Housed in a 1940's factory building at the end of Bennett Street in Atlanta, Portfolio Center is a highly renowned school with an enormous heart. During your 2 year program, you'll create and conceive the impossible every day. Whatever your discipline, we're big on ideas, branding, innovation, strategy, communications & storytelling. We live in a world that changes at light-speed and desperately needs dynamic, creative individuals to chronicle the adventures. Welcome to Most-Likely-To-Succeed ...
Perhaps there is no school in the world more defined by the people inside it, or by the spirit, energy, and imagination that they embody. In an environment that offers no dorm or cafeteria, no student lounge, and a sketchy vending machine that only works if you stroke it a certain way, you will discover your most resourceful and ingenious self.
Established in 1979 as the first of its kind, Portfolio Center here in Atlanta has now teamed up with Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts (BUCDIA). Together with BUCDIA, students will now be able to experience the unique benefits of both institutions. Combining the expertise at both schools with the flexibility of BUCDIA's part-time programs provides new opportunities for students all along the east coast. Now with certificate options in Boston, Washington, DC and Atlanta, student's can enjoy the benefits of a full or part-time program that fits their needs.
Portfolio Center offers both FULL TIME (2 year) and PART TIME intensive programs under the expert guidance of seasoned, working professionals. Click here to view the complete list of programs.
Programs commence 4 times per year:
Fall (October), Winter (January), Spring (April) & Summer (July).
Students graduate with a Certificate of Professional Studies and enjoy an incredible 97-100% placement ... some - immediately upon graduation! View our alum list and where they work.
Now, it's your turn ...
Portfolio Center is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The COE is a national accrediting agency assuring quality and integrity in career education.
Portfolio Center is licensed by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC). The NPEC assures students that the programs of study and supporting elements of the school meet required standards; assures prospective employers that graduates have acquired appropriate job skills and assures the general public, federal agencies, and other state agencies that programs meet all required standards.
Portfolio Center is also licensed by the the United States Department of Education (USDOE). The mission of USDOE is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
Portfolio Center proudly stands by our veterans who are eligable for VA benefits according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA's mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have "borne the battle" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's veterans. The VA provides veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned.
Once you've completed the program, you'll be prepared to join some of the most exciting firms in the country. We have graduates working for Raison Pure, Landor, Stone Yamashita, Richards Group, Turner Duckworth, Razorfish, The Coca Cola Company, Lucky Magazine, Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Crispin Porter Bogusky, Weiden & Kennedy, Good Magazine, Abercrombie & Fitch, Pentagram, Carbone Smolan, Ogilvy, RGA Digital Studios, Frog Design, Time, Inc, Nike, Apple, MTV, VSA Partners, Microsoft, Chiat, AKQA, Lippencott, J Crew, Smart Design and Smbolic - just to name a few. As you might imagine, these firms hire only the best and the brightest.
The truth is, you'd be hard pressed to find any reputable design, advertising, or branding firm that doesn't have Portfolio Center grads on staff. View our alum list to see where are grads are working.
Q. How does Portfolio Center help graduates find positions?
A. Career opportunities start with solid character, good work ethic and a strong portfolio. From here, we guide students as they research agencies, design firms, and interactive companies. Graduates are then provided the proper contact information as we help set up interviews.
Often, prospective employers visit Portfolio Center and conduct on-site interviews. Also, twice a year, we host industry review days where national and international agencies, design firms, and interactive companies meet our students to review their portfolios.
Q. What is the job placement rate for Portfolio Center graduates?
A. Graduates enjoy an incredible 97-100% placement rate - usually within in one to three months.
Q. What are the starting salaries?
A. Average starting salaries run from $40,000 to $75,000. Some photographers and Illustrators start up their own businesses.
Q. What is the "Family Network Effect" that Portfolio Center grads talk about?
A. 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.
Q. How do I tell Mom and Dad?
A. 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. Then, for that knockout punch, show them this.
Q. Does Portfolio Center charge a recruitment fee?
A. No. Well, perhaps just a smile - you're family here.
Jan 2
Winter Quarter begins: Student Orientation & Registration
Feb 21
6:00pm: Open House
Mar 4 - Mar 8
Studio Week
Mar 11 - Mar 15
Critique Week
Mar 18 - Mar 31
Break
Apr 1
Spring Quarter begins: Student Orientation & Registration
Jun 3 - Jun 7
Studio Week
Jun 10 - Jun 14
Critique Week
Jun 16 - Jun 29
Break
Jul 3
Summer Quarter begins: Student Orientation & Registration
Sep 2 - Sep 6
Studio Week
Sep 9 - Sep 13
Critique Week
Sep 16 - Sep 29
Break
Sep 30
Fall Quarter begins: Student Orientation & Registration
Dec 2 - Dec 6
Studio Week
Dec 9 - Dec 13
Critique Week
Dec 16 - Jan 1
Break
Jan 2
Winter Quarter begins: Student Orientation & Registration
