The Ottawa School of Art Diploma, Visual Arts Certificate, and Portfolio Development programs place an emphasis on attaining knowledge and skills that are fundamental to the practice of the visual arts. Each program is structured to provide access to general study of a variety of studio areas in the first year, while allowing second year students the opportunity to pursue a particular studio concentration. Studio courses reinforce the mind's relationship to the hand and the eye.
Through the study of Art and Criticism, Contemporary Art History, Media Studies, and the Business of Art, students achieve a better understanding of recent artistic precedent and relevant historical influences.
The Ottawa School of Art provides professional, in-depth training in the following areas: visual fundamentals, drawing, and painting. The school also has specialized studios dedicated to the following media: ceramics, media studies, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
There is no on-campus housing.
OSA has no off-campus housing of its own.
There is an orientation session at the start of the fall semester for students enrolled in the Portfolio Development, Visual Arts Certificate, and Diploma programs. There is ongoing counselling available through the year from the Diploma Advisor.
The Diploma Advisor can provide interested students with a limited level of career planning.
OSA has no sports facilities.
The student association hold regular meetings and organizes some social activities through the school year.
Students are encouraged to become involved in the student association.
The school has a small, well-equipped computer lab that students can use for internet access and email.
Outside organizations and agencies organize trips to New York and Europe each year. These trips focus on visits to galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions.
OSA provides basic services and facilities for students with disabilities. Mature students, single parents, and First Nations students are all welcome at the school.
The school has formal and informal affiliations with a number of institutions. These include the Ontario College of Art and Design, the University of Lethbridge, Mount Allison University, the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Campus tours for individuals or groups are available by appointment.