Learn to create. Influence change. This is the mission of ArtCenter College of Design. For more than 85 years, ArtCenter has achieved an international reputation for our rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry and a commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter prepares artists and designers to make a positive impact in their chosen fields — as well as the world at large.

What makes your design programs different & unique from other school’s programs?

We do not offer a general foundation freshman year, but instead require students to enter directly into one of our majors. This allows us to spend additional time on a more indepth approach to each of our disciplines and has a positive effect on the portfolios of our graduating students.

Are there any exciting developments for your programs that students should know about?

We have added a major in Interaction Design and expect to add a new graduate program in Graphic Design within the next several years. We’ve also recently launched new areas of focus in Character Animation (Entertainment Design), Wearables and Soft Goods (Product Design), and Vehicle Interiors (Transportation Design).

Can students take courses in other schools?

We have exchange programs with Occidental College, California Institute of Technology, Tama Art University, INSEAD and Konstfach College of Design among others.

How are new technologies affecting students’ curricula and/or ways of collaborating/learning at your school?

We are integrating new technologies like user experience and interaction design within many aspects of our curriculum.

What are the top 3 program features that make your program stand out?

1. Rigorous curriculum with sequential structure.
2. Faculty of practicing professionals.
3. Highly committed and focused students.

How does your program help graduating students with internships or jobs? Can students expect job placement more at your program than in others? If so, how or why? What kinds of job opportunities have you seen students take once they completed their degrees?

Our graduating students have an excellent record of job placement. Based on a recent survey with 35% responding, 91% of those students had positions in their fields within one and a half years. We offer internship opportunities for interested students, and have over 200 companies per year visit our campus to recruit students for their companies.

What steps do you take to evaluate a student’s candidacy, apart from reviewing their creative portfolio?

We review their academic record and test scores, and pay close attention to their written essays.

What does your program look for most in the creative portfolio during admissions? What do you think makes an A+ portfolio?

We look for a combination of skill in their area of focus along with a sense of personal expression, originality, and intelligent approach to communicating visually.

What is the best advice you have for students entering the art and design field? And what do you think is the role of the artist today?

It is a wonderful time to engage in the creative fields. There is an increased understanding of the role of creative individuals in the economy as well as storytellers and influencers than ever before. Creatives are taking on leadership roles in all types of organizations, from corporations to humanitarian based endeavors.

Interviewed by Lorne Buchman, President, and Sheila Low, Assistant to President

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Online or through printed application forms

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Varies by major

WRITING SAMPLE

Required and varies by major

TRANSCRIPTS

Required

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Recommended

INTERVIEW

Recommended

APPLICATIONS DEADLINES

Early Decision:
Summer Term: Jan 15
Fall Term: Feb 15
Spring Term: Oct 1

Regular Decision: Ongoing 

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TOEFL: minimum 80
IELTS: minimum 6.5

ALUMNI

Michael Bay, Filmmaker
Zack Snyder, Filmmaker
Chris Bangle, Car Designer
Syd Mead, Entertainment Designer
Yves Behar, Industrial Designer
Matthew Rolston, Photographer
Bruce Heavin, Illustrator and lynda.com Co-founder

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

ArtCenter College of Design Admissions Office
Hillside Campus, 1700 Lida Street,
Pasadena, CA 91103

+ 1 (626)-396-2373