University Alliance Online

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University Alliance Online

The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, is proud to offer you a variety of unique design programs offered totally online. As an Interactive Media Design or Graphic Design student you now have the opportunity learn the process of design -- from the basics to completed projects.

Created for busy people like yourself, it's the first program that offers the convenience of learning the fundamentals of design via your computer and our easy-to-use virtual classroom software. That means you'll log on to read class assignments, submit your work, and discuss it with your instructor and classmates. On your time. When it's most convenient for you.


The Art Institute Online now offers degree and diploma programs in Advertising, Culinary Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Interactive Media Design.
 

Browse the desciptions below to find the program that's right for you:



Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design
 

The Associate of Science in Graphic Design is perfect for students seeking a broad range of graphic design knowledge and skills, but who don't care to specialize or acquire advanced training at this time. Students in the Graphic Design associate's degree online program will:

Begin with classes in drawing and design, color theory, visual composition, typography and art history
Discover how to integrate electronic design and mixed media skills into corporate identity, advertising layout and packaging projects
Learn to design with software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator Explore the adaptation of illustration, design, typography and materials into dimensional form
Develop an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in graphic design - or to advance in an already established graphic design career.

All of the courses offered through this online associate's degree program are fully transferable to the Graphic Design bachelor's degree program at The Art Institute Online.



Associate of Science Degree in Interactive Media Design

Always keeping the end user in mind, interactive media designers use software applications to design everything from computer games and Web sites to interactive merchandising and educational tools. Students in the Interactive Media Design associate's degree online program will:

Learn how to analyze user needs and then apply the design and technology skills developed to create professional-level interactive presentations
Begin by studying design and digital image manipulation, multimedia system design, scriptwriting, sound, video and animation
Progress to more complex classes such as interactive information design and Web development
Develop an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in interactive media design - or to advance in an interactive media design career already established

All of the courses offered through this online associate's degree program are fully transferable to the Interactive Media Design bachelor's degree program at The Art Institute Online.



Digital Design Diploma

This program is perfect for students seeking a broad range of graphic design knowledge and skills, but who don't care to specialize or acquire advanced training at this time. Students in the online Digital Design program will:

Learn design fundamentals, concept development, production procedures and digital illustration
Create color composites and renderings using digital image manipulation
Study the fundamentals of Web design
Begin using computer applications and sophisticated software as design tools
Create high-quality page layouts and designs, producing digital artwork bound for print
Construct an individualized portfolio to showcase work for prospective employers
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in digital design - or to advance in a design career that's already established
Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of digital design - and when students are ready to move their career toward graphic design, all of the courses offered through the Digital Design diploma program are fully transferable to the Graphic Design associate's and bachelor's degree programs at The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh



Residential Planning Diploma

Far beyond aesthetics, residential planning takes into consideration product qualities and room traffic patterns to create space that's enjoyable and livable. Designed for self-motivated adults who are looking for practical space-planning knowledge and skills, this online program will help students understand the basics of residential planning. Students in the Residential Planning online program will:

Learn how to maximize the efficiency and livability of residential interiors through online courses in textiles, space planning, and kitchen and bath design
Study technical subjects such as Drafting and Introduction to AutoCAD, which will prepare students to help customers envision, plan and communicate their residential remodeling projects

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level residential planning positions, such as kitchen and bath planner, design consultant, AutoCAD technician, product specifier and manufacturer's representative
Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of interior design - all of the courses offered through the Residential Planning diploma program are fully transferable to the Interior Design Bachelor of Science degree program at The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh




Web Design Diploma

The perfect continuing education program for professionals in creative design fields who want to expand their skills into the digital realm, this 12-course online program provides a comprehensive overview of Web design. Students in the online Web Design program will:

Learn the basics of working in the World Wide Web environment, with emphasis on Web page design using HTML scripting as well as page edit software, Web graphics and animation, video production for the Web, and JavaScript
Explore various site design models used in personal, commercial and government Web sites
Design Web pages and Web sites using a variety of techniques and tools
Create an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired in this online program
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in Web programming and design - or to advance in a Web design career that's already established

All of the courses offered through the Web Design diploma program are fully transferable to the Interactive Media Design associate's and bachelor's degree programs at The Art Institute Online



Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising

Understand how business and design principles work together to produce effective advertising campaigns. Learn to use your creative genius and business savvy to cause the reaction you want. Find out how to play the game of persuasion in the multi-billion-dollar business called advertising.



Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion & Retail Management

Have an eye for style and a head for business? This means moving the world's fashions from designers' showrooms to retail sales floors. In the Fashion and Retail Management program, students learn how to develop, analyze, and implement sales strategies. Buying and merchandising practices are explored, and inventory control and cost analysis skills are honed. Students will learn more about the many avenues open in this exciting field: buying, coordinating runway shows, sales consultation, manufacturer's rep, and more. Department stores, boutiques, and designer showrooms are the environments in which students will be part of the changing face of fashion, from season to season. Program graduates will be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, including retail and wholesale sales, stylist, management trainee, or visual merchandiser.



Bachelor of Science Degree in Game Art & Design

With U.S. entertainment software sales reaching $7 billion in 2003, according to the Entertainment Software Association, the game industry is strong and growing. Today's gamers expect more from their interactive fun than ever before, fueling a growing demand for artists who specialize in game art and design. You can become part of this creative force through the Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design degree program at The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Students in this online degree program will:

Strengthen their basic art and design skills through courses such as drawing, perspective and fundamentals of design
Study scene and set design, character development, visual storytelling, game-design strategies, 3D animation, game-level design and texture mapping
Discover how to design game play and background, create characters and their environments, and apply their knowledge of video and computer games to evaluate game products
Develop an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in the game industry - or to advance in a game art and design career that's already established




Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design online degree program gives students the opportunity to develop their design and creative problem-solving skills, while gaining specialized knowledge in advanced graphic design concepts. Students in the Graphic Design bachelor's degree online program will:

Study the fundamentals of design, drawing, color theory, visual composition, typography and art history
Discover how to integrate electronic design and mixed-media skills into corporate identity, advertising layout and packaging projects
Develop electronic imaging, computer graphics and production skills
Learn to design with software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator Explore the adaptation of illustration, design, typography and materials into dimensional form
Analyze and apply objectives for corporate-image systems; develop project proposals, plans and budgets; and implement concepts for effective advertising strategies
Be trained in creative problem-solving and learn to create imaginative solutions that are effective in the business world
Develop an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in graphic design - or to advance in an already established graphic design career
Have the training that will allow students to specialize in fields such as corporate design, editorial design, advertising, book design, environmental design and entertainment design.




Bachelor of Science Degree in Interactive Media Design

Students in the Interactive Media Design bachelor's degree online program will:

Study visual design, digital image manipulation, multimedia system design, audio, Web site design, scripting, video, animation, text, and business and project management
Strengthen their repertoire with advanced skills and concepts in Web programming and media design
Develop an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise acquired
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in interactive media design - or to advance in an already established interactive media design career





Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design
 

Interior designers have a profound impact on people's lives by creating the surroundings in which we all live, work and play. They apply creativity, technical skills and specialized knowledge to interpreting - and defining - interior space. Students in the online Interior Design bachelor's degree program will:

Study computer-aided drafting and design, 3D design, space planning, problem solving, and the history of design and architecture
Learn about specialty design, including exhibit design, hospitality design, retail store design and corporate design
Discover how to communicate design solutions through a variety of visual media
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level positions in interior design - or to advance in an interior design career that's already established




Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Arts & Animation

The Media Arts & Animation program begins with a foundation in drawing, color, character design and computer applications. Under the guidance of an industry-experienced faculty, students will examine advanced 2-D and 3-D animation principles as well as story development, background design, scenic layout and special effects. Students will work with program specific software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Discreet's 3D Studio Max. At graduation, students will have an individualized digital portfolio to showcase their creative skills in traditional and digital 2-D and 3-D techniques and abilities. Entry-level opportunities exist for Media Art & Animation graduates in computer generated lighting, compositing and rendering, as storyboard artist; texture artist; computer modeler; computer-generated special effects artist; broadcast graphic artist; background painter, forensic artist and video post-production artist.



Master of Computer Animation

The online Master of Fine Arts in Computer Animation degree program at Miami International University of Art and Design will prepare students to work in an industry that repackages information in creative new ways. Students in this online program will:

Study computer animation from many different aspects, based on individual interests and experimentation
Conduct a historical exploration of computer animation techniques and modern art and design
Refine their ability to combine artistic talent with technological skills through creative studio work
Build advanced computer animation skills and gain specialized knowledge in animation art direction, technical direction, production and artistic concepts
Develop a significant body of work that reflects their own personal artistic vision, creating the foundation for a professional career in computer animation
Culminate the program with a master's thesis that will illustrate advanced understanding of computer animation concepts and techniques




Master of Graphic Design
 

Designed for students seeking professional mastery of graphic design, the online Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design degree program at Miami International University of Art and Design helps students develop a personal direction within the wider context of design practice. Student in this online program will:

Have the opportunity to select from two areas of focus - graphic design or graphic design/illustration
Study advanced concepts in design, typography, brand identity, and design planning and development
Conduct a historical exploration of art and graphic design
Develop a significant body of work that reflects their own personal artistic vision, creating the foundation for a professional career in graphic design
Culminate the program with a master's thesis that will demonstrate advanced graphic design knowledge and problem-solving capabilities




How Does Learning Online Work?
 

Created for busy people like yourself, it's the first program that offers the convenience of learning the fundamentals of design via your computer and our easy-to-use virtual classroom software. That means you'll log on to read class assignments, submit your work, and discuss it with your instructor and classmates. On your time. When it's most convenient.
The Art Institute Online classes are intensive. Courses are offered in a six-week format that requires students to provide meaningful participation five out of seven days each week - this means completing assignments and participating in online discussions five days a week. Full-time online students are encouraged to take a maximum of two courses during each six-week session, or four courses every quarter.





Accreditation
The Art Institute Online is a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award the bachelor of science and associate of science degrees.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is a member of the American Council of Education, the American Association for Higher Education, the Allegheny Counselor's Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators, the Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors, the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the National Art Education Association, the Ohio Council of Private Colleges and Schools, and the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling.