Los Angeles Campus

Two Year Degree -Associate of Arts in Acting or Certificate of Completion
 Students graduating from the Los Angeles campus receive an Associate of Arts Degree in Acting (A.A.) or a Certificate of Completion depending upon the fulfillment of the General Education Requirement (described below) when they transfer or complete nine (9) additional credits (3 English composition, 3 General Psychology and 3 in any Natural Science) from an accredited college. Academy students have up to four years after their graduation to complete these required courses and transfer the credits back to the Academy to receive their Associate Degree from the Academy. Admission to the Academy's Second Year of training is by invitation.

Third Year Academy Company - Certificate of Advanced Studies in Acting
 A third year of advanced training and performance program, Academy Company, leads to a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Acting. Upon completion of the Second Year, students may audition on the Los Angeles campus to be accepted to the Academy Company.

Four Year Degree - Bachelor Options
 Students choosing to further their academic education with more advanced degrees may transfer their credits to most colleges and universities throughout the United States. The number of credits successfully transferred depends upon the amount earned, choice of college, entry requirements and the desired degree. The Academy has articulation agreements with universities that facilitate this option:
  • Antioch University Los Angeles - The American Academy of Dramatic Arts has entered into an Articulation Agreement with Antioch University Los Angeles that allows Academy students to complete a Bachelor of Arts with an individualized concentration in Acting and Dramatic Arts or in one of the standard areas of concentration: liberal studies, psychology, child studies, business and social entrepreneurship, creative writing, or urban community and environment. This Agreement clarifies the transfer process and ensures that the maximum number of credits earned at AADA will be counted towards Antioch BA degree completion.

    • AADA students can enter Antioch with as much as half of their coursework towards the BA degree completed.
    • Students who successfully complete one year at AADA may also transfer their coursework credits of C- or better.
    • AADA Alumni are also eligible to participate under the terms of this agreement.
    • Antioch's innovative curriculum, variety of course offerings and flexible time schedules make it a perfect match for AADA students who wish to obtain a BA degree.

    For further information, current AADA students and alumni may contact the Registrar at AADA or the Antioch University Los Angeles Admissions Office (www.AntiochLA.edu). Prospective students may inquire by email or telephone to our Admissions offices.

  • St. John's University - Through an Articulation agreement with St. John's University, signed May 15, 2006, Academy students have the option of transferring to St. John's University for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Television and Film Studies and other fields offered at St. John's College of Professional Studies. This opportunity combines AADA's conservatory training for actors with St. John's University state-of-the-art professional film and television facilities. Degree specifics for students and alumni are:

    • AADA students who successfully complete the two-year program at our New York campus may transfer 60 credits toward a B.S. Degree in TV and Film Studies at St. John's. Successful completion of an additional 66 credits (two years) at St. John's will lead to the B.S. Degree.
    • AADA students who successfully complete one year may transfer 30 credits toward a B.S. Degree at St. John's.
    • AADA alumni (1974 forward) are also eligible for transfer credit toward the B.S. Degree.
    • Scholarships are available at both AADA and St. John's University.
    • You can visit St. John's University online by clicking here

  • Hunter College
    Students who wish to continue their studies toward a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre may apply to Hunter College (CUNY) www.hunter.cuny.edu . Academy graduates who transfer to Hunter College receive 27 credits towards a B.A. in Theatre.

For more information, please call our Office of Admissions in Los Angeles (800-222-2867) toll free or email admissions-ca@aada.org.


General Education Requirement

 The American Academy of Dramatic Arts General Education Component strives to provide students with a well-rounded education to better understand themselves and others. Students will gain exposure to different worldviews and new forms of artistic expression. In addition, the students will develop critical, analytical and communication skills. They will obtain both knowledge and appreciation of historical theatre, various styles of theatre and the literature of each major period. Through the credits included in the Academy curriculum and the additional general education courses required for the Associate of Arts Degree, the student will accomplish these goals. The courses required to complete the Associates of Arts Degree in Acting from the Los Angeles campus include:

  • 3 units in English composition
  • 3 Units of General Psychology
  • 3 Units of any Natural Science