With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California—San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive.
The Art Institute of California—San Diego is a design, media arts, fashion and culinary college that provides a career-focused education.The college offers diploma, associate's and bachelor's degree programs.
Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute of California—San Diego is ideally situated in close proximity to the area's thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches.
The school, located at 7650 Mission Valley Road, was designed with the creative student in mind. Light, spacious classrooms and equipped studios, professional skills kitchens and both Mac and PC computer labs offer a productive working atmosphere to explore and render creativity. The school also includes a library resource center, student gallery, student lounge, an art supply store, staff and faculty offices and other amenities. In April 2004, the school opened its dining lab, The Palette—a restaurant open to the public that's operated by senior-level culinary students and overseen by professional chef faculty.
In 2012, the eight Art Institute of California campuses (San Diego, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Inland Empire, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Sunnyvale) combined to create a single college of art and design within the Argosy University system, known as The Art Institute of California—a college of Argosy University. As part of the transition, The Art Institute of California campuses changed their national accreditation to regional accreditation status. Argosy University, is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501, http://www.wascsenior.org).
Each degree program is offered on a year-round basis, on the quarter system, allowing students to continue to work uninterrupted toward graduation. Academic programs are carefully defined with the support and contributions of members of the professional community through Program Advisory Committees. Curricula are further reviewed by faculty and industry professionals periodically to ensure they meet the needs of a changing marketplace to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in their chosen fields.
The Art Institute of California—San Diego is comprised of more than 100 faculty members who are working professionals in their respective fields. By tapping industry professionals, The Art Institute of California—San Diego is able to bring a real-world perspective, work setting and industry standards into the classroom preparing students for entry-level positions upon graduation.
The Art Institute of California—San Diego helps prepare its students for the competitive marketplace by teaching real-world, professional skills and directs students' portfolio development and professional resume creation. The school's partnerships with local and national employers help to deliver industry-relevant education that benefits both students and employers.
Many students have an opportunity to gain on-the-job skills through participation in internship or externship experiences at local companies and nationally recognized corporations. Career Services keeps its eye on employer satisfaction and industry trends to provide employers with candidates who fulfill their needs while enabling graduates' to pursue rewarding career opportunities.