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Career and School Info for Graphic Designers in California



  School and Career Overview

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Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Graphic Designers

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Santa Monica College, Ex-Pression College for Digital Arts, Fashion Institute, and Pasadena City College.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Mt Sierra College, Bethesda Christian, Cal State Pomona, and San Jose State.
  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Fashion Institute, Fashion Institute, and LA College International.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Rio Hondo College, Cal State Pomona, UC Irvine, and San Jose State.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Palo Verde College, Lake Tahoe Community College, Mendocino College, and Lassen Community College.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of LA College International, San Francisco Art Institute, California Institute of the Arts, and Academy of Art.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Pacific Union College, Point Loma Nazarene University, La Sierra, and Notre Dame de Namur University.

Excellence

  • SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Southern Cal, UCLA, Chapman, and Cal Poly.
  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at UCLA, Southern Cal, California Institute of the Arts, and Cal Poly.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at California Institute of the Arts, Pacific Union College, Cogswell Polytechnical, and Loyola Marymount.

 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Spotlight California Schools Related to This Career

The Art Institutes

  • Locations: North Hollywood, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, Sunnyvale
  • Programs: 19 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma, Master

University of Phoenix

  • Locations: Bakersfield, Beale AFB, Costa Mesa, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Elk Grove, Fairfield, Fresno, Gardena, Lancaster, Lathrop, Livermore, Los Angeles, Murrieta, Oakland, Ontario, Pasadena, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Jose, Woodland Hills
  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Anaheim, Clovis, Concord, Lathrop, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Dimas, Sylmar, Torrance, West Covina
  • Programs: 8 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

International Academy of Design and Technology

  • Locations: Sacramento
  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Platt College

  • Locations: Alhambra, Ontario
  • Programs: 3 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Diploma

California College San Diego

  • Locations: National City, San Diego, San Marcos
  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

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Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career

University of Phoenix Online

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

AIU Online

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

International Academy of Design & Technology Online

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Cal Poly Pomona • Pomona, CA
Studying Graphic Design, Art History (completion in 2010)

• 5/8/2011

"The school was pretty good at providing me with the education I needed. However, there were problems with the funding cuts we had to face. It could have been better if we had the funding the other departments had."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeAgain, this school was pretty good. The main problem was funding issues. If a person can plan a flowchart of classes for each year and stay organized, they can get a good education without too much problem. They also have to be motivated!
Program Reputation7We are known for our ENV college, however not so much for fine arts. However, the GD major is somewhat well known.
Program Quality7Cal Poly is a good school. However, there were major cuts to funding for the program while I went, so it was harder to get the classes I needed in order to graduate.
Instruction8Many of the professors are good. They all consistently gave a lot of work that challenged me.
How Difficult7Like I said before, many of the professors gave challenging assignments. However, they were also fun and mostly enjoyable to do.
Hands-On vs. BookishAs an art major, the majority of our work is hands on. Either on the computer or physically with a pen or paint brush. Most of the courses were studio classes, meaning we had to create by hand. Thank the Bauhaus for that!
Schedule Flexibility3The school has been cutting funding for the art department. Basically that meant cutting availability of classes and professors.
Academic Facilities8They added more computer labs to the library while I attended. This was very useful for when I did not have my laptop with me. Advisors were always available. Classroom space was always an issue because it was hard to get the classes we needed due to funding cuts.
Social Life5I did not pay much attention to school spirit and did not attend many social events. However, I did attend many of the art gallery receptions which I enjoyed.
Placement Services6The faculty gives out emails for possible internships. That is about it for assistance with job placement.
Alumni Network5There is not much support from alumni from my experience attending the school. I might have seen a few emails from them but not much hands on.

California State University, San Bernardino • San Bernardino, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2010)

• 5/4/2011

"My degree has helped me find jobs. I just wish I had had better instruction and advisors."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeOnly after I warn them about certain things. My school was very cheap in comparison to others. It's also a very calm and uncrowded place to study, which is good.
Program Reputation5I really don't know. I've never had an potential employer point that out.
Program Quality3Technical training isn't provided. It seemed like teachers were more about just being critics than instructors.
Instruction4We were given lists of what kinda of jobs we could have and some lectures by people in our field but honestly neither was very helpful. The lectures were interesting at least.
How Difficult6Difficult because it's all on the quarter system so there's less time to learn a lot. Graphic design projects were rarely too difficult as long as you followed the rules.
Hands-On vs. BookishI had a geology class that had a hike to the San Andreas fault. My art history classes required trips to art museums.
Schedule Flexibility1One of my required classes was only once a quarter. I missed my chance to take it and had to postpone my graduation by a year.
Academic Facilities9I never had a problem finding a tutor for math. I never had any trouble scheduling time with a professor. Library is huge and rarely crowded.
Social Life5I'm not very social. I never sought it out.
Placement Services5There are rarely any job posts for graphic designers. A lot of job posts for other jobs though.
Alumni Network5I didn't join in because I didn't want to pay for it. Too in debt for that.

UC Davis • Davis, CA
Studying Design (completion in 2001)

• 7/7/2011

"I had a good experience at my school and felt it was time well spent. While I did not choose the right major at first, the academic counseling program helped me find a program that was best suited to my skills."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesUC Davis provided a strong program in design which help provide a strong foundation for my career. The skills I learned during my time there have helped me find and keep jobs.
Program Reputation5UC Davis is known more for being an agricultural school. I would rank their graphic design program as adequate.
Program Quality9UC Davis's program was thorough and taught me the skills I needed to succeed as a designer. It provided both theoretical and practical skills that I still use.
Instruction8Professors were excited about our work and still passionate about the field. The skills taught were relevant.
How Difficult6Academically, design was not as challenging as my previous major, Biotechnology. However, that is probably because I enjoyed graphic design much more. The workload was reasonable.
Hands-On vs. BookishIn the design program, most classes are hands-on after completing your pre-requisites. Books were used to supplement the hands-on learning.
Schedule Flexibility5Most classes in my program were only offered during the regular hours during the school year. Summer courses were generally for pre-requisites. I did not look into weekend or night courses.
Academic Facilities8Our program had a good number of computer labs dedicated to our program. Computers and software were comparable to what was being used in professional offices at the time.
Social Life9Davis is a big school based in a small town, so school spirit was always high. Athletics at the school always drew huge crowds.
Placement Services7Internships were easy to obtain using the school's career center. When it came to finding a real career, I found my first job through craigslist. However, the school did provide networking opportunities to meet professionals in the field.
Alumni Network9As far as I know, the alumni network is good. I still receive mail from the Alumni Association, but I have not made use of it personally.

Long Beach State University • Long Beach, CA
Studying Illustration (completion in 2005)

• 7/7/2011

"I learned what I needed to learn. I accomplished what I needed to accomplish."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIt is a fantastic school with a great program and beautiful setting. It really is the perfect college experience.
Program Reputation10They are still the best when it comes to illustration. If anything, the classes, teachers, and networking opportunities have gotten better.
Program Quality10It was a perfect school for illustration. The environment and classes are great for learning graphic design.
Instruction10The teachers were in depth with the topics discussed. Assignments were relevant towards my goals.
How Difficult10It was a test every single day. Assignments were difficult and needed to be done in a limited amount of time
Hands-On vs. BookishEverything in my program was hands on. Books were used only for reference.
Schedule Flexibility8It's just like any other college. Most classes required dedicated work that needed to be done in a specific class/lab.
Academic Facilities8The classes are good enough for the work that we did. Not new, not old, just right.
Social Life10Given the surrounding area, the social experience was wonderful. Great location in a small beach town with college students is bound to lead to fun.
Placement Services5They weren't very helpful with this. The best they could do while I was in attendance was to inspire us to go out to find jobs.
Alumni Network6They keep in touch well enough. The support while at the school was decent.

Cal State San Bernardino • San Bernardino, CA
Studying Graphic Design Emphasis/Studio Arts Degree (completion in 2009)

• 7/7/2011

"Zero support. No network. Just lacked that "College" feeling."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noThe CSU system is becoming increasingly out-of-reach financially, and I don't feel the education I received is worth the amount of money it costs now. If the social structure was there, I might change my mind, but as it is, CSUSB is a very strange place.
Program Reputation8It has a lot of buzz surrounding it and some "famous" alumni. I don't see the appeal, though.
Program Quality4CSUSB is complicated. They have beautiful facilities but a terrible faculty and no networking amongst artists.
Instruction4Again, terrible full-time faculty in my major. Students in other majors seemed to like their instructors, though.
How Difficult5I can't really compare it to other schools because I only went there. It kept me busy, though.
Hands-On vs. BookishGraphic design was more hands on, with some mix of videos or grabbing examples/inspiration from the web, and we never used a textbook.
Schedule Flexibility1One section per class. No alternatives.
Academic Facilities9Great new building, new equipment, new Macs, everything is clean. Awesome facilities.
Social Life3No unity. No sense of network or events on campus. It's a very strange place.
Placement Services1Zero job placement. Zero support.
Alumni Network1No networking. Zero.

California State University, Fullerton • Fullerton, CA
Studying Communications/ Viual Arts Emphasis (completion in 2011)

• 7/10/2011

"I was in love with CSUF years before they accepted me. I fit right in. The program, staff members, and instructors were all great. They loved and cared about me as a person. I think that is what makes the school wonderful for me. But the campus is awesome and the girls were the hottest!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesWe have two graphic design programs: One in the art department and one in the department of communications. Both are excellent programs. They offer top-of-the-line equipment that is updated every year.
Program Reputation9Our communications program is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. It's hard to get accepted into CSUF. It's even harder to get accepted into their graduate program.
Program Quality10My instructors all had master's degrees. I considered them friends of mine. They wrote text books about graphic designing and taught me well. They taught me how to make money in the field even when I'm not employed. Plus, one professor hired me as his teaching assistant for a semester.
Instruction10We used top-of-the-line Macintosh computers with the latest versions of Adobe Creative Suite. Computer labs were open until 10pm so I had a lot of time to practice the craft. My teachers were expert graphic designers who taught well and encouraged me to read every book I saw about graphic designing.
How Difficult9After my teachers taught me how to use the software programs, and after I practiced, the program wasn't so bad. But the tests were hard. We would have to replicate a design - like an ad or website - but have a certain amount of time to complete the challenge. Sometimes I would be just getting into the flow of the project and the time would be up.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere was definitely a mix. My professor's would post all the assignments on the web, lecture about art and theories, and then tell us to check out books from the library and read them all. We would share what we read in class. If you didn't study the book material, you wouldn't know the cool graphic design and web development moves.
Schedule Flexibility8My school is going through a lot of budget cuts; therefore, classes are being cut. There aren't many classes to pick from. Since I didn't work as an undergrad, I took whatever classes were available. My school offers summer courses and late afternoon classes, but not a great variety. They offered one class during the summer and one evening class during the semester. I've seen good graphic design classes just disappear. For example, CSUF no longer offers the classic "desktop publishing" class.
Academic Facilities10We have top notch facilities. There are dozens of computer labs on campus. There's one for writing, one for editing video footage, one for web designers, and one for graphic designing. The lab instructors are always talented students or staff members. I was trained on the most up-to-date computers and software available. I was able to save my work on their computers' desktops and it would be there for me later in the semester.
Social Life10I made friends with everyone in the program. I was in the graphic design club and we all got along great. And I'm a black male in my thirties. I went to a very liberal school.
Placement Services7I think our job placement program could be better. Our counselors do bring recruiters to campus, critique our resumes and cover letters, and coach us on how to interview. I felt like I was still on my own. I had to search a while for that company where I fit in. A counselor or head-hunter didn't connect me with my employer. I found my present employer on my school's career center website.
Alumni Network9After graduation I went on several interviews with companies and my alumni were hiring managers that held the same degree as me. I also just transfered my membership in student organizations to professional organizations like hundreds of graduates before me did. So our network is very strong.

Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2001)

• 7/10/2011

"I had a very good experience at FIDM. I felt they really prepared me with the basics so that I was ready to start working."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesFIDM was a a good school for graphic design because it is a very creative environment. When you go to school there, you know you will be learning everything you need to start a successful career.
Program Reputation5I don't think that the graphic design program at FIDM has a bad wrap by any means, however the school is mostly known for it's fashion design program. I do think that FIDM is known overall as a place that prepares their students well for industry work.
Program Quality10FIDM did a great job preparing me for real work experiences. I feel like the courses required covered a broad spectrum of skills.
Instruction10The teachers were mainly working designers/art directors so they were in tune with how the industry works. Most of the assignments were very similar to real life projects.
How Difficult5Instructors gave ample time to complete projects, and there was always support if you needed it in the computer lab. It was more creative than cerebral which comes easier to me.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe school was very hands on. With graphic design you can read all the books you want, but when you actually learn stuff is when you are on the computer doing it.
Schedule Flexibility5When I went to school there, I don't think they had weekend classes. However, I could take some of the general classes at the Orange County campus, which is closer to my home.
Academic Facilities10FIDM had a great computer lab with MAC machines and large format printers. They was always a support technician on staff to help if we needed it. They had a great library with plenty of resources and a very nice campus. The teachers were usually on campus, but if not they were available by email.
Social Life5There were very nice people there, but not much in terms of spirit/athletics since it was a technical college. They did have quite a few clubs and social events.
Placement Services4They do have lifetime job placement which is a bonus, however I went to the career center to get help finding a job and was unsuccessful. I found one on my own. They do have a website where alumni can log in a view open positions.
Alumni Network8To this day I still receive emails about the Alumni Association. FIDM also prints and mails out newsletters with alumni profiles and events.

UCLA • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2008)

• 7/18/2011

"I liked it a lot. I think I may go back to change professions."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI am not a very creative person so I did not enjoy it. Someone who wants to learn graphic design would benefit from UCLA's programs, though.
Program Reputation10UCLA is a top ranked school. A lot of famous graphic designers graduated from it.
Program Quality5I didn't pay attention much. People were very helpful, though.
Instruction5My teachers were nice. I don't think they knew what they were doing, though.
How Difficult5It wasn't hard completing assignments. I am not a very creative person, though, so there were times when I struggled.
Hands-On vs. BookishWe did not use books very much. We mostly made things and worked on projects.
Schedule Flexibility2I had to be in class. It affected my grade if I wasn't.
Academic Facilities10Well funded school. There were very expensive facilities.
Social Life1People picked on me, mostly because I am a nerd.
Placement Services5Like I said before, I didn't use it. My friend's dad gave me a job.
Alumni Network5I never used it. My dad's friend gave me a job.

Otis College Of Art And Design • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2014)

• 7/21/2011

"Just my overall experience there was great. I would recommend anyone to this school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesAgain, my experience there was great.
Program Reputation9A lot of successful designers have come out of this school. AndI sit here as one of them
Program Quality8I loved the school, but it was a pretty tough time for me since it took me a while to get back to school.
Instruction7Teachers were great and very willing to work with students and even spent more time with them after class.
How Difficult10Well, for me at least, it was very difficult. This was maybe because I waited so long to go back to school.
Hands-On vs. BookishI like the hands on work better, and they switched things up so we all got a little of each.
Schedule Flexibility10I basically picked the days I wanted to go to school.
Academic Facilities10Very on point.
Social Life10I had a wonderful time. Everyone I met was very helpful and understanding.
Placement Services1I didn't use their job placement assistance. I knew what I wanted when I left.
Alumni Network5The school offered plenty but I didn't pay much attention.

UCSD Extension - Digital Arts Program • San Diego, CA
Studying Visual Communications (completion in 2007)

• 7/25/2011

"I'm glad I took the program because I'm working in the field now because of it, although it was way too expensive and I regret that choice."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noI wouldn't recommend it because of the cost. I would encourage someone to finish their gen-eds at the city college level and get an Art BA in Design at a state college. It would have been far more cost effective.
Program Reputation5I would say it is completely average. It has the prestige of UCSD associated with the name, but because the program will take anyone, I think the reputation is lower.
Program Quality6I felt the cost of the program out-weighed the value of the education. I felt I wasn't properly prepared for the work force.
Instruction7The program taught me how to use all the industry standard software, which was extremely important. Some of the classes we were required to take were lead by terrible instructors.
How Difficult5The work load wasn't terrible, and the academic challenge was about average. I would have liked to see more emphasis placed on classic design instruction.
Hands-On vs. BookishWe were all encouraged to learn-by-doing. We would be assigned fake clients to create pieces for.
Schedule Flexibility10There were 2 program options. One was to finish the program in 1.5 years by going all day 4 days a week, while another would finish in 2 years by attending 2 nights a week and every other Saturday. Totally feasible for the working professional.
Academic Facilities3There were only rooms we were allowed to work in on our own equipment. There were no onsite resources provided to us.
Social Life1As a program for working professionals, there wasn't much of a social experience to be had with classmates. We all had our own lives to attend to.
Placement Services1None exists. There was no effort made on the part of the school staff to place myself or any of my classmates in jobs.
Alumni Network1Virtually no network exists. I occasionally get emails from the head of alumni about "jobs," but they are all extremely low paying or are for no pay at all.

CSU Chico • Chico, CA
Studying Communication Design - Emphasis In Graphic Design (completion in 2006)

• 7/28/2011

"Great school for academics. But not only that, it is beautiful, with a creek flowing through the school and trees everywhere."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesThe teachers are very helpful and knowledgeable. They have been around for a long time and really know how to teach it.
Program Reputation9From what I heard, it was the best out of the surrounding colleges. I heard a lot of good things about my major.
Program Quality7The only thing I really had a hard time with was the portfolio exam. You put up your work from all your classes and either passed or failed. It was pretty hard to pass.
Instruction8I learned a lot that I was able to bring with me into my job. Pretty much everything I learned I was able to take with me.
How Difficult6I had a lot of labs so it was a bit difficult. I had photography labs, color labs, and also the portfolio. The portfolio was the hardest part; everything lead up to it. But, at the same time, I never felt too overloaded.
Hands-On vs. BookishLots of hands on. For my graphic design history class we had to pick a architect and, based on their designs, build a clock that that you could tell was from that architect. For photography we went on a field trip and took then and now photos of a lake. In my other graphic design class we made screen print t-shirts and business cards, which was very hands on. The portfolio is pretty much designed to showcase all your hands on learning.
Schedule Flexibility6At the time I went, there weren't very many online options. There weren't any evening or weekend classes for my major. There were labs open during the weekends and evenings for us to work on projects.
Academic Facilities8Most computer labs were open to us after class. The photography one was, the graphic design work rooms were, and we could use the light desk after class hours. Teachers had good office hours. I really had no tutoring or group support though.
Social Life3I mostly just focused on my academics. I lived at home so I wasn't in the dorms. I went to a couple of organized events but not many.
Placement Services9I didn't really go to the school's job placement office. But there were plenty of job fairs and that is how I was able to get the job I have now.
Alumni Network5I didn't really use any alumni support, so I really don't have an opinion about it.

San Jose State University • San Jose, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2011)

• 7/26/2011

"I feel I received a great education at SJSU, as well as developed some amazing networking relationships while I was there. The program blends academic, conceptually driven design with real world application. If I could, I would have stayed longer to experience some of the new classes they are going to be offering in the next few years."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI feel SJSU has an amazing program that prepares its students to work as a professional in the industry. Also, the school is located in a place where it is surrounded by a vibrant design community where they can find many opportunities.
Program Reputation8At AIGA mixers, other professionals respond positively to the SJSU program. I frequently hear that they believe it to be a strong and extremely competitive program (acceptance requires 2 portfolio submissions). Graduates from the program are known as being strong at conceptual development. The program is ranked in Business Week's "60 Best Design Schools in the World."
Program Quality9I thought SJSU was a great program. I grew an incredible amount as a designer during their program and the knowledge they gave me has been so valuable so far in my career--things beyond straight design principles, like how to interact with clients. I only wish that we had covered more digitally based design and a little less print. I feel that would have prepared me a bit better for the direction in which graphic design is heading.
Instruction9As I said above, the curriculum the professors created was overall very good for preparing me for what I have encountered in my career so far. They emphasized not only strong fundamentals, but also concept development. Perhaps, and most importantly, they taught us how to interact with clients, manage projects, work in teams, present our work, and other elements that, to most, wouldn't seem like important parts of design, but are, in fact, crucial. Again, the only thing lacking was instruction in the mechanics of digital format design. We had to mostly teach ourselves how to use programs like Flash, Dreamweaver, and After Effects in our free time while working on projects that used them.
How Difficult9The program actually increased in difficulty as we moved forward through it, but it always felt difficult for the level of knowledge we had. At any given time there were at least two projects we were working on at once, usually with only a month to complete each. Usually there were bi-weekly critiques on our progress. In my final year, I also participated in sponsor projects, which created additional projects.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe program primarily involved "learn by doing." We were taught skills through activities and by what we picked up during projects. Books were primarily only used for reference. Professors would occasionally hold lectures on theory, and usually those topics were discussed during critiques.
Schedule Flexibility3There is quite a bit of flexibility in class time options for the foundation classes, but once students are officially in the program, there are 2 classes that each student must take each semester, and only 1 time the class is offered. There are no summer/evening/online options for these classes. Elective classes are pretty flexible; there are many to choose from with a wide variety of times and topics.
Academic Facilities8For students in the BFA program, there is a specific lab with attached print labs set aside for them. This lab is only accessible to the 50 people in the program, and it is available 24/7. There is no lab tech for these facilities; equipment and supplies are provided by the school, and operations are run by the students. There is also a general graphic design print lab that is for everyone in the department, but is only accessible 4 days a week. Students also have access to the Art workshops/equipment & reference library. Professors all have office hours and are very good at responding to emails. Some equipment is old and can be a struggle to use.
Social Life5SJSU is primarily a commuter school. Most people have to work to pay for school and don't have time to participate in other activities. In my program we had a club that organized social and fundraising events for members. These events were infrequent.
Placement Services6While there isn't anything official, the design professors are very good about emailing students and alumni about job opportunities. Also, during the last semester of the program, there is a class to help students prepare their resumes and portfolios, as well as visit studios/designers.
Alumni Network4SJSU's alumni are loosely connected through social media and a few professors. A couple of professors will email alumni about events or job opportunities, and the graduating class will invite alumni they can find the contact information for to an annual graduation exhibition, but outside of that, there isn't much alumni support.

The Art Institute Of California-Los Angeles • Santa Monica, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2008)

• 7/27/2011

"It's an average school, although there are some good teachers there and I made some good friends as well. Overall, I will not recommend anyone going there for that kind of price."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noNo I will certainly not recommend this school to anyone. I'd rather they attend a school where the teachers have teaching experiences, instead of professionals who don't know how to teach.
Program Reputation6I believe it just rates as an 'okay' school, not too much to shout about. It is also rather overpriced, if I may add.
Program Quality6We had teachers that were not trained to teach - they were mostly professionals who taught part-time. Also, some of them did not know how to use certain software, leaving most of us to learn on our own.
Instruction4Not all teachers were unable to teach, as some were very supportive and not biased - which was important to me. The rest were not helpful at all, they did not provide the students with constructive criticism.
How Difficult7It was tough because some teachers did not have experiences with certain design software, and some were just plain lazy and did not make an effort to create a better learning environment. It was also difficult to pass some classes because some teachers favored some students over others.
Hands-On vs. BookishNot too much hands-on unfortunately, and it was mostly computer-based towards the end. It was interesting at the beginning when we had a lot of projects for package design, where you can use actual paper and other materials.
Schedule Flexibility8The schedules overall were pretty flexible, with morning/afternoon/night classes as well as weekends. This is especially convenient for students who have day/weekend jobs.
Academic Facilities8The library is a bit small, however there are some pretty good resources in there. Classroom space is adequate, tutoring is also available, and so is academic support.
Social Life5Mostly the social events involve food, as there is a culinary arts program at the school as well. There's not so much in terms of parties and athletics, with it being an art school.
Placement Services7They were pretty helpful in the beginning, but after we graduated, they didn't offer too much help. Students are probably better off on their own.
Alumni Network8The support system is surprisingly not too bad. They have a lot of connections with professionals in the design field. They were quite helpful in the beginning as well.

California State University, San Bernardino • San Bernardino, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2010)

• 8/8/2011

"The teachers were great and patient. The graphic design department was really nice and up-to-date. The class curriculum in most classes was sometimes questionable."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI didn't really care for my education. Going to a four year college for graphic design is not mandatory to get a decent design job. I'd say if you have the time and money then do it, but don't expect it to be a magical diploma that gets you a great job instantly.
Program Reputation5I'm not sure graphic design as Cal State San Bernardino has much of a reputation. Their fine arts museum is pretty awesome though
Program Quality5It wasn't very difficult. All assignments seemed subjective. Classes weren't based on the programs we would have to use.
Instruction5In my last graphic design class it was all based on your portfolio, but it went about it in a dumb way. I've actually never shown the print portfolio I created in school because employers say they've already seen the online portfolio.
How Difficult6Sometimes it was difficult, but mostly just because of deadlines. Art is so subjective that being graded seemed unnecessary.
Hands-On vs. BookishAs a graphic design major we did a mix of both. We informed ourselves with books, but everything we created was hands on.
Schedule Flexibility1There were a lot of classes offered only once a year. One of those classes happened to be one that I needed in order to graduate and I had to wait almost a year in order to take it, delaying my graduation!
Academic Facilities10I loved going to the huge Pfau Library. It was cool being able to get lost amongst so many books. There's always a place to study. Computer resources were exceptional. Classroom space in most of my art classes was usually plentiful.
Social Life3Very laid back school - and I think that's great. It's a great place to study or even meditate. You can always find a quiet corner somewhere. People expecting uber social fraternities and sororities might be a little underwhelmed.
Placement Services5I've never used it. I've never heard any alums getting placed in jobs by their school after graduation.
Alumni Network4There's a job listing board that hardly ever gets any graphic design jobs. But there is seminars you can go to in order to better your job interview skills or job prospects.

California College Of The Arts • San Francisco, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2007)

• 8/10/2011

"I am pretty happy overall. I had a good time learning the new skills and making new friends."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI think it is one of best schools in this field and has a great location. The staff is great. The teachers and students really bond which helps students to understand the subject very well.
Program Reputation9It is among the top 10 schools in the USA for graphic design studies. It is an excellent school with great teachers.
Program Quality7It is among the top ten schools for this program. Teachers were great. Overall, it had good infrastructure.
Instruction8Teachers are excellent. they have great ways to create interest in the subject. There's a highly supportive environment in the school.
How Difficult5It was not too bad. It was a very interactive way of learning. It was good for developing an attitude for becoming a successful graphic designer.
Hands-On vs. BookishIt was very nice that we were able to do everything on our own in the practical sessions. This is very important for a designer.
Schedule Flexibility8It is easy for any student to adjust the their class schedule with work or other interests.
Academic Facilities8There is good technology available to aid in the classroom. Overall it is a well supported institution.
Social Life7We had good fun along with great studies. The school organizes a lot of fun events to for the students.
Placement Services8It is located in city that has lots of job opportunities available. So, job placement is high.
Alumni Network8The alumni network is good. They are very helpful and develop confidence in the subject.

Pierce College • Woodland Hills, CA
Studying Graphic Design (completion in 2004)

• 8/29/2011

"Again, if some of my teachers were more interested in their courses, I think I would have learned more. The lack of interest on their part resulted in approximately 25% of the students actually taking their final exams."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noI would recommend my other school, Glendale College, which had more enthusiasm and had many more electives to choose from.
Program Reputation4The school has a high transfer rate to CSUN, but most of the school's budget appears to go to their agriculture and equine programs.
Program Quality6I felt that I had learned more from another college I went to to earn two certificates. At the time, Pierce employed teachers that seemed rather bored with their jobs.
Instruction5I had one teacher that taught Photoshop straight from a book series by Adobe. He read from the textbooks in a monotonous tone and rarely demonstrated any of the material in it.
How Difficult8Graphic design concepts are not hard to learn. What poses more difficulty are the tools used, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Hands-On vs. BookishI'd say it was a 50/50 mix of lab work and textbook work. Both are very necessary.
Schedule Flexibility1The school offers online and night classes, but you have to hope that enough people enroll so that the course is not cancelled!
Academic Facilities7The amenities in regards to computer labs were fair. I believe the school has expanded on this since I attended.
Social Life8The school is very active in sports events and art galleries.
Placement Services5I never sought this kind of assistance from the school.
Alumni Network5I often look for my classmates on LinkedIn and I have found that many of them do not even mention Pierce College in their profiles, making it difficult to locate them.

UC San Diego • La Jolla, CA
Studying Visual Arts (completion in 2002)

• 8/27/2011

"Again, I am satisfied with the school - great professors, some very challenging classes. There are always some downsides to a program, but this one is largely positive."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI would recommend it to people who are more interested in the conceptual and artistic side of design. If you want to simply learn Photoshop and Illustrator, you probably should go elsewhere. If you want a challenging and creative environment that pushes you, and doesn't always emphasize practical skills, then this is a good place.
Program Reputation10It has one of the best visual arts programs in the country. In terms of graphic design, there is not much emphasis on it at the school. Again, conceptually an amazing program. Practically, not so much.
Program Quality9The school has a great Visual Arts program, conceptually speaking. Practically, there was not much instruction. So creatively it was a strong program, but job-skills wise, not so much. But that's ok with me.
Instruction9The professors ranged from boring to brilliant. However, overall I am quite happy. They all have stellar reputations in the art world, but again, they're not terribly strong on practical instruction.
How Difficult8This is a challenging program and many of the classes are quite demanding. However, as with any program you can find ways to skirt by. If you are committed to the work, then the work is hard.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe program seems to be equal parts theory and practice. I had many classes where the reading was very intense, but I also did quite a bit of design work while enrolled.
Schedule Flexibility5This is a real university, demanding you to be on campus very frequently. Part-time students do exist, but there are no weekend classes. Some evening classes during the week do exist.
Academic Facilities8The school has a great art facility and superb media center. There are plenty of resources in terms of computers, libraries, etc. However, budget cuts do seem to be eating away at this a little bit.
Placement Services3I haven't pursued this option, although I'm sure it exists. I have not gone to the school's job placement center, thus I don't know if it can help me.
Alumni Network5I get an alumni magazine and have friendships with former classmates that has led to work. However, overall the alumni network has not provided me with much benefit. I have to say, I haven't pursued it much either.

California State University, Long Beach • Long Beach, CA
Studying Studio Art (completion in 2012)

• 9/11/2011

"I'm not satisfied for several reasons: 1) While Cal State Long Beach is ranked higher than the other Cal States, it still doesn't have the same prestige as UCLA, USC, or even UCI. 2) The quality of education for the tuition is dismal. 3) I wish they provided more services - such as extra shuttles."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeFirst I would assess their level of commitment to the profession. Then, I will tell them to find a job first while building their portfolio and go to school. That way, you can find out what you want to concentrate in at school. Otherwise, the student is just applying theory and not milking their education. If they're willing to drop $40k a year on Art Center it's worth it. However, if they don't make that much, CSULB is still a decent school to go to, especially since learning art doesn't give the same financial benefits in the end.
Program Reputation7Cal State Long Beach has a good reputation for their art department compared to the other Cal States. If art schools are too expensive, Cal State Long Beach meets that need.
Program Quality4The program at the school is highly competitive and the funding has dropped so there's less education for more money. Overall, the cost-benefit of the profession along with the school is not worth it. Otherwise, the program at Cal State Long Beach is better than the other Cal States.
Instruction5I feel like a lot of what I learned was from working. The school is a good way to brush up on the skills... The most anyone can learn has to be from working first to get a realistic view of the profession. School provides theory but work provides reality to tackle the theories - without actual application the theories are worthless.
How Difficult8There is a lot to do when juggling a full-time job and a full-time major. Something has to slide as the classes can be demanding in terms of the amount of work that has to be invested in each class.
Hands-On vs. BookishI like the mix that the school provides. It depends on the instructors too but the Graphic Design / Art programs provide a lot of hands-on learning while applying theory. It's a really good mix of both.
Schedule Flexibility3Limited funding has forced the cancellation of a lot of class offerings. This makes it hard for working adults to go to school and work.
Academic Facilities7The school offers a vast computer lab, a good library, and all expected facilities. I wish the school offered computers for those in the Graphic Design program but overall, we have a really good computer lab.
Social Life4There are a lot of parties, good school spirit, and social events - I don't have time to attend those so my experience is very limited. There are also a lot fraternities and sororities.
Placement Services6The school provides information on job placement and career guidance which is good. However, for my particular major jobs are harder to come by.
Alumni Network3There's not really a network unless the student is invested in joining clubs. Otherwise, I feel like we are just another student - aimlessly floating from one place to the next.

University Of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Studying Computer Graphics (completion in 2010)

• 10/9/2011

"It was totally worth the money I put in. I'm very happy with how things turned out!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIt's one of the best places in the world to be. If you have what it takes you'd be crazy to look anywhere else.
Program Reputation10It has been ranked number 1 in graphics by US News for more than 5 years now.
Program Quality10UC Berkeley is ranked number 1 in Graphics. Many top companies recruit from here.
Instruction10The school is home to really great professors.
How Difficult10It is very competitive to get in, they select only 6 per year for this program!
Hands-On vs. BookishWe get a lot of assignments, so everything is hands-on.
Schedule Flexibility10Very flexible schedule. You choose what you want to study!
Academic Facilities10World class labs and great facilities.
Social Life10There are a lot of very smart people all around, every day is a learning experience!
Placement Services10Everyone had 2-3 job offers at the end of program. Tons of great career opportunities.
Alumni Network10It has a very strong alumni network, 40% of Pixar is UC Berkeley alum!

Cal Poly • Pomona, CA
Studying CIS (completion in 2007)

• 10/15/2011

"The school was pretty good overall. I learned enough to get a decent job and keep it so far. However, it is best to collaborate with other students to learn, rather than relying on professors."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeIt's a decent program and not too expensive for in-state tuition. If you have the grades and can afford to go somewhere better known, that might be a better idea.
Program Reputation5Most people don't recognize Cal Poly outside the immediate area. However, students there seem to think CIS is a decent major.
Program Quality6Most classes were helpful and well-taught. A few classes were redundant or disorganized.
Instruction6I learned a lot, but more from other students than from professors. Classes tended not to deviate much from the text.
How Difficult5I didn't have much difficulty with the program. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA while working holding down a job.
Hands-On vs. BookishMost professors just read from the book. Most of what I use in my work was learned on the job or from friends and classmates.
Schedule Flexibility8Condensed classes in the summer are great for catching up. I took a lot of night classes as well, which I enjoyed.
Academic Facilities6Facilities were pretty good. Computers were relatively new and the on-campus internet was pretty fast. Library has good Wi-Fi.
Social Life5I had no social experiences at school. Most students live off campus and I don't remember seeing any parties. There aren't any well-known sports teams.
Placement Services6Cal Poly organizes job fairs, but none of the attendees I ever saw has anything to do with graphic design. The career center has a lot of services, but I didn't use them.
Alumni Network5Not sure about the alumni network, I've never used it.

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA
Studying Major: Graphic Design. Program: Art (completion in 1999)

• 10/20/2011

"I learned a lot. I was very satisfied with the practical application I got from all of my classes. It helped when I got out to the real world."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIf they have progressed with the times and have kept up with what graphic design has evolved to include (i.e., animation, web design), then yes, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend SDSU.
Program ReputationI really have no idea about the current reputation. I haven't kept up with SDSU.
Program Quality9It was a hands on program which I really liked. We not only learned how to operate the computer software and programs that are used to create a variety of artwork, but we were also taught how to use the tools, types of paper, cameras, and a host of other art supplies to complete, for example, a magazine cover without any help from a computer. The university also offered an internship as part of the curriculum which helped get your foot in the door once you graduated. There were also classes offered by professionals with their own graphic design businesses. Very hands on.
Instruction9As I stated before, some classes were taught by professionals in the field. We were taught how to present a design, explain what it was what the client needed, and all the steps in between, from the first draft to the last, clean, final draft. And again, the program offered an internship for those who wanted to participate. I did not participate. However, I did learn a great deal from the curriculum that helped once I started working with actual clients as a professional.
How Difficult8Overall, the curriculum was challenging. For me the design classes were not difficult, but they were creatively challenging. The classes that were difficult for me were art history courses.
Hands-On vs. BookishAlmost all of my classes were practical learning. Some classes used a book to show technique or to help with tutorials.
Schedule Flexibility9They offered a lot of classes. What I liked was that some classes that were part of a sequence were offered during some winter and summer terms in between the normal fall and spring semesters to help finish your degree quicker if you wanted. I took advantage of that.
Academic Facilities10I thought they had great facilities. The best thing was an art store in the middle of the art building in case you needed something before class. You didn't have to run to the bookstore all the way across campus. The library had access to a host of research articles and books. The labs were awesome. The photography lab was complete and state of the art. The computer lab was just as up to date, as was the software available. The classrooms provided an incredible amount of space for creating large 3 dimensional designs if the assignment asked for it. And lastly, my professors and advisors were always available.
Social Life9Our campus was a wet campus and art classes went from Monday through Thursday. I always had a three day weekend. I went to football games, attended a variety of concerts at the amphitheater, and also saw a couple of art shows at the art department's gallery.
Placement Services5There really wasn't any help offered to me besides the opportunity to do an internship. Whether or not I got a job was up to me. SDSU was not much help at all.
Alumni Network9It's ok. I get an email every month about specials at the bookstore. It all depends on if you sign up for information. I haven't, but I hear that there is a lot of things always going on.

Art Institute • Santa Ana, CA
Studying Interactive Media (completion in 2007)

• 10/23/2011

"I went there for a degree. Most of what I learned I already knew."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noThe school was good. Don't get me wrong, I just think that for the cost of the school, other alternatives will teach you the same thing.
Program Reputation6I believe this school is rated ok in the field/degree I went there for.
Program Quality5I did not learn much at the college. Most of my skills were already self taught.
Instruction5A lot of the time I knew more or as much as my instructors.
How Difficult7The projects were hard if you really did not know the programs that you were required to do them on.
Hands-On vs. BookishThere was a mix. Most of the learning was hands on using our computers and programs required for the class.
Schedule Flexibility8They had both on campus and online classes.
Academic Facilities10All of the computers and programs were up to date at my time of attendance.
Social Life6There were some social interaction with group projects and some communication with other students outside of the classroom.
Placement Services1There is some help, but they did not help me.
Alumni Network1I found no or little alumni support at this school.

Cal Poly • San Luis Obispo, CA
Studying Graphic Communications (completion in 2005)

• 10/29/2011

"If not considering the low pay of this industry, I have to say I very much enjoyed by time in this program and at this school. During my time, the school itself was smaller in terms of attendance so it was almost guaranteed that you would run into some classmate you've taken a class with more than once. Also, thanks to the unique location of this school, it was able to offer many other courses and programs that you wouldn't often see in other schools in California. These include classes in Dairy Science, Agricultural, Butchery and Food sciences, Chocolate, Wine, and Honey making."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI definitely would recommend my school to someone that wants to get into the "Arts" industry. There are so many "designers" out there that can create wonderful pieces of art and design. However, when needed to be used for reproduction and marketing, they lacked skills needed to understand limitations of reproduction and printing. This program I graduated with offers the knowledge of both worlds. You learn about Design, Reproduction, Marketing, Packaging, and Quality Assurance.
Program Reputation8Our program is well known in many different Graphic Arts industries. We are 2nd to R.I.T. even though we have only half of the funding they have. However, the university itself doesn't treasure this program as much as others.
Program Quality8This program is one of only a very few west of the Mississippi that offers this specific program. In California, only two schools offer this specific program, Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and City College of San Francisco.
Instruction9All the professors have experiences in various parts of the industry and are able to create a curriculum that is relevant to the current processes being used by companies out in the industry. Also, many professors have industry connections, so getting materials donated for student usage is not as hard as one would expect.
How Difficult7This industry is so large in general that it's hard to learn everything. All courses have labs and groups projects that challenges the students to reach out to industry folks for advice and mentoring.
Hands-On vs. BookishVery hands on. All classes except for the introductory class had 3-hour labs that accompanied the course. This made scheduling classes very difficult and limited how many classes one could take during the week without going insane.
Schedule Flexibility1Because of limited professors and lectures, there were very limited classes offered each quarter since all classes require 3-4 hours of lab time.
Academic Facilities9There were plenty of resources if you needed assistance. Most professors build long lasting relationships with students after they've graduated.
Social Life3I didn't do as much as I wanted since I had to work most of the time to survive paying rent and utilities. I was more active in the social events sponsored by my own major but even then I didn't start becoming more social until my last 2 years of college.
Placement Services3It was great while you were attending the school, but once you've left, you're pretty much on your own.
Alumni Network5With the creation of LinkedIn, we are now able to connect with alumni that graduated from the program back in the 60's. However, support and networking for current graduates or even past graduates in hope of finding a better paying job is poor.

Riverside Community College • Riverside, CA
Studying Graphics Technology (completion in 2000)

• 11/9/2011

"It was a good environment. But certain situations made me discontinue further education."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI would so they can get the basic knowledge then move on to an art school if they'd like.
Program ReputationI haven't been in contacted after I left. So I'm not sure about the program these days.
Program Quality8Surprisingly, the school had a very good program. My only regret is that I didn't continue after I obtained my Associate's Degree.
Instruction8They were very hands on in teaching the students. They were involved with you as long as you showed interest.
How Difficult7The difficult part for me was towards the end when I worked about 40 miles away from school and would usually show up late because of traffic. This was part of the reason I discontinued school.
Hands-On vs. BookishSchool was too by the book. I've learned more off the hands on in the field.
Schedule Flexibility5They had a lot of night classes when I went. But the traffic I encountered every day going to school was a detriment.
Academic Facilities6From what I remember, it was adequate. The facilities were comfortable.
Social Life3When I was in school, I mostly went for learning. I never took part in any assemblies or events.
Placement Services3From what I remember, they didn't have a job placement program.
Alumni Network5I didn't stick around for that because of my commuting situation.

Pasadena Art Center • Pasadena, CA
Studying Storyboarding (completion in 2004)

• 11/28/2011

"Very happy I attended, and I am continuously storyboarding and designing for non-film projects."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIt is one of the best schools I have heard of for storyboarding and graphic design. I think anyone would be happy to attend.
Program Reputation10It is one of the best art centers that I know of. All of their courses have delivered great results.
Program Quality9They were very informative and helpful with my decision to pursue storyboarding. Great teachers and great fellow students.
Instruction8They give great practical, real life work and projects. Could use more info in the digital area of storyboarding, though.
How Difficult6Pretty easy if you make sure to understand any specialty words. Having a background in the film industry also helped with understanding camera movements.
Hands-On vs. BookishWe did very little book learning, actually. We did a great deal of hands on work.
Schedule Flexibility5It was pretty straight up. Missing anything just meant extra homework.
Academic Facilities10They have multiple buildings through out the city of Pasadena that all have great facilities.
Social Life9Everyone was fun and very nice. I had a great time.
Placement Services4I didn't get too much help here with the storyboarding, but I have seen great job placement help for other majors.
Alumni Network10Great people. I have made great connections.

University California Riverside • Riverside, CA
Studying Biology (completion in 2010)

• 12/11/2011

"I think I could have a similar experience at any school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?noDidn't like the location. Too far away from major cities.
Program Reputation7Poor reputation, but great education. It's really a shame.
Program Quality5I went to school for a major that wasn't related to my career.
Instruction8Great teachers, but I went to school for something else.
How Difficult8There are many difficult courses at UCR, because they have such a high acceptance rate that they must weed out students who will fail in the long run.
Hands-On vs. BookishExtremely book-learning-oriented school.
Schedule Flexibility7Average school's class scheduling, I would say.
Academic Facilities8Funding for many departments goes straight to laboratories and research. The facilities are amazing.
Social Life8Great sense of school spirit on campus. Many events planned by the student body.
Placement Services5Had to search for work on my own. Advisors are overwhelmed by the number of students they have to deal with.
Alumni Network5I haven't received any support from the alumni network.

UC Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Studying Consumer Behavior (completion in 2012)

• 12/26/2011

"Overall, my experience with the school has been average. I feel that perhaps if I'd gone elsewhere, my time would have been better spent. However, Cal still maintains an excellent reputation, so I'm sure that will be useful."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeThere really isn't a graphic design major at Berkeley. There aren't many different art majors at all, actually. Graphic design has been a longtime hobby of mine that provides a fair amount of income. I intend to eventually go into marketing and advertising, so I'm hoping that my degree in Consumer Behavior, coupled with my knowledge and experience in design, will be a winning combination.
Program Reputation3My major is an interdisciplinary major, so it isn't particularly well known. There is a lot of variance within the major, as there is a wide variety of fields the students can choose to go into.
Program Quality7I feel that the education here at Berkeley is excellent and that I'm definitely learning things that will aid my career later on. My major is actually an interdisciplinary major, so I've been able to pick and choose my classes carefully.
Instruction5Berkeley's curriculum is primarily based in theory, so there isn't much career preparation involved. There isn't a specific marketing major, so there's a bit of a gap in the curriculum there.
How Difficult4The program is competitive, but it is relatively easy if you put in the work. My business classes are a bit more difficult, but I also have a few sociology classes, which tend to be easier.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe programs at Berkeley are generally very theory-based, and thus very book learning oriented. The business courses offer a bit more hands-on experience with case studies and such, while the science courses, of course, have labs.
Schedule Flexibility5The school offers courses in the summer, but not many at night. There is a good variety of undergraduate courses available to take online, but not upper-division courses.
Academic Facilities5Some of the facilities are quite nice, and others are a bit old and outdated. Things have been getting increasingly crowded, given the rise in accepted students.
Social Life6The school has a decent football team, so athletics and spirit are definitely a part of the social scene here. There is quite a bit of diversity, so it's easy to make friends and find people who have similar interests.
Placement Services4Most of the job placement and career assistance is geared towards the undergraduate business school. The career fairs that occur in the fall are primarily for Haas, with only a few to the rest of the students.
Alumni Network4There definitely is some sort of network, but as far as outreach, they haven't done a very good job.
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