate academic credentials, industry-related experience, and who exhibit excellence in teaching.
- Enhancing institutional effectiveness by improving processes and operations, by promoting teamwork and fiscal responsibility, and through effective communications.
- Creating and environment that assures academic freedom and encourages responsible decision-making and critical thinking among students, faculty, and staff.
- Assisting graduates in obtaining career-related employment.
- Providing alumni with continuing educational opportunities.
- Cultivating and environment of responsibility and participation.
- Fostering a collaborative environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
- Maintaining a positive public image of community contributions by providing opportunities for students and employees alike to actively participate in community service activities.