Overview

Core curriculum emphasizes photography, figure modeling, form analysis, figure drawing, narrative principles, visual development for animation, character design, concept paintings, advanced exploration of perspective for video game design, and various other critical design disciplines.

Key Features of Visual Development at Academy of Art University

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Visual Development
Generate functional designs for entertainment media (2D or 3D), following an industry-standard process from thumbnails through final render
Effectively communicate narrative, theme and character through design choices
Maintain a consistent “language” or “signature style” in art directing a scene with the requisite continuity in visual storytelling
Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, and accuracy
Demonstrate flexibility in illustrative style by showing both a unique personal style and the ability to accommodate style to project needs

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Analysis of Form

Digital Media: Digital Manipulation

Freshman Symposium: Artistic Resilience

History of Visual Development

Color and Design

Figure Drawing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-24 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-19 00:00:00

Language

English

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

San Francisco, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Art History View 851 other Bachelors in Art History in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Official, sealed copy of your high school transcript or GED
High school diploma with graduation date
Official, sealed copy of a completed Bachelor’s degree transcript
Signed Home School Program Certification form and transcripts
California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) letter

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

40368 USD / year

≈ 40368 USD / year
Out-of-State

31224 USD / year

≈ 31224 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

31224 USD / year

≈ 31224 USD / year

Additional Details

Undergraduate Tuition (Domestic Students): $1,239/unit – 3 units per class

Undergraduate Tuition (International Students): $1,463/unit – 3 units per class

Living costs

San Francisco

United States

2206 - 4119 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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