I'm currently in a California community college and really interested in animation. What are some good colleges in California to transfer to for this major? I want to make sure I choose a school with a solid program.
California offers a variety of excellent options for students interested in studying animation. Here are a few colleges well-known for their strong programs in this field:
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA offers a renowned film major in their School of Theater, Film, and Television. As an animation student, you can make use of their vast resources and networking opportunities in the Los Angeles entertainment industry.
2. University of Southern California (USC): The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a B.A. in Animation & Digital Arts for students passionate about character and/or experimental animation, visual effects, 3D computer graphics, or science visualization. USC is also in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital, which could open up some opportunities for internships in studios like Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks.
3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): CalArts is an art-specific school where you can study in their Character Animation program or Experimental Animation program. CalArts graduates have been hired by major entertainment and animation companies like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, and many more.
4. San Jose State University (SJSU): SJSU's animation/illustration major is among the top-ranked in the nation. The university's ShrunkenHeadMan Club is a strong community for animation and illustration students which even has relationships with studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Sony.
Ultimately, the best school will depend on what exactly you're looking for in an animation program. You should consider factors like the program's focus (2D, 3D, digital, or experimental animation), connections to the professional industry (like internships or job placements), and the type and quality of faculty you'll be learning from. Lastly, remember to review the transfer admission requirements for each school.
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