The Difference Between a 4-Year Degree and an AIE Degree

How is AIE different?

What is the difference between a 4-year degree and an AIE degree?

The AIE difference is not only what you make of it, but how our instructing method compares to a traditional 4-year college, or even an bootcamp. While both of these can offer intensive short-term classes, this can stifle student opportunities to network, or allow enough time to create meaningful relationships and experiences that are vital to industry success.

Some students may benefit from learning this way when it comes to learning the basics of a subject, some may need a different learning approach. Learning more advanced techniques in a focused area of study may prove more difficult for the student to retain at that pace.

Experience comes first.

A serious work ethic comes naturally, along with the drive to learn the most you can about your craft. The portfolio should reflect who you are, and what you are most passionate about, and not just filled with practice material. It can contain the most important lessons you’ve learned during your education, and how you’ve applied it to that piece.

This is called the creative process, and it is something that we look for in our prospective students. This is especially important since studios are always looking for the creative process when hiring the next addition to their team. Having the ability to not only show your work, but clearly communicating your creative process shows another level of commitment.

Hands-On Learning

Our curriculum integrates a professional workflow schedule, similar to how studios and creative agencies operate around the world. This allows the students the opportunity to learn in the same fast-paced environments their industry thrives in.

Learning and working from each other also encourages students to get to know their classmates as your co-workers. A sense of community takes time to form. Throughout the program, you learn and adapt to each other’s working styles, which creates one unified culture. This culture is necessary for productivity, as building this kind of trust can only come from working on a team for years.