California Art Schools and Colleges

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

The Art Institutes

Bachelor's | Associate's | Certificate | Diploma

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!

Select a Campus: Arlington, VA | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Charleston, NC | Charlotte, NC | Chicago, IL | Cincinnati, OH | Dallas, TX | Decatur, GA | Denver, CO | Detroit, MI | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Houston, TX | Indianapolis, IN | Jacksonville, FL | Kansas City, KS | Las Vegas, NV | Los Angeles, CA | Miami, FL | Minneapolis, MN | New York, NY | Nashville, TN | Orange County, CA | Philadelphia, PA | Phoenix, AZ | Pittsburgh, PA | Portland, OR | Raleigh, NC | Salt Lake City | San Bernadino, CA | San Diego | San Francisco, CA | Schaumburg, IL | Seattle, WA | Sunnyvale, CA | Tampa, FL | Tucson, AZ | Vancouver, BC | York, PA

» Also learn about The Art Institutes ONLINE PROGRAMS





The following results match your school search. (Sponsored listings appear first in bold.)

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA

About: Founded in 1929, Academy of Art University offers AA, BA, BFA, MA, MFA and M.Arch degrees and portfolio development and certificates in fourteen diverse art and design majors. The Academy offers a unique environment of working professionals who are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and expertise to the artists and designers of tomorrow. Not only is Academy of Art University's San Francisco location both beautiful and exciting, but it is strategic in its proximity to the centers of many creative industries. The Academy's Career Services Department offers assistance to students and alumni in establishing connections with these companies. Academy graduates have been hired by prestigious firms worldwide, including Disney, Sega, Pixar, Hewlett-Packard & Hallmark Cards. Request Information



Brooks Institute

Santa Barbara, CA

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. And our philosophy of "learning by doing," combined with some of the finest educators and industry current equipment, labs, and studios, helps students develop their skills. Request Information



The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: The Art Institutes offer real-world education programs in design, media, fashion, and the culinary arts. Our 40+ schools across North America are creative communities of people like you. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Click Here for more Information. Request Information



The Art Institute of California - Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: Prepare yourself for a creative career at The Art Institute of California – Hollywood (formerly California Design College), one of over 40 Art Institutes located in major cities across North America. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Request Information



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, www.artinstitutes.edu, with 40+ 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, with more than 160,000 graduates. Request Information



The Art Institute of California - San Francisco

San Francisco, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: The Art Institutes offer real-world education programs in web design, multimedia, graphic design and other hot computer/IT related programs. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Request Information



The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire

San Bernardino, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: The Art Institutes offer real-world education programs in design, media, fashion, and the culinary arts. Our 31 schools across North America are creative communities of people like you. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Click Here for more Information. Request Information



The Art Institute of California - San Diego

San Diego, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: The Art Institutes offer real-world education programs in web design, multimedia, graphic design and other hot computer/IT related programs. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Request Information



The Art Institute of California - Sacramento

Sacramento, CA
(800) 557-7216

About: The Art Institutes offer real-world education programs in web design, multimedia, graphic design and other hot computer/IT related programs. Here, you'll get the competitive edge to succeed as a creative professional - in your field of interest! Click Here for more Information. Request Information



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. Request Information



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. Request Information



About: Thousands of working students earn degrees from University of Phoenix every year. Since 1976, flexible class schedules and convenient locations have appealed to working students looking to advance their educations. Students can earn a degree sooner than they think and choose from more than 190 locations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the University of Phoenix offers more than 40 programs online. Ongoing enrollment means students can get started in their degree program any time. Courses emphasize practical application in real-world scenarios and are taught by professional faculty who are active in their fields. Request Information



About: Westwood College offers a variety of academic programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. Each program is designed with cooperation and guidance from business leaders and our own Program Advisory Committees to ensure that the curriculum and learning experiences prepare graduates for success in their chosen careers.

Westwood College of Technology, Anaheim Campus is located in Southern California's Orange County, just minutes from attractions such as Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Knott's Berry Farm. The Anaheim campus focuses on computer-based technology programs that prepare graduates to take advantage of Southern California's unique high-tech career opportunities. Request Information



About: The Los Angeles Film School integrates hands-on filmmaking experience with a state-of-the art curriculum to provide instruction like no other school can. Located in Hollywood at historic Sunset and Vine, the Los Angeles Film School is just minutes from the Walk of Fame, Mann's Chinese Theatre, and the Kodak Theatre. Professional filmmakers, with credits from movie such as Spider-Man, The Matrix, Blade Runner, and Fight Club, teach students production and post-production techniques and the art of shooting 35mm, digital, and high definition films using state-of-the-art lighting and sound recording. The premier curriculum includes directing, producing, screenwriting, production design, sound design, and cinematography. Instruction is very hands-on - students have access to a camera within the first week of enrollment and produce more films in a single year than students at most other schools produce in four. The Los Angeles Film School prides itself in its program where students learn filmmaking by making films. Request Information



About: Westwood College offers a variety of academic programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. Each program is designed with cooperation and guidance from business leaders and our own Program Advisory Committees to ensure that the curriculum and learning experiences prepare graduates for success in their chosen careers.

The Inland Empire Campus, located in Upland, California on the western edge of Southern California's Inland Empire, features an all-new facility that was designed and built specifically for Westwood College. The design, layout and features of the facility are the product of an extensive research project that evaluated the unique requirements of Westwood's students, faculty, and staff. As a result, the Inland Empire campus provides a fully functional environment that meets the specific needs of career-focused education. Request Information



About: Westwood College offers a variety of academic programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. Each program is designed with cooperation and guidance from business leaders and our own Program Advisory Committees to ensure that the curriculum and learning experiences prepare graduates for success in their chosen careers.

The Los Angeles campus focuses on computer-based technology programs that prepare graduates to take advantage of Southern California's unique career opportunities. The 28,000 square foot facility prepares students for rewarding careers in exciting industries such as advertising and communications, entertainment, design, and emerging high-tech sectors. Request Information



About: Architecture and Visual Communications are integrative professions that necessitate a commitment to lifelong learning and exploration. This integration requires the mental agility to learn new disciplines and to communicate effectively. The NewSchool of Architecture and Design is dedicated to giving students the skills necessary to adapt and excel in a changing professional environment. In addition to learning their professions, students are instructed in a variety of areas including oral and written communication, computer application, library research, problem analysis and critical thinking. Request Information



About: Platt College Los Angeles offers career-focused training and education in the information technology, graphic arts and design, and paralegal fields. Request Information



About: Since 1980, Platt (Media Arts) College has offered a fast-paced and challenging curriculum which focuses on current techniques in 3D Animation, Digital Video Production, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia and Web Design. Earn your Bachelors of Science Degree in Media Arts in just 2 1/2 years and Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Graphic Design or Multimedia in as little as 15 months. Specialized Diplomas in 3D Animation, Digital Video Production and Web Design. Morning, afternoon and evening courses available. Career Services Department provides job preparation and job placement assistance. Financial aid is available to qualified students. NO application, out-of-state, lab or printing fees. FREE Parking to all students. Request Information



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! Request Information



About: NYFA offers hands-on intensive 1 and 2 year courses in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Editing, Music Video, Screenwriting, and 3D Animation as well as Movie Camps, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking. Our locations are: New York City | Universal Studios, CA | Disney MGM, FL | Harvard, MA | London | Paris | Florence | Abu Dhabi Request Information



San Francisco Art Institute

San Francisco, CA

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. Request Information



About: Gnomon School of Visual Effects specializes in training for careers in high-end computer graphics for the entertainment industries. With over 125 classes offered each term and located in the heart of Hollywood, Gnomon offers on campus and Online training to suit your educational needs and start your career in 3D. Get trained in the latest technology used in the film, commercial and video games markets and receive instruction by working professionals from the most well known studios in the business. Gnomon's 21-month certificate program is the longest running in-depth program in 3D computer graphics. Placement out of this program is approximately 90%. Request Information



California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA

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! Request Information



About: Since 1969, ITT Technical Institutes have provided career-oriented degree programs to more than 33,000 students in 29 states. Boasting more than 75 locations, ITT Technical Institutes offer associate and bachelor degrees in top-notch technology fields such as computer engineering, computer drafting, network systems, web development, multimedia, software, and security. ITT Technical Institutes also offer online bachelor degree programs as well as an online MBA program. While rooted in technical instruction, programs also develop students' skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. Flexible class scheduling and year round classes provide convenient options for students, while a considerable amount of lab time give students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment to complement traditional learning. Extensive career services help students prepare for great jobs long before graduation. Request Information



About: Since 1969, ITT Technical Institutes have provided career-oriented degree programs to more than 33,000 students in 29 states. Boasting more than 75 locations, ITT Technical Institutes offer associate and bachelor degrees in top-notch technology fields such as computer engineering, computer drafting, network systems, web development, multimedia, software, and security. ITT Technical Institutes also offer online bachelor degree programs as well as an online MBA program. While rooted in technical instruction, programs also develop students' skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. Flexible class scheduling and year round classes provide convenient options for students, while a considerable amount of lab time give students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment to complement traditional learning. Extensive career services help students prepare for great jobs long before graduation. Request Information



About: Since 1969, ITT Technical Institutes have provided career-oriented degree programs to more than 33,000 students in 29 states. Boasting more than 75 locations, ITT Technical Institutes offer associate and bachelor degrees in top-notch technology fields such as computer engineering, computer drafting, network systems, web development, multimedia, software, and security. ITT Technical Institutes also offer online bachelor degree programs as well as an online MBA program. While rooted in technical instruction, programs also develop students' skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. Flexible class scheduling and year round classes provide convenient options for students, while a considerable amount of lab time give students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment to complement traditional learning. Extensive career services help students prepare for great jobs long before graduation. Request Information