The Art Institute
of Phoenix
2233 West Dunlap Ave
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602-678-4300
800-474-2479 (toll-free)
http://www.aipx.edu
The Art Institute of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Overview
In 1995, The Art Institute of Phoenix (AiPX) opened its doors. There are now more than 1,100 students attending the school, seeking Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees or diplomas. The Art Institute of Phoenix is an accredited degree-granting institution fulfilling the evolving needs of the marketplace in a variety of creative careers.
At the Art Institute of Phoenix, students learn how to use program-specific technology to bring their creative dreams to life. When they graduate, they have the specialized skills and competencies employers need. Their degree puts them in demand today and prepares them for the future.
The average class size is 19 students, and the faculty-student ratio is 1:19. The total undergraduate enrollment is 1,113. There are 713 men and 400 women enrolled, of whom 955 are full-time and 158 are part-time students.
The Art Institute is located in the North Phoenix area. Although many people think that Phoenix is a great place to golf and enjoy beautiful sunsets, it's also a great place to develop creative skills. With abundant sunshine, students' imaginations flourish, and their creativity thrives.
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with an expanding job market to match. Located in the middle of the state of Arizona and in the heart of the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is the gateway to cool pine forests, the red rock towers of Sedona, and nature's greatest wonder, the Grand Canyon. Home to more than a million people, Phoenix offers sun-filled days and nightlife that ranges from top comedy and music clubs to such cultural icons as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, and many Arizona theater companies. There are also professional sports teams. The Diamondbacks, Suns, Cardinals, and Coyotes all make their home in Phoenix.
Academic Life
The Art Institute of Phoenix offers Bachelor of Arts degree programs (thirty-six months) in advertising, culinary arts, digital media production, fashion marketing, game art and design, graphic design, interactive media design, interior design, media arts and animation, visual and game programming, and visual effects and motion graphics. Associate of Applied Science degree programs (sixteen to twenty-one months) are offered in culinary arts and graphic design. Diploma programs (nine months) are available in the art of cooking and baking and pastry.
Programs at the Art Institute of Phoenix rely heavily on technology. When students are studying to prepare themselves for the workplace, they must understand the tools of the workplace. Each program of study has its own technology needs. The animation arts and design and media arts and animation programs rely heavily on PC-platform computers and software used to produce 3-D animation, 2-D ink-and-paint, digital paint, and compositing effects. The Institute's newest bachelor's degree program, digital media production, uses program-specific technologies to create, develop, and deliver content. Knowing how to combine traditional production techniques with digital tools is the key to success. It is a career where creativity and technology come face to face with the future. Game art and design students use much of the same equipment as animation arts and design and media arts and animation, with additional tools that allow game prototyping and simulations. Graphic design students have access to MacIntosh as well as PC platforms to produce camera-ready and final copies of design projects. Interior design students work with PC-based computers and high-quality software to produce their design plans and renderings. Multimedia and Web design students concentrate on designing and producing interactive disks that may be educational, commercial, or entertaining in nature. Video production and digital media production students have a full television studio and control room at their command along with editing suites to complete their work.
Many of the faculty members are working professionals who bring practical knowledge and experience to the classroom. There are 30 full-time and 37 part-time faculty members. The Art Institute of Phoenix faculty members are available for student appointments and to discuss academic issues. Faculty members make a point of offering their voicemail and e-mail addresses to students at the beginning of each session. They offer tutoring to those students in need of extra help and general support for all their students. Faculty members attend the quarterly Portfolio Review and graduation ceremonies as students leave their care in pursuit of employment opportunities.
Creative fields are constantly changing to meet the needs of the marketplace. The Art Institute of Phoenix has a Curriculum Advisory Board that keeps abreast of technology and trends by helping to revise courses when necessary.
Campus Life
The President's Club is a school organization that promotes the philosophy of "students helping students." Those students selected assist new students with adjusting to life in Phoenix and at the Art Institute of Phoenix as well as in school activities. It is important for the President's Club to convey a degree of respect, honor, and uniqueness. Criteria for selection are a GPA of 3.0 or greater at AiPX, good attendance, completion of at least one full quarter, a desire to assist other students, responsible behavior, and being in good standing with AiPX.
Facilities and Resources
The Art Institute of Phoenix provides Internet access to its students throughout the school. Students are able to use the labs to access the Web, and the Learning Resource Center (LRC) also provides Internet access. The LRC also maintains a comprehensive catalog of books, periodicals, newspapers, CDs, and videos for student use.
Technology needs are reviewed annually. Located in a four-story building in the northwest corner of Phoenix, the Art Institute of Phoenix enjoys scenic mountain views from many of its large picture windows. With the sun streaming into the classrooms and computer laboratories, student creativity flows easily. Classroom and computer laboratory facilities are clean and well-maintained with a full-time technology manager located on site. The culinary arts kitchens are spacious and filled with commercial equipment that students will work with in the real world.
Expenses
Expenses vary by program. Prospective students should contact the school for current tuition costs. Other charges include a starting kit for all first-quarter students. Kits vary in price depending on the program of study.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. The Art Institute of Phoenix participates in federal, state, and other financial aid programs. Financial aid is divided into three general categories: gift aid, loans, and work-study. Gift aid includes grants, scholarships, and other benefits that do not have to be repaid. Loans need to be repaid, but repayment can usually be delayed until several months after the student leaves school. The Art Institute of Phoenix participates in the Federal Work-Study Program and also assists students in finding part-time jobs in the community.
Admission Requirements
An Assistant Director of Admissions is usually one of the first people prospective students speak with at the Art Institute of Phoenix. This person meets with students to talk about their future goals and help them set a path in motion that will assist them in accomplishing their goals. The Admissions Office will set up an appointment for a tour. For admission to the Art Institute of Phoenix, students are evaluated on the basis of previous education, background, and having demonstrated an interest in one of the Art Institute's programs. Portfolios are encouraged but not required. Students must submit a completed high school transcript or equivalent GED scores. For those who want to transfer previously earned credit from another postsecondary institution, an original transcript must be sent from that institution. To complete the admissions process, students are asked to complete an application and send it to the Art Institute of Phoenix with a nonrefundable application fee. Within ten days, they are asked to submit a completed enrollment agreement with an enrollment fee. Students who are high school juniors may apply for admission during their junior year. An advantage of early admission is that it locks in tuition at the same price for each quarter attended up to the time of graduation from the Art Institute of Phoenix (some conditions apply). Students who are not accepted for admission receive a full refund for all fees paid.
As part of the application process, applicants are required to independently conceive and write an essay of approximately 150 words stating how their education at the Art Institute will help them to attain their career goals. Minimum requirements for successful admission into the Art Institute and a satisfactory program start is dependent on the level of accomplishment exhibited in the essay, all grade point averages, an evaluation of GED scores, a review of the results of any nationally based exams (preferred but not required) such as the SAT I or ACT, and a personal interview with an Assistant Director of Admissions.
The Art Institute of Phoenix programs are technical in nature; therefore, international students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language and satisfy all admissions requirements and procedures. The English language requirement is met when an applicant has submitted proof of a score of 480 or better on the TOEFL or has completed level 108 at an ESL Language Center or a recognized equivalent.