Brand Communication is an Associate Degree program (100% Online) offered by Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. The program takes 2 years to complete, with a total tuition of $81,960.
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Brand Communications is a two-year program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the evolving fields of branding, marketing, advertising, user experience (UX), and media communications. This degree focuses on hands-on training in industry-relevant tools, creative strategy, and technical skills, preparing students for immediate entry into brand-focused careers or seamless transition into a bachelor's degree.
Are you ready to put yourself on the cutting edge of media and tech innovation? From day one, you’ll be creating portfolio-focused work with industry-changing technologies such as AI-driven design tools and the latest in studio production equipment. You’ll collaborate with top creative tech companies like Apple and Adobe, gaining real-world experience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You’ll have the opportunity to visit professional television studios, refine your skills across all media, and work in an ecosystem where the future of communication is being shaped.
What sets this Program apart
Shape the next wave of content—from AI-enhanced media to immersive storytelling—with the School of Marketing, Communication & Design.
In a world ruled by video, this STEM-designated program arms creators, influencers, and media visionaries with cutting-edge tools and real-world experience. From day one, you’ll build a portfolio that moves: branded campaigns, VR journeys, studio-grade productions. Working in collaboration with clients such as Apple, Adobe, CBS will give your portfolio a real-world shine that opens doors and launches careers.
Online Learning Program. [img data-src="https://bpiqpjsgebtv-u1573.pressidiumcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Comm-Online-Learning.jpg"]
Admission Requirements and Process
Academy of Art University maintains an inclusive admissions policy for all undergraduate programs. Previous experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Academy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent. The university does not require or administer an ability-to-benefit examination for admission.
State authorization for online education.
Online education providers are required to seek authorization by many U.S. states and territories to enroll their residents and those physically located in their jurisdictions. Academy of Art University restricts enrollment for applicants in and from areas where online programs are not approved. Current and prospective students are encouraged to consult the university’s State Authorization for Distance Education Status Table to determine whether the Academy is authorized to offer their degree programs in the state where they will be located while taking online courses.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentAcademy of Art University requires undergraduate applicants to have a high school diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school, or its equivalent.
- Proof of secondary school completionSubmit an official or unofficial high school transcript indicating graduation or GED documentation, a transcript showing a conferred Associate or Bachelor’s degree, a signed Home…
- Application and feeComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee, which is required to process an application.
- Transcript deadlineTranscripts and/or diplomas must be received by the start of the student’s first semester at Academy of Art University.
- No portfolio requiredPrevious experience with art and design is not required for admission, and students of all skill levels are encouraged to apply.
- Transfer creditTransfer evaluation transcripts must be submitted by the end of the student’s first semester; coursework presented for transfer must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions SpecialistSchedule a meeting with one of our admissions specialists. They’ll guide you to the school and program that best fits your goals and help you navigate the application process.
- 2Apply for admissionComplete the undergraduate application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. Provide your social security number on your admissions application so your financial aid can be processed.
- 3Submit proof of high school completionSend your high school transcript, GED documentation or other accepted proof of secondary school completion; it must be received by the start of your first semester.
- 4File the FAFSAComplete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov and use Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.FAFSA Code for San Francisco Campus: 007531
- 5Complete your financial aid planMeet with Student Financial Services to review your financial options, then accept or decline your financial aid awards in the Student Portal.
Program Schedule
Start dates. Spring 2027 semester starts 2/3/2027 (application deadline 1/25/2027); Summer 2027 starts 6/21/2027 (deadline 6/14/2027); Fall 2027 starts 9/8/2027 (deadline 8/30/2027).
Undergraduate students must carry a minimum study load of 12 units per semester to be considered as full-time students. Students are expected to attend summer semesters to meet their scheduled completion date.
Our online programs offer immersive classroom experiences both in real time and on demand.
- February 03rd, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- September 08th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Undergraduate tuition for Fall 2026–Summer 2027 is $1,366 per unit for domestic students ($1,682 per unit for international students); tuition is the same for both on-campus and online classes. This 60-unit program’s tuition is $81,960 for domestic students.
Fees.
- Application Fee: $50 (one-time, nonrefundable)
- Registration Fee: $50 per semester (nonrefundable after the cancellation period)
- Enrollment Fee: $95 for first-term domestic students, charged in lieu of the $50 registration fee ($100 for international students)
- Student Activity Fee: waived for students taking all courses online
- Student Tuition Recovery Fund: $0
- Course fees vary by course; fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections
- Materials/Supplies: $545 average per semester
Estimated program charges for a domestic student taking all courses online: tuition $81,960, application fee $50, enrollment fee $95, registration fees $250, for $82,355, plus course fees. Course fees vary by course, and fees may be different for on-campus sections and online sections (see the Course Fees & Prerequisites list). The university’s published Total Program Cost estimates are for full-time, onsite students.
Payment options. Academy of Art offers many different ways to help you structure your payments, including interest-free installment plans and pre-payment options. The installment plan enables students to pay their tuition in four separate payments during Fall and Spring and two separate payments for Summer.
Financial aid. Aid available to undergraduates includes Cal Grants for eligible California residents, Pell Grants (eligible undergraduate students, first AA/BA/BS/BFA, and eligible education certificate candidates), FSEOG, Federal Work Study, Direct Stafford Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Complete the FAFSA using Academy of Art University’s Federal School ID Number: 007531.
Military and veterans. The Academy processes the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Yellow Ribbon Program, Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31), DEA (Chapter 35), Military Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your cost with the Academy of Art University Net Price Calculator: https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/academyart
Living expenses. The cost of attendance budget includes the costs of tuition and fees, books, supplies, monthly allowances for room and board, transportation to and from school, and personal expenses such as clothes. Estimates of (Monthly) Living Expenses, 2026-2027:
- Food & Housing: $1,393 (student living with parents); $2,729 (student not living with parents); $4,133 (student living on campus, avg.)
- Personal Expenses: $507; $634; $441
- Transportation: $134; $184; $154
Federal student loan debt. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet:
- Most recent three year cohort default rate, as reported by the United States Department of Education: 2023: 0%; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of enrolled students in 2023/2024 receiving federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: *; 2024: 0%.
- The percentage of graduates in 2023/2024 who took out federal student loans to pay for this program: 2023: *; 2024: 0%.
- The average amount of federal student loan debt of 2023/2024 graduates who took out federal student loans at this institution: 2023: $14,395; 2024: $14,864.
Curriculum
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree – Core Classes.
This program is available online and on campus.
Unit Requirements.
- Core: 24 units
- Sophomore Portfolio: 3 units
- Major: 18 units
- Liberal Arts: 15 units
- Total: 60 units
AAS Brand Communications Degree Requirements.
- Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness course
- 1 Creative Ideation course
- 1 Quantitative Literacy course
- 1 Employment Communications and Practices course
- After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Program Learning Outcomes.
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Research Skills
- Gather, assess, and apply relevant information, including audience, market, or historical research as appropriate, to inform the creative or design process
- Identify and research target audiences or users, and apply findings to inform design or strategic decisions
Visual Communication
- Utilize the appropriate media, materials, tools, technology, platforms, and techniques to create visual communications
Advertising
- Apply strategic elements focused on the target customer, the product/service, and the market
- Develop advertising concepts and execute them as ads or campaigns
- Communicate relevant objectives through the use of appropriate aesthetic choices
Graphic Design
- Create visual communications that are audience appropriate
- Create visual communications demonstrating foundational formal design skills including composition, hierarchy, typography, and construction of meaningful imagery
- Develop and prototype potential design solutions for specific problems
- Effectively present and communicate ideas
- Develop design solutions that function within a defined context recognizing physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors
Interaction & UI/UX Design
- Apply foundational visual design principles, composition, grid systems, typography, color, and imagery, to produce effective layouts
- Produce a consistent interactive experience appropriate to the user's needs through functional prototypes and coded web pages
Marketing Communication & AI
- Develop and produce short-form video, social media, and digital content that demonstrates command of platform-appropriate formats and storytelling conventions
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
The School of Marketing, Communication and Design prepares you to lead in a shifting media landscape—where brand storytellers, journalists, and AI-driven creators shape content that flows across every platform.
- Digital Content Producer
- Host/Anchor
- Multimedia Journalist
- Radio/Podcast Personality
- Social Media Manager
- Video Producer/Editor
- Influencer
Program performance. From the program’s School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (calendar years 2023 & 2024, revised November 25, 2025):
- On-Time Completion Rate: 2023: *; 2024: *.
- Placement Rate % Employed in the Field: 2023: *; 2024: *.
- License Examination Passage Rates: Not Applicable.
* = This program is new. Therefore, the number of students who graduate, the number of students who are placed, or the starting salary you can earn after finishing the educational program are unknown at this time. Information regarding general salary and placement statistics may be available from government sources or from the institution, but is not equivalent to actual performance data. This program began on 3/5/2025. As of 12/01/2028, two full years of data for this program will be available.
Graduation and retention rates (university-wide).
- 2026 Graduation Rates: Of the 437 students who entered the University during the fall 2019 semester as first-time, full-time freshmen in either the Bachelor, Associate, or Certificate programs, 146 or 33% completed the entire program within 150% of the normal time.
- Retention Rates – 2024 Cohort: All full-time first-time undergraduate students (134) in Fall 2024 re-enrolled in Fall 2025: 56%.
What to expect as a Academy of Art University student
The artistic and cultural hub of San Francisco allows you to thrive in a vibrant community of creatives from across disciplines. You’ll produce your own work, collaborate with peers, and be surrounded by innovators in one of the most exciting cities for media and technology. Our unique blend of academic rigor and industry partnerships ensures you’ll graduate with a dynamic portfolio or reel, and the expertise and connections needed to excel professionally.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Academy of Art University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), currently on warning; its accredited status continues during the Warning period.
Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the San Francisco Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 910 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 83.4% rather than 100%.
Testimonials
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