AAU Home > Parents Home

Academic Overview

Academic Overview

Useful Links:

Academic Calendar
Library
Online Education
Academic Policies

What is the school’s accreditation?

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • The BFA Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly FIDER)
  • The School of Architecture has been accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) to offer a two-year Master of Architecture degree

What is the student course load?

  • Fall and Spring: Full time 12-15 units
  • Summer: Full time 6 units

How much homework is expected?

  • 3-6 hours per class, per week, maybe more depending if class has labs vs. studio courses
  • Workload and homework load also depends on student’s time management
  • Color and Design class can have up to 30 hours of homework per week

What study aids, special needs, and academic support are provided?

ARC (Academic Resource Center), study halls, one-on-one tutorials, Academic coaching, writing labs, speaking labs, classroom services, ESL study groups.

What is the average class size?

  • Art History/US History lecture up to 30 students
  • General Education courses cap at 20-30 students
  • Foundation courses cap at 18-25 students
  • Core classes cap from 16-20, depending on class
  • Higher level classes (computer user classes) may have as few as 5-10 students

What is the average age of your freshman student?

19-26 years old

How does a student take a class online?

Students get lots of help and support in online classes. To view a sample class and get more information please log on to http://online.academyart.edu/.

Does the Academy offer any classes for high school students?

Yes, the Academy offers Saturday Art Experience and Summer Art Experience for high school students. For more information check out our High School Programs.