Name

Ms. Cathy Corcoran, Executive Administrative Director of the Graduate School
The Academy of the Art College, San Francisco

1) Provide us with a history of AAC.

The Academy of Art College was established in San Francisco by Richard S. Stephens, a creative director with Sunset magazine. In 1929, he decided to open a school to teach Advertising. Assisted by his wife, Clara, the new school was initiated in a rented room on Kearny Street. In a few years, a distinguished faculty of practicing art and design professionals was assembled and the school's philosophy was formulated: hire established professionals to teach future professionals. In 1933, the curriculum was expanded to include Fashion Illustration, and in 1936 a Fine Art Department was added.

In 1951, Richard A. Stephens took over the Presidency from his parents and continued to expand department majors. In 1966, the school was incorporated and granted authority to offer a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education of the State of California. In 1977, the Master's program was inaugurated and approved by 1983.

In 1992, the granddaughter of the founder, Elisa Stephens, succeeded her father as President of the Academy of Art College. Today the college has over 6,500 students, making it the largest private school of art and design in the country. Students now have the opportunity to pursue BFA, AA, MFA and Certificate Programs in ten different majors.

2) What is the mission of AAC?

It is the mission of the AAC to provide aspiring artist and designers with career preparation combined with academic excellence for the BFA, MFA and Certificate Programs in the areas of art band design.

3) What are AAC's art specialties?

The Academy of Art College builds a solid intellectual and practical foundation for artistic expression and professional achievement in the following ten disciplines.

Advertising, Computer Arts (Animation and New Media), Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design Studios, Interior Architecture and Design, Motion Pictures and Television, Photography

4) How is technology integrated into the AAC experience?

Students are required to take classes that introduce them to the digital technologies which are in use today. All departments , from Photography to Industrial Design , from Computer Arts to Graphic Design provide students with the cutting edge equipment, facilities, and technology required as standard by the industry.

5) What does AAC do different than most art colleges/schools?

We immerse students in their intended areas of study in their first semester rather than require them to take a battery of academic study classes. Many of our classes are taught by working professionals who give the students a window into the profession rather than a plethora of theory. All MFA students are encouraged to look ahead to the culmination of their studies at the Graduate School - their final Creative Project. The Academy's Directed Study program facilitates the creation of this body of work with the one-on-one mentorship of an advisor - a faculty member or industry profession.

6) What is the lifestyle of a typical AAC student?

Exciting, busy, demanding, very satisfying and enriching.

7) Tell us about graduate programs at AAC. Do MFA students take classes with BFA students or is it totally separate?

Under special circumstances the MFA candidate may be required by the Director of the program of intent to take undergraduate classes. However, these classes are preparatory classes and do not count towards the candidates MFA Degree. The MFA Program is separate from the Undergraduate Program.

8) Tell us about some of your programs.

Our Studio courses (27 units of the curriculum) offer hands on art and design practice in each discipline, exposing the graduate candidate to a wide range of problem solving projects including collaboration with classmates on special assignments. The Director Study, (18 units of the curriculum) portion of the program offers the candidate the opportunity to work one on one with a directed study Advisor on a final Project. The Academic Study (12 units of the curriculum) requirement of the program complements the candidates chosen area of specialization and ensures a broader educational experience. Academic courses are offered with the needs and interests of the artist/designer/practitioner in mind, which strengthens the studio work of the graduate candidate and enhances other critical and analytical abilities. Electives (6 units) provide opportunities for the graduate candidate to pursue specific areas of interest related to their field of specialization.

9) What is it like to go to school in San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the worlds most cosmopolitan cities, an urban city with a cultural richness not found in many major cities. The atmosphere that surrounds each of our city wide mini campus buildings reflects the heritage of California, a city that is known for its diversity and creativity. Students live and study near art galleries, museums, theatres, and fashion centers that are recognised world wide.

10) Isn't it expensive? Can getting an education In San Francisco give students an edge?

San Francisco is expensive, but no where near as expensive as New York. In addition, wages reflect the cost of living in San Francisco, and, because we are so diverse, a student can find great food at great prices. As for housing, the Academy guarantees housing, and the rates are comparable to most college dorms. Do you have an edge if you study in san Francisco? Well, it certainly doesn't hurt to have Lucas, ILM, Pixar, Electronic Arts and other industry leaders right in your backyard.

NOTE: For information about an AAC online education offering in Animation, click here.

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