Sanford Brown College offers three degrees for art director majors. Sanford Brown has campuses in 15 different states and also provides educational opportunities online. The University of Phoenix, Mackie Brown and The Art Institute offer associate and bachelor's degree art director courses to prepare students for careers in graphic design. Full Sail University offers a Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree. Coursework includes concepts in graphic design, computerized graphic design, drawing, art history and color theory.
A master's degree in arts administration prepares the art director major to manage art programs in nonprofit and public organizations, or serve as an administrator in performing arts centers. In addition to traditional art history education, coursework revolves around public policy, managing art resources, organizational theory and management practices, and legal issues involving public and nonprofit organizations. Boston University, California State University in Long Beach, Columbia College in Chicago, Drexel University, Eastern Michigan University, Florida State University and many others offer master's degree programs in arts administration.
Art director majors are found within both bachelor's of science and bachelor's in fine arts degree programs. These science-based degrees focus more on computerized art design which is used in the professional and commercial industries. Fine arts degrees for art design majors point students toward careers in performing arts and creative art industries, such as music, the performing arts and art collections associated with museums, studios and nationally touring exhibits. The broad diversity of this career path allows most colleges and universities to provide some course of study that prepares students for careers with an art director major.
A production art director oversees the final product for film, television programs and commercials. The art director chooses models, stage construction, sound and music overlays and props to create the production's image and message. A television production art director needs education in art, photography, typography, design and layout, and film editing. The University of Phoenix, Walden University, Grand Canyon University and Full Sail University all offer online courses and campus-based programs for television and film production art directors.