California Art Schools and Colleges

Degree Programs: Film, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Animation, Web Design, Game Design, Interior Design, Photography...
Major Cities: Anaheim, Bakersfield, Fremont, Fresno, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Oxnard, Sacremento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana
ZIP Codes: 90078, 90230, 90899, 91030, 91207, 93454, 93381, 93409, 93625, 93888, 94005, 94135, 94237, 84595, 96155, 94534, 95113, 95134, 95903...

California is the most populous state in the U.S., and the third largest (Alaska and Texas are bigger). Over a quarter of a million students graduate from a California college or university each year, and many of these students quickly find jobs in the state's robust and varied economy.

The film and TV production industries are one of the mainstays of California's economy; Los Angeles and Hollywood are the places to be for aspiring directors, actors, set designers, etc. Excellent opportunities abound for all types of artists in this state, since financial aid, quality apprenticeships, and supporting grants are widely available.

National Programs: The following schools are accepting students from across the country.

The Art Institutes

Programs: Design, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Audio, Video, or Film Production, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Photography, Web Design

The Art Institutes offers associate, bachelor and certificate programs that specialize in the creative arts and design. With over 40 locations in major cities throughout North America, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest!

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Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA US

About: Academy of Art University, founded in 1929 by artists for artists, is the nation's largest accredited, private art and design university with over 17,000 students. Having state-of-the-art campuses online and in San Francisco, the Academy guides students to creative professional futures. Alumni currently work at top companies such as Pixar, NBC, Apple, Nike and more.
Academy of Art University offers accredited Associates (AA), Bachelors (BA, BFA) and Masters (MA, MFA, M.Arch) degrees, as well as certificate programs and continuing art education. Additionally, Academy of Art University's pre-college scholarship programs offer high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for art and design.

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The Art Institute of California - Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA US

About: At The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, you will find like-minded students-artists who think like you and are excited by the energy you bring. Many of our students come right out of high school, while some have tried different college programs and others are embarking on a career change. What draws these individuals to The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, is a passion for their art - as well as the desire to channel that passion into a career.

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The Art Institute of California - Orange County

Santa Ana, CA US

About: The Art Institute of California-Orange County is a design and culinary arts school providing Bachelor's and Associate's degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Multimedia & Web Design, Culinary Management and Culinary Arts. Located in the heart of Orange County's South Coast Metro region, The Art Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County's thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches. The school is one of The Art Institutes, with 45+ education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The Art Institutes have provided career-oriented education programs for over 40 years.

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The Art Institute of California - Sacramento

Sacramento, CA US

About: A rewarding career in the arts begins with talent - and you've got it. Now you just need the right education. At The Art Institute of California - Sacramento, you'll have an opportunity to get the art and design education you need to break into a career in the creative and applied arts.
Our school occupies approximately 45,000 square feet, including classrooms, studios, laboratories, offices, student lounges, a library, and an exhibition gallery. Class size is limited to 35 students in lab sessions and 40 students in lecture sessions.

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The Art Institute of California - San Diego

San Diego, CA US

About: The Art Institute of California - San Diego welcomes you to the growing creative community. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, you'll find yourself surrounded by a diverse cultural community, a thriving business district, and endless amounts of creative opportunities.
At The Art Institute of California - San Diego you can receive the hands-on art and design education you need to begin a career in the creative world.

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The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire

San Bernardino, CA US

About: The primary mission, focus and ultimate goal of The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire is to assist students toward the pursuit of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, we have brought together a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to providing students with career-oriented curricula - including the organizational, interpersonal, and theoretical, as well as the practical skills needed to become a well-trained entry-level job candidate in today's competitive job market.

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The Art Institute of California - Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale, CA US

About: The Art Institute of California - Sunnyvale is located in Santa Clara County, California, an area that makes up the world's premiere technology corridor, Silicon Valley. Sunnyvale's local population is only about 150,000, but the surrounding region is home to well over 2 million people. Students are only an hour's drive from the Pacific Ocean and Sunnyvale is also close to California's historic redwood forests. The city is bordered by the San Francisco bay to the north, Mountain View to the west, Santa Clara and San Jose to the east, and Cupertino to the south. The city is ranked as one of the safest in the country by the Morgan Quitno Safest City Award program and students enjoy a year-long mild climate.

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The Art Institute of California - San Francisco

San Francisco, CA US

About: The world is changing so quickly that today we have jobs that didn't exist even five years ago. Most people can't even imagine what career fields will open in the next five years. But at The Art Institute of California - San Francisco, you have your fingers on the pulse. We can lead the way to creative career opportunities by providing art and design education.

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The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA US

About: At The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, you will join a community that's committed to offering you a nurturing, stimulating environment where you are free to explore your artist's imagination and to stretch your talent and skills. Here you can meet like-minded students who share your passion for the creative world and the drive to learn. Artists who think like you and are excited by the talent you have and challenged by how you will apply it.

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International Academy of Design & Technology - Sacramento

Sacramento, CA US

About: At the International Academy of Design and Technology - Sacramento, students can enjoy an interactive learning experience in programs such as fashion design and marketing, visual communication, and interior design. Experienced instructors lead exciting discussions with small classes that can accommodate both traditional and non-traditional students. As a career-oriented institution, IADT is committed to providing academic excellence and is focused on teaching professional skills to help ensure students can launch successful careers after graduation.

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Brooks Institute

Santa Barbara, CA US

About: Brooks Institute is proud to have trained some of the leading visual artists of yesterday and today, and we look forward to inspiring the next generation. We offer a variety of focused Bachelor of Arts degree programs for anyone who aspires to a career in photography, visual journalism, filmmaking, or graphic design.

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Westwood College - Inland Empire Campus

Upland, CA US

About: Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months. And with day, night and online schedules*, we can accommodate almost any lifestyle.
Based in Denver, Colorado, since 1953, Westwood has 17 campuses across six states, plus our online campus. Key to our success is a faculty of working professionals. Drawing on personal experience and insights, they give students real-world perspectives to empower them to meet the workforce needs in in-demand employment fields.

*Online programs not available in all states, e.g. TX, MA, MN, and IL. All programs not available at all campuses.

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Westwood College - Los Angeles Campus

Los Angeles, CA US

About: Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months. And with day, night and online schedules*, we can accommodate almost any lifestyle.
Based in Denver, Colorado, since 1953, Westwood has 17 campuses across six states, plus our online campus. Key to our success is a faculty of working professionals. Drawing on personal experience and insights, they give students real-world perspectives to empower them to meet the workforce needs in in-demand employment fields.

*Online programs not available in all states, e.g. TX, MA, MN, and IL. All programs not available at all campuses.

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Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA US

About: For over 30 years, the Design Institute of San Diego (DISD) has trained students in the fine art of interior design. With a single focus on one BFA program in interior design, DISD fosters a creative learning environment for students that boasts modern facilities and a knowledgeable, professional staff. The BFA program offers flexible day and evening scheduling and is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Education.

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Interior Designers Institute

Newport Beach, CA US

About: Since 1984, Interior Designers Institute (IDI) has offered its students options that are simply unavailable at other design colleges. Here, flexibility is key. You may choose from our Certificate or Associate of Arts Degree Programs in Interior Design. Or you may continue into our Bachelor of Arts Degree Program that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) - formerly FIDER. At IDI, the choice is yours and in our state-of-the-art facility you'll learn from a faculty that reads like a who's who in interior design. The college also offers student placement assistance to students at all levels.

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Westwood College - South Bay Campus

Torrance, CA US

About: Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months. And with day, night and online schedules*, we can accommodate almost any lifestyle.
Based in Denver, Colorado, since 1953, Westwood has 17 campuses across six states, plus our online campus. Key to our success is a faculty of working professionals. Drawing on personal experience and insights, they give students real-world perspectives to empower them to meet the workforce needs in in-demand employment fields.

*Online programs not available in all states, e.g. TX, MA, MN, and IL. All programs not available at all campuses.

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Carrington College California - Emeryville

Emeryville, CA US

About: Get the education you need for a rewarding career in the areas of health care, graphics design, and criminal justice. At Carrington College California, you can obtain valuable career training in a highly supportive learning environment, attending classes at the times and places that are convenient to you. Carrington College California has awarded over 27,000 certificates and degrees since 1994.

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Carrington College California - San Jose

San Jose, CA US

About: Get the education you need for a rewarding career in the areas of health care, graphics design, and criminal justice. At Carrington College California, you can obtain valuable career training in a highly supportive learning environment, attending classes at the times and places that are convenient to you. Carrington College California has awarded over 27,000 certificates and degrees since 1994.

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Columbia College Hollywood

Tarzana, CA US

About: At Columbia College Hollywood we believe that the best filmmaker is one who understands all aspects of filmmaking. Writers, directors, production designers, actors, editors, cinematographers, composers, and sound people all benefit from understanding what's involved in writing a script, the kinds of choices a cinematographer confronts, how actors reveal subtext, how sound and music can enliven and transform a scene, the way images are assembled in the editing room. And the best way to understand these things is to do them. Columbia College is about hands-on learning!

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Laurus College - Atascadero

Atascadero, CA

About: At Laurus College, students earn certificates in some of today's most exciting professional career fields. Our short-term training programs put students at the forefront of the industry through focused instruction. We cover a variety of fields, including animation, information technology, hospitality, and design. With three convenient locations in central California, earning a cutting-edge college certificate has never been easier.

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Laurus College - Oxnard

Oxnard, CA

About: At Laurus College, students earn certificates in some of today's most exciting professional career fields. Our short-term training programs put students at the forefront of the industry through focused instruction. We cover a variety of fields, including animation, information technology, hospitality, and design. With three convenient locations in central California, earning a cutting-edge college certificate has never been easier.

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Laurus College - San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

About: At Laurus College, students earn certificates in some of today's most exciting professional career fields. Our short-term training programs put students at the forefront of the industry through focused instruction. We cover a variety of fields, including animation, information technology, hospitality, and design. With three convenient locations in central California, earning a cutting-edge college certificate has never been easier.

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Laurus College - Santa Maria

Santa Maria, CA

About: At Laurus College, students earn certificates in some of today's most exciting professional career fields. Our short-term training programs put students at the forefront of the industry through focused instruction. We cover a variety of fields, including animation, information technology, hospitality, and design. With three convenient locations in central California, earning a cutting-edge college certificate has never been easier.

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California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA US

About: An arts education has never been more valuable than it is today. In these extraordinary times, visual communication has an increasingly important influence on the global community. Artists, architects, and designers are pivotal to the very shape of our future. At CCA we believe art can make a positive difference in the world and that learning about the world will contribute to the expansion and deepening of the arts. We offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that balances tradition with innovation; that combines theory and practice; and that connects art, design, and architecture with each other and with the important issues of our society. At CCA, your studies will be both broad and deep, and you will discover and rediscover the relevance of everything you have learned through daily application. The Bay Area is bursting with cultural energy, and the CCA campuses in Oakland and San Francisco offer lively, diverse environments in which to interact with others who share your passion. Our world-class faculty of practicing artists, architects, and designers are dedicated to providing you with the tools, knowledge, and resources that will help you find your own path to success. We invite you to join CCA and be part of this dynamic community!

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San Francisco Art Institute

San Francisco, CA US

About: Founded in 1871, SFAI is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges of art in the US. SFAI is internationally renowned for leading the investigation and definition of contemporary art and the role of artists in global society. SFAI emphasizes vision, imagination, intellectual development, hands-on experience, and engagement with the world. Art making is defined by a broad spectrum of forms, philosophies, and aesthetic approaches, and does not presume distinctions between fine and applied art or the arts and other disciplines. Inspiration can come from anywhere: popular culture, art history, nature, politics, religion, science, cross-cultural experiences, community relationships. The faculty encourage students to be self-motivated and self-directed, and provide guidance and support. Artistic, personal, and intellectual development is fused so that the process of making work is a life-enriching experience and prepares students for a creative life. Ideally located, the main campus on Russian Hill overlooks the San Francisco Bay and the Graduate Center on Third Street is in the heart of an artist loft district. SFAI offers BA, BFA, MA, and MFA programs, and innovative Summer MFA, post-baccalaureate, and pre-college programs.

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ITT Technical Institute - Clovis

Clovis, CA

About: At ITT Technical Institutes, we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in today's fastest growing career fields, including electronics, web development, computer programming,computer networking, computer drafting and design, criminal justice, business and health sciences.

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ITT Technical Institute - Concord

Concord, CA

About: At ITT Technical Institutes, we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in today's fastest growing career fields, including electronics, web development, computer programming,computer networking, computer drafting and design, criminal justice, business and health sciences.

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ITT Technical Institute - Corona

Corona, CA

About: At ITT Technical Institutes, we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in today's fastest growing career fields, including electronics, web development, computer programming,computer networking, computer drafting and design, criminal justice, business and health sciences.

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