GREAT TEACHING
The faculties at AIB are accomplished artists in their own right as they have found their niche, lived their dreams, and created their art. They are excited to inspire their students in any way, and with small classes they are able to do that one-on-one…
Nurturing with intensive learning and growth
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students can have exceptional personal attention and individual instruction. There is an exceptionally high level of teaching at AIB and a solid commitment to advanced arts instruction. The faculty includes full-time educators and adjunct faculty, letting students draw from an incredible base of talent in all areas of the arts and academia. AIB students boast that their professors are not only “very knowledgeable and helpful aids in the learning process,” but also “smart, unique, and respectable artists” who can shed valuable light on the prospects of earning a living in the visual arts.
Students and faculty are supported by the best facilities possible for art education. From the state-of-the art darkrooms to the advanced computer labs, AIB’s facilities bring the tools needed by aspiring artists to learn and explore. It’s recognized that students need to be skilled with traditional art-making tools, as well as digital technologies. The facilities provide the best of both. They are continually upgraded to meet the needs of students and to keep pace with ever-evolving career opportunities within the art world.
AIB provides expert instruction in the visual arts, with a focus on both the conceptual and the practical. To ensure a broad education, we emphasize interdisciplinary study within the fine arts, as well as courses in the liberal arts. The foundation courses give students a sole academic and artistic overview. All first-year students are required to participate in an intensive curriculum in drawing and visual perception, designed to introduce students to the skills and insights necessary for the advanced study of art. Photography students follow a unique first-year foundation, in which they are immersed in the history, technique, and concept behind artistic photography.
Academic Programs Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in graphic design, fine arts, illustration/animation, and photography. Students also have the option of pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in fine arts/illustration or illustration/design. The school offers a three-year diploma in fine arts, illustration, or photography as well as a professional certificate in illustration or design, which can be conferred after two years of study.
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES
Students will find themselves in an inspiring, supportive, and close community at the Art Institute of Boston. The faculty, staff, and students know each other and constantly engage in conversation about each others work and ideals…
Exciting, vital, and rich with opportunities
One of the unique strengths of AIB is the deep sense of community among the staff, faculty, and students. Here students will find a positive, energetic environment where people’s capabilities and accomplishments are truly appreciated and celebrated
Though the atmosphere on campus is supportive and intimate, AIB is located in the world-class city of Boston, a prominent cultural and educational hub where students can take advantage of endless educational and social opportunities. Students further benefit from AIB’s association with Lesley University, a sizable research institution. As a result, students at AIB have more opportunities than those typically offered at many independent art schools, without sacrificing the small college atmosphere.
AIB students come from different backgrounds and from around the world, bringing varied perspectives and experiences to the AIB community. They are open-minded and dedicated to learning, and motivated to explore their own personal vision. “It’s amazing how students share ideas here – everyone seems to know what kind of work everyone else is doing. We’re constantly involved in conversations about our work.” – Photography Major
The AIB student government sponsors an annual program of social events, lectures, film series, and field trips for the student body. Students who wish to share ideas with the administration are invited to a monthly round table with the College dean.
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
Graduates from AIB go on to all corners of the art community and succeed in waking up the world with their works. A strong curriculum enables students to become well-rounded artists and scholars…
Wake up the world
You will find the work of AIB graduates in top galleries, in the pages of magazines and books, and on the web. They’re pursuing diverse creative endeavors, and they rely on their AIB education to help them succeed. With any career in the arts, it’s important to be flexible and broadly educated – key qualities emphasized at AIB. More importantly, students will build a winning approach and attitude, as well as the abilities to back it up. So while a college degree can’t guarantee a job upon graduation, students will be ensured that they will be able to take on any artistic challenge that comes their way.
At AIB the focus is on professional education and on applying artistic creativity and ability to real-world challenges. Our overall approach is to education you to discover and develop your unique creative talent while preparing you for a practical profession in the arts. Internships and other programs bring you in contact with working professionals—from designers working at advertising agencies, to illustrators creating cutting edge graphic novels.
Through their course work, students are exposed to the most modern trends and current technology in their respective fields. This knowledge is augmented through the multitude of internships and work opportunities available through AIB, which help hone important professional skills and make real-world connections. AIB students have the opportunity to participate in art exhibitions, attend lectures and art auctions, and attend events in the Visiting Artist Program, a year-long series that invites renowned artists to lecture and teach workshops on campus. In addition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston offers free admission to all full-time AIB students.
Outside of class work, students are given professional studio assignments and are encouraged to participate in an internship, a valuable experience that prepares them for a career in the visual arts. Students can locate professional opportunities with the help of the campus Artist’s Resource Center, which provides information about art competitions, fellowships, grants, internships, and jobs.
FAST FACTS
The Art Institute of Boston is a coeducational, private, visual arts college which is a part of Lesley University
Mission Lesley prepares women and men for professional careers in education, human services, management, and the arts. Since 1909 when the school was founded to train early childhood educators, Lesley has been a leader and innovator in educating for the professions that put people first. A commitment to the liberal arts, scholarly inquiry, and lifelong learning forms the foundation of Lesley’s educational philosophy.
Location Boston, Massachusetts
Student Profile 600 students (43% male, 57% female); 35 states and territories represented: 12% minority, 13% international
Faculty Profile 24 full-time faculty; 10:1 student/faculty ratio; Average class size is 13 students.
Residence Life Mild residential: 27% of students live on campus
Athletics Through Lesley University NCAA Division III, North Atlantic Conference (NAC), 10 varsity