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What are the top animation school programs in California for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Institute of the Arts | Valencia |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles |
| 3 | University of California Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 4 | Gnomon | Hollywood |
| 5 | ArtCenter College of Design | Pasadena |
| 6 | Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles |
| 7 | San Jose State University | San Jose |
| 8 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco |
| 9 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach |
| 10 | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton |
| 11 | Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach |
| 12 | Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles |
| 13 | Chapman University | Orange |
| 14 | California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 15 | Woodbury University | Burbank |
| 16 | California State University, Northridge | Northridge |
| 17 | New York Film Academy, Los Angeles | Burbank |
| 18 | California State University, Chico | Chico |
| 19 | University of Silicon Valley | San Jose |
| 20 | California State University, Fresno | Fresno |
Our 2026 ranking -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in California. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California
The School of Film/Video (F/V) at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, with all programs led by working filmmakers, artists, and technicians. Across programs, students have opportunities to present films at the annual F/V Bijou Festival; complete a paid internship with independent and major productions; study abroad in places such as Paris and Prague; and interact with award-winning animators and filmmakers at REDCAT’s film series. F/V program options for animators include the Experimental Animation BFA and MFA, and a Character Animation BFA. CalArts graduates have gone on to secure roles with places such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, Pixar, Apple, Disney, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Google, Warner Bros., Illumination, and NBCUniversal.
2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
The School of Cinematic Arts at University of Southern California (USC) is home to the John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts (Hench DADA) and the Expanded Animation Division (EAD). Both allow students to collaborate with students in other divisions such as music, interactive games, and dance. Program options include the Animation + Digital Arts BFA and MFA; the Expanded Animation Research + Practice MFA (XA MFA); and the 3D Animation and Cinematic Arts minor. Programs culminate with an animated project. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Digital Domain.
3. University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
The School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Film, Television, and Digital Media BA (FTVDM-BA) with a concentration in Animation and the highly competitive UCLA Animation Workshop. This option leads to an MFA. The BA prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry or to apply for entry into the MFA program. The BA culminates with a professional internship and final project. MFA students will graduate with an original film. UCLA TFT alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar, Netflix, Amazon, NBCUniversal, PBS, and Titmouse.
4. Gnomon, Hollywood, California
Gnomon is an immersive, industry-focused college led by more than 70 working professionals. Programs take place in an environment built to simulate some of the most active Hollywood studios. Degree and certificate options include the Digital Production BFA and the Digital Production for Entertainment (DPE) certificate. Digital Production students can concentrate in Visual Effects Animation or Game Art. All programs focus on the production pipelines in film, games, and visual effects. Students receive extensive training in industry software such as in Houdini, Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, Nuke, V-Ray, and Adobe Substance 3D. Gnomon students will graduate with a professional demo reel. Program alumni enjoy a 100% employment rate. They can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Nickelodeon, Riot Games, Weta FX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Reel FX.
5. ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, California
In the 1980s, ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) became the first design school to install computer labs, helping lay the groundwork for the digital design revolution. For animators, this pioneering institution provides an Entertainment Design BS program with Animation and Concept Design tracks. Program benefits include project-based learning; industry partnerships; transdisciplinary studio (TDS) workshops; and opportunities to collaborate with Game Design, Illustration, and Concept Design students. The program culminates with a capstone project and Grad Show exhibition. With a 95% employment rate, ArtCenter students are routinely hired at places such as Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, DreamWorks, Marvel, LAIKA, Nickelodeon, Universal, Warner Bros., 20th Century Studios, and Netflix.
6. Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, California
Otis College of Art and Design (Otis) was established in 1918 by the founder of the LA Times, Harrison Gray Otis. Known as LA’s first professional school of the arts, OTIS provides two paths to study animation including an Animation BFA and a competitive two-year Animation certificate. The interdisciplinary, STEM-designated BFA features studio projects every semester and a professional internship. Students in both programs will graduate with a professional portfolio of their work. Otis alumni go on to land roles at positions at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, Nickelodeon, Reel FX, Disney, NFL Network, Mattel, Apple, and Netflix.
7. San Jose State University, San Jose, California
San Jose State University (SJSU) provides several paths to study animation. Options include the Design Studies BA with a specialization in Animation and Illustration; BFA degrees in Animation and Illustration (ANI BFA) and Digital Media Art (BA DMA); a Digital Media Art MFA; and the Master of Design (MDes) with a specialization in Animation. Across programs students benefit from immersive courses taught by industry professionals; internships; guest speakers from places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and DreamWorks; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Pictures, Microsoft, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Disney, NBCUniversal, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, 20th Century Studios, and Cartoon Network.
8. Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
The STEM-designated School of Animation and Visual Effects at Academy of Art University (AAU) is home to StudioX, where students have the opportunity to work on real films being produced for streaming platforms, theaters, and television. Past productions include Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, and THEEB. AAU also provides 24/7 remote access to rLab, and programs leading to a certificate or AA, AAS, BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Animation and Visual Effects. Emphasis areas include 2D Animation; 3D Animation; 3D Modeling; Stop Motion; Storyboarding; and Visual Effects. AAU graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Riot Games, Sony Pictures Animation, Weta FX, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Marvel, Google, and LAIKA.
9. California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California
The School of Art at California State University, Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach or CSULB) has several paths to study animation. Options include a multidisciplinary Art BA with an option in Studio Art; an Art BFA with Animation and Pre-production tracks; the Cinema BA with a Post-Production track; and an Art MFA with a Studio Art concentration and Illustration/Animation track. Across programs students benefit from industry partnerships, guest lecturers, and professional internships. Programs culminate with an animated film or studio project. Graduates are routinely hired with partners such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Cartoon Network, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Sony Pictures Animation.
10. California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California
The College of the Arts at California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton or CSUF) houses the Department of Visual Arts. Within the department is an Art BFA program with concentrations in Entertainment Art and Animation (EAA), and Game Art, Animation, and Immersive Media (GAAIM). Programs feature collaborative projects, professional internships, and a culminating capstone experience that focuses on career path development and portfolio-building in animation, game art, immersive media (VR/AR/XR), and virtual production. Program alumni go on to land roles at places such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Activision Blizzard, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros. Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Cartoon Network, and Sony Pictures Animation.
11. Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, California
The Animation BFA program at Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is the school’s largest major. Students in this studio-focused program may choose between two tracks: Character Animation or Experimental Animation. An Animation minor is also available. All students benefit from industry partnerships with major studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, Epic Games, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. The program culminates with a thesis film, completed across three courses. Graduates are routinely hired by LCAD industry partners. Additional examples include Disney, LAIKA, Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Bros., Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and South Park Digital Studios.
12. Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California
The School of Film and Television (SFTV) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is home to the Walter and Grace Lantz Undergraduate Animation BA program. This was the nation’s first program to build a motion-capture lab with courses in virtual cinematography (production method used in the film Avatar) and pre-visualization. This Animation BA program features opportunities to complete an internship with partners such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Disney, HBO, and Netflix. Students also benefit from faculty-led study abroad experience experiences in places such as Kyoto, Paris, Amsterdam, and Seoul. The BA program culminates with the Senior Thesis Project/Production course worth three credit hours.
Graduates have gone on to create animated series such as Johnny Bravo (1997- 2004, Cartoon Network) or to work on major productions and series such as Superman, The Simpsons, and Wonder Woman.
Alumni have also been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Warner Bros., Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Animation, and Nickelodeon.
13. Chapman University, Orange, California
Chapman University (Chapman) is home to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts (Dodge College) which houses the Animation and Visual Effects BFA (AVE BFA) program. Students in this competitive program benefit from master classes, workshops, and mentoring by award-winning actors and directors such as Natasha Lyonne and Jon Batiste; interactions with guest speakers such as Oliver Stone, Michelle Yeoh, and Judd Apatow; access to state-of-the-art production facilities modeled after Disney, Microsoft, and Google production studios; internships with studios such as Pixar, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks; and participation in student clubs such as the Chapman Animation and Visual Effects Club and the Virtual Reality/AR Club. Graduates can be found at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Marvel, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, DNEG, Bento Box Entertainment, PlayStation, and Netflix.
14. California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
The College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department are three paths to study animation including the Art BA, MA, and MFA. The BA has an Animation option, while students in the MA program can customize a concentration in areas from animation to studio arts. The MFA has a Design option, which includes Animation and Visual Communication. Across degrees, students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, internship opportunities, and the study abroad program. All programs culminate with a final project and presentation, exhibit, or screening. Graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Cartoon Network, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Riot Games, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, and Lionsgate Entertainment.
15. Woodbury University, Burbank, California
The School of Media: Culture: Design at Woodbury University (Woodbury) has Animation and VFX BFA program that focuses on visual effects, 2D and 3D animation, and stop-motion. This STEM-designated program also features courses taught by industry professionals; access to state-of-the art production facilities and studios; individual projects with instructors; skills development in additional areas through electives; and a required internship at places such as DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, and Walt Disney Imagineering, among others. The program culminates with a film project to be screened at the Animation and VFX Showcase in Woodbury’s campus theater. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as Disney, Netflix Animation, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, and 20th Century Studios.
16. California State University Northridge, Northridge, California
California State University Northridge (CSUN) houses the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication (MCCAMC or Mike Curb College). Within the college is an Art BA program with three tracks including 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Game Design. The Game Design track builds on 3D computer animation coursework, so all options are suitable for aspiring animators. Program highlights include partnerships with studios such as DreamWorks and Disney; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships; and interactions with industry insiders through lectures and workshops. The Art BA culminates with an animated work or game. Graduates have been hired at places such as Pixar, Nickelodeon, Riot Games, Disney, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, and Warner Bros.
17. New York Film Academy Los Angeles, Burbank, California
New York Film Academy Los Angeles (NYFA Los Angeles) provides several paths to study animation. Options include BFA and MFA degrees in 3D Animation and VFX, and a 3D Animation and VFX certificate that can be applied to the BFA or MFA with advanced standing. Highlights across programs include hands-on production workshops on the Universal Studios backlot in the Burbank; ready-to-use film and television sets; and guidance from faculty with ties to studios such as Disney, Universal, DreamWorks, and Netflix. Graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, NBCUniversal, Digital Domain, Riot Games, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Bad Robot.
18. California State University, Chico, Chico, California
Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD) at California State University, Chico (Chico State) is one of the largest programs of its kind and the school’s ninth largest major. Housed in the College of Communication and Education (CME) and leading to a BS, the CAGD program allows students to focus in Animation, CGI, or Game Development and/or minor in 3D Digital Modeling and Environments; Computer Animation; or Video Game Design. Other program highlights include state-of-the-art labs, studios and workshops, including an in-house motion capture studio; internships with major studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as the London and Thailand. The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates have been hired at places such as Epic Games, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Weta FX, and Zynga.
19. University of Silicon Valley, San Jose, California
University of Silicon Valley (USV) has a Digital Art and Animation (DAA) BA program that can be completed on campus or 100% online. Students in the program will work their way through the full animation and visual effects (VFX) pipelines alongside accomplished industry professionals. Other program highlights include opportunities to work in teams with real clients on real projects through USV’s MediaWorks Studios. The culminating experience for the program is a professional film to be screened at national and international film festivals. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Apple, DreamWorks, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Activision Blizzard, Google, Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Marvel, NVIDIA, Cisco, Intel, Netflix, Meta, RK Films, Adobe, OpenAI, and TikTok.
20. California State University, Fresno, Fresno, California
The School of Art, Design and Art History at California State University Fresno (Fresno State) houses an Art BA program with an Animation option. Students can select from three emphasis areas including, 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Intermedia. All students benefit from opportunities to complete individual and collaborative projects; professional internships; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; courses taught by industry professionals; and partnerships with companies such as Adidas and E & J Gallo Winery. The program culminates with a final project. Graduates have been hired at places such as Pixar, Sony, DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, and Nickelodeon.