
Best Architecture Colleges & Programs in California
How are the Top Architecture Programs Chosen in California
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The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
Founded in 1868, the University of California at Berkeley is the flagship of the University of California system of higher education, with a campus overlooking the San Francisco Bay. UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence, student activism...
Berkeley is a great school chock full of award-winning, book-publishing, enthusiastic professors who really know their stuff. If you take classes you're really interested in, you'll learn more. Don't forget about office hours, tutoring sessions, and...
” – Karina from Los Angeles, CA
The University of California in Los Angeles, better known as UCLA, is one of 10 campuses in the UC system. With 109 academic departments and more than 125 majors offered, as well as an average of one billion dollars funded for research every year and...
The amount of knowledge you will gain during your first year at UCLA will be more valuable than any previous experiences. First, there is the academic aspect. Essentially, the material being taught in college is the same for any school, so self...
” – Joanna from Carson City, NV
The University of California in Irvine was founded in 1965 in the town and state of the same name, and is the youngest member of the Association of American Universities. This high-research institution offers 92 majors and 86 minors and the campus is...
Being that I have only been at UCI for one year so far, I feel that I am really learning a lot from my professors and from the students that I have surrounded myself with. No matter where you are at, it is the people you are around that you can...
” – Emi from Temecula, CA
The University of California in Davis is a public institution in northern California and one of the largest universities by enrollment in the UC System. UC Davis is home to four colleges conferring undergraduate degrees and six professional schools...
If your looking for a great learning experience, there is something important that you have to know, it all depends on YOU. So if you are, the advice I would give you and stuff you've probably already heard is to get to know your professor, research...
” – Vianey from rancho cucamonga, CA
One of two polytechnics in the CSU System, the California Polytechnic State University, more commonly known as Cal Poly, has a competitive admissions process for its programs, which focus in arts, technology, and sciences. The university is located...
I LOVE CAL POLY!! The great thing about this school is starting from freshmen year you jump right into your Major courses instead of having to go through only GE's for your first year or two. Here, you start learning about your interest in the first...
” – Ashley from Sun City, CA
Founded by Jesuits in the mid-nineteenth century, the University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university and the first university established in the city. The 55-acre urban campus located near Golden Gate Park is home to 49 academic majors...
Considering the fact that USF has different types of students from different areas, I feel strong to say that I will definitely learn a lot throughout ethnicity, religion, and culture.
” – Laura from Tustin, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in southern California and one of two polytechnic institutions in the Cal State system. Cal Poly Pomona is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. In...
CPP's staff is unmatched in many ways. Being an architecture major, I've met some of the best in the field and have been taught by professors who have been in the business a long time. Some classes can be frustrating if you have a teacher who doesn't...
” – Beau from Napa, CA
California State University-Sacramento is a 4-year public institution and a member of the Cal State system in California’s state capital. A Native American Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Hispanic-Serving institution, Sac State is home to seven...
You can say I've learned quite a lot since I've been here.
” – Judy from Sacramento, CA
Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is a 4-year institution located in Los Angeles, CA. Offering 26 fully-accredited professional and liberal arts undergraduate and graduate majors, classes average 15 students and the institution maintains a student...
i could not be happier coming here; i have never learned more in such a short period of time. the people who come here are amazing, the teachers are even better, and the work i'm producing is so different than my stuff i was working on a year ago...
” – Haley from Burbank, CA
Otis College of Art and Design is a private school of fine arts and fashion design in Los Angeles. Otis grants bachelor’s degrees in seven art & design-centered majors such as Digital Media, Fashion Design, and Architecture. Additionally, all first...
OTIS is an amazing place, I went to a few other schools before settling down here and I learned more in the first weeks at OTIS than I did in and entire year at some other schools.
” – Nicole from Los Angeles, CA
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is a Bay Area-based school of art and design with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland. CCA is home to 22 undergraduate programs in core disciplines of Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities...
I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it...
” – Matthew from Oakland, CA
California Baptist University is a private, Christian institution. With over 11,000 students, the 160-acre campus in Riverside, CA, features 10 schools and colleges that offer 80 bachelor’s degrees with Christ-centered curriculum in majors ranging...
Two of my favorite things about California Baptist University are the class sizes and the professors. You will have small classes and will have the opportunity to get to know your professors. I have only been at CBU for a semester but my largest...
” – Rebecca from Riverside, CA
ArtCenter College of Design is a conservatory of visual arts and design principles in the greater Los Angeles area. ArtCenter confers undergrad degrees in 11 artistic fields of study including Entertainment Design, Fine Art, and Film. To display...
Art Center has provided me with not only the skills to excell in my profession, but more of a life lesson. Our school takes pride in simulating the real world. Currently working professionals to state of the art equipment, this is the place to not...
” – Daniel from La Crescenta, CA
The Academy of Art University is a for-profit college of art and design in San Francisco and the largest private school dedicated to training artists in the United States. The Academy of Art University confers bachelor’s and associate degrees in 22...

With campus located in a former freight depot, Southern California Institute of Architecture is a not-for-profit institution of architectural innovation in the urban arts district of Los Angeles. One of the only independent architecture schools in...
You will work late hours. You will be swamped with assignments and projects. You either learn to pick up the pace or drop trying. You'll look back years later and experience brain seizures at the thought of how quickly you've learned to do the things...
” – bij
Founded in 1955, Cerritos College is a 2-year community college in the greater Los Angeles area and one of the five largest community colleges in LA County. Cerritos is home to 87 associate degree and certificate-granting programs in over 180...
Cerritos is a great place to start off if you dont really know where you want to go or what you want to do for your future. The professors are nice and help you as much as they can, they want you to learn and will not make you feel dumb. They treat...
” – Gloria from Maywood, CA
Glendale Community College is a public, 2-year institution established on a 100-acre campus in southern California, with three satellite centers throughout the region. GCC offers over 80 associate degree and certificate programs, many of which are...
Glendale Community College is one of the oldest, yet popular community college for locals living in Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank as well as for international students. They offer many courses depending on the major you plan to pursue or...
” – The Wise Student
Cuesta College is a public 2-year community college based in San Luis Obispo County and serves the Central Coast of California. Cuesta offers associate degrees as well as technical and professional certifications. Noted programs include health...
Cuesta College is one of the top community colleges in California, located just outside of Beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. If you are interested in Nursing, Music and the Arts, History, or Engineering, Cuesta college is a great great place to start...
” – Jacob from Atascadero, CA
San Diego Mesa College is a public community college based in San Diego, California. It is the largest community college in the city and part of the San Diego Community Colleges District. Noted programs include culinary arts and food service...
The professors here at Mesa are amazing!!! The professors and students alike are very helpful here. Academics are a major aspect of this college. If you want to go to a college where the students are friendly, the professors strict but helpful, many...
” – Amy from San Diego, CA
Los Angeles Harbor College is a public, 2-year institution established in Wilmington, California. LAHC academics feature the Harbor Advantage program, which is divided into two years (the Harbor Promise year and the Harbor Success year) and provides...
I learned as much as I could depending on how well the teachers and books presented the material. The classroom environment is relaxed so there's no pressure for deadlines and stuff like that.
” – LISETTE from San Pedro, CA
San Joaquin Delta College is a community institution established in Stockton, California. The school offers programs to complete a wide variety of associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, with its primary focus being STEM and the arts...
the instructors are helpful and supportive. They aren't afraid to review and give out extra credit. They are willing to meet with students outside of class but they aren't afraid to really pile on the homework.
” – Alejandra from Stockton, CA
Fresno City College is a two-year community college with an open admissions policy. The college is based in Fresno, California, and confers associate degrees and certificates. FCC provides the option for 25 month-programs that come with guaranteed...
Fresno City College is the 2nd oldest community College. Fresno City is a great place to get your general education and transfer AA for those planning to attend a CSU or UC. It is also very economical to do two years at Fresno city as appose to all...
” – Miguel from Fresno, CA
Los Angeles Pierce College is a 2-year community college. It is a branch of the Los Angeles Community Colleges and, as a result, enjoys transfer agreements with many California universities. The school provides associate’s degrees and Certificates of...
Pierce College deserves a rating of eight out of ten because the college itself does a fantastic job preparing their students for success. It encourages students of all ethnic backgrounds, regardless of their financial status to have the opportunity...
” – Student
Long Beach City College is a 2-year community college in the greater Los Angeles area. LBCC consists of two locations: The Liberal Arts Campus and the Pacific Coast Campus. A member of the California Community Colleges, LBCC is home to 11 academic...
I was planning on going straight to a four year university right after graduating from high school but life had its way (this time) and I, not to happily, applied to go to LBCC. Now a student I can honestly say this school turned my frown upside down...
” – Vanessa from Long Beach, CA
Pasadena City College is a 2-year community college based in Pasadena, California. It operates four satellite campuses, the Northwest campus, Rosemead campus, Foothill campus, and a Child Development Center. PCC has an open admissions policy and a...
After I graduated from High School I knew that going to a community college was my only option. A lot of people told me that it would be High School all over again, and I believed them that were until I finished my first year of college and started...
” – Jeffrey from Arcadia, CA
Founded in 1916, Riverside City College is a 2-year community college in southern California’s Inland Empire. RCC offers associate degrees and certificates in over 70 academic programs. For students who wish to learn in a different culture, RCC...
RCCD is a very good community college. this school is a good way to save money while earning your associates degree or before transferring to university. i am in my second semester of college and so far i feel like i have learned so much. this school...
” – Farryn from Moreno Valley, CA
Allan Hancock College is a public institution operating four locations throughout Santa Barbara County, California, with the main campus in Santa Maria and a satellite at the Vandenberg Air Force Base. AHC offers several resources for degree...

Bakersfield College is a public community college with an open admissions policy. The institution houses the William M. Thomas Planetarium, a 36-foot dome with a Chronos star projector, and the Levan Center, which focuses on research that promotes...
the college serves 15,000 students on the 153-acre main campus in northeast bakersfield, at the weill institute in downtown bakersfield, and at the delano center 35 miles north of bakersfield. classes are offered on a traditional 16-week semester...
” – Student from Bakersfield, CA
Chabot College is a public, 2-year institution located in Hayward, California, that offers majors in six areas of study. The college features over 14 student support programs, such as the ASPIRE TRiO program and the Striving Black Brothers Coalition...
Before I went to Chabot I didn't think I was very smart and didn't have my true academic ability exposed. When I started classes here I realized my true intelligence and now I am excelling in all my classes.
” – Liv from Bay Area, CA
Chaffey College is a public community college based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The school operates multiple campuses around the state in Rancho, Chino, and Fontana. Chaffey College has an open admissions policy and offers a federally funded...
I take the Broadcasting and Cinema classes so its very useful that I'm getting a hands on approach so I know what I'm doing.
” – Stephen from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Founded in 1915, Citrus College is the oldest community college in California. The 2-year institution serves the counties of Charter Oak, Claremont, Duarte, Monrovia, and Azusa. Citrus college confers associate degree, certifications of achievement...
Citrus College is a great college. There are many great students and teachers. The campus is really big and beautiful.
” – Lesly from Hesperia, CA
The City College of San Francisco is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located throughout San Francisco, California. The college offers a wide variety of unique programs of study, such as Floristry, Maker Studies, and Genetics. Free tuition...
There's a huge variety of majors to choose from and if you're not sure what career you want, then there are counselors who can help you find what you're looking for.
” – Brittani from Oakland, CA
The College of Marin is a public, 2-year institution established in California, with two facilities located in Kentfield and Novato. COM offers more than 40 associate’s degrees and certificates, many of which include courses that are available online...

The College of San Mateo is a public, 2-year institution established on a hillside, 153-acre campus nearby the San Francisco Bay. CSU offers over 70 career-related academic programs, as well as programs for transfer to California State University and...
I am learning as much as a communituy college would have to offer
” – Vincent from San Mateo, CA
College of the Canyons is a public community college based in the suburbs of Santa Clarita, California. The college has an open admissions policy. It is home to a 926-seat performing arts center as well as the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater which is...
College of the Canyons has some great professors that truly care about your learning experience, and that aspect of this great community college has opened my ability to learn so much about some great new topics, for example I am currently taking a...
” – Karla Portillo from Canyon Country, CA
College of the Desert is a public, 2-year institution established in Palm Desert, California, with satellite locations in Indio, Thermal, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs. COD is officially recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, meaning...
Many of the teachers here are retirees, some of whom have previously taught at prestigious universities. I have had professors who have taught at USC, UCSB, UCR, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and even Yale. These teachers are heavily invested in educating...
” – Josiah from Palm Springs, CA
Cosumnes River College is a public, 2-year institution primarily located in Sacramento, California. Along with its main campus, the college also maintains a satellite campus in the city of Elk Grove. Students at CRC can opt to take some classes in an...
Cosumnes River college is highly diverse college with various education, club, and sport opportunities. The campus is spacious and organized very well. Also, the professors there are great and prepared to have a great semester as long as the students...
” – Angelica from Sacramento, CA
Diablo Valley College is a 2-year public institution located in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, California. DVC boasts high transfer rates, with many of its students continuing their college careers at CSU and UC. The campus features a number of...
Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.
” – Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA
East Los Angeles College is a public, 2-year institution established in Monterey Park, California. The main campus, along with the satellite location in South Gate, serves 14 communities throughout its regional area. ELAC utilizes the Guided Pathways...
East Los Angeles College has been a great school for me. I was going to Cerritos after high school but it was so packed, so I did not want to wait another semester, so I decided to register at Elac. Although there are no waiting lists at ELAC the...
” – Sheyla
El Camino College is a 2-year community college in the South Bay district of Los Angeles. El Camino offers transfer agreements with a number of 4-year colleges and universities and ranks second among all southern California community colleges in...
Most teachers here do a great job at teaching their subjects with the exception of a few of them. They have a great class selection to choose from so there's always something new to learn each semester.
” – Chain from L.A. County
Founded in 1913, Fullerton College is a 2-year community college in Orange County and the oldest community college in California. Fullerton awards associate degrees in 122 areas of study and is also home to over 100 certificate-granting programs. For...
I've been here since Summer 2009, and all I can say about this college is that I love it. I've taken art/dance history classes, business classes, music, oceanography classes and so much more! This college offers so many wonderful classes but most...
” – Anonymous from Fullerton, CA
Golden West College is a public, 2-year institution established in Huntington Beach, California. The campus features a variety of attractions for students and visitors, such as the GWC Art Gallery, the California Native Garden, and the GWC Theater...
i would like to get any kind of financial scholarships possible.
” – Aubrey from Westminster, CA
Irvine Valley College is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of California. IVC offers Guided Pathway academic programs, which students can utilize to explore and achieve their goals. Students enrolled at IVC also have access to a...
Starting my freshman year at IVC was nerve wreck never the less enjoyed my experience the school provided learned more in a few weeks and a pace that was comfortable but at the same time enlightened.
” – Alejandro from Norcross, GA
Laney College is a 2-year community college in Oakland. Laney offers classes in over 100 academic departments as well as 44 associate degree programs, 13 of which are eligible for transfer to a 4-year institution. Recently, Laney received a $125...

Los Angeles Trade Technical College was founded in 1925 as the Frank Wiggins Trade School. LA Trade-Tech is a part of the Los Angeles Community College district and is the oldest of the nine colleges. The college focuses on career certificates and...
LATTC is a great school for those who are serious about obtaining an education. I have come a long way and I would recommend is college to all my family and friends.
” – Latrice from Los Angeles, CA
MiraCosta College is a public, 2-year institution established in Oceanside, California, with satellite facilities located in Cardiff and Carlsbad. MiraCosta offers over 60 fields of study within its six pathway programs, including a bachelor’s degree...
Last week I was talking with the President of Miracosta, Mr. Rodriguez, he has a very interesting life story. Other then that he showed me that even though he was label in high school as mentally impaired, because of his lost of vision in one eye he...
” – Michael from Oceanside, CA
Mt. San Antonio College is a 2-year community college in Walnut, California. Mt. SAC provides associate degrees, job training certificates, adult education, and youth summer programs. The school houses a working farm, wildlife sanctuary, and a...
Mt. San Antonio College attracts students from all over Southern California. This college offers numerous programs, contains excellent departments, and provides incredible student and academic services.
Mt. Sac offers the Special Admittance...

Orange Coast College is a two-year community college serving Orange County, California. OCC is one of the largest community colleges in the nation and offers an honors program, as well as a transfer center that hosts visits from 4-year colleges to...
Depending what you want to Major in or what your course is there are some teachers that are great and some that arent as great. I suggest you use ratemyprofessor.com before actually signing up for a class. Other than that most of the teachers hear at...
” – Bill from Kenai, AK
Palomar College is a public community college operating one main campus and three academic centers around San Diego County, California. Many students choose to study the social sciences, fire prevention and safety technology, or paramedic training...
Classes are good, just be sure to pay attention and not fall asleep during lectures!
” – CateBy State
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