About the College

The Art Institutes International Minnesota is part of The Art Institutes, a system of proprietary colleges focusing on creative industries. The Art Institutes International Minnesota offers certificate, associates, and bachelor’s degrees with an enrollment of over 2,000 students. The school is located in two facilities in Minneapolis, MN, the LaSalle Building, located at 15 South 9th Street in downtown Minneapolis, and the historic Pence Building, located on the corner of 8th and Hennepin. The Art Institutes International Minnesota houses a variety of classrooms, labs, kitchens, library, student lounges, photography studios, and a student-run restaurant called the “Gourmet Gallery.”

History

Located in downtown Minneapolis, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, located at 15 South 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, prepares students for careers in the visual and practical arts. The Art Institutes International Minnesota was founded in 1964 by Petrena Lowthian establishing what was to become Lowthian College.

In 1981, Lowthian College was authorized to award the Associate in Applied Science degree. The Art Institutes acquired the College in early 1997. In 2000, The Art Institutes International Minnesota was granted approval to award the Bachelor of Science degree and in 2004, was granted approval to award the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. In 2008, The Art Institutes International Minnesota expanded to a second campus, located in the historical Pence Building at 800 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Former presidents include:

• 1997 – 2001: Glenn Johannesen
• 2002-2004: Dr. Alan Stutts
• 2004-2006: Larry Horn
• 2006-2008: Joseph Marzano
• 2008-2010: William A. Johnson
• 2010 – current: Dr. Jeffrey Allen

Licensing and Accreditation

The Art Institutes International Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to award the following: Advertising, Audio Production, The Art of Cooking, Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Design Management, Digital Film & Video Production, Fashion & Retail Management, Graphic Design, Hospitality Management, Interior Design, Interior Planning with AutoCAD, Media Arts & Animation, Photography, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, and Web Design & Interactive Media. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts and the Certificate program for The Art of Cooking are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation, Inc. Accrediting Commission (ACF).

Programs of Study

• Advertising (Bachelor of Science)
• Audio Production (Bachelor of Science)
• The Art of Cooking (Certificate)
• Baking & Pastry (Certificate / Associate of Applied Science)
• Culinary Arts (Associate of Applied Science)
• Culinary Management (Bachelor of Science)
• Design Management (Bachelor of Science)
• Digital Film & Video Production (Bachelor of Science)
• Fashion & Retail Management (Bachelor of Science)
• Graphic Design (Associate of Applied Science / Bachelor of Science)
• Hospitality Management (Bachelor of Science)
• Interior Design (Associate of Applied Science / Bachelor of Science)
• Interior Planning with AutoCAD (Associate of Applied Science)
• Media Arts & Animation (Bachelor of Science)
• Photography (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
• Visual Effects & Motion Graphics (Bachelor of Science)
• Web Design & Interactive Media (Associate of Applied Science / Bachelor of Science)

Services

The Art Institutes International Minnesota offers several services to its students. Services include:

• Academic Achievement Center - students can receive additional academic tutoring at no additional cost
• Assigned a Financial Aid Advisor and Academic Advisor that will assist them with any financial or academic questions that may arise
• Student Employment Advisor – offering job search assistance for students while they attend college
• Graduate Employment Advisors – providing additional resources and assistance for the job search
• Student Support Services – Providing assistance with utilizing a wellness approach for the student population, including: Special events/workshops on health or wellness related areas; Information on human services in the local area; Assistance with study habits, time management, stress management, communication, problem solving, transition to college, and many other college success topics; Coordination of disability services for students who qualify in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; Referral to short term counseling provided by the Student Assistance Program for students in need of emotional support or guidance.

Housing

The Art Institutes International Minnesota offers student suites at Stadium View near downtown Minneapolis. Stadium View offers congenial, convenient, clean and comfortable student housing.

Student Organizations

The Art Institutes International Minnesota offers a wide selection of professional and special interest organizations in which to join:

• AiGd: The Art Institutes’ Graphic Design Group
• American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
• Animation Club
• Anime Club
• AIAV: Animation & VFX Organization
• C2 - Create • Connect, Student Magazine
• Campus Crusade for Christ
• Cinnamon Toast
• Delta Epsilon Chi Association (DEX): Ai Minnesota
• Digital Sculpting Club
• Fashion Forward
• Food for Thought
• Hospitality Management Club
• LGBTQA Alliance
• National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)
• PACE Leaders: Peers Assisting with the College Experience
• Photo Club
• REC. Film Club
• Role Play Gaming (RPG) Club
• Sketch Jam
• Student Advisory Council