Diploma Courses in Fine Arts

Paier College of Art, Inc.

• This school is in Hamden, Conn. and offers an intensive, four-year program leading to a diploma in fine arts. Courses include drawing, painting, 3-dimensional design, clay figure modeling and computer drawing. Students are admitted on a rolling basis after acceptance, which depends on high school transcript, portfolio interview and letters of recommendation.

School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

• The school offers an intensive, four-year fine arts Studio Diploma program. Students are fully immersed in the arts by taking 30 percent more studio art course electives than a bachelor of fine arts scholar at SMFB. Courses are available in 14 interdisciplinary art areas; students are free to focus on one area or many, and the all-elective curriculum allows freedom for change, exploration and experimentation.

Academy of Art University San Francisco

• For students who do not wish to travel or who require a more flexible schedule, this university has a two-year Internet learning program leading to an associate of arts degree and a comprehensive portfolio. Students interact with classmates from around the world via Internet discussions or email; professors are also available to answer questions via telephone. All necessary books and materials can be purchased on the Web, and most courses are adaptable for any computer with Internet access. Initial classes focus on fundamentals such as drawing, design and form, and advance to encouraging individuation and self-expression.

Programs in Canada for International Students

• If you're willing to travel, Canada has several colleges and universities offering diploma in fine arts programs.

  Langara College of British Columbia, Canada offers a two-year fine arts diploma program to prepare students for higher education or the workplace. Fundamental classes are taken the first year, followed by opportunities for specialization the next. International students are accepted on a conditional basis.

  Ottawa School of Art in Ontario has a three-year fine arts diploma program open to international students. Drawing, painting and sculpture courses are taken from a fundamental level up through advanced studios, apprenticeships and exhibitions.