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What are the top public visual effects schools in the U.S. for 2023?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 3 | University of California, Los Angeles | California |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 5 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 6 | Florida State University | Florida |
| 7 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 8 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 9 | University of Florida | Florida |
| 10 | California State University, Fullerton | California |
Our 2023 rankings of the Top 10 public visual effect schools in the U.S. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the Moody College of Communication, home of the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF), which has several path to study Visual Effects (VFX). For each, students have access to a variety of courses that focus on Visual and Special Effects. Examples include VFX & Motion Graphics, VFX for Storytelling, Digital Media Production, and CGI for Film and Games.
In the Digital Media Production course, students can choose an area of interest such as Compositing and VFX, CGI and Interactive Game Design, and Animation and Simulation. In the CGI for Film and Games course, students study Simulating Effects, Lighting, and Virtual Cinematography.
All UT Austin RTF students have access to the Digital Media Production Lab (DML), which features Adobe Creative Cloud Suite 2022, Autodesk Maya and Mudbox, Blackmagic Davinci Resolve, and other VFX tools. The DML also provides dedicated work spaces; five surround sound dub stages; and a 70 x 20 green screen.
RTF students have the opportunity to participate in programs and events hosted by the Center for Entertainment and Media Industries (CEMI), as well as access to Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment & Media Studies, which provides internship opportunities at a number of LA studios.
Specific program options for students interested in VFX include the RTF BA, RTF Minor, and the Film & Media Production MFA. VFX courses are also accessible to students in the Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS Program (AET BS) and the UT Austin Game Development and Design Program.
The AET BS is housed in the School of Design and Creative Technologies. The Game Development and Design Program is a partnership between the AET Department, the Computer Science (CS) Department, and the RTF Department. This program leads to a BS.
Recent graduates of the Film and Entertainment Programs at UT Austin have been hired at some of the world’s top studios and production companies. Examples include Walt Disney Studios, Sony Pictures Classics, Searchlight Pictures, Amazon Studios, Shondaland, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, and BioWare.
Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 52,385 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs with 170+ fields of study, 139 graduate degree programs, and nearly 100 doctoral programs across 18 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is home to the new School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Within the School is a Visualization Program with BS, MS, and MFA options. The MFA is one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in the State of Texas.
Established in 1989 the TAMU Visualization Program is cross-disciplinary, allowing students to explore Computer Graphics, Visualization, Art, Interaction, and Design. Through electives, students at all levels may focus in any area of Specialization. This includes Visual Effects (VFX). Examples of VFX-related courses include Visualization Techniques, Digital Rendering, Visual Studies Studios, Computing for Visualization, Digital Compositing, Principles of Design, Virtual Reality, Creating Digital Environments, Multimedia Design and Development, Digital Characters: Art, Technology, Uses and Meaning, Interaction Design, and Interactive Virtual Environments.
All TAMU Visualization students have opportunities to participate in the Annual Career Fair; the Semester Away Program in Italy, Germany, and other countries; and the Internship Program, which spans 15 weeks and 600 hours. Undergraduate internships are worth six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have interned at a variety of Game, Graphic Design, and Animation studios.
Graduates of the TAMU Visualization Programs are prepared to pursue careers in the Entertainment Industry (Visual Effects, Game Design and Development, and Animation), Web Design, Interactive Design, and User Interface Design. Texas A&M University Visualization graduates have been hired at major studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Reel FX.
Texas A&M University, College Station opened its doors in 1876 as the state’s first public Institution of higher learning. Today, the school is the primary location for Texas A&M, with branch campuses in Galveston, Texas and Doha, Qatar. The school serves approximately 74,830 students enrolled in 140+ undergraduate programs and 270+ graduate degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Texas A&M University, College Station is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
The School of Theater, Flim and Television at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM), which has an undergraduate Film Program that features Visual Effects (VFX) and Special Effects coursework. Leading to a BA, the Program covers three distinct areas: Production (film, television, digital, experimental, and animation); Film and Television craft (writing, directing, photography, sound recording, and editing); and Cinema and Media Studies (history, theory, and aesthetics). Students interested in VFX may Concentrate in Editing and Postproduction during their senior year.
Courses options include Digital Cinematography (explores special effects), Art and Technique of Filmmaking, Motion Picture Lighting, Film Editing, Computer Animation for Film and Video, Art and Practice of Motion Picture Producing, Advanced Film Editing, Digital Audio Postproduction, Experimental Film, and Film and Television Laboratory.
The School of Theater, Film & Television at UCLA has more than a dozen initiatives that students may participate in including Special Effects for Film and Television, Interactive Television, Computer Animation and Video Gaming, Computer Assisted Theater Design, and the Development of Web-Based Media Arts. FTVDM students also have access to the state-of-the-art Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio and other production facilities.
Graduates of the FTVDM Department at UCLA are prepared for careers in all areas of Film, Television, and Entertainment. UCLA alumni have been hired at major studios such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Nickelodeon, Pixar, and DreamWorks.
University of California Los Angeles has played a pivotal role in the formation of nearly 200 startup companies to date. Established in 1919, the school serves 45,900 students enrolled in more than 250 programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. UCLA students hail from more than 118 countries around the world. University of California Los Angeles is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
4. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
The College of Arts and Humanities at University of Central Florida (UCF) houses the School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD). Within the School is a specialized graduate program for students seeking employment at studios and artists looking to make their own independent films. This three-year, 60 credit hour Program leads to an Emerging Media MFA with an Animation & Visual Effects Track.
Program features include labs and studios equipped with the same industry-standard software used in professional studios around the world; courses and projects led by professors with experience and connections in the industry; and the opportunity to co-direct a team of Emerging Media: Character Animation (BFA) students.
Course examples for the SVAD UCF Emerging Media MFA Program include Visual Effects for Animation and Live Action, Directing for Animation and Visual Effects, Script and Story Development for Animation and Visual Effects, Animation and Visual Effects Production I-IV, Visual Development for Animation and Visual Effects, Editing for Animation and Visual Effects, Technical Problem Solving for Animation and Visual Effects, Media and Music for Animation and Visual Effects, The History of Animation and Visual Effects, and Guerilla Marketing and Models of Distribution.
The Emerging Media MFA Program culminates with the 12 credit hour Visual Effects or Animation Thesis. This final film project allows students to display their visual storytelling skills while using VFX and Animation techniques such as stop-motion, 3D computer animation, and more.
Graduates of the Emerging Media MFA Program at University of Central Florida have been hired by a variety of organizations and studios such as Nickelodeon Animation, Blur Studio, Epic Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Walt Disney Animation Studios, NASA, Weta FX, Framestore, Lightbox, Titmouse, Lockheed Martin, Netflix, DiSTI, Reel FX, and the U.S. Navy.
University of Central Florida opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University. On the first day of classes, the school had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF serves around 70,400 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the nation’s largest universities. The school provides 240 bachelor’s degrees, 214 master’s degrees, and 81 doctorate degrees across 13 colleges. University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
5. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
University of Utah (The U) has several paths to study Visual Effects (VFX) in the College of Fine Arts and Kahlert School of Computing. The College of Fine Arts houses the Department of Film & Media Arts (F&MAD), which allows students to tailor their BA degree across multiple areas of interest. This includes Special and Visual Effects (VFX). The School of Computing and the Department of Film & Media Arts launched the Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) Program more than a decade ago. This Program has a Computer Science BS with an EAE Emphasis and a Master of EAE (MEAE). Both allow students to study VFX.
In addition to the opportunity to customize the curriculum, students in the F&MAD BA Program may choose from four Emphasis Areas. Each area has a wide selection of VFX-related coursework. Emphasis options include Entertainment Arts and Engineering, Media Arts Production (MAP), Animation, and Film Production.
Course examples across Emphasis Areas include Digital Effects and Compositing for the Screen, 3D Computer Animation, Digital Visual Effects, Film Production, Interactive Machinima, Motion Capture, 3D Character Production, Digital Cinematography, 3D Character Animation, Programing, Media Arts Production, Directing, Programming, Film Editing, Sound for Film and Digital Media, Film Production, Digital Imaging for Visual Artists, Directing, and Storyboarding/Visual Storytelling.
The EAE BS at University of Utah includes extensive coursework in Computer-Generated Special Effects, 3D Animation, Game Development, Visual Perception, and Graphics. The MEAE has a Technical Arts Track, which allows students to Specialize in VFX. Across courses such as Technical Art I-IV, Advanced 3D Character Production, 3D Modeling, and Serious Games, students will use programmable GPU shaders to customize the graphics pipeline producing various visual effects; master shading language fundamentals and GPU primitive operations; and work in teams to pitch, prototype, and present VFX-rich games.
Across programs, students will create a variety of games, animations, films, and other projects that demonstrate their VFX skills. Upon completion of the programs, students will have a demo reel and/or portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Film Programs at University of Utah are prepared for careers such as VFX Artist, Visual Effects Animator, Film Editor, VFX Editor, Production Manager (VFX), Computer Animator, Digital Filmmaker, and Production Coordinator (VFX).
Graduates of the EAE Programs at University of Utah are prepared for careers such as VFX Artist, Animation VFX Artist, VFX Editor, Production Coordinator (VFX), Video Game FX Artist, and 3D Animator.
Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves more than 34,900 students enrolled in over 200 programs across 18 colleges and schools and nearly 100 departments. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
6. Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
The College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University (FSU) has several programs that can prepare students for careers in visual effects (VFX). Options include a limited-access Motion Picture Arts BFA Program with Concentrations in Production and Animation and Digital Arts, and an MFA in Production. Students in all programs can pursue a variety of specialization areas through more than 30 electives. Examples of Specialization areas include Visual Effects, Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking, and Film Business.
Available VFX-related course examples across programs include Visual Effects Cinematography, History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation, Visual Effects Aesthetics, Compositing I-II, Motion Picture Sound, 3D Computer Animation, Lighting, Texturing, and Rendering, Digital Studio Department Leadership, Motion Picture Editing, 3D Computer Graphics, Production Design Workshop, Filmmaking, Stop-Motion Animation, and Advanced Workshop in Area of Specialization.
Additional program features include small class sizes of no more than 15 students; the opportunity to complete several major films, including the thesis film; and the option to complete a professional internship in a studio environment. All FSU College of Motion Picture students may participate in the Torchlight Program, which provides instruction in the marketing, finance, and distribution of films.
Graduates of the Motion Picture Arts Program at Florida State University are prepared to pursue positions in the Entertainment Industry. Potential job titles include Visual Effects Artist, Effects Animator, CG Lighter, Rigger, Animator, Animation Supervisor, Modeler, Animatics Supervisor, and Storyboard Artist.
Founded in 1851, Florida State University serves approximately 45,495 students enrolled in more than 275 degree programs at all levels. One of the largest and the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, FSU houses 16 colleges and schools at campuses across the state. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
7. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has been offering Digital Video Special Effects Production and Computer Animation courses since 1999. Today, the school has several paths to study Visual Effects (VFX) and Special Effects.
Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts houses the School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC). Georgia Tech is also home to the College of Computing. Together, these colleges and schools house the Computational Media (CM) BS (BSCM) Program, MS and PhD degrees in Digital Media, and a 19 credit hour Computing & Media Minor.
The Computational Media Program at Georgia Tech’s launched in 2004 with just one student. Today, the Program serves more than 300 students, making it one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs. Across programs, available course and topics include Digital Video Special Effects, Special Effects, Experimental Media, Interaction Design, Computer animation, Constructing the Moving Image, Computer Graphics, Objects and Design, Reality Experience Design, and Special Topics in Digital Media.
Degree-seeking students at Georgia Tech have the option to add a Film Studies Minor (offered in the School of LMC), which allows them to take production courses, such as VFX, as part of elective requirements. Examples include Video Production, Experimental Film, Advanced Video Production, Film and/as Technology, and Cinema and Digital Culture.
Georgia Tech School of LMC students have access to post-production labs outfitted with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and DaVinci Resolve software. The School of LMC is also home to LMCFilms—a film and video equipment rental house that provides a range of industry-standard equipment for students and researchers working in the entertainment industry.
Graduates of the CM, Digital Media, and Computing & Media Programs at Georgia Institute of Technology work in Visual and Special Effects, Film Production, Animation, Interactive Design, 3D Modeling, and Game Simulation.
Georgia Institute of Technology was established in 1885. When it opened, the school had just 129 students enrolled in one degree program—the Mechanical Engineering BS. Today, Georgia Tech serves more than 40,000 students enrolled in more than 180 degree programs and minors across six distinct colleges and 28 schools. Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
8. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University (Purdue) houses Purdue Polytechnic Institute (Purdue Polytechnic). One of the school’s 10 academic colleges, Purdue Polytechnic is home to the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT), which has several paths to study visual effects (VFX). Options include the BS, MS, accelerated 5-Year BS/MS, and PhD in CGT. Students in all programs have the opportunity to major or concentrate in Animation and Visual Effects.
The Computer Graphics Technology Program at Purdue University is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET). Visual Effects at Purdue University is a STEM-based discipline, so all students must take courses such as Calculus, Trigonometry, and Physics. The CGT Programs also explore the business side of the film and entertainment business, so students will take Business Writing, Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship courses.
Across Programs, VFX students will also take courses such as Visual Effects Introduction, Visual Effects: Particles And Procedural Effects, Visual Effects – Pyrotechnics And Destruction Effects, Post-Production And Special Effects For Computer Animation, Sketching For Visualization And Communication, The History And Technique of Visual Effects in Film, Geometric Modeling For Visualization and Communication, Motion for Computer Animation, Computer Graphics Programming, and Modeling for Entertainment Graphics.
Other CGT Program features include opportunities to create visual effects and animations using industry-standard programs such as Autodesk Maya; access to the Visual Effects Lab, IDEA Lab, High Performance Computer Graphics Laboratory, Heavilon Lab, Games Innovation Laboratory, and the Digital Enterprise Center; and training on the LightCraft Previzion System—the same visual effects system used in Hollywood productions.
All CGT students at Purdue University will work on real-world projects with real clients. These projects are led by professors who are experts in their respective fields. CGT students also have networking opportunities through Purdue’s ACM SIGGRAPH chapter.
Graduates of the CGT Programs at Purdue University enjoy a near 90% job placement rate. Program alumni are routinely hired by major studios and companies such as Google, Walt Disney, and DreamWorks.
Established in 1869, Purdue University is Indiana’s Land Grant University. This public school opened with six instructors and 39 students on September 16, 1874. Today, Purdue employs more than 10,000 full-time faculty members and employees that serve approximately 50,885 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. The school provides more than 400 programs in 11 colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
9. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
The College of the Arts at University of Florida (UF) is home to the Digital Worlds Institute. Within the Institute is an interdisciplinary BA Program that prepares students for careers in Visual Effects (VFX), Game Design and Development, Animation, Interaction Design, and more. Consisting of 120 credit hours, the Digital Arts & Sciences (BADAS) BA includes 30 credits of electives, which allows students to focus in VFX or other areas that best suit their career goals.
Elective courses may be selected from Experience Design & Production, Animation, and Game Design offerings. Courses related to VFX include Motion Design, Interaction & Usability, Digital Visualization, Game Design and Production, Advanced 2D Digital Animation Techniques, 3D Character Animation, Digital Storytelling, 3D Modeling and Texturing, Game Systems Development, and 2D Digital Animation Techniques.
In addition to 30 elective credits, the BADAS Program provides opportunities to enhance the BA degree through an outside Minor or Concentration. Examples include Art + Technology, Theatre Production. Drawing, Innovation, and Mass Communication Studies.
Other BADAS Program features include project-based learning, high-tech classroom, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. All University of Florida students also have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or study abroad for a semester or summer. Graduates of the Digital Worlds Institute at University of Florida are VFX Artists, Technical Animators, Game Designers, UI/UX Designers, Software Developers, Motion Graphics Artists, Modelers, and Texture Artists.
University of Florida was founded in 1858 as Gainesville Academy. When it opened, the Academy has just a few students. Today, UF serves approximately 61,110 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across 16 colleges and schools. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
10. California State University-Fullerton, Fullerton, California
California State University Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton or CSUF) has several paths to study Visual Effects (VFX). Programs are housed in the College of Arts: Department of Visual Arts and the College of Communications: Department of Cinema and Television Arts. Across programs, students have access to courses such as Digital Effects for Film-TV, Sound Design for Film-TV, 3D Character Modeling, Lighting and Compositing, 2D Digital Animation, Audio Production, 3D Rigging and Animation, Advanced Computer Graphics, Special Studies in Entertainment Art/Animation, Game Art, Game Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design and Production, and Video Games and Storytelling.
Specific programs for students seeking careers in VFX include the Cinema and Television BA, and BFA degrees in Entertainment Art/Animation and Game Art, Animation, & Immersive Media. The BA Program is housed in the College of Communications: Department of Cinema and Television Arts and the BFA Programs are housed in the College of Arts: Department of Visual Arts. The BA Program allows students to focus their studies through 27 required elective units. The BFA Programs allow students to focus their studies through 30 units of electives.
The BFA Program culminates with the BFA Capstone, where students will create individual portfolio projects. Projects may include VFX, Animation, Virtual Reality (VR), and Games. BA students will complete a Mass Media Internship and a final project.
Graduates of the Cinema and Entertainment Programs at Cal State Fullerton have been hired by major networks and studios such as Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Cartoon Network.
Alumni work can be seen in Avatar, SpongeBob Squarepants, Alvin and The Chipmunks, Ice Age 2, The Simpsons, Spiderman 3, Meet the Robinsons, and Superman Returns, among others.
Founded in 1957, California State University, Fullerton is part of the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system. Serving more than 40,000 students, the school offers 55 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs in eight academic colleges. California State University, Fullerton is Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).