Bonnie Boglioli Randall

In the southern California county of Riverside sits a 2-year Game Development program like few others, earning considerable attention from industry and universities alike. Norco College’s Game Development department offers an A.S. of Game Art which doesn’t miss a beat, focusing on techniques seldom explored in 2-year programs elsewhere. The high caliber of work produced by students is testament to the program’s emphasis on fundamentals and its close collaboration with industry advisors and working faculty to develop and iterate the curriculum. Though capable of breaking into their careers immediately, many graduates choose to further their studies at premier 4-year institutions.

Overlooking the Pacific from the bluffs of Los Angeles sits Loyola Marymount University, a gem in animation education that we’re taking a closer look at today. Working within the framework of the school’s Jesuit tradition, LMU’s Animation curriculum emphasizes critical thinking with a classical approach.

As one of the nation’s oldest private art colleges, Columbus College of Art & Design’s small classes and tight knit community may harken back to simpler times but there’s nothing simplistic or insignificant about its animation program. Though a relatively young program, the college has long been turning out successful graduates working in animation (many of whom were cultivated in CCAD’s Illustration and Media Studies programs). Today, the Animation department continues to catch the attention of those in the know- bolstering its compelling list of industry partners as well as successful working alumni.

Though its history as an art school dates back to Victorian times, the UK’s University for the Creative Arts Farnham was more recently purpose-built for artists in mind. Today, it serves alongside the other UCA campuses and boasts a slew of tempting programs including a distinguished animation department. Along with a vibrant creative community and quick commute to London, acclaimed faculty and alumni attract budding artists to its campus in the south of England (its most recent alumnus in the news is Chris Butler, ’95, co-director and screenwriter of the Oscar-nominated animated film ParaNorman).