THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHARLOTTE
CHARLOTTE, nORTH CAROLINA
The Institute and Its Mission
The Art Institute of Charlotte prepares students for entry-level employment in the creative arts. Students learn through programs of study that reflect the needs of a changing job market. Courses are taught by faculty members who have professional experience in their fields of expertise. The school offers twelve bachelors, associate, and certificate programs.
Of all 2003 Art Institute of Charlotte graduates available for employment, 88.7 percent were working in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation and earning an average salary of $26,722.
Student housing options include apartments that comfortably accommodate four students in two-bedroom, two-bath units complete with living room, dining area, and full kitchen. Students submit a roommate preference form and are assigned to apartments by the housing staff. The apartments are located close to the Art Institute of Charlotte and shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Services are available to assist students with resume writing, networking, and keeping abreast of what employers are looking for in job applicants.
The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is licensed by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges and the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
Academic Programs
Bachelor of Arts degrees are available in fashion marketing and management and in interior design. Associate in Applied Science degrees are offered in culinary arts, fashion marketing, graphic design, interactive media design, and Interior design. Certificate programs are available in art of cooking, digital design, fashion merchandising, residential design, and Web design.
Costs
Program tuition varies by the students chosen course of study. Interested students should check the schools Web site or contact the Admissions Office for the current program costs.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Financial aid programs are designed to supplement, rather than replace, a students resources. Most financial aid is based on individual economic circumstances and is determined by analyzing the financial information provided by the student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Faculty
The Art Institute of Charlottes faculty members are experienced instructors, many of whom have professional experience outside of the classroom.
Student Body Profile
Students come to the Art Institute of Charlo}tte from throughout the southeastern United States and abroad. There are more than 700 students enrolled at the Art Institute of Charlotte. The average age of the students is 23, and 66 percent are women. The student population includes recent high school graduates, transfer students, and those who have left a previous employment situation to study and train for a new career. Students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for an exciting entry-level position in the arts.
Student Activities
Students enrolled in the Art Institute of Charlotte can get involved in student-led activities through the Student Affairs Department. Activities stimulate cultural awareness, creativity, and social and professional development. Students enrolled in the interior design program may join the Interior Design Student Association. In addition, academic departments regularly organize trips to the International Home Furnishing Market in High Point, North Carolina, as well as to local museums and galleries.
Facilities and Resources
The Art Institute of Charlotte facility has six computer labs for student use. Additional computers are available in the library. Studios, classrooms, and meetings rooms are available for students and faculty members.
Location
Charlotte mixes the characteristics of a large urban center with the charm of suburban life. With a mild climate and central location, Charlotte residents are only 2 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains and 3 hours from the Atlantic coast. Charlotte is known for its arts community, sports, shopping, and restaurants. More than 300 Fortune 500 companies have offices in Charlotte, the nations second largest banking center. The city is the nations fifth-largest urban region, with 6.3 million people living within a 100-mile radius.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be high school graduates or have a GED certificate. A 150-word written essay is required, as are high school transcripts and any records from other academic institutions attended. All interested students are interviewed in person or over the phone. Following this interview, prospective students complete an application for admission and an Enrollment Agreement. These documents must be submitted to the Art Institute of Charlotte with a $50 application fee. Applicants who have taken the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit their scores to the Admissions Office for evaluation.
Application and Information
