The Art Students League establishes relationships with colleges and universities to implement measures to allow students at the League to earn credit toward degree requirements and to approve prior study at the League for transfer credit when applying to degree-granting programs in Higher Education.

For administrators, professors, or students seeking to explore opportunities at the League, please review the FAQS below or call our academic counselor at  212-247-4510 ext. 180 or e-mail acad@artstudentsleague.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO EARN CREDIT AT THE LEAGUE

Q: Does the League offer credit for any of its courses?

A:  No. Only accredited art schools, colleges and universities may award credit for study. The League is a non-accredited atelier/conservatory/academy offering classes in the fine arts. It is one of the few art schools founded in the 19th century that still follows its original mission, preserving its unique character.  Since 1875 the League has relied on its reputation and the achievements of former students to attract new students, some of whom are counted among the most famous artists in American history.

Q: What is academic credit?

A: Academic credit is a way of measuring student achievement based a system of standards agreed to by many colleges and universities and by accrediting agencies such as Middle States, NASAD and AICAD.

Q: Why isn’t the League accredited?

A: The underlying premise of the League’s atelier approach to teaching art does not lend itself to an accreditation model.   Students at the League work independently in a “learn by doing” environment.  As the League continues to enjoy great success under its original program, measures the League would be forced to adopt to become accredited would effectively change the nature of the institution in opposition to our mission.  But we also feel that the League’s model can benefit those in an accredited program motivated toward studio practice.

Q: How can I get academic credit for studying at the League?

A: You must first be enrolled in an accredited institution. The League has agreements with colleges and universities to allow their students to take our classes for credit. The list of partner institutions is growing.

Q: How can I get credit for study completed at the League?

A: You may petition any school to which you have been accepted to recognize prior study at the League, but it is highly unlikely that any accredited school will allow you to replace courses they require of you later with courses taken previously at a non-accredited school. As a mark of merit, seriousness and dedication, prior study at the League may enhance your competitiveness in being accepted into rigorous programs at accredited colleges and universities. You may seek letters of recommendation from your former League instructors. If you have been enrolled at the League as a full-time student a transcript can be provided to document your time with us.
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Q: If my college doesn’t have a relationship with the League, can I get credit for League classes?

A: Yes. Students have been getting credit at the League through their college or university for years, but an agreement between your college and the League will help facilitate the process.
 

Q: How can I get credit for League classes from my college?

A:  Make an appointment with the faculty advisor at your college. Tell the advisor you want to take classes at the League for credit. Ask how you can receive credit through an independent study, or distance learning experience like a study abroad program. If your advisor of chair has any questions, or would like to explore a partnership with the League, please ask them to contact our Academic Coordinator at acad@artstudentsleague.org

Q: Is there anything else I can do to expedite the process?

A: Yes. Send a message to acad@artstudentsleague.org. Name the college or university you attend, provide contact information for your faculty advisor or department chair and let us know when you would like to start taking classes at the League. We will make contact with them to propose ways for their students to earn credit in our classes.

Q: How far in advance should I plan?

A: You may want to take League classes during the summer or in January, when most colleges are on break. For summer or January classes, it is best to start planning at least two months in advance; in other words, before midterm of the preceding semester.

Q: How many classes would I have to take to earn three studio credits? How much would it cost?

A: A full-time class meeting every morning from Monday to Friday is equal to 75 hours in class per month.  A part time class meeting two sessions per week is equal to 30 hours per month.  Combined, that is more than enough for 3 credits.   

Q: Are scholarships available? Is there an opportunity for tuition relief through work-study?

A: Yes, but that discussion occurs after a student plans to attend the League

For any further information, e-mail your questions to acad@artstudentsleague.org