Woodbury University: Creative, Career-Focused Education in Burbank, California

Woodbury University is a private, non-profit institution in Burbank, California, founded in 1884 and known for blending creative education with career-focused, hands-on learning in the heart of the media and entertainment industry.

Rooted in innovation and diversity, the university offers programs across four academic pillars—Media, Culture & Design; Architecture; Business; and Liberal Arts and Sciences—emphasizing real-world experience, civic engagement, and professional preparation.

With state-of-the-art facilities, strong student support through its PASS program, and deep industry and community partnerships, Woodbury prepares students to succeed as creative professionals and leaders, with alumni working at major organizations across design, media, business, and technology.

Woodbury University: Where Creativity Meets Career in the Heart of the Media Capital

Located at the intersection of industry and imagination in Burbank, California, Woodbury University stands as a distinct institution in the landscape of higher education. Since its founding in 1884, it has evolved from a visionary business college into a non-profit university dedicated to transforming students into innovative professionals. With a curriculum rooted in practice-based learning and a campus embedded in the “Media Capital of the World,” Woodbury offers a unique educational experience that bridges the gap between the classroom and the creative economy.

A Legacy of Innovation

Woodbury University has a rich history of forward-thinking education. Established by educator and entrepreneur F.C. Woodbury to address the needs of Los Angeles’ growing business community, the institution was a pioneer from the start. Notably, its inaugural class achieved near gender parity—a revolutionary feat for the late 19th century.

Over the decades, Woodbury transformed from a business college into a comprehensive university, moving to its current 22-acre campus in Burbank in 1987. Today, it remains a non-profit, fully accredited institution that honors its heritage while relentlessly looking toward the future of design, business, and media.

Academic Excellence: The Four Pillars

Woodbury’s academic structure is divided into four primary schools, each offering specialized programs designed to equip students with tangible skills:

• School of Media : Culture : Design: This school is a hub for creatives, offering degrees in fields such as Animation + VFX, Fashion Design, Game Art & Design, Filmmaking, and Graphic Design. It emphasizes the convergence of media and culture, preparing students for dynamic careers in the entertainment and design industries.
• School of Architecture: A highly respected arm of the university, this school offers NAAB-accredited architecture programs. It is known for its “learn by doing” approach, enabling students to work on tangible structures and community-based design projects.
• School of Business: True to its founding roots, the School of Business provides rigorous training in Accounting, Marketing, Management, and Fashion Marketing. It features an accelerated BBA-MBA program, allowing motivated students to fast-track their graduate education.
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: This college provides the foundational critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills necessary for all professionals, offering degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Science in Media Arts, and Public Safety Administration.

Unparalleled Student Support: The “PASS” Advantage

Woodbury understands that success requires more than just coursework. The university has implemented a robust support system known as Pathways to Student Success (PASS), designed to guide students from their first day to graduation.

• SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration): The journey begins with SOAR, a comprehensive onboarding program that connects new students with faculty advisors to build their class schedules and introduces them to campus culture before they even step into a classroom.
• Math, Science & Subject Tutoring: To ensure academic mastery, the university provides a dedicated tutoring center where students receive free, peer-to-peer assistance in complex subjects like calculus, physics, and computer science.
• The Writing Center: Recognizing that communication is key in every industry, the Writing Center helps students refine their voice, assisting with everything from freshman essays to senior thesis projects and professional resumes.

Campus Life: A Maker’s Paradise

The Woodbury campus is a playground for creators, defined by state-of-the-art facilities that rival professional studios.

• The Making Complex: This is the beating heart of the university’s design programs. It is a sophisticated fabrication hub equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, and a metal shop. Here, architecture and design students turn digital concepts into physical reality.
• Specialized Labs: Beyond general fabrication, the campus houses the Intelligent Lighting Laboratory, where students simulate lighting scenarios, and the Fashion Study Collection, a library of thousands of garments for hands-on historical research.
• Vibrant Student Organizations: Life at Woodbury is driven by student passion. The campus hosts a variety of active organizations, including professional chapters like the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and AIGA for graphic design, as well as cultural hubs like the Armenian Student Association and the Black Student Association.

Civic Engagement: Design for the Public Good

One of Woodbury’s most defining characteristics is its commitment to “Civic Engagement.” Through the Agency for Civic Engagement (ACE), students don’t just learn in a bubble; they apply their skills to help underserved communities.

Recent ACE projects have included:

• The Mobile Units Project: Designing mobile amenities for Jefferson High School in South Los Angeles.
• The Cabin Project: A design-build initiative creating structures for a horse ranch that works with developmentally disabled children and veterans.
• Red Chair Productions: Collaborating on set design and production for local arts performances like The Nutcracker.

Rankings & Recognition

Woodbury’s commitment to excellence has earned it significant national attention:

• U.S. News & World Report: Consistently ranked among the top Regional Universities in the West, specifically recognized for Social Mobility and having one of the highest percentages of International Students, reflecting its diverse and inclusive community.
• Industry Accolades: The university is frequently cited in top lists for specific creative fields, including rankings by Animation Career Review and Graphic Design USA, cementing its status as a premier destination for digital arts education.

Alumni Success

Woodbury graduates are known for hitting the ground running. The university boasts a powerful alumni network that permeates the creative and corporate worlds. Alumni have gone on to work at top-tier employers including 20th Century Fox, Gensler, Google, Riot Games, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Recent success stories highlight the caliber of talent the university nurtures:

• Armen Zabounian: A Marketing alumnus who contributed to a Grammy-winning album.
• Ryan Del Poso: An Architecture graduate who secured the Grand Prize at the prestigious ACLA 2×8 event for his design of a Family Justice Center.

Conclusion

Woodbury University is more than just a place to get a degree; it is a launchpad for creative and professional ambition. By blending a historic commitment to diversity and equity with a modern, hands-on approach to education—supported by world-class facilities like the Making Complex and initiatives like ACE—Woodbury ensures its students are not just ready for the future; they are actively designing it.

For more information on programs and admissions, visit the official website at woodbury.edu.

FAQs about Woodbury University

Where is Woodbury University located?
Woodbury University is located in Burbank, California, near Los Angeles, often referred to as the Media Capital of the World.

When was Woodbury University founded?
The university was founded in 1884, giving it a long history of career-focused education.

Is Woodbury University a non-profit institution?
Yes, Woodbury University is a private, non-profit university.

What types of degrees does Woodbury University offer?
Woodbury offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across creative, professional, and academic disciplines.

How many schools does Woodbury University have?
The university is organized into four academic schools.

What are the four academic schools at Woodbury University?
They include the School of Media : Culture : Design, School of Architecture, School of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

What programs is Woodbury University best known for?
Woodbury is especially known for programs in architecture, animation, fashion design, graphic design, filmmaking, game design, and business.

Is the Architecture program at Woodbury University accredited?
Yes, the School of Architecture offers NAAB-accredited architecture programs.

Does Woodbury University emphasize hands-on learning?
Yes, the university focuses heavily on practice-based and experiential learning.

What is the Making Complex at Woodbury University?
The Making Complex is a state-of-the-art fabrication facility with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines.

Does Woodbury University support student success outside the classroom?
Yes, it offers comprehensive support through the PASS (Pathways to Student Success) program.

What is SOAR at Woodbury University?
SOAR stands for Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration, helping new students transition smoothly into university life.

Are tutoring services available at Woodbury University?
Yes, free peer tutoring is available for subjects such as math, science, and computer science.

Is there writing support for students?
Yes, the Writing Center helps students with essays, research papers, theses, and professional writing.

What is the Agency for Civic Engagement (ACE)?
ACE is a program that allows students to apply their skills to real-world community projects.

Does Woodbury University encourage community involvement?
Yes, civic engagement and social impact are core parts of the university’s mission.

Are there student organizations at Woodbury University?
Yes, students can join professional, cultural, and creative organizations across campus.

Is Woodbury University diverse?
Yes, it is recognized for having a diverse and international student population.

How large is the Woodbury University campus?
The campus spans approximately 22 acres.

Does Woodbury University offer accelerated programs?
Yes, the School of Business offers an accelerated BBA–MBA program.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates work in architecture firms, film and media studios, tech companies, fashion houses, and corporate organizations.

Which companies have hired Woodbury University alumni?
Alumni have worked at organizations such as Google, Gensler, Riot Games, 20th Century Fox, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Is Woodbury University ranked nationally?
Yes, it is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among Regional Universities in the West.

What is Woodbury University’s educational philosophy?
The university combines creativity, professional practice, and real-world experience to prepare students for modern careers.

Does Woodbury University prepare students for the creative economy?
Yes, its location, curriculum, and industry connections are designed to align with creative and media-driven industries.

Where can I find more information about Woodbury University?
More information is available on the official website at woodbury.edu.