The closure of Southwest University of Visual Arts has displaced many of their students. Academy of Art University has created options to support Southwest University of Visual Arts students.
If you’re in this situation, we are here to help you continue pursuing your educational goals in similar fields of study.
We have created two options to support you: the Teach-Out Agreement and the Transfer Articulation Agreement.
The Teach-Out Agreement allows students to transfer up to 100% of their credits to help them stay on track and complete their degrees.
Who Is Eligible?
Student will provide a degree audit report (or degree progress report) and a portfolio submission to determine their current skill level which will determine the remaining course requirements. While helping a student complete their remaining requirements, Academy of Art University also wants to prepare students for success after graduation:
*Upon graduation, the diploma will have details listed that the majority of courses were completed at Southwestern University of Visual Arts
**Upon graduation the diploma will have details listed that the final degree requirements were completed at Academy of Art University
If a student does not meet the criteria for the Teach-Out Agreement, Academy of Art University will offer a Transfer Articulation Agreement. Southwest University of Visual Arts transfer students can transfer up to 75% of the degree equivalent offered at Academy of Art University. Transfer credits will be evaluated by transcript review and portfolio submission in order to determine skill levels and placement. Academy of Art University will also allow students to explore transfers into new majors that better align with their career goals.
Academy of Art is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). We are nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The Interior Architecture and Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). View our full list of accreditations.
| Teach-Out Students | vs | Transfer Students |
|---|---|---|
| Completed 75% or more of their program at Southwestern University of Visual Arts. | Different | Completed less than 75% of their program at Southwestern University of Visual Arts. |
| Bachelors: 90/120 or 93/125 or more completed credits depending on degree. | Different | Bachelors: less than 90/120 or 93/125 units completed depending on degree being pursued. |
| Bachelors: 90/120 or 93/125 completed units. | Same | Can attend full-time or part-time. |
| 100% of all completed credits will be accepted. | Different | Can transfer up to 75% of credits into the Academy of Art University program pending a transcript and portfolio review. |
| Must submit portfolio and transcripts for review. | Same | Must submit portfolio and transcripts for review. |
| Students will graduate with an Academy of Art University diploma. | Same | Students will graduate with an Academy of Art University diploma. |
Change is often difficult. We at Academy of Art University empathize with the current situation impacting students and families. Fortunately, our staff has experience helping students to fulfill their educational goals, and finish what they started. What may seem like a burden today can turn into a life-changing opportunity. We hope all affected Southwestern University of Visual Arts students find the school and program that best fits their career goals.”
—Hector Verdugo, Sr. Vice President of Admissions
If you’re interested in attending, you can join us for one of our open houses to learn more about why Academy of Art is one of the best art and design schools in the country or take a campus tour.