Associate of Arts (AA) in Advertising
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The Associate of Arts degree in Advertising prepares students for entry-level jobs in advertising agencies through hands-on instruction in art direction, copywriting, and creative strategy.
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Design Skills
- Effectively use visual media, including freehand drawing, to convey ideas and concepts throughout the creative process
- Apply basic design principles to creative work
Communication Skills
- Create narratives that demonstrate an understanding of the elements of storytelling: idea, structure, conflict, character, and imagery
- Present ideas in both formal and informal group settings
Problem Solving
- Apply strategic elements demonstrating an understanding of the target customer, the product/service, and the market
- Gather, assess, and apply relevant information, including historical research, as part of the conceptual and design process
Conceptual Thinking
- Communicate relevant objectives through the use of appropriate aesthetic choices
Generate original ideas
- Develop ideas that can be articulated within project parameters
Professional Readiness
- Produce basic materials required for an entry-level job search
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Career Opportunities
Successful advertising careers require problem-solvers, which is why our hands-on degree programs provide aspiring advertising professionals with a comprehensive problem-solving toolbox of marketable skills and training.
You’ll find our graduates enjoying roles as art directors, copywriters, creative strategists, content creators, and others at leading companies. Who’s hiring our alumni? Companies like razorfish, Leo Burnett, Y&R, Ogilvy, AKQA, CP+B, and more.
Art Director
Art directors are responsible for communicating a clear, unique, and interesting idea about a product or a brand. Copywriters drive the advertising industry.
Content Creator
Create, edit, and curate compelling work to supplement ads. You'll work with blogs, streaming videos, magazine articles, books, songs, and movies.
Copywriter
Copywriters craft messages and develop stories for all media so a product or brand can have an intriguing voice. Together with art directors, they form the creative teams that drive the advertising industry.
Creative Strategist
You'll manage information flow, conduct research, and inform and inspire the creative teams. You'll also help devise business strategies and guide clients to success.
Gallery
Curriculum
Unit Requirements
Major | 12 |
Liberal Arts | 21 |
Core | 33 |
Total | 66 |
Degree Requirements
- A minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or 108 Composition for the Artist
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 2 Art Historical Awareness: Western Art
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- ADV 109: Advertising Methods & Trends (Core)
- GR 102: Design Technology: Digital Publishing Tools (Core)
- GR 150: Visual Communication A (Core)
- LA 101: Freshman Symposium: Artistic Resilience (Liberal Arts)
Semester 2
- ADV 236: Digital Photography (Core)
- ADV 241: Ideation Techniques (Core)
- ADV 258: Digital Video 1 (formerly WNM 358 Digital Video 1) (Core)
Recommended for summer - IXD 105: Design Technology: Visual Design Tools (Core)
- IXD 210: Visual Design 1 (Core)
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist (Liberal Arts)
- LA 133: Short Form Writing (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer
Semester 3
- ADV 207: Creative Strategy (Core)
- ADV 215: Short Copy for Campaigns (Major)
- ADV 244: Art Direction for Advertising (Core)
- IXD 249: Web Design 1 (Major)
- LA 291: Designing Careers (Liberal Arts)
Semester 4
- ADV 341: Midpoint Portfolio (Major)
- ADV 370: Brand and Branding (Major)
- IXD 205: Motion Graphics 1 (Core)
- LA 120: Art History Through the 15th Century (Liberal Arts)
- LA 121: Art History Through the 19th Century (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer
Admissions
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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