Three Art Institutes schools granted either CIDA accreditation or reaffirmation

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Three Art Institutes schools announced today that their Interior Design bachelor's* degree programs were either granted accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston; The Art Institute of Dallas, a campus of South University and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh were all granted accreditation for the maximum term of six years, from 2013 to 2019.

The Art Institute of Dallas and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh were both granted reaffirmation of accreditation. The schools have been accredited by CIDA since 2003 and 2007 respectively. The Art Institute of Austin was awarded CIDA accreditation for the first time. The campus was founded in 2008 and the college's Interior Design program was established at that time.

CIDA is an independent non-profit accrediting organization for interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. CIDA ensures a high level of quality in interior design education through three primary activities: setting standards for postsecondary interior design education; evaluating and accrediting college and university interior design programs; and facilitating outreach and collaboration with all stakeholders in the interior design community.  

Charles Restivo, interim president of The Art Institutes system of schools, congratulated the schools on their accomplishment: "I know how diligently these Art Institutes campus communities worked to achieve this recognition for their Interior Design programs. This is an affirmation of the quality of our faculty, students and curriculum and a testament to the value of the education the college provides."

The bachelor's degree in Interior Design programs at The Art Institutes schools emphasize the design process with students developing concepts into functional designs. Interior Design degree students are taught in a hands-on environment with industry-standard equipment and technology. The program teaches traditional and computerized design skills.

Interior design course topics include space planning, textiles and lighting. Students develop a portfolio to showcase their work to potential employers. Graduates of The Art Institutes schools Interior Design degree programs are prepared to pursue entry-level employment like interior designer, space planner and draftsperson.

Nineteen Art Institutes schools hold programmatic accreditation by CIDA. For more information about The Art Institutes schools Interior Design programs, visit the website.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 50 schools located throughout North America. The Art Institutes schools provide an important source of education for design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University or Argosy University. OH Registration # 04-01-1698B; AC0165, AC0080; Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 1287, 3427, 3110, 2581. Certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. The Art Institutes Administrative Office: 210 Sixth Avenue, 33^rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Since The Art Institutes is comprised of several institutions, see aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important information.

*The Art Institute of Austin and The Art Institute of Dallas
The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Ave., Ste. 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

*The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Ave., Ste. 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

SOURCE The Art Institutes