Profiles of Schools/Colleges in California (CA) Offering Animation, Design, Gaming, and Media Related Programs

Game Design Schools in California

Video game play has become one of America’s favorite pastimes. In fact, around 65 percent of U.S. households play video games, and we’re not just talking kids and teens. What you might not know is, the average age of a gamer is around 32, and every 2 out of 5 players are female. The video game industry has changed dramatically over the years, and so have the programs that churn out the world’s top designers. These programs go beyond teaching techniques. They teach aspiring game designers how to run their own businesses, market their ideas, and manage teams. Not surprisingly, a number of these programs are offered at schools in the state of California—the entertainment capital of the world.

California Game Design & Development Schools: Most Expensive to Least Expensive

California is home to more colleges and universities than anywhere else in the country. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) updates this information frequently, so the number of schools may fluctuate slightly throughout the year. The latest figures releases show that California is home to 450 Title IV degree-granting institutions. A Title IV school is eligible for federal financial-aid programs. To become eligible, these schools obtained accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, they have been in business for at least 2 years, they signed a participation agreement with the Department, they grant an associate's degree or higher, and they offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length.

California Animation Careers: Employment & Salary Trends, Job Opportunities, & Colleges Offering Animation Programs in California

Animation Careers in California

Overview

The state of California is home to more animators than any other state in the nation. Aspiring animators choose California based on:

The opportunity to work with some of the largest animation studios in the world
Employment and salary growth
Access to competitive animation training programs

The Best Animation Programs in the West: Our Top 20 in the Western U.S. Region

Breaking into the creatively-powered, passionate and playful animation industry may sound like cakewalk to those who have spent the better part of their lives doodling and watching cartoons, but the pursuit of perfection makes the industry chew up and spit out all but the crème de la crème. Hence, it’s no longer enough to take a few crash courses in animation and expect to break into an exciting career in animation, let alone stay there.

California School Info:

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Programs to consider:

How to Become a Graphic Designer in San Francisco, California

February 18, 2012

Thousands of creative artists throughout the city of San Francisco hold high paying jobs as graphic designers. With more than 800,000, local residents, well over 100,000 commercial businesses and a super strong local economy, San Francisco is among the very best cities in the nation for qualified artists seeking careers in this field.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in San Diego, California

February 18, 2012

Many thousand creative artists throughout the city of San Diego, California hold high paying positions in the field of graphic design. With over 125,000 commercial businesses and a resident population of more than 1.3 million, San Diego is among the best cities in the nation for qualified professionals seeking careers as graphic designers.

Illustration Schools in California

February 13, 2012

With more than 37 million residents, California has the highest population in the U.S. It holds two of the top ten most populous cities—Los Angeles and San Diego, and it is home to more artists than anywhere else on the planet. And yes, this includes illustrators! California’s illustrators are a versatile bunch.

Tips on Becoming a Video Game Designer in Oakland, California

February 13, 2012

Many thousand high-tech employment seekers in Oakland, California are landing high-paying positions as animators and video game designers. Ideally situated and with a resident population of about 400,000, the city is a convenient place to seek careers in video game design. Oakland is a virtual stone's throw from San Francisco and a breezy commute to San Jose. Both of those cities have more video game design jobs than any other part of the country. In the United States, more than one third of all jobs available to video game designers and animators are located in California. The vast majority of these jobs are in and around San Francisco.

Info on Working as a Video Game Designer in Long Beach, California

February 12, 2012

Individuals seeking employment in Sacramento, California can pursue successful careers in animation and video game design. With a population of more than 400,000, this Capital city has much to offer in this competitive field. California features more video game design jobs than any other U.S. state. Many of these jobs are found in Sacramento, with many more in San Francisco, an easy commute by train.

How to Become a Video Game Designer in Sacramento, California

February 11, 2012

Tips on Becoming a Video Game Designer in Fresno, California

February 11, 2012

Many among the workforce in Fresno, California seek careers in animation and video game design. With almost half a million people, Fresno has much to offer in this popular, high-tech field. California features more video game design jobs than any other U.S. state. Many of these jobs are in Fresno.

What You Need to Know to Be a Video Game Designer in Chula Vista, California

February 10, 2012

Nowadays, thousands of qualified, high-tech job hunters in Chula Vista, California seek employment as animators and video game designers. With the population fast approaching a quarter-million, Chula Vista is an ideal home base for video game design professionals. What's more, the city of Chula Vista is a very short drive south from San Diego, where thousands more employment opportunities exist. Roughly one-third of all video game design jobs in America are located in California. Quite a few of them are in or near Chula Vista.

Tips Becoming a Video Game Designer in Bakersfield, California

February 10, 2012

Hoards of creative, high-tech professionals in Bakersfield, California seek high-paying jobs as animators and video game designers. With a resident population nearing 350,000, Bakersfield is an ideal home base for designers pursuing these careers. California is the best state for video game design, with its abundance of professional training options and a wide open job market. In fact, one-third of all video game design jobs in the country are located in California. Many of these opportunities are in Bakersfield.

What You Need to Know to Be a Video Game Designer in Anaheim, California

February 10, 2012

An increasing number of creative, high-tech professionals in Anaheim, California are landing jobs as animators and video game designers. With its balmy climate and a resident population nearing 350,000, Anaheim is an ideal location for designers who seek these careers. California is the best state for video game design work, due to an abundance of professional training options and a wide open job market. In fact, one-third of all video game design jobs in the country are located in California. Many of these opportunities are in or near Anaheim.