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The Institute

The Art Institute of Washington prepares students for entry-level careers in the creative arts. Programs of study are carefully designed with the support and contributions of the professional community. The curricula are reviewed periodically to help ensure that students are trained to meet the needs of a changing marketplace. The Art Institute of Washington offers fourteen bachelors degree programs and seven associate degree programs.

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.

The schools blend of theoretical study and practical skill building gives graduates a foundation on which to build creative goals. Students who attend The Art Institute of Washington are given opportunities to develop leadership skills and build relationships within their fields.

Services are available to assist students with resume writing, networking, and keeping abreast of what employers are looking for in job applicants. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Getting involved and becoming an active participant in the school is an important part of a students educational experience. Many activities take place each quarter that provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, members of the staff and faculty, and members of the local community. Student ambassadors assist new students in their adjustment to the college and serve as hosts to important visitors. Students may also join student clubs, get involved in student leadership functions, and participate in social events, including student art shows. Art Institute of Washington students also volunteer for local charities.

Residential communities provide a living-learning environment that is conducive to study, relaxation, and entertainment. The Art Institute of Washington provides housing in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington. Apartments are carpeted and fully furnished and include a washer and dryer. Residence life advisers live on-site to assist students with academic and personal matters and to organize a wide variety of social and educational programs.

The Art Institute of Washington is accredited as a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS; 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; phone: 404-679-4500; http://www.sacs.org) to award Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. The Associate in Arts in Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Location

Located in Arlington, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., The Art Institute of Washington occupies the ground floor and the ninth through twelfth floors of the Ames Center. The area is home to a variety of activities, including professional sports, first-rate theatrical and musical entertainment, beautiful parks, and cultural events. Some of the most popular places to visit are the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Institution and Museums, and Capitol Building. The Arlington community is home to the Fashion Center at Pentagon City, with its more than 150 stores, and the Crystal City Underground and Plaza Shops, which hosts more than 120 retail shops. In addition, Arlington has more than 170 county parks and playgrounds, including over 80 miles of bicycle routes and jogging trails.

Majors and Degrees

Bachelors degrees are available in advertising, audio production, culinary arts management, digital filmmaking and video production, fashion and retail management, food and beverage management, game art and design, graphic design, interior design, media arts and animation, photographic imaging, visual and game programming, visual effects and motion graphics, and Web design and interactive media. Associate degrees are offered in audio production, culinary arts, graphic design, photographic imaging, video production, Web design and interactive media, and wine, spirits, and beverage management. Diploma programs are available in advertising design, commercial photography, culinary artsbaking and pastry, culinary artsculinary skills, digital design, video skills, and Web design.

Academic Programs

The academic year is divided into four quarters, beginning in January, April, July, and October. Students may begin their program of study during any quarter. Bachelors degrees require the completion of 192 credit hours (thirty-six months), and associate degree programs require completion of 96 to 112 credit hours (eighteen to twenty-one months, depending on the program of study).

Academic Facilities

The schools setting in the Ames Center consists of classrooms, studios, computer labs, a student lounge, administrative offices for staff and faculty members, and a Learning Resource Center with a library and reference materials. The building also houses the student counseling center, the tutoring center, teaching kitchens and dining lab, an art supply store, and an exhibition gallery, as well as a television studio and sound stage.

Costs

Tuition cost varies by program. Prospective students should contact the school for current tuition costs. Other charges include a starting kit for all first-quarter students. Kits vary in price, depending on the program of study.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who require financial assistance should first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with a financial aid officer. The officer determines the level of need based on a required federal formula, the cost of education, and other factors. Gift aid is available in the form of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and veterans benefits. Loans include Federal Stafford Student Loans, Federal PLUS loans, and alternative loans. Other scholarships are available from the school and private sources. Application deadlines and eligibility requirements vary by program.

Faculty

The Art Institute of Washington faculty consists of full-time and part-time members, many of whom have professional experience in their industries. The faculty prides itself on building close personal relationships with the students. Faculty and staff members maintain an informal, open-door policy and are available for student questions and suggestions.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must interview, either by telephone or in person, with a member of the admissions staff in order to explore the students background and interests and how they relate to The Art Institute of Washingtons programs. To apply, students must submit a completed application for admission, including an essay, high school transcripts or General Educational Development (GED) test scores, SAT or ACT scores, and a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Prospective students may apply at any time of the year. Applications may be submitted online or mailed to the school.

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