| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brigham Young University | Utah |
| 2 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 3 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 4 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 5 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 6 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 7 | East Tennessee State University | Tennessee |
| 8 | Middle Tennessee State University | Tennessee |
| 9 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 10 | Ohio University | Ohio |
| 11 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | New York |
| 12 | California State University, Chico | California |
| 13 | University of North Carolina, Wilmington | North Carolina |
| 14 | Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis | Indiana |
| 15 | Grand Valley State University | Michigan |
| 16 | Kent State University | Ohio |
| 17 | Bradley University | Illinois |
| 18 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma |
| 19 | Alfred State College | New York |
| 20 | Eastern Michigan University | Michigan |
| 21 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | Louisiana |
| 22 | Missouri State University | Missouri |
| 23 | Western Oregon University | Oregon |
| 24 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Arizona |
| 25 | Huntington University | Indiana |
For our undergraduate degree rankings, we have evaluated animation schools and programs with the best Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Science (BS) options. To determine which degree matches your career goals, it is important to understand how each qualification differs.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is the principal liberal arts degree. Most BA programs require 30-some or 40-some credits, which leaves plenty of flexibility in the form of free electives. BA students can use the free electives to sample widely from other course offerings or to earn an additional credential (a second major, a minor, or some combination of additional credentials).
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is offered in areas such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, and each of the natural sciences. The BS is best suited to the student who wants to focus more on courses in the major and on 'collateral' courses (like chemistry or mathematics for a major in Geological Sciences) and is willing to give up some of the flexibility of the BA in return for the greater focus.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is considered the most prestigious bachelor's degree that you can receive in the visual arts. This option is for students who wish to gain as much experience and skill in the arts as possible.
Brigham Young University’s (BYU) College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences houses the Department of Computer Science, which has a Computer Science BS with an Animation and Games Specialization. This limited enrollment program accepts just 42 students per enrollment period. Consisting of 77-80.5 credit hours, the program explores animation, computer graphics, video game production, programming, software engineering, visual effects, user interfaces, and more.
Other program highlights include opportunities to work on personal projects and group projects; participation in the internship and study abroad programs; and the development of a portfolio of the students best work.
Graduates of the Animation Programs at Brigham Young University go on to establish successful careers at studios such as Blizzard, DreamWorks, Disney, Sony, Digital Domain, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon, Riot Games, and many others.
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses an Entertainment Design Program with three tracks: Animation, Concept, and Game Design. Programs lead to a BS.
The Entertainment Design BS with an Animation Track explores lighting, character animation, modeling, storyboarding, and art direction. Course examples for the program include 2D Fundamentals, 2D Mechanics, Concept Art, Shorts, Design History of Comic Animation, CG Mechanics, Storyboard, Science & Technology, and Entertainment Design Industry.
BS students will complete one of three business courses (Business 101, Business, or Entrepreneurship), or Professional Practices as well as three Capstone Production courses and a 5th Term Portfolio Review. The Entertainment Design BS with an Animation Track requires 132 units to graduate.
ArtCenter College of Design graduates are prepared for positions within the entertainment industry such as Animator, Modeler, Digital Artist, Production Designer, and Storyboard Artist. ArtCenter graduates have been hired at Amazon, DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network, Google, Netflix, Paramount, Marvel, Rockstar Games, Ogilvy, Sony Pictures Animation, and Universal Creative, among others.
Full Sail University’s (Full Sail) Computer Animation Program has online and on-campus options. Leading to a BS, the distance learning option takes 29 months to complete, while the campus option takes just 20 months to complete. Students in both programs will learn how to navigate the same production pipeline used in today’s major studios. Course examples include 3D Animation I-II, Visual Development, Industry Production, Technical Animation, and Character Rigging.
All Full Sail animation students are required to take two professional development seminar courses and seven project and portfolio courses covering 3D arts and computer animation. Professional development courses provide the opportunity for students to explore the computer animation industry, while learning to build their personal brand. Professional development courses are enhanced by industry guest speakers. Project and portfolio courses highlight hands-on, project-based learning, independent study, and portfolio development.
Full Sail University graduates have been credited on more than 45 Grammy-nominated projects; 2022 blockbusters such as Top Gun: Maverick, Thor: Love and Thunder, Lightyear, Jurassic World: Dominion, and Minions: The Rise of Gru; and other productions and series such Ms. Marvel, Stranger Things 4, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses the Visualization Program, which has a BS in Visualization Program.
Established in 1989 the TAMU Visualization Program is cross-disciplinary, allowing students to explore interaction, art, design, visualization, and computer graphics. Students at all levels may focus in an area of emphasis. Options for BS students include Animation and Virtual Production, Media Art, Interactive Design, Game Creation, and Visual Computing.
Students in all TAMU Visualization programs have the opportunity to participate in the Annual Career Fair, the Semester Away Program in Italy, Germany, and other countries, and the TAMU Internship Program. The supervised undergraduate internship spans 15 weeks and 600 hours, and students earn six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have completed internships at animation, game, and graphic design companies.
Texas A&M University Visualization graduates will leave the program with a polished portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are routinely hired for positions at major studios. Examples include DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Reel FX Animation Studios.
Purdue University (Purdue) houses Purdue Polytechnic Institute (Purdue Polytechnic). Within the Institute is the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT), which has a CGT BS with a Major in Animation or Animation and Visual Effects.
The CGT BS/Animation Program focuses on Character Rigging, Motion, Lighting, 3D Modeling, Rendering, and Texturing. Using the same software used in the animation industry, such as Maya and Autodesk, BS students will create animations, games, films, and other related productions.
The CGT BS/Animation and Visual Effects explores areas such as Animation, Computer Rendering, Audio, Special Effects, Video, and Digital Lighting. Visual Effects at Purdue is a STEM-based discipline, so students will also take courses in Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry. The animation business is also explored, including coursework in marketing, management, business writing, and entrepreneurship.
Graduates of Purdue University’s CGT BS/Animation and Animation and Visual Effects Programs are routinely hired at studios such as Walt Disney and DreamWorks. Some graduates go on to teach at schools such as Animation Mentor, while others have launched their own studios and freelance businesses.
Drexel University houses the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, home to the Animation and Visual Effects BS Program and the Dual Animation and Visual Effects BS/Digital Media MS. The Dual BS/MS consists of coursework and projects in animation, 3-D modeling, interactivity, gaming, advanced digital design, and digital media history, theory, and methods. This program requires a minimum of 232 credit hours to graduate.
Drexel University has one of the nation’s top cooperative (co-op) education programs, so students in all degree programs have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience prior to graduation. During the junior year of undergraduate programs, students will spend six months working full-time in the industry. Positions may be paid or unpaid. Dual BS/MS students will participate in three co-op experiences in the second, third, and fourth years of study.
The Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) Program provides instruction and hands-on training in 3D modeling, character design, scripting and storytelling, motion capture, compositing, storyboarding, and rigging. Students apply the skills they have learned to co-op positions in animation, visual effects, technical direction, and 3D at Cartoon Network, Pixar, Sony Studios, FuseFX, and MediaKraft TV, among others.
Graduates of the Animation/VFX and Digital Media Programs at Drexel University work in a variety of positions at major companies and studios such as Disney, Microsoft, XBOX, DreamWorks, NCSoft Corp., and Pixar.
The Digital Media (DIGM) Department at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredited program that provides the opportunity to study animation. Housed in the College of Business and Technology, the Department emphasizes hands-on learning and technical skills development. Students in all DIGM programs will learn and work in the Niswonger Digital Media Center and the Millennium Center—a shared space with the ETSU Computing Department.
Specific BS options for animators include the Digital Media BS with a Digital Animation Concentration. Students will complete 28 credit hours of study in the concentration out of the 120 required credits to graduate. Course examples for the program include Digital Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Digital Game Design, 3D Animation, Effects Animation, Character Animation, Technical Direction, High-Fidelity Modeling for Entertainment, Visual Effects Compositing, and Raster-Based Imaging. DIGM BS students will also complete several projects and a professional portfolio of their work during the final course in the program—Portfolio Development for Digital Media.
Graduates of the ETSU BS Digital Media/Digital Animation are well-positioned for careers in 2D or 3D animation, technical direction, motion graphics, and character animation, among others. Graduates are also prepared to pursue an advanced degree at ETSU or other university. Graduates of the DIGM Programs at East Tennessee State University have worked on productions and games such as Kung Fu Panda, World of Warcraft, The Last Jedi, The Walking Dead, Thor: Ragnarok, Halo, and Charlie Brown. Program alumni are Animators, Technical Directors, Modelers, Advertising Designers, Level Designers, Game Artists, VFX Artists, 3D Artists, and Compositors. They work at studios big and small such as Ubisoft Red Storm, Luma Pictures, Idol Minds, and Volition.
The Animation Program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Housed in the College of Media and Entertainment’s Department of Media Arts, the program is designed for artists seeking a career in character animation, visual effects, motion graphics, virtual production, video games, or visualization. Students may enroll in the Animation BS Program or the 18 credit hour Animation Minor.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the Animation BS includes courses such as 2D Animation, History of Animation, Visual Effects, Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering, Motion Graphics, Animation Mechanics, Character Modeling and Rigging, Bodies in Motion, and Animation Preproduction. Professional Practices in Animation and Animation Capstone I &II are also part of the program curriculum. The Capstone consists of an original animated short film that will be submitted to film and animation festivals locally, nationally, and around the world.
The Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University has a Computer Science BS (BS/CS) Program with a Combined Major in Media Arts. This 137 semester hour program explores animation and traditional and emerging areas such as VR/AR, artificial intelligence (AI), human-computer interaction (HCI), video, computer graphics, photography, and database design. Specific animation and related courses include Animation 1-3, Character Design for Animation, Virtual Environment Design, Animation for Games, Experimental Video, Color and Composition, Experience and Interaction, Movement and Time, and Computer Graphics.
In addition to heavy animation coursework, program benefits include courses taught by professionals in the industry, global experiences, and plenty of co-op and experiential learning experiences. Northeastern University has established relationships with co-op employers such as Sony, Walt Disney Company, Microsoft Studios, CBS, Adobe, Zynga, MIT Design Lab, National Geographic Learning, Apple, NBC Universal Television, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Amazon, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Viacom.
Graduates of the BS/CS in Media Arts Program at Northeastern University go on to establish careers in animation, TV and film, game art and design, VR/AR, HCI, and digital media, among others. Alumni are Animators, Producers, Game Artists, Art Directors, Experience Designers, and Sound/Audio Designers.
The E.W. Scripps College of Communications at Ohio University (OU) houses the School of Media Arts & Studies, which has an Animation BSC. This program takes the place of the Games and Animation Emphasis Area, and it provides access to the new Advanced Animation Lab.
The new curriculum includes digital techniques for 2D and 3D animation; animation for film/TV, video games, and VR/AR; hybrid animation techniques; narrative storytelling in animation; motion graphics for video; preproduction and postproduction for animation; animation for visual effects; and sound design for animation. Coursework for the program is complemented by capstone projects, study abroad opportunities, industry internships and other experiences, and participation in student organizations.
Examples of industry experiences include OHIO-in-LA, where students will live and work in Hollywood; attendance at South by Southwest; Storytelling in Theme Parks, which includes all access tickets, workshops, speakers, and behind-the-scene tours at Walt Disney World; Animation and Culture in Tokyo, where students will explore Tokyo’s animation scene and culture; and the 48-Hour Shoot-Out where students have just two days to write, direct, and shoot polished 5-minute film.
Graduates of Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies are Animators, Motion Graphics Designers, 3D Artists, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Animation Production Assistants, Cinematic Artists, Video Editors, Multimedia Artists, Technical Artists, Art Directors, and Environmental Artists, among others.
The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) houses the Department of Art, home to the Electronic Arts (EART) Program. EART students have access to a number of pathways that provide opportunities to explore animation. For students interested in a BS degree, the Department has an EART BS with Concentrations in Animation and Algorithmic Art; Sonic Arts, Video, Performance and Social Practices; Integrated Visual Art; and DIY (Do It Yourself).
ALL EART Programs explore 3D Animation, Interactive Arts, Digital Imaging, and Graphic Storytelling. Animation and Algorithmic Art students will take courses such as 3D Animation, 3D Visual Effects, 2D Experimental Animation, Art and Code and Interactivity, Experimental Game Design, and Animation Production, among others. However, most concentrations offer some animation coursework.
Graduates of the EART Programs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as animation, television and film, game design and development, advertising, and education.
Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD) is one of the top 10 largest majors at California State University, Chico. Established in 1999 as the Applied Computer Graphics Program. The CAGD Program is housed in the College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management. Highlights for this 120-unit program include the opportunity to complete an internship, access to labs, workshops, and studios, and study abroad experiences in Germany and other destinations. The CAGD Program leads to a BS in CAGD.
CAGD BS students must choose an Animation Production or Game Development Option, and five courses from an Interdisciplinary Program Area. Options include Media Arts, Design, and Technology, Art Studio, and Computer Science. The Animation Production Option combines coursework in Art Studio or Communication Design, with Graphics and Animation. Both options explore game scripting, media arts design and technology, and computer science. Course topics may include 3D Animation and Character Animation, 3D Modeling, Motion Capture, Video Character Modeling, and Team Production Development.
Students in all CAGD Programs have access to the in-house motion capture studio, and they may participate in the student-run Computer Graphics Club (CGC). Chico State alumni work in game development, animation, CGI/VFX, or other areas at major studios such as Blizzard, Pixar, Epic Games, Zynga, Disney, Sony Imageworks, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), and WetaFX, among others.
The College of Arts and Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is home to the Computer Science (CS) Program. CS students can add a Digital Arts Concentration, which leads to a BS in CS/Digital Art. Consisting of 55 credit hours in the CS Core and 24 credit hours of study in the concentration the BS CS/Digital Arts Program includes courses such as Computer Networks, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering.
In the Digital Arts Concentration, students may take courses such as Computer Animation, Film Production, Digital Video Production, 3D Computer Graphics, Multimedia Systems, Graphic Design, and Tools & Literacy.
Graduates of the BS/CS Digital Arts Program at University of North Carolina Wilmington are prepared to pursue positions at animation, VFX, and game design studios; graphic design firms; companies that specialize in using VR/AR for entertainment, training, and education; video production companies; and places that utilize HCI such as theaters, galleries, and museums, architectural firms, and engineering companies.
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing & Engineering at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) has a Media Arts & Science Program with two undergraduate pathways to study animation: the Media Arts & Science BS with a 3D Graphics and Animation Specialization, and the 3D Graphics and Animation Minor.
The IUPUI Luddy School Media Arts & Science BS requires 120 credit hours of study. The Minor requires 15 credit hours. Examples of courses across programs include Advanced 3D Character Animation, 3D Compositing and Visual Effects, Stop-Motion Animation, Storyboarding for Multimedia, 2D Animation, Character Design and Animation, Digital Storytelling, Creature and Character Design for Videogames, Comics, Film, and Animation, Digital Effects, Design Issues in Digital Media, 3D Prototyping for Application in Medicine, Motion Graphics, Visualizing Information, and Stereoscopic Production and Display.
Students in the Luddy School IUPUI BS Program will complete the Career Planning, Portfolio Development, and Multimedia Project Development courses. While the Capstone Project Internship is strongly recommended, 3D Graphics and Animation students may complete the Mentorship or Bridge to Industry courses instead. Should a student choose the Capstone Project Internship, they will have the opportunity to develop a work in a professional setting to be presented at an exhibition.
Graduates of the Media Arts & Science/Animation Programs at IUPUI are 2D and 3D Animators, Technical Animators, Medical Animators, Compositors, Game Production Artists, Creative Directors, Digital Designers, Film Production Artists, Architectural Visualization Artists, Motion Graphics Artists, Visual Effects Artists, and AR/VR Designers. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) alumni have been hired at major studios such as Pixar Animation Studios, EA Sports, Digital Domain, Sony Pictures ImageWorks, and Rockstar Games.
Purdue School of Engineering & Technology at IUPUI houses the Department of Computer Information and Graphics Technology (CIGT), which has an additional program option for students who wish to pursue a career in animation. The Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) Program here features an Animation and Spatial Graphics plan of study consisting of 120 credit hours of study. This unique Track requires courses such as Computer Animation, Visual Effects in Film and Animation, Sketching for Visualization and Communication, Animation Preproduction, Production for Computer Animation, Motion for Computer Animation, Digital Lighting and Rendering for Computer Animation, Digital Post Production, and Raster Imaging for Computer Graphics.
CGT/Animation and Spatial Graphics students will have the opportunity to enhance the degree program through 25 required credit hours of selective and technical electives. A Career Enrichment Internship is part of the program as well as the Senior Design Project. Graduates of the CGT Program at IUPUI are prepared to pursue a variety of careers. Potential titles include 3D Animator, Motion Designer, Multimedia Designer, 3D Production Artist, Themed Attraction & Experience Designer, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, and Computer Graphics Trainer and Educator.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) houses the Department of Visual & Media Arts. An accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department serves nearly 700 students enrolled in five programs leading to ten different degrees. Students in all programs have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities designed for work in traditional and new media; experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study abroad, and field trips; visiting artists; and campus exhibition and independent study programs.
The Department of Visual & Media Arts at GVSU also has two pathways to study animation. One leads to a BS in Film and Video Production. The program explores animation, scriptwriting, film studies, sound design, new media, nonfiction, documentary, and fiction. BS students will also take Computer Information Systems, History or Statistics. All courses are taught by working professionals in the field.
Other program benefits include membership in several student organizations, the opportunity to present work at local screening events, and the opportunity to complete production projects for clients outside of the classroom.
GVSU Film and Video Production students have worked with or interned at DreamWorks Animation, Voyage Pictures, Contact Light Films, 52 Watt Studios, Match Frame Creative, A2 Creative, D-Squared Creative, Coastline Studios, M-1 Studios, Detroit Public Television, and Allied Productions, among others. Grand Valley State University alumni are often hired by many of these studios and firms.
The Animation Game Design (AGD) BS at Kent State University (Kent State) is part of the College of Applied and Technical Studies. The program has two separate concentration options: Animation or Game Design. Both concentrations require a minimum of 18 focused credits. All students will learn to create digital media works such as cartoons, virtual reality environments, digital and non-digital games, simulations, motion graphics, and 3D walkthroughs using industry software and technologies for traditional animation, 3D models, digital sculpting, and 2D graphics.
Animation students will take courses such as Character Animation, Real-Time Rendering for Animation, Animation Production and Visual Effects, and Solid Modeling. Students will also take a variety of art, design, and film & video courses. An Animation Project worth three credits is also required.
Graduates of the Kent State University AGD BS Program are prepared to seek positions in animation, 2D and 3D modeling, game design, technical illustration, production, and more. Program alumni have been hired at studios such as Epic Games, EA Games, and High Moon Studios.
The Animation Major at Bradley University provides the opportunity to begin animating during the first semester of the program. Leading to a BS, the degree also provides the opportunity to intern at places such as OneFire, Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center, Maui Jim, or the Boy Scouts of America. Other program benefits include off-campus study in Ireland, the Netherlands, or Los Angeles, and opportunities to show your work to the public at the Annual FUSE Exhibit.
BS students will take courses such as Storytelling for Animation, Drawing I-II, New Media Theory, Three-Dimensional Animation, Two-Dimensional Rigging for Animation, History of Animation, Scripting for Animators, Experimental Animation, and Interactive Media Practicum I-II. The culminating experience for the Bradley Animation Program is the Animation Capstone, which consists of two courses worth nine credit hours.
Graduates of the Animation Program at Bradley University are prepared for careers in all areas of animation. Recent Bradley graduates are working at Sony Pictures Imageworks, DNEG (formerly Double Negative), United Renderworks, MGM, Scientific Games, Float, Cutters Studios, and ArtSkills. Program alumni have also gone on to pursue graduate degrees in animation, computer science, creative writing, and many other areas at major universities across the country.
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) has two BS degrees for students seeking a science and math-based degree in Animation. The first option, the Gaming & Animation BS, requires foundation, core, major, and elective coursework, including 54 hours in the major. G&A BS students must also complete a Minor in an area such as Art, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, General Business, Music, or Marketing Management. Business, Programming, and Game Technology and Production are also major components of the program, and students may enhance the degree by selecting electives in an additional specialized area. Examples include Illustration, Audio for gaming, or Digital Painting.
To graduate, all Gaming & Animation BS students will complete the Gaming + Animation Capstone and one of two business courses: The Business of Branding Yourself or Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.
The second option, the Computer Science BS with Gaming and Animation, consists of heavy coursework in programming (I, II and languages), software engineering (practices, tools, ethics, and projects), and game programming (Unity and Unreal). Math, business, and technical writing are also major components of the program. CS BS students will also complete 15 hours of gaming and animation coursework, Team Experience I-II, and electives such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cryptography, Computer Simulation, and Mobile Application Development.
All OC Animation Programs provide access to Cox Digital Art Lab, Kicker Audio Lab, Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab, and Baugh Motion Capture Lab. Courses for all programs are taught by experienced professionals in the animation, games, and technology industries.
Graduates of the Oklahoma Christian University BS Programs are prepared to pursue careers in gaming, animation, and computer science, as well as industries that use 3D animation such as architecture, healthcare, education, and life sciences.
Alfred State College (Alfred State) houses the School of Architecture, Management & Engineering Technology, home to the Department of Digital Media and Animation (DMA) and the DMA BS Program. Consisting of 123 credit hours, the DMA BS features access to traditional studio spaces and computer labs, as well as virtual reality, 3D sculpting, and video and sound production studios. Course example for the program include Digital Foundations, Visual Communication, Figure and Motion, 3D Animation, Survey of Animation & Visual Effects (VFX), Motion Graphics, 2D Animation, Advanced Modeling, Production I-II, Film, and Interactive Media.
During the final year of the Alfred State DMA BS Program, students will complete Senior Seminar (three credits), Senior Studio I, Senior Studio Project II, and the Portfolio Course.
Graduates of the Alfred State College DMA Programs are prepared to pursue graduate study or employment in the animation, film, interactive media, or digital imaging industries. Some DMA graduates go on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic College at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and home to the School of Art & Design. Five undergraduate majors, three minors, and three graduate programs are available. For animators, the School of Art & Design has a Simulation, Animation, and Gaming (SAG) BS Program.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the multidisciplinary SAG BS serves 138 students. The program combines traditional art disciplines, writing, and story development with coursework in animation, illustration, rigging, lighting and camera techniques, graphics for simulation, and game development tools such as Unity.
Specific animation courses include Simulation and Animation Dynamics, Historical and Contemporary Approaches to Animation, Advanced Principles of Animation, Simulation, Animation and Gaming, 2D Animation, Vector Illustration for SAG, and SAG Movement. EMU SAG students will complete several studios and Senior Projects in SAG to graduate from the program.
Graduates of the Eastern Michigan University SAG BS Program are prepared to pursue positions in computer animation, special effects, storyboard art and design, games, concept art, character design and development, and graphic design, among others.
Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSUS) houses the Computer Science (CS) Department, which has a Digital and Interactive Design Concentration within the CS BS Program. CS students work and learn in technology-enabled classrooms and state-of-the-art labs dedicated to animation, bio-informatics, computer game development, and network security. Students in the LSUS CS Program also have the opportunity to rub elbows with representatives from companies such as Cisco, Kobus Technologies, and Ingalls during the Department’s monthly Lunch & Learn event.
Upon completion of the CS BS Program at Louisiana State University-Shreveport, students will graduate with a resume and a professional portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared for technical roles in the animation and visual effects industries.
The Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State University (MSU) houses the Department of Art and Design. In partnership with the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film, the Department of Art and Design has an Electronic Arts BS Program with an optional Computer Animation Studies Track.
Students in this program will complete 69 credits in the major, including 18 in Computer Animation Studies. Course examples include Animation I-V, Professional Practices in Computer Animation, Principles of Cinematography, and Editing for Film and Television. Students also have the opportunity to complete 18-21 credit hours of additional supporting electives. An Art Internship, Public Affairs Capstone, and BFA Art Senior Exhibition are also part of the program. Junior Portfolio Review, the Public Affairs Capstone, and Senior Project in Electronic Arts are also part of the BS Program.
Graduates of the Electronic Arts and Computer Animation Programs at Missouri State University Animation Program are prepared for careers in Animation/Computer Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Game Art, Design and Development, Television/Film, Advertising/Marketing, and Education, among others.
The Division of Creative Arts at Western Oregon University (WOU) provides a number of flexible degree programs with Concentrations in Video & Animation, Interactive Media, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Ceramics. The Creative Arts website states that students have the option to earn a BA or BS majoring in Art or Visual Communication Design. The Division also lists an Art BFA Program as well as Minors in Art, Art History, and Visual Communication Design (VCD).
All programs in WOU’s Division of Creative Arts begin with Art History, Drawing, and foundations in two-dimensional design and three-dimensional design. Examples of available courses include Video & Animation, Animation I-II, Advanced Crime Scene and Crash Diagramming (animation-based), Drawing & Illustration, Graphic Design, Creating Web-Based Tutorials (design using animation), Art History, Printmaking, Digital images & Photography, Web Design, and Special Topics.
Graduates of the Creative Arts Programs at Western Oregon University are prepared to pursue careers in animation for film, television, and games, forensic animation, medical animation, animation for advertising, architectural animation, animation for education and job training, and multimedia, among others.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Embry-Riddle) offers a unique program that fuses animation, games, simulation, and science. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (COAS) Department of Simulation Science, Games, and Animation (SSGA), the SSGA BS provides STEM- and project-based production courses that allow students to design animations, user experiences, virtual worlds, simulations, and more.
Course examples include Games Systems (Multiplayer, Mixed Reality), Digital Illustration, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), World Building I-IV (Modeling, Materials, Mechanics, Motion) Computer/Modeling Simulation, Artificial Intelligence, Interactive Media I-II, Game Design Workshop, and Graphics Processing. Students in this 125 credit hour program will also complete a final project across two Capstone courses during their senior year.
Graduates of the Embry-Riddle SSGA BS Program are prepared to pursue positions in gaming, animation, virtual training, software development, military and intelligence, education, healthcare, aviation, and high-tech manufacturing.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni have been hired at Blizzard Entertainment, Boeing, Microsoft, Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Office, ForgeFX Simulations, Mass Virtual, Win Reality Training Platform (baseball and softball), and Super League Gaming.
The Digital Media Arts Department at Huntington University (HU) provides a variety of Animation, Film, and Broadcasting Programs to dozens of student artists. For animators, the Department has two options: the Animation BS and the Animation Certificate. The Animation Certificate explores concept art, storyboarding, digital filmmaking tools, and 3D and motion graphics. Students can complete the program online in as few as 20 weeks.
The Animation BS Program at Huntington University has a unique component that allows students to work with real clients. The Junior Animation Studio Experience pairs student teams with local businesses to create public service announcements (PSAs) or promotional media. Past partners include the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Habitat for Humanity, and Conner Prairie: Indiana’s Living History Museum.
In addition to working with local partners, Animation BS students will have the opportunity to create a number of works to be presented at film festivals as well as participate in animation-related trips, both locally, nationally, and around the world, during J-term and Spring Break.
Courses for the HU Animation BS are taught by accomplished industry-professionals and explore 2D hand-drawn and stop-motion animation, storytelling, motion graphics, 3D modeling and sculpting, visual development, and 3D computer technology. Students in the program have open access to state-of-the-art studios and labs housed in the Martin Center for Digital Media Arts. Examples include traditional and stop motion labs, editing labs and a sound stage, green screen, Foley pit, and screening theater.
Classrooms and labs are equipped with professional workstations outfitted with industry-standard software, VR equipment, and 3D printing technology, allowing students to start animating in their very first semester.
Graduates of the Animation Programs at HU are prepared for careers in animation for television, film, advertising, medicine, law, architecture, and science; game design and development; education; job training; and more. Huntington University alumni have been hired at studios, networks, and companies such as DreamWorks Animation, Amazon, ABC-TV Network, Sweetwater Sound Inc., Fort Wayne Community Schools, the U.S. Army, Eli Lilly and Company, Youth for Christ, and Edward Jones.
