PITTSBURGH, PA - Recognizing the geographic and time challenges many active-duty military and recently discharged veterans experience pursuing postsecondary education, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division, is actively working to connect military personnel to 13 academic program opportunities in the creative arts, including nine bachelor's degree programs, two associate's degree programs and three diploma programs.
U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Clemis is currently pursuing such a path. Assigned to an Apache Attack Helicopter Regiment based in Ft. Knox, KY, Sergeant Clemis is also pursuing a Graphic Design degree with The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division. Because of his tough military schedule, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division provided both the flexibility and high-quality learning Sergeant Clemis needed to pursue his passion in creative arts.
"I have always had an excitement for art and a dream of someday becoming an accomplished artist," Clemis said. "Of all the schools out there that offered online learning, The Art Institute's reputation sold me. And getting my creative education online challenges me more to develop my own style without the influence of anyone else."
"Those who serve or have served in the U.S. military have gained significant knowledge and experience in fields like design, critical thinking, technology, and management," said Cynthia Liefeld, VP Academic Affairs, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. "Such skills, coupled with industry-specific instruction and individualized job search assistance, can serve as the ideal bridge back into the workforce."
To help aid that transition, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has announced a 20 percent tuition discount for U.S. military personnel who are on active duty, in the reserves, or starting classes within one year of an honorable discharge.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh online programs are designed for students across the globe, allowing active duty military to begin their studies. Recent technological additions to the online classroom experience - including the launch of AiConnections, a social networking site for the student community, and the establishment of a class environment within Second Life, a 3-D virtual world - further enhance the learning environment and personalized attention online learners seek.
Built on more than 85 years of academic excellence, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has demonstrated strong career placement achievement for its graduates. Of all 2005 Art Institute of Pittsburgh graduates from online programs available for employment, 90.2% were working in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation and earning an average starting salary of $33,101.
About The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division, delivers education in the creative arts through the Internet, extending the opportunity for learning to all students desiring classes by eliminating geographic, lifestyle, or physical constraints. With online courses designed using the same curriculum delivered on ground through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division offers associate's and bachelor's degree programs in Graphic Design and Interactive Media Design; bachelor's degree programs in Advertising, Fashion & Retail Management, Game Art & Design, Interior Design, Hotel & Restaurant Management and Media Arts & Animation; a bachelor's degree completion program in Culinary Management; and diploma programs in Digital Design, Residential Planning, and Web Design. For more information about The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division, call 1-877-872-8869 or visit http://www.aionline.edu. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of The Art Institutes (http://www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion, and culinary arts professionals.
