Profiles of Animation, Art, Design, Gaming, and Media Programs & Schools

Programs to consider:

Mid-West

From sea to shining sea, there are excellent animation programs to be found in every corner of the nation and we’ve been on the hunt for them in. Today, we find ourselves smack in the middle of the nation for our fourth and final installment of our Best Animation Programs Top 20 list: the Midwest.

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So, you’re interested in animation programs in the charming American south? Lucky for you, the region offers a wide range of educational opportunities for future animators, but you might have to look a bit harder at times. That’s why we’ve compiled our own list of 20 southern schools worthy of your attention. Comparing programs can be akin to comparing apples to oranges, but we’ve tried to provide you with a solid list of programs that touch every area of animation. Mind you, when it comes to landing your first- or fifth- industry job, studios will first and foremost look at the applicant’s portfolio and personality. An education should provide you with the foundation you need to thrive.

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Northeastern U.S. Region

More and more students flock to animation degree and certification programs in hopes of landing their dream job. While entertainment remains high on the list, a slew of industries require the insight and skillset of animators with many more applications on the horizon.  That’s why it’s imperative to find the right animation program for your career goals, whether they be in arts and entertainment or research and development.

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Our Top 20 in the Western U.S. Region

Breaking into the creatively-powered, passionate and playful animation industry may sound like cakewalk to those who have spent the better part of their lives doodling and watching cartoons, but the pursuit of perfection makes the industry chew up and spit out all but the crème de la crème. Hence, it’s no longer enough to take a few crash courses in animation and expect to break into an exciting career in animation, let alone stay there.

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At Animation Career Review we have published dozens of articles detailing the different types of degree programs available in animation, design, gaming, and related fields. Each article defines the program, details the typical coursework involved and notes the type of career paths available to someone with that particualr degree. Bookmark this handy dandy list for future use.

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Animation Mentor

Degrees Offered:  Animation Fundamentals
Character Animation Production Track
Animal and Creature Production Track

VFX Fundamentals

Tuition Information:  6-week online workshops begin at $599
12-week courses range from $1,999 to $2,799 plus applicable fees. Payment plans and private student loans are available to those who qualify.

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Norco College

In the southern California county of Riverside sits a 2-year Game Development program like few others, earning considerable attention from industry and universities alike. Norco College’s Game Development department offers an A.S. of Game Art which doesn’t miss a beat, focusing on techniques seldom explored in 2-year programs elsewhere. The high caliber of work produced by students is testament to the program’s emphasis on fundamentals and its close collaboration with industry advisors and working faculty to develop and iterate the curriculum. Though capable of breaking into their careers immediately, many graduates choose to further their studies at premier 4-year institutions.

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Edinboro University

Edinboro University may be situated in the rural northwestern corner of Pennsylvania but graduates of its animation program can be found practicing the craft near and far- from the world’s largest studios to avant-garde experimental shops alike.

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Loyola Marymount University

Overlooking the Pacific from the bluffs of Los Angeles sits Loyola Marymount University, a gem in animation education that we’re taking a closer look at today.

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Virginia State University

Virginia State University is one of the only HBCU-designated universities (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) offering an animation program. That’s a big deal for many reasons, not least of which is because animation relies on the backgrounds, experiences and creative voices of a diverse group of artists. The vision for developing the Animation BFA at VSU was thanks to numerous individuals, including a band of dedicated students (many of whom graduate this year) and one man who wouldn’t let them down.

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