The Art Institute of Washington - Design, Fashion, Culinary and Media Arts Programs

The Art Institute of Washington in Virginia educates and prepares students through hands-on learning using industry-related equipment. Our knowledgeable faculty bring their real-world experience into the classroom, preparing our students to seek entry-level positions in their chosen fields. Your classroom experience is complemented by Mac and PC computer labs, a library, and a student supply store.

Advertising (BA)

The bachelor of arts program in advertising offers a unique combination of courses in the business of advertising, including marketing, principles of market research, organizational behavior, media and strategic planning, sales, brand management, public relations and promotion. In concert with these business courses are some course offerings from the graphic design world, such as color theory, design skills, and digital photography. Students also learn the basics of interactive design for the Web.

Students in the advertising program apply practical concepts gleaned from case studies in a variety of areas such as branding, online marketing, strategic management and account planning, and are taught by experienced faculty who have worked in businesses or advertising agencies in concept development, sales management, account management, and media planning. Advertising program graduates will frequently act as liaisons for client and creative teams, conveying key industry trends and metrics in effective visual language. The growth of interactive commerce has led to the demand for advertising and marketing online, and graduates of The Art Institute's program are prepared to address this industry trend.

An internship in the field of advertising is a required part of the program, and the fast-growing advertising communities in Atlanta and Washington provide a range of opportunities for students to develop skills in the field before graduation. Advertising program graduates learn a unique skill set for careers in a broad range of industries and specialties, including account service, public relations, brand management, corporate marketing, entertainment and the arts, and market research.

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Advertising Design (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Audio Production (BA)

At The Art Institute, students begin with acoustic, musical, and electronic audio basics while working with digital computer-based audio recording and editing programs. Students build on this foundation to study advanced musical production and engineering, Musical Instrument Digital Interface systems (MIDI), audio-to-video, and advanced mixing and mastering, as well as interactive media, media business, project management, and professional development.

The program provides a creative, structured environment that encourages, even demands, a combination of hands-on experience and technical knowledge using the kind of equipment found in the industry today. A portfolio to showcase the student's skills in a variety of audio formats to present to prospective employers is required. Audio production graduates are prepared for entry-level positions at production companies, record labels, radio and TV stations, recording studios, CD and DVD manufacturing facilities, mastering studios, audio post production for film and video, and sound design for games and the Internet.

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Commercial Photography (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Culinary Arts (AA)

Students in the culinary arts program learn classical principles of cooking along with modern techniques and trends. International cuisines are introduced throughout the program. Students learn both theory and practical applications, in professional kitchens and through internships. The culminating class in culinary arts is the a la carte class, in which students prepare all courses for a "dining lab" open to the public. All culinary classes are taught by professional, industry-experienced chefs in a hands-on setting that allows the students to learn the best practices directly from accomplished chefs.

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Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Culinary Arts - Culinary Skills (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Culinary Arts Management (BS)

The culinary arts bring together people, food, and creativity to delight not only the palate but all the senses. Few professions offer the kind of excitement and growth found in the world of culinary arts. Restaurants, hotels, clubs, resorts, convention centers, retirement homes, hospitals, and entertainment facilities all offer career opportunities for the culinary professional.

In today's busy world, people eat out or purchase prepared foods much more frequently than in years past, reflected in the remarkable growth of the food service industry. And with that growth, expectations about the quality, nutrition, and diversity of the food, along with the accompanying service, continue to rise. The industry must be prepared to respond by creating and producing the best tasting, most imaginative product possible. Students in the culinary arts program learn classical principles of cooking along with modern techniques and trends. International cuisines are introduced throughout the program. Students learn both theory and practical applications, in professional kitchens and through internships. The culminating class in culinary arts is the a la carte class, in which students prepare all courses for a "dining lab" open to the public. All culinary classes are taught by professional, industry-experienced chefs in a hands-on setting that allows the students to learn the best practices directly from accomplished chefs. Upon graduation, students are prepared to begin their careers in entry-level positions such as management trainees, kitchen managers, assistant pastry chefs, banquet chefs, sous chefs, purchasing managers, unit level restaurant managers, or banquet managers.

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Digital Design (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Digital Filmmaking & Video Production (BFA)

Throughout the degree program students work with industry-related equipment in the creative atmosphere of filmmaking and video production. They have opportunities for real-world experience by working in the field for special projects with non-profit organizations such as public broadcasting. Faculty are experienced and practicing professionals who mentor students and work side-by-side with them to promote the development of the skills necessary to use the camera and editing equipment as technical and imaginative tools for today's electronic storytelling.

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Fashion & Retail Management

Students first build a basic foundation in drawing and design, as well as learning software for the applied arts. They continue with studies in the history of fashion, along with modern fashion illustration concepts and techniques, and the relationships between clothing design and social, political, economic, and geographic factors. Students also learn the basics of clothing design and construction, from fabrics and trims to the role of the designer in the manufacturing process. Basic business principles from retail math to the elements of retail operation and technology to sales and event promotion round out the program.

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Food & Beverage Management (BS)

The bachelor of science degree in food & beverage management and the associate in arts degree in wine, spirits & beverage management are designed to prepare graduates to take their place in an exciting and demanding field, where knowledgeable professionals are in demand at every level and throughout the world. Study-abroad opportunities are available in various countries. Participation in these programs for those under 21 years of age will be conducted in accord with state law regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

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Game Art & Design (BFA)

The game art and design program focuses on developing students as game artists, prepared to enter the game and entertainment industries. Students begin the program by developing their manual and computer-based artistic skills, building drawing and design skills as they begin to learn the history of games and the aesthetic dimensions of games. Early in the program, students study the fundamentals of painting and sculpture to build a foundation for upcoming game art & design courses.

Students move into the structure and narrative potential of games through courses in game design, scriptwriting and storyboarding, and character design. As they begin to develop their analytical skills for games through courses in game scripting, students are introduced to the basics of 2D animation as well as 3D modeling and animation.

In intermediate courses, students combine their skills in drawing, painting, modeling, and design with their knowledge of art history and mythology and with the technical aspects of games to begin the game-production process. They learn texturing, environment design, and interface design, and move into level design, game scripting, and game prototyping. As they gain a deeper understanding of the process, they bring together all of their experience and learning to produce assets for games and design game levels.

Advanced classes in the program require students to work in teams to replicate the environment of the industry. Faculty, who themselves have professional experience in the gaming field, direct and advise the teams. Game artists and designers are also frequently guest lecturers in the classrooms. In the last quarters of the program, students are encouraged to do an internship in the game industry as well as to develop a professional-quality portfolio of their work, demonstrating their design skills and documenting their accomplishments throughout the program. This portfolio showcases their abilities to prospective employers. Graduates of the game art & design program are prepared with artistic skills to enter the competitive multibillion-dollar game industry job market.

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Graphic Design (AA | BFA)

Students in the graphic design program initially develop an understanding of color, composition, design, typography, and drawing skills. As they progress through the program, they study the history of art, including the history of graphic design, and they learn to solve creative problems and to offer solutions that will be effective in the business world. The market is continually evolving and presenting new challenges to the design industry. With guidance from each Art Institute's program advisory committee specific to graphic design, the program grows and specializes to meet the demands of the industry. Students develop skills in computer graphics, electronic imaging, and production. Their tools include scanners, digital cameras, and computer-based hardware and software. They learn the conceptual theory of design, so their skills are current, regardless of software changes.

In the associate program, students begin with courses in art and design and then move to a focus on page-design theory and formatting, appropriate color and imaging, and print and interactive production. Before graduation they develop the portfolio required of the associate program.

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Interior Design (BFA)

Students in interior design begin with the foundations of interior design as well as traditional art in courses focused on drawing, color, and 2D and 3D design. Their study continues with the design process and how to apply the elements and principles of design to the development of interior space. As students expand their skills and learn how interior design affects human behavior and the natural environment, they begin to see the impact interior designers have on the lives of others by creating spaces in which people live, work, and play. They learn to develop and carry out a design concept from space planning to selection of materials, finishes, color, and furnishings.

Throughout the program, the prospective interior designers explore methods of visual communication necessary to convey design ideas in manual and computer-aided drafting and rendering courses. These students focus on the relationship of interior space to architecture in courses such as interior detailing, building systems, lighting, and codes and regulations.

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Media Arts & Animation (BFA)

The course of studies at The Art Institute develops students' skills in design, illustration, compositing, 3D computer modeling, and other areas needed to enter the animation field. Students begin the media arts & animation program with a foundation in drawing, color, writing, and character design along with introductory computer applications. Under the guidance of industry-experienced faculty, students begin to learn advanced 2D and 3D animation principles as well as story development, background design, scenic layout, and special effects. In increasingly more advanced courses, students learn and become experienced with program-specific software, such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, 3D Studio Maxx, and Autodesk Maya. At the end of the program, students take a sequence of portfolio courses in which they design and execute specialized projects that form a part of their digital portfolios to showcase their conceptual and creative skills and abilities in both traditional and digital 2D and 3D techniques. All students develop a Web site in order to present this portfolio to a wide audience of potential employers upon graduation. During their studies at The Art Institute, students are encouraged to apply for internships, participate in active student and professional organizations, enter national contests and film festivals, and attend conferences, such as SIGGRAPH, all of which enable them to become familiar with a developing industry and with the people who make the industry such a vibrant one in today's world of communications and entertainment.

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Photography Imaging (AA | BFA)

AA

Successful photographic professionals do not rely on talent alone. They must possess a thorough understanding of the composition of light as well as a wide array of technical skills-from choosing the right equipment to perfecting production techniques while capturing visually compelling images. Students must be creative, imaginative, and attentive to detail as they prepare to enter the field. While building an awareness of visual style, students also develop core values based in professional standards and practices and a skill set with a solid technical and design foundation.

In addition to courses in art and design, students in photographic imaging study the history of art and the history of photography as they explore the principles of photographic design and the significance of visual style in the commercial sector. They study the application of professional cameras, lenses, and related processes-small, medium, and large formats-as they apply to commercial uses such as photojournalism or advertising photography. Students use the professional equipment to develop the techniques required for successful location and studio photography, as well as learning to solve problems in both natural and artificial lighting.

Students apply all the tools of contemporary photographic techniques to the digital workflow of modern photography. Studios and darkrooms feature program-specific hardware and software.

BFA

Students in the bachelor's program are challenged to expand their varied skills and proficiencies in developing a personal specialization reflecting their personalities and artistic styles. Students may choose to participate in quarter-long programs abroad or short-term trips to locations such as in Germany, Ireland, Italy, or China. In addition to opportunities like these trips, internships help students as they strive to develop a solid photographic identity, purpose, and direction. They also produce a portfolio that reflects this specialization along with a general portfolio that reflects a sophisticated set of photographic skills.

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Video Production (AA)

Throughout the degree program students work with industry-related equipment in the creative atmosphere of filmmaking and video production. They have opportunities for real-world experience by working in the field for special projects with non-profit organizations such as public broadcasting. Faculty are experienced and practicing professionals who mentor students and work side-by-side with them to promote the development of the skills necessary to use the camera and editing equipment as technical and imaginative tools for today's electronic storytelling. The associate degree program in video production provides training for individuals who want to enter this creative industry. The wide appeal of electronic media for information or for entertainment has created an increasing demand for employees skilled in video production. Studies in art, pre-production, cinematography, lighting, and computer applications for special effects form the skills foundation. Students then progress to skills in multi-camera production, post-production techniques, nonlinear editing, and the creation of a video from initial idea to final, edited composition. A compilation of the student's best work forms the portfolio which showcases the student's abilities to prospective employers.

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Video Skills (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses.

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Visual & Game Programming (BA)

Students in visual & game programming begin with an intensive foundation in art and design, including drawing, life drawing, and sculpture. They also cover related areas of game design and animation, such as character and object design, scriptwriting, and storyboarding. In the first half of the program, students learn the more technical areas of programming for 3D animation, including shading development, motion capture management, and network management. Programming and scripting tools such as Perl, C++, C-shell, MEL scripting, MAXScript, DirectX and OpenGL, and familiarity with different operating systems are essential elements of the program. At the advanced level, students learn critical thinking and problem solving skills and are introduced to the principles of artificial intelligence, multiplayer games, and game prototyping.

Upper-level classes in the program require students to work in teams to replicate the environment of the industry. Faculty, who themselves have professional experience in the gaming field, direct and advise the teams. Game artists and programmers are also frequently guest lecturers in the classroom. In the last quarters of the program, students are encouraged to do an internship in the game industry as well as to develop a professional-quality portfolio of their work, demonstrating their programming skills and documenting their accomplishments throughout the program. This programming portfolio showcases their abilities to prospective employers.

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Visual Effects & Motion Graphics (BFA)

In the program, students begin with a foundation of drawing and design principles and color theory. They move into studies of 3D modeling, digital video editing, visual effects, broadcast graphics, audio basics, and production design. Finally the program courses enable students to integrate the animation, filmmaking, audio, and design skills to produce projects in a production studio-style collaborative environment as well as to create a portfolio of their best work to show prospective employers.

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Web Design & Interactive Media (AA)

Students begin the program by developing artistic skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce students to Web standards, scripting, information architecture, interface design concepts, media integration and team-based project skills. Students continue to develop their Web skills, while learning programming and scripting techniques using Flash and JavaScript for design, animation, and data handling. Advanced classes help students develop creative communication strategies, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while maintaining holistic, goal-oriented design and perspective on their projects.

In advanced courses in the bachelor of fine arts program, students focus on conceptual problem solving, content and usability research, accessibility principles, and design of interactive communication solutions. They expand their understanding of the structure and technologies of Web and interactive media projects, and learn techniques for designing and managing large projects. They develop these projects, often for real clients from the non-profit sector. Finally, students produce their own professional-quality, digital portfolios as interactive media presentations of their work and abilities.

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Web Design & Interactive Media (BFA)

Students begin the program by developing artistic skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce students to Web standards, scripting, information architecture, interface design concepts, media integration and team-based project skills. Students continue to develop their Web skills, while learning programming and scripting techniques using Flash and JavaScript for design, animation, and data handling. Advanced classes help students develop creative communication strategies, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while maintaining holistic, goal-oriented design and perspective on their projects.

Throughout the program, students have access to industry-related technology and work with faculty who are experienced professionals in various aspects of the Web design & interactive media field and bring their practical experience and their own projects into the classroom. Throughout the program students learn to give, receive, and respond to critique of their work by industry professionals and faculty, as well as their classmates.

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Web Design (D)

Diploma programs offer those who are already working in business, foodservice, or agencies an opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills or to learn the basic skills needed to change careers. Except for culinary arts, these programs do not include general education classes. In Atlanta, diploma programs are intended for students who have graduated from high school at least two years before the date of application. This policy varies at the branch campuses

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Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management (AA)

The bachelor of science degree in food & beverage management and the associate in arts degree in wine, spirits & beverage management are designed to prepare graduates to take their place in an exciting and demanding field, where knowledgeable professionals are in demand at every level and throughout the world. Study-abroad opportunities are available in various countries.

Participation in these programs for those under 21 years of age will be conducted in accord with state law regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

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