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Animation Schools in California

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It is always difficult to turn raw talent into a profitable career, but the California animation schools listed here will provide the training and real-world experience to start you on the road to actualizing your dream. Most entry-level positions require at least a BA in animation, IT or related field such as fine arts or multimedia. Many schools offer online, part time or night courses that allow you flexibility to maintain your busy schedule.

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One way to jumpstart a career in animation is to get a degree in visual and media arts with a concentration in computer animation.  Initial coursework introduces students to the fundamentals of 3-D modeling. Further coursework covers advanced 3-D modeling and animation techniques.

Art Institutes Campus Location: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco Media Arts & Animation Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Computer Animation
Laurus College Campus Location: Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria CRT - 3D Animation
Platt Media Arts College Campus Location: San Diego 3D Animation AS - Multimedia / Animation (Associate)
Academy of Art University Campus Location: San Francisco, CA BA - Animation & Visual Effect
Expression College for Digital Arts Campus Location: Emeryville Animation and Visual Effects
Westwood Campus Location: Anaheim, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, South Bay BS - Bachelor Degree - Animation
Mt. Sierra Campus Location: Mt. Sierra Visual Effects & Digital Video
Platt College Campus Location: Los Angeles, Ontario BA - Visual Communication - 3D Animation/Video

Programs in visual and media arts offer either Bachelor’s of Arts (BA), Bachelor’s of Science (BS), or Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees. Students learn how to communicate concepts and ideas visually. Initial courses focus on mastering essential production skills using state-of-the-art equipment before students embark on their specific chosen field.  Liberal arts courses-- including media history, literature, and social sciences—help build analytic and critical thinking skills as well as a strong intellectual background.

Upon completion of their degree programs, graduating animators have their own resumes and portfolios to show potential employers. 

Most employers prefer to hire entry-level animators with at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to animation, such as graphic arts or visual media.  Some degree programs, and also certificate programs, are offered online. While a bachelor’s degree is not necessarily a prerequisite for a future in animation, it will give any job candidate an important competitive edge when it comes to getting the internship that will lead to an exciting career.