– one of 32 Art Institutes nationwide, accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, is an applied arts college, providing bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas in the creative fields. Founded in 1968 by Mark K. Wheeler, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale vision is to provide students with the skills they need to pursue creative careers in the areas of design, media arts, fashion and the culinary arts. Courses are taught by industry professionals. Of all 2005 Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduates available for employment, 94.4% were employed in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation.
- Art of Cooking
- Graphic & Desktop Design
- Residential Design
- Applied Photography
The primary mission of
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is to train and educate individuals for careers in the design, media arts, culinary arts, and business-related fields. The college encourages the professional development of its students through curricula that emphasize the creative, communicative, interpersonal, reasoning and technical skills necessary for their success.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), recognized by the United States Department of Education, to award Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degrees, as well as diplomas. All programs at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale are licensed by means of accreditation through the Commission for Independent Education by the State of Florida Department of Education. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is approved for the training of veterans and eligible veterans’ dependents and is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
- The Bachelor of Science program in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation , formerly known as FIDER.
- The Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts is accredited by The American Culinary Federation Foundation ( ACF )
All applicants to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Each Individual who seeks admission is interviewed, either in person or by telephone, by an Associate Director of Admissions. As part of the application process, applicants must independently conceive and write an essay of approximately 150 words stating how their education will help them to attain their career goals. Additional entry requirements need to be satisfied for all students seeking admissions into the Illustration or Game Art & Design programs. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by state, local, or federal law in the administration of any of its educational programs, services, or activities or with respect to admission and employment.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale maintains a Career Services office for students. Although the college does not guarantee employment, considerable effort is made to bring potential employers together with graduates who have the skills employers seek. Of all 2005 Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduates available for employment, 94.4% were employed in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation.
The Career Services Office continually seeks new employment opportunities for students. Research is conducted on a regular basis by the college career advisors to gain knowledge in all areas of business relating to the different majors.
The career advisors respond to employer needs, giving guidance to students on industry trends that relate to their course of study. A major function of the Career Services Office is to help students secure part-time employment while they attend The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.
During upper quarters, emphasis is placed on assisting students in gaining field-related part-time jobs, internships, and freelance work in their areas of study. Extensive support is offered to all students during the final quarters in resume preparation and development of interview skills.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offers housing for students who prefer to live on campus. Supervised 24 hours a day, these facilities are located about four miles from the college and are available for students who prefer a more traditional and residential student life. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is a member of the International Association of College and University Housing Officers.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was established in September 1968 and opened it doors just steps away from what is known as the Gold Coast of Florida. In the beginning, students could choose from only one of two fields of study – Advertising Design or Photography. Although the college has changed throughout the years, the mission and goals of the college essentially remain the same.
- 2004, named "College of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges
- 2002-2003 signs articulation agreements with Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties of Florida under the Tech Prep high school program. In 2002, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale also enters into a statewide articulation agreement with Florida Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart School-to-Career Programs
- 2001, awarded the Distinguished Performance Award of Career College of the Year by the National Alliance of Business (NAB)
- 2001, begins conversion of the college’s course codes to codes approved by Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System to ease transfer of credit.
- In 2000, gains accreditation by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and enrollment surpassed 3,000 students
- September 1989, expands facilities to include 1650 SE 17 Street, known as Harbor Walk
- 1987, The State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities approves the conferring of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s first bachelor’s-level degree.
- May 1986, moves from East Las Olas Boulevard to 1799 SE 17 Street in Fort Lauderdale
- 1979, gains recognition as a two-year degree-granting institution in the State of Florida, authorized to confer Associate of Science degrees by the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities
- February 1975, obtains license from the State Board of Independent Postsecondary Vocational, Technical, Trade, and Business Schools
- November 1973, purchased from founder, Mark K. Wheeler, by Education Management Corporation (EDMC)
- April 1971, granted accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Trade and Technical Schools of the Career College Association
- September 1968, opens its doors, offering diploma programs in Commercial Art, Interior Design, and Fashion Illustration.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is located in the city of
Fort Lauderdale, Florida , which to many is known as the “
Venice of America” because of its numerous waterways.
- Bill Kobrynich, Interior Design – former ASID president
- Tas Salini, Video Production – writer and producer of “Gringo Wedding”
- Kerry Szymanski, Fashion Design – Owner of SassyBB
- Ciro Marchetti, Graphic Design - Winning Finalist Macworld Digital Art Competition - Grand Prize Winner 2001 New York; National Association of Photoshop Professionals GURU Awards - Best of Show 2001
- Master Chef Klaus Friedenreich – 2001 American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Chef of the Year and multiple gold medalist in Unites States Culinary Olympics
- Steven Nestler, Photography - Works have been collected by Ansel Adams and his pieces can be found in the permanent collections of MOMA and The Met
- Tony DiTerlizzi - Fantasy artist known for his work in the Spiderwick Chronicles
- Carol Guzy – three-time Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist
- Cecil Hayes – Published Interior Designer who’s clients have included Samuel L. Jackson and Tim “Timbaland” Mosley
- Erin Lee- South Florida Radio Station 93 Rock
- Lisa Quinn - actress, author, set designer
- DJ David “Contigo” Roman – South Florida Radio Station Mega 94.9
The on-campus art gallery hosts numerous exhibitions and art shows including an annual International Student Art Exhibition, Faculty Art Show, and All School Student Art Show, in addition to exhibits by visiting artists plus many community showcases.
The college’s Chef’s Palette restaurant, winner of the 2005 American Culinary Federation Achievement of Excellence Award, is operated by the Culinary Department staff and students. Guests can watch their meal prepared through the windows of the large kitchens that surround the dining room and be served by students who are learning hands-on what it takes to work in the real world.
