A part of the national network of Art Institutes, the Art Institute of California has numerous locations throughout the state, including Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. The schools offer a comprehensive curriculum in graphic design, fostering the ability to effectively communicate concepts, create typography and digital illustrations, and work with the Adobe design suite. Visit the website specific to your city's institute to ensure its program encompasses a focus in graphic design.
Founded in 1929 by Richard Stephens in San Francisco, the Academy of Art University is one of the largest art schools in the country, enrolling upwards of 16,000 students annually. The school offers bachelor's, master's and associate's degrees in graphic design, with a curriculum that includes typography, branding, package design and web design. The Academy of Art University is known for its faculty, many of whom are leading professionals in their fields.
Based in Ventura, the Brooks Institute is a for-profit art school that provides education for earning a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design. The curriculum is focused on hands-on learning and offers the opportunity to earn credits through internships and other community-based activities. The in-class coursework arms students with the basic skills necessary to work as a graphic designer, including symbol design, digital imaging and website development.
Founded in 1879, Platt College San Diego offers associate's and bachelor's degree programs for media arts, including a program for graphic design. The graphic design program is segmented into two divisions, one focusing on print design and the other on web-based design. Both programs focus heavily on the Adobe design suite, which has become the preeminent tool for graphic designers. The college additionally offers a professional development program, a five-week course in a given topic for professionals looking to enhance their skill set.