The Art Institute of Washington - Design, Fashion, Culinary and Media Arts Programs
An education from The Art Institute of Washington means something. We have a reputation within the business community for graduates who are assets to the companies that employ them. You enter college with your talents and educational goals. At The Art Institute of Washington, we see our role as providing those educational services that help you develop your potential.
An Art Institute education is not a process where we hand you skills and knowledge. You must take responsibility and get involved. Here, you learn from artists and professionals in a hands-on environment. You have the opportunity to make both professional contacts and lifelong friends. On your part it means engaging fully, eyes and mind wide open.
Degree Programs
The Art Institute of Washington is a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, and prepares students for careers in the visual and practical arts. An impressive faculty of working professionals strives to strengthen students' skills and cultivate their talents. The Art Institute of Washington offers bachelor's degrees (B.F.A., B.A. and B.S.), associate's degrees (A.A.) and diplomas in graphic design, culinary arts, fashion, interior design, advertising and more. See below:
- B.A. in Advertising, Audio Production, Fashion & Retail Management, and Visual & Game Programming
- B.F.A in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Media Arts & Animation, Photographic Imaging, and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
- B.S. in Culinary Arts Management and Food & Beverage Management
- A.A. in Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Photographic Imaging, and Video Production
- Diploma in Advertising Design, Commercial Photography, Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts - Culinary Skills, Digital Design, Video Skills, Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management, and Web Design
Location
The Art Institute of Washington is located at 1820 North Fort Myer Drive (in the Ames Building) in Arlington, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The college's close proximity to Washington, DC means students enjoy easy access to the nation's most important monuments and museums. Just minutes away are the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African Art, and of course national monuments such the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The city also offers and world-class venues like The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Our Campus and Facilities
Supporting each of our programs with the necessary facilities and technology is a priority at The Art Institute of Washington. Our 12th floor boasts three teaching kitchens and a dining lab for our aspiring culinary artists. Our Interior Design program is supported by a new space on the 6th floor that features a lighting lab and greatly expanded resource library. And, we recently unveiled a 1200-square-foot, industry-standard audio studio to support our growing Audio Production program.
Our campus library is located on the 8th floor. Here, students find a quiet, comfortable spot to sit with their laptops and take advantage of the wifi. Need an extra thumb drive? How about a sketch pad? You can find what you need at our campus supply store on the 9th floor. On the ground floor of our urban campus, the art gallery showcases student and faculty work as well as other exhibits to benefit our creative community.
History
When the United States officially became a nation, there was no formal home of the Federal Government. Initially, New York City and Philadelphia offered temporary offices, but in 1791, George Washington chose the District of Columbia as a permanent location. At the time, it was a "10-mile square" piece of land ceded by Maryland. Construction soon began, and on June 11, 1800 it became the new seat of national government for our country.
Since then, Washington, DC has grown into a bustling metropolis and a strong symbol of our nation. People are drawn from all over the globe to experience the traditions and innovations the city has to offer. Washington, DC has developed into one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, yet still maintains the essence of its colonial roots.
Discover Washington, DC
Welcome to Washington, DC, our nation's hometown. It houses the White House, Capitol Hill, numerous museums and memorials, and countless activities for all ages. There is a thriving tourism industry, and the DC metropolitan area has been nicknamed "the melting pot" for the extent of ethnic diversity it boasts. With such a mixture of government, culture, history, and symbolism, our nation's capital is one of the premier places to visit, live in, and pursue an education.
The District of Columbia is 67 square miles, divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. The Capitol Building, home to Congress, is located at the center meeting point of these sections. Metropolitan Washington also includes five counties in Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William and Stafford) and seven counties in Maryland (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's).
Local Scene in Washington, DC
Students at The Art Institute of Washington find a fascinating mix of contemporary and traditional in an environment that offers experiences found nowhere else. There is a vibrant energy here, one that fuels a desire to do your best. You are supported by a close and caring community bound by mutual respect for individuality and creativity. You are also part of the Greater Washington, DC creative scene and can contribute to the texture that makes it our nation's capital.
Alongside the many tourist attractions, you'll find a variety of other activities to enjoy in Washington. Professional sports, first-rate theatrical and musical entertainment, beautiful parks and cultural events abound in this unique city. When you get hungry, there's cuisine from every corner of the earth to choose from. We invite you to discover everything that DC has to offer!