
At Academy of Art University's School of Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) aspiring visual effects artists, 2D and 3D animators, and storyboard artists learn from industry professionals in the heart of the animation industry. Learn More.
Ranking | School | State |
---|---|---|
1 | Gnomon | California |
2 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
3 | School of Visual Arts | New York |
4 | University of Southern California | California |
5 | Academy of Art University | California |
6 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
7 | The DAVE School | Florida |
8 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
9 | Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island |
10 | DePaul University | Illinois |
Our 2024 list of the Top 10 Private Visual Effects Schools in the US, our third annual rankings for VFX. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Gnomon provides two paths to study visual effects. All options emphasize training in leading industry software such as Maya, Nuke, Adobe After Effects, ZBrush, Houdini, Photoshop, and V-Ray. Specific programs include the Digital Production BFA and the Digital Production for Entertainment certificate. Across programs, students benefit from small class sizes of no more than 14 students; a studio-environment consisting of a 45,000 square foot lot within the historic Television Center Studio lot; and instructors who are working professionals in the VFX, animation, and games industries.
The Digital Production BFA consists of 180 total units, with 135 units of career-focused study and 45 in general education. Students will take 27 units of concentration-specific courses. Concentration options include Visual Effects Animation and Game Art. VFX Animation is the top choice for students interested in pursuing careers in visual effects.
Course examples for this concentration area include Principles of VFX; HD Digital Filmmaking for VFX; Animation and Visual Effects; Houdini 1-4; Matchmoving and Integration; VFX Design; Virtual Production; Dynamic Effects 1-4; Liquid Simulations; Advanced Digital Sculpting; Maya Modules; Visual Effects for Games; and Character Rigging for Production.
The Digital Production BFA at Gnomon consists of 12 terms completed over three to four years. The program culminates with the creation of a professional demo reel competed across four courses and two terms.
Consisting of eight terms completed over two years, the Gnomon Digital Production for Entertainment certificate has five emphasis areas. Visual Effects Animation is among them. Course examples include Overview of Visual Effects and Games; Animation and Visual Effects 1-2; HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects; Dynamic Effects 1-4; Matchmoving and Integration; Visual Effects Design; Houdini 1-4; Scripting for Production; Lighting and Rendering 1-4; Advanced Compositing; and Liquid Simulations.
In the final two terms of the program, certificate students will compete a demo reel across two courses; several labs as electives; the Portfolio and Resume Workshop course; and the Career Realities course.
Known as the MIT of visual effects, Gnomon boasts a 95% placement rate, with more than 900 industry-employed graduates to date. Alumni hold titles such as VFX Artist, Gameplay Animator, Character Artist, Cinematics Animator, and Environment Artist. They work at top studios such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Netflix Studios, and Framestore.
Established in 1997 by Alex Alvarez, Gnomon opened in a modest classroom location in Hollywood, California. Today, Gnomon sits on a 45,000 square foot lot within the historic Television Center Studio Lot in North Hollywood, California. Serving more than 550 students, the school provides degree programs, vocational certificates, and 110 unique courses for professional enrichment or portfolio development. Gnomon is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
The Visual Effects programs at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) provide opportunities to work on case studies through the school’s in-house design studio known as SCADPro. Examples of participating companies and studios include Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Google, Adult Swim, Microsoft, NASA, Hasbro, Universal Studios, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Oculus, Fisher-Price, and Samsung.
Outside of SCADPro, all students will have opportunities to create visual effects and animations for collaborative projects using industry-standard software such as Pixar’s RenderMan, Houdini, Autodesk Arnold, Maya, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, Nuke, and Resolve.
Other SCAD VFX benefits include access to more than 800 networked computers, a 60,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art digital media center consisting of a green screen lab and a 75-seat in-house theater; learning that takes place in a studio environment; internship opportunities; and instruction by award-winning professors who have worked at major studios and on productions such as Ice Age, The Lion King, and Pocahontas.
Housed in the School of Animation and Motion, the VFX programs at SCAD lead to a BFA, MA, or MFA. All programs are now available at the Atlanta and Savannah campuses.
Consisting of 180 credit hours, the Visual Effects BFA program requires 75 credit hours in the major and 20 credit hours of free electives. This provides the opportunity to develop additional skills in related areas such as technical direction, interactive design and game development, sound design, and animation.
Course examples for the program include Visual Effects-Based Cinematography; Digital Visual Effects; Visual Effects Studio I-II; Digital Lighting and Rendering; Concept Development for Visual Effects; Procedural Modeling and Animation Techniques; and Professional Development for Visual Effects.
The SCAD VFX BFA program culminates with the Visual Effects Studio. Across two courses, students will collaborate to produce a visual effects project from start to finish. Students will also demonstrate skills in analysis and critique, scheduling, and organization.
The Visual Effects MA program requires 45 credit hours of 700-level coursework. Students in this advanced program will take courses such as Visual Effects Theory and Application; Modeling for Visual Effects; Programming Concepts for Visual Effects; Media Art; Digital Compositing I: The Art and Science of Digital Integration; Procedural Modeling and Animation for Production; and 3D Color, Lighting, and Rendering.
The SCAD VFX MA program culminates with the School of Animation and Motion MA Final Project (VSFX 748) and the Visual Effects Portfolio (VSFX 749).
The VFX MFA at Savannah College of Art and Design is a 90 credit hour program and the terminal degree in the field. Students in this program will take advanced courses such as Particles and Procedural Effects: Stochastic and Calculated Methodologies; Programming Concepts for Visual Effects; Digital Compositing I: The Art and Science of Digital Integration; Modeling for Visual Effects; Visual Effects Theory and Application; Procedural 3D and Shader Programming; Digital Compositing II: Advanced Studies of Multi-layered Integration; Visual Effects Studio I: Preproduction; and Visual Effects Studio II: Production.
All MFA students will undertake a teaching or field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member through the Graduate Internship course (VSFX 779). The program culminates with the VFX MFA Thesis course, which requires the creation of a project that demonstrates advanced professional standards in stylized visual effects.
Graduates of the VFX programs at Savannah College of Art and Design have contributed to 16 Academy Award nominated films in 2020 alone. Examples include Avengers: Endgame; Toy Story 4; Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Frozen 2; and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Program alumni hold titles such as Visual Effects Artist, CGI FX CGI Technical Director, 3D Environment Artist, Character FX Artist, Lighting Technical Director, VFX Producer, Previsualization Artist, Visual Effects Supervisor, Surfacing Artist, Digital Compositor, and Look Development Artist.
SCAD graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Pixomondo, Blur Studio, and Shade VFX.
Savannah College of Art and Design provides more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. In 1979, the school opened in the renovated Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory with just one classroom, an administration building, and 71 students. Today, SCAD serves more than 17,500 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries.
SCAD has campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCADNow (online). Programs include more than 100 degrees and 75+ minors and certificates. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has one path to study visual effects—the 3D Animation and Visual Effects BFA. The program consists of 120 credit hours, including 72 credits in studio art, 30 credits in humanities and sciences, 15 credit hours in art history, and three elective credits from any undergraduate area.
Classes for the program are led by award-winning instructors, with projects taking pace across state-of-the-art computer labs, production studios, and dedicated suites. The computer labs feature the same hardware and software used by professionals in the animation and VFX industries. Students can access the lab 24 hours a day seven days a week from any location.
Other program features include opportunities to develop animation and VFX skills by working with alumni-owned studios such as Augenblick, Titmouse, and Plymptoons; workshops and seminar; visiting artists; and courses such as VFX and Compositing I-IV; Python Scripting for Maya Artists; VFX Animation with Houdini; Computer-Generated Imagery I-IV; Modeling and Animation with Maya; Character FX; Basic Cinema 4D; 3D Animation Pipeline I and II; and Introduction to Real-Time Rendering and Game Engine Graphics.
The 3D Animation and Visual Effects BFA program at School of Visual Arts culminates with a thesis film, which will be screened by industry professionals.
Graduates of the VFX program have gone on to win awards from the Academy of Motion Pictures and at major festivals. SVA alumni have launched their own studios or landed positions at major companies and studios such as DreamWorks, Microsoft, Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, DreamWorks, Apple, Warner Bros., Google, and Lucasfilm Animation.
Some SVA graduates go on to work for independent animation studios worldwide or to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, SVA serves approximately 4,015 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with individual program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
University of Southern California (USC) is home to the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), which houses the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts (Hench DADA). Within the division are the STEM-designated BFA and MFA programs. A 3D Animation minor with elective options in visual effects, virtual reality, motion capture, character animation or modeling is also available. Students in the minor will complete 16 credit hours, including 12 elective credits.
Course examples for students who would like to focus in visual effects include The World of Visual Effects; Digital Effects for Animation; Visual Effects; Live Action Integration with Visual Effects; and Creative Production in Virtual Reality.
The BFA program at USC Hench DADA has an Animation and Digital Arts option and a Game Art option. Both programs allow students to concentrate or specialize in visual effects.
The Animation and Digital Arts BFA program at USC is combines liberal arts and animation practice. The curriculum for the Game Art BFA has a broader liberal arts component, combined with the specialization. In addition, all Hench DADA students have the unique opportunity to collaborate on projects with students in the Production (Live Action) Division, Interactive Games Division, Kaufman School of Dance, and Thorton School of Music.
Course examples across programs include Introduction to 3D Modeling, Animation, and Visual Effects; Creative Production in Virtual Reality; Visual Effects; The World of Visual Effects; Digital Effects Animation; Live Action Integration with Visual Effects; Programming in Python; Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games; Digital Lighting and Rendering; Organic Modeling for Animation; History of Cinema; Introduction to Storyboarding; Production; and Studio Careers: Story to Screen. All BFA students will also complete a senior project across several courses.
The Animation and Digital Arts MFA at University of Southern California is a 50 credit hour program that allows students to select 15 SCA electives in an area of interest. This includes visual effects. All students will complete a master’s thesis, which consists of a fully rendered, animated production complete with soundtrack. For visual effects students, final projects must be 70% animated.
Graduates of the SCA Hench DADA BFA and MFA programs go on to land positions at major studios or to launch their own studios and freelance businesses. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon Animation, Pixar, Sony Pictures, Digital Domain, and Illumination.
University of Southern California opened in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, the school has 47,000 students served by approximately 4,770 full-time faculty. This makes University of Southern California the largest school by enrollment in the state, and the largest private sector employer in Los Angeles. USC also provides more than 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools and divisions. University of Southern California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Academy of Art University houses the STEM and Houdini Certified School of Animation and Visual Effects. Learning in the school takes place in a studio production environment known as Studio X, where students get hands-on experience working with real filmmakers. StudioX students have been credited on many films such as Fruitvale Station and Beasts of the Southern Wild. All StudioX students will also have an IMDB listing, and the opportunity to include all work on their final demo reels.
Specific programs for students seeking careers in VFX include AA, BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Animation and Visual Effects. Academy of Art also has an Animation and VFX certificate program that allows students to skip liberal arts coursework and begin producing visual effects from day one.
Course examples across programs include Cinematics for Animation and VFX; History and Technology of VFX and Computer Animation; Scripting for VFX and Riggers; Real-Time Animation and VFX; Storyboarding and Cinematic Effect; Producing for Animation and Visual Effects Physics for Artists: Light, Sound, and Motion; Fundamentals of Lookdev & Lighting; 3D Animation Physics and Mechanics; and Careers in Animation and VFX.
Across programs, students have opportunities to complete an internship and/or study abroad experience.
Graduates of the School of Animation and Visual Effects at Academy of Art University are prepared to pursue careers in the Entertainment industry. Program alumni have been hired at major studios such as Sony Pictures Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Google, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel, Riot Games, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta FX, and LAIKA Studios.
Academy of Art University is a family-owned private university that serves more than 7,000 students. making it one of the nation’s largest private art and design schools. Established in 1929, Academy of Art is divided into 22 schools that provide more than 120 programs across 40+ areas of study. Programs lead to the AA, BA, BFA, BS, B. Arch, MAT, MA, MFA and M. Arch degrees. Academy of Art University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) has an Entertainment Design BS program that prepares students for careers in areas such as visual effects, live action filmmaking, animation, and game design. The program allows students to customize the coursework to fit their individual goals. The BS also provides established tracks in Animation, Game Design, and Concept Design.
All students have access to VFX courses such as Visual Structure; CG 2 Mechanics; Worldbuilding; 2D 3 Mechanics; Visual Storytelling; CG 3 Mechanics; Rendering and Lighting; Previsualization; and Production Design.
The Entertainment Design BS program at ArtCenter College of Design culminates with a Capstone project completed across six courses. Final productions will be viewed during the Graduate Show for Entertainment Design.
Graduates have been hired at major companies and studios such as Pixar, Warner Bros., Microsoft, Apple, DreamWorks Animation, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Marvel, Google, Paramount, Mattel, Walt Disney Imagineering, Netflix, Amazon, and The WB.
Founded in 1930, ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,385 across campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles), and Berlin, Germany. The school provides 11 undergraduate programs; seven graduate degree programs leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors in Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation.
ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Located on the backlot of Universal Studios, Florida, The DAVE School provides three paths to study visual effects. All programs are campus- and project-based, with opportunities to develop at least two VFX productions. Programs include the Visual Effects Production Diploma; the Game Production Diploma; and the school’s flagship Virtual Production (VP) Diploma. The Visual Effects Production and Game Production programs consist of 60 credit hours completed over 12 months. The VP Diploma is an 18 month program consisting of 90 credit hours.
The VP program combines everything from the Visual Effects Production and Game Production programs. Students in the 12-month programs have the option to extend their studies into the VP program. Course examples across programs include Compositing and VFX: Principles of Integration; Rotoscoping; Dynamics and Visual Effects for Motion Graphics; Level Design; 3D Animation: The Art of Motion; Real-Time Technologies and Studio Production; and Game Asset Creation and Immersive Techniques.
DAVE School students will also learn the basics of creating a start-up, while working their way through the production process using industry software such as Nuke, Maya, Adobe Premier Pro, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, Zbrush, Quixel, and After Effects.
DAVE School programs culminate with a demo reel and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to launch their own studios or pursue VFX roles at major studios around the world. DAVE School alumni have worked on Hollywood productions such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Encanto, Top Gun: Maverick, Lightyear, The Batman, Ms. Marvel, The Addams Family 2, Eternals, Shining Vale, The Last of Us, Moon Knight, Free Guy, and The Book of Boba Fett.
Founded in 2000, The DAVE (Digital Animation and Visual Effects) School is an academic unit of NUC University. Serving approximately 1,000 students, the school provides three programs leading to a diploma. As part of NUC University, The DAVE School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MCSHE). The school is also licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the Integrative Design, Arts and Technology Network (IDeATe). In collaboration with the Robotics Institute in the School of Computer Science, IDeATe manages eight undergraduate areas that can be taken as minors. This includes Animation and Special Effects.
Led by faculty with expertise in art and robotics, the minor is open to students in any program. Ideal parings include the Film and Visual Media BA in Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences/Department of English; the create your own path Video and Media Design MFA in the School of Drama; the Bachelor of Computer Science and Art (BCSA) in the College of Fine Arts/School of Art and the School of Computer Science; and the Electronic and Time Based Media BFA in the School of Art.
Course examples for the CMU Animation and Special Effects minor include Special Topics in Animation: Storytelling Through Effects; IDeATe Portal: Creative Kinetic Systems; Technical Character Animation; Physical Computing; Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio; Character Rigging for Production; Animation, Art and Technology; Experimental Capture; Intermediate Studio: Real-Time Animation; and Digital Realities: Introducing Immersive Technologies for Arts and Culture.
All students, regardless of major, will develop advanced skills in visual effects and procedural animation; digital 2D and 3D techniques; rendering and compositing; expanded and experimental animation methods; motion-capture technologies; real-time animation systems; and storytelling through animation.
The creative degree programs at Carnegie Mellon University culminate with a final project, portfolio, and/or reel. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in entertainment and other related industries.
Graduates of the IDeATe programs at CMU have been hired at major studios and networks such as Electronic Arts (EA), Walt Disney Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Activision Blizzard, MTV, Paramount, Zynga Games, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Games, and Comedy Central.
Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University began as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, the school serves more than 14,500 students from 100+ countries with access to over 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. This private, global research university has more than a dozen degree-granting locations, along with 20+ research partnerships in Silicon Valley, Australia, Africa, and Qatar. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) houses the Film/Animation/Video (FAV) Department. Serving 150 students, the department provides an FAV BFA program that allows students to focus their studies on animation, live action, or open media. All VAF students will work and learn in a professional studio environment while creating visual effects, animations, and films using techniques such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop-motion, and hand-drawn.
Other program features include collaborative assignments and projects; workshops; 24/7 access to animation, live action, green screen, and blackout shooting studios; and Apple workstations equipped with Avid, Final Cut, Pro Tools, Autodesk Maya, the Adobe Production Suite.
Course examples for the FAV program include Digital Effects and Compositing for the Screen; Computer Generated Imagery 3D; Experimental Film Techniques; Advanced Stop Motion Animation; Character Design; Film Practices; Computer Animation: Integrated Techniques; Experiments in Stop Motion Animation; Time, Light and Sound; Lighting For The Moving Image; Digital Practices; and Senior Studio: Animation, Live Action or Open Media.
In addition, all RISD students have the opportunity to complete a professional internship in a studio environment.
The FAV BFA Program at Rhode Island School of Design culminates with a senior project to be presented at the Annual RISD FAV Senior Show. This public event takes place across four evenings—live on campus, and via online stream.
RISD FAV graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Program alumni been recruited by major networks and studios such as HBO, Pixar, DreamWorks, and PBS. Some alumni have also launched their own studios or production companies, while others have gone on to create, direct, or produce dozens of films and series.
Founded in 1877 as both a school and a museum, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first independent colleges of art and design in the U.S. Serving approximately 2,520 students from 57 countries, this private, nonprofit college provides 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
RISD is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
DePaul University (DePaul) is home to Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), which houses the School of Cinematic Arts. Within the school is a Visual Effects minor that can be added to programs such as the BA, BFA, MS, and MFA Film and Television; the Animation BA, BFA, MA, and MFA; the Game Design BS and MFA; and the Game Programming BS and MS, among others. A Visual Effects concentration is also available for Film and Television students.
Consisting of 28 credit hours, the Visual Effects minor covers the techniques used to create visual effects for film, television, and multimedia. Courses include Introduction to Visual Effects; Compositing I-II; 3D Design and Modeling; Visual Effects Supervision or 3D Texturing and Lighting; Color Correction; and Editing I.
The Visual Effects concentration is a deep dive into VFX. In addition to the courses for the minor, the concentration includes courses such as Visual Effects Cinematography; Producing for Animation and VFX; Advanced Topics in Visual Effects; Editing II; CG Compositing; Motion Graphics; 3D Dynamics; Coding for Audio and Video; Virtual Cinematography; 3D Animation Production; Previsualization; Screenwriting; Image Science; Post-Production Seminar; and Post-Production Capstone.
Across programs, students have access to DePaul Cinespace Studios. Formed in partnership with Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, this 60,000 square foot space serves as a production facility and learning environment for film students. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to work near major productions filming on the Cinespace lot.
Other benefits include access to the latest software, tools, and technologies including Cintiq labs; 3D motion capture, motion control, and sophisticated sound studios; 3D printing, stop motion stages and fabrication studios; and professional-level animation and effects software. Students also have access to the Animation Lodge, which provides opportunities to network, collaborate on group projects, and build a professional portfolio.
Students in all programs also benefit from the visiting artist series, with past guests from Pixar and Disney; the LA Quarter Program—a 10-week immersive experience that provides internship opportunities at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Disney, The Jim Henson Company, Warner Brothers, Sony, Titmouse, and Bix Pix Entertainment; Project Bluelight, which supports independent filmmaking; and the student organization DePaul Cinema Collaborative (DCC), which supports collaborative projects, research, and guest lecturers.
Graduates of the Film, Animation, and Game programs at DePaul University are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of entertainment, advertising, game design, and many others. Across programs, alumni have been hired at places such Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network, Disney Animation, LAIKA Studios, Nickelodeon Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Iron Galaxy Studios, ShadowMachine, and The Mill.
Serving approximately 20,490 students, DePaul University is the largest private Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1898, the school provides more than 300 programs across two Chicago campuses that house 10 colleges and schools. DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).