Creative Media & Consumer Technology

Our talent pool may be the most energetic, innovative and educated in the world. Over 38% have attained a college degree or higher, compared to the national average of under 28%. Here, the best and brightest lead many diverse tech companies. And you'll find like minds coming every day to join them – whether it's from outside our area or through one of the largest talent pipelines in the country – The University of Texas at Austin.

Employment in High Tech Industries, 2008

Source: Texas Workforce Commission.

Respected worldwide, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) heads the list of area universities and colleges with a combined enrollment of more than 122,000 students. Within 100 miles of Austin, 39 colleges and universities enroll over 330,000 students, and at 200 miles the student population approaches 900,000, adding to one of the world's strongest talent pools.

Austin Community College (ACC) offers instruction to over 65,000 people annually in a service area that includes all or parts of eight counties. ACC partners with local business, industry, and government sectors to respond to current and emerging workforce needs. ACC's Video Game Development program was created in response to demand from the local gaming industry looking to fill a need for skilled workers for a burgeoning sector.

In addition, highly rated elementary and secondary schools contribute to both quality of life and the beginnings of exceptional labor pools to come. Austin area households enjoy diverse options in education, including 29 public school districts, 16 charter schools and 69 private schools

Degrees Awarded in Selected Science Fields, Year Ending June 2007, Austin MSA

Source: National Center for Education Statistics.

As a world-class research institution, UT Austin has annual research expenditures of more than $497 million. The University consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for the number of science and engineering doctoral degrees and is the fourth most patent-earning university in the country. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department has ranked as one of the top 10 in the country. UT Austin is home to more than 100 organized research units.

UT Austin is home to more than 100 organized research units. In addition, the University has become an influential player in the digital and entertainment world.

• The Department of Radio-Television-Film, consistently ranked as one of the top 10 programs in the country, offers a broad range of courses in the media arts leading to the Bachelor of Science, Master of Fine Arts, Master's and Ph.D. degrees.
• The Digital Media Collaboratory (DMC) is an initiative of the IC² Institute to facilitate coordinated, inter-departmental research and development in digital and interactive media. The primary goal of the DMC is to research, develop, implement and study the impact and influence of new interactive technologies and digital content that enhance human performance and improve the social good.