Miami Ad School shutters its Atlanta campus due to decreased enrollment numbers.
Miami Ad School Adapts Amid Industry Disruptions
In the ever-evolving world of advertising and design, traditional education institutions are facing challenges from declining enrollment, digital disruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. One such institution, Miami Ad School, has recently announced the launch of an AI for Creatives course, demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Declining Enrollment
Many schools in the advertising and design fields are grappling with reduced student numbers due to shifting career interests, economic factors, and increased alternative education options. Miami Ad School is no exception, with the closure of its Toronto and San Francisco campuses in 2023, attributed to declining enrollment in those regions.
Digital Disruption
The rapid rise of digital platforms, AI tools, and changing media consumption is reshaping the landscape of advertising and design education. Miami Ad School, however, has demonstrated its adaptability by integrating emerging technologies like AI-powered design tools and digital user experience principles into its curricula.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The pandemic has severely disrupted traditional in-person teaching, compromising student safety and social engagement, which are crucial for creative education. Miami Ad School, like many others, has had to rapidly adopt digital infrastructures and rethink pedagogy to continue delivering quality education.
Despite the challenges, the pandemic has also accelerated the shift to online learning and remote collaboration, leading to both opportunities and challenges in engaging students meaningfully. Miami Ad School's Toronto location shut down in March 2023, and the Atlanta campus will follow suit in six months.
However, Miami Ad School remains resilient. The school, which was acquired by Groupe EDH, a French higher education group, in the same year, has more than 150 students enrolled across its campuses, with the majority in Miami and New York. Current students in Atlanta will continue their studies in Miami, New York, or online.
A Bright Future
Miami Ad School's commitment to innovation is evident in its new AI for Creatives course and its continued growth. The school has won the Future Lions School of the Year award at Cannes Lions seven times, including 2025. In 2026, the school will relocate its New York campus to a new facility in Manhattan.
Miami Ad School also boasts partnerships with international schools in cities such as Berlin, Buenos Aires, Madrid, and Mexico City, further expanding its global reach. Despite the closures of some campuses, the school remains a beacon of innovation in the advertising and design education landscape.
The challenges faced by advertising schools amid the industry's ongoing digital disruption are not unique to Miami Ad School. ADWEEK previously reported on these challenges, highlighting the need for schools to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The nuanced effects of digital media on learners emphasize the need for education models that balance digital benefits and risks when training future creatives.
In conclusion, Miami Ad School's response to these challenges serves as a model for other institutions in the advertising and design fields. By embracing innovation, adapting to digital disruptions, and prioritizing student success, Miami Ad School continues to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
In the pursuit of continuous self-development and learning, Miami Ad School offers an array of options that extend beyond traditional education methods, such as the online-education AI for Creatives course. To stay competitive in the advertising and design sector, the school is careful to adapt its portfolio according to emerging trends, including digital disruptions and technological advancements. Amid the closure of some campuses, Miami Ad School remains dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation through its partnerships with international schools and its commitment to balanced learning experiences in education-and-self-development.
