Art Center College of Design is a private, nonprofit college located in Pasadena, California. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and has been issuing Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees since 1949. The school offers programs in a variety of art and design fields, and has extremely high rankings in the Industrial Design and Media Design Practices programs. The college has two campuses, the Hillside Campus, built in 1976, and the South Campus, completed in 2004.
Mission/Vision
The mission of Art Center College of Design is to “Learn to Create and Influence Change.” The college is well known for preparing artists for industry employment, and encouraging them to create a positive impact in whatever field they choose to involve themselves in.
Campus Setting
The Hillside Campus is located on 175 wooded acres. The main building has been designated a historic landmark by the city of Pasadena. This campus provides studio and workshop space for all of the undergraduate programs, as well as the Graduate Industrial Design and Film programs.
The South Campus, established in 2004, offers public programs, non degree classes and workshops, and several graduate programs. It is located in downtown Pasadena.
Academics
Art Center College of Design specializes in individualized learning opportunities, small class size, and a strong focus on core studies. Students are immersed in their field, with at least 30 classes related to their major, and preparation for a professional career in their chosen field. Bachelor’s Degrees are offered in Advertising, Entertainment Design, Environmental Design, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Photography and Imaging, Product Design, and Transportation Design. Master’s Degrees are offered in Art, Film, Environmental Design, Industrial Design, MS/MBA Innovation Systems Design, Media Design Practices, and Transportation Design.
Athletics
Although Art Center does not offer an athletics program, they do offer many extracurricular programs designed to enhance the physical well-being of their students.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The annual undergraduate tuition and fees are $35,552. The yearly graduate tuition and fees are $37,544. Cost of supplies and books will vary depending on major, but an estimate is $2,000 per year. Financial Aid is awarded based on need and merit.
Accreditation
Art Center College of Design is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Admissions
Art Center College of Design is open to all students pursuing a career in the visual arts. Students are required to specify a major when applying. Admissions are very competitive. Applicants are required to submit a high school or college transcript, application, and a portfolio for review. The portfolio must be specific to the student’s major. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
For more information about admissions, contact Art Center at:
626.396.2373
admission@artcenter.edu
Art Center College of Design
Hillside Campus
1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
South Campus
870-950 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
Admissions
