FAQs

Here are the most common questions we get asked. Don’t see what you want to know? Just email us.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of background do I need to have?

Our students are like snowflakes, no two are alike. Are you a lawyer who is bursting with creativity and needs to get out of that large law firm? Did you just graduate with a 4-year degree and realize that you really need a portfolio to get your dream job? Have you always been creative and wanted a career rather than be a starving artist? Then this school is for you!

If I’m interested in a couple different locations, which one should I apply to?

Apply to the one Miami Ad School location you are most interested in attending. If, after you’re accepted, you change your mind and want to attend a different location your acceptance is transferable. You will only need to fill out the enrollment form for that new location and pay the corresponding tuition rate.

Can I do more than one major?

Our portfolio programs are designed to prepare you to be a creative with skills that are broad and appropriate. Although you only have time to study one major in your two years here, you will get a lot of cross pollination. Copywriters take Adobe Creative Suite. art directors take a writing course. You will be well prepared no matter which major you choose!

How long are the programs?

Portfolio Programs:

Art Direction – 2 years (8 quarters)
Copywriting – 2 years (8 quarters)
Design – 2 years (8 quarters)
Photography – 2 years (8 quarters)

Boot Camps:

Account Planning – 3 months (1 quarter)
Social Media – 3 months (1 quarter)

What is the difference between locations?

Choose the school in the city where you would like to live, explore and study for a year.* Then if they choose, students can participate in the Quarter Away program and experience several other locations where the Miami Ad School has programs. The courses in each location are practically identical and the instructors in each city are all advertising and design professionals at the top of their game.

Different schools do have different majors and languages so make sure you are fluent in the native language. English is the norm at most of the schools and Quarter Away locations, but in Buenos Aires and Mexico City classes are held in Spanish. In Sao Paulo classes are in Portuguese. In Madrid you can learn in Spanish, English or both!

* Students who attend Miami Ad School New York for the art direction or copywriting program stay in New York for the duration of the two year program. They have the opportunity to participate in an internship or agency lab in their 8th quarter.

What time of year should I start?

In most cities the portfolio programs in art direction, copywriting, graphic design and photography and video start four times a year: January, April, July or October. The quarters are identical, so start at the time of year that is most convenient for you. In some locations the programs start less frequently. Check the APPLY section or contact your admissions advisor for details.

Boot camps in account planning and social media are offered once a year at most locations. The time of year the boot camp is offered varies by location. Check the APPLY section or contact your admissions advisor for details.

How do I get an application?

The application, requirements and due dates for each location and program can be found in the APPLY section.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available. Click on the school location you are interested in attending to see the type of aid available.

US school locations that offer financial aid: Atlanta, Miami, New York, and San Francisco.

International locations that offer financial aid: Berlin, Hamburg, and Mexico City.

What is Quarter Away?

The Quarter Away option allows students in the portfolio programs to study and intern in up to four additional cities around the world.* Click on the INTERNSHIPS section to see the different options and read stories from our students about their amazing experiences.

*Please note:

Miami Ad School New York students, due to NY state regulations, are eligible for one Quarter Away within New York during their 8th quarter.

International students within the United States can intern in agencies outside of the US, participate in Agency Labs, Intern Labs or attend other Miami Ad School locations. International students are not eligible to intern within the US.

Masters students have the opportunity to study or intern for one quarter during their program.

Boot camp students don’t participate in Quarter Away. Sorry guys.

How much is tuition?

Portfolio programs: art direction, copywriting, digital design, digital photography & video

Miami: $4,850 per quarter / $19,400 a year / $38,800 total tuition cost for the 2-year program (8 quarters)
New York: $4,850 per quarter / $19,400 a year / $38,800 total tuition cost for the 2-year program (8 quarters)
San Francisco: $4,850 per quarter / $19,400 a year / $38,800 total tuition cost for the 2-year program (8 quarters)
Atlanta: $4,850 per quarter / $19,400 a year / $38,800 total tuition cost for the 2-year program (8 quarters)
Hamburg: 2,600€ per quarter / 20,800€ total tuition cost
Berlin: 2,600€ per quarter / 20,800€ total tuition cost
Madrid: 2,500€ per quarter / 20,000€ total tuition cost
Sao Paulo: R$6,248.40 per quarter / R$49,987.20 total tuition cost
Rio: R$5,952.90 per quarter/ R$47,623.20 total tuition cost
Mexico City: $33,000MX per quarter / $264,000MX total tuition cost
Sydney: AUD $4,400 incl. GST per quarter / $35,200 incl. GST total tuition cost
Buenos Aires: AR$ 22.200 per quarter / AR$ 177.600 total tuition cost
Mumbai: Rs 1,50,000 per quarter/Rs 12,00,000 total tuition cost (subject to local taxes)
Toronto: $4,062 CDN per quarter / $32,500 CDN total tuition cost

Can I transfer credits?

We have skills tests to test out of some basic Adobe applications. Sometimes advanced placement is awarded for prior training or work experience but keep in mind the typical Miami Ad School @ Portfolio Center student already has related educational or work experience. If you skip over too many classes then you are not building a portfolio. The most advanced placement allowed is eight classes/two quarters and this happens very rarely.

What do students do about housing?

All of our students rent apartments in the area where the school is located. If you have questions about an individual location just contact the school you are interested in attending. They will suggest apartments or real estate agents that you can contact. If you’re interested in having a roommate the school can connect you with other new students who want to share an apartment.

Is Miami Ad School @ Portfolio Center accredited?

Yes! Miami Ad School Atlanta @ Portfolio Center is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education or, COE.

Should I have health insurance?

Medical expenses in the United States are very costly. We strongly recommend that you purchase health insurance. Please contact your local health insurance office. They may have plans that can cover you. If they don’t the school has an insurance pamphlet that will explain other options.

What is the academic calendar?

Below dates are for the schools within the United States. Please contact the advisor for the school you would like to attend outside of the US for their specific dates.

2018 Fall Quarter:

classes start October 1, 2018
classes end December 7, 2018

2019 Winter Quarter:

classes start January 2, 2019
classes end March 8, 2019

2019 Spring Quarter:

classes start April 1, 2019
classes end June 7, 2019

2019 Summer Quarter:

classes start July 1, 2019
classes end September 6, 2019

2019 Fall Quarter:

classes start September 30, 2019
classes end December 6, 2019

2020 Winter Quarter:

classes start January 2, 2020
classes end March 6, 2020

How does Miami Ad School @ Portfolio Center help graduates find positions?

Career opportunities start with solid character, good work ethic and a strong portfolio. From here, we guide students as they research agencies, firms, and companies. Graduates are then provided the proper contact information as we help set up interviews. We have a full-time Placement Director on staff. Graduates benefit from receiving “job leads for life” once they complete the program. Often, prospective employers visit Portfolio Center and conduct on-site interviews. Also, several times a year, we host industry review days where national and international agencies, firms, and interactive companies meet our students to review their portfolios.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

Graduates enjoy an incredible 97-100% placement rate – usually within in one to three months.

What are the starting salaries?

Average starting salaries run from $40,000 to $60,000. Some photographers and Illustrators start up their own businesses.

What is the "Family Network Effect" that grads talk about?

Portfolio Center was established as the first of our kind – way back in 1979. Ever since then, for over 30 years, our graduates have been permeating the market place both nationally and internationally (many of whom now hold highly senior positions). Recent grads enjoy the opportunity of showing their portfolios to our “family” of older grads who are infused throughout the industry. The job opportunities grow exponentially.

How do I tell Mom and Dad?

Remind them that one day you might have to take care of them, which will be much easier to do if you’re directing commercials for CocaCola or branding Nike’s new product line than it will be if you end up chucking your soul-sucking middle-management job to make pottery.

Application Deadline: January 27th

Apply Now! Start Your Creative Career.