| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brigham Young University | Utah |
| 2 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 4 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 5 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 6 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 7 | Middle Tennessee State University | Tennessee |
| 8 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 9 | East Tennessee State University | Tennessee |
| 10 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | New York |
| 11 | Ohio University | Ohio |
| 12 | Indiana University Indianapolis | Indiana |
| 13 | Utah Valley University | Utah |
| 14 | California State University, Chico | California |
| 15 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Alabama |
| 16 | Bradley University | Illinois |
| 17 | Kent State University | Ohio |
| 18 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma |
| 19 | Alfred State College | New York |
| 20 | Missouri State University | Missouri |
| 21 | Huntington University | Indiana |
| 22 | Grand Valley State University | Michigan |
| 23 | Bowie State University | Maryland |
| 24 | Southern Arkansas University | Arkansas |
| 25 | Eastern Michigan University | Michigan |
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 (BYU) is home to one of the nation’s most competitive animation programs. Established in 2010, the BYU Center for Animation accepts just 20-25 students each year. Students may gain entrance to this closed-enrollment program through BYU’s Computer Science BS with an Animation and Games emphasis.
Throughout the BYU Center for Animation program, students will gain hands-on experience through individual and collaborative projects; faculty mentoring; and internships with major studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, and Disney. Students will also develop advanced design and software skills. In the junior or senior year of the program, students can specialize in anything from 3D animation to visual effects (VFX).
Housed in the Department of Computer Science in the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, the Computer Science BS (Animation and Games emphasis) is a limited enrollment program that accepts just 42 students per enrollment period. Consisting of 77-81.5 credit hours, the program explores animation, visual effects, software engineering, video game production, programming, computer graphics, user interfaces, and more.
Course examples for the program include Scripting for Animation; Real-Time Techniques; Animated Film Production 1-3; Materials and Surfacing; Photography for Animation; Computer Graphics; 3D Visual Effects; Previsualization; Visual Narrative; Digital Sculpting; Lighting for 3D; and Advanced Shading; and History of Animation.
The culminating experience for the program is the Film Animation Capstone project completed across several courses. Films are submitted to national and international competitions. BYU animation students have won awards and received recognition from the Nickelodeon Film Festival; ACM Siggraph; Cannes Film Festival; the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation; Annecy Film Festival; the Electronic Entertainment Expo; and Houston WorldFest.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Brigham Young University are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, game design and development, advertising, and many others. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Animation, Hasbro, Riot Games, and Digital Domain.
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) is a top employer of talent from major studios such as Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, Universal, Netflix, Marvel, Fox Pictures, and LAIKA. ArtCenter is also known for being one of the nation’s most innovative design schools. In the 1980s, the school became the first design institution in the U.S. to install computer labs. This helped pave the way for the digital design revolution.
Today, this 162-acre, private nonprofit design school prioritizes project-based learning in real-world settings; social impact initiatives; transdisciplinary studio (TDS) workshops; and industry partnerships.
For aspiring animators, ArtCenter College of Design has an Animation track within its Entertainment Design BS program. In this track will create animated films, as well as animations for interactive experiences and games. Through TDS workshops, students will have opportunities to collaborate with Illustration, Concept Design, and Game Design students utilizing the latest industry tools and techniques.
The curriculum for the program features courses such as Introduction to Entertainment Design; Design History of Comic Animation; CG Mechanics; Art of Research; Shorts 1-1; Performance as Art; Previsualization; 2D Fundamentals; Science and Technology; 2D Mechanics; Concept Art; Writing Studio; Modeling; Entertainment Design Industry; and Professional Practices.
In the final year of the program, all ArtCenter Entertainment BS students will complete the Capstone Production 1-3 and Portfolio 1-2 courses. Final projects will be displayed at the Grad Show exhibition, held in the heart of Old Town Pasadena at the Pasadena Convention Center and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The exhibition attracts industry professionals, recruiters, family, friends, and the public. ArtCenter College of Design alumni enjoy a 95% employment rate within one year after the Grad Show.
The College Station campus at Texas A&M University (TAMU) serves approximately 72,560 students, making it the largest campus by enrollment in the state and one of the largest public universities in the nation. One of the few American universities to have land-, sea- and space-grant designations, TAMU also houses one of the largest visual and performing arts colleges within a public university.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) is a multidisciplinary school that provides programs in film, visualization, production, dance, theater, and music. Established nearly 35 years ago, the PVFA Visualization program houses several programs for animators. These include BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization.
All options allow students to explore design, computer graphics, interaction, art, and visualization. Students at all levels may focus in an area of emphasis. Options for BS students include Animation and Virtual Production; Game Creation; Interactive Design; Media Art; and Visual Computing.
BS students will also work in project-based studios on courses that explore programming, art theory, technical skills, and the production pipeline. Course examples include Principles of Design 1-3; Digital Media; Art History; 2D Visualization Techniques; Scientific and Technological Developments in Visual Arts; Computing for Visualization I-II; and Visual Studies Studio 1-3.
BS students may also participate in the Field Study course or sign up for the TAMU Internship Program. This supervised work experience lasts 15 weeks for a total of 600 hours. TAMU Visualization students have completed internships at major animation studios, graphic design firms, and game development studios.
Across all TAMU Visualization programs, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and studios; courses taught by accomplished instructors; student organizations such as Texas Aggie Game Developers (TAGD), Women in Animation, and Viz Industry Fair (VIF); participation in the Annual Career Fair; and the Semester Away Program in Italy, Germany, and many other countries.
A capstone project serves as the culminating experience for the TAMU Visualization BS program. Graduates of the Visualization programs at Texas A&M University are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the entertainment industry, among others. Visualization graduates are routinely hired at major studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Reel FX Animation.
Full Sail University (Full Sail) provides immersive programs in the entertainment, media, art, and technology fields. To support its programs, the school houses a large Hollywood-style back lot; more than 110 state-of-the-art studios; collaborative production environments; professional-level recording and game studios; and live venues that host concerts, festivals, and other events. In addition, Full Sail operates on a 24-hour-a-day basis, with labs that take place at any time during the day or night.
All Full Sail programs emphasize project-based training, allowing students across majors to gain real-world experience before graduation. Full Sail students also have access to the Project LaunchBox, which provides software and tools to create projects, and a secure place to store student coursework and files. Project LaunchBox can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For students seeking an animation degree, Full Sail University has a Computer Animation BS program with two tracks: online and on campus. The online track takes 29 months to complete. The campus track takes just 20 months to complete. Curriculums are identical, so students in both programs will learn how to navigate the same production pipelines used in today’s major studios.
Course examples for the program include 3D Animation; Animation Production; Technical Animation; Motion Capture; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; Creative Presentation; Psychology of Play; Compositing and Scene Finishing; Industry Production; and Model Creation.
Students will also take two professional development seminar courses and seven project and portfolio courses covering computer animation and 3D arts. Additional professional development courses provide the opportunity for students to build their personal brand; interact with industry guest speakers; and learn about the innerworkings of the computer animation industry.
A Career Readiness course, completed in the final month of the BS program, allows students to create a strategy for approaching and engaging with potential employers. Throughout the course, students will create a targeted résumé, cover letter, and professional portfolio.
Full Sail University graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation, film and television, game design, and advertising. Graduates will also have the skills needed to pursue careers in growing industries for animators such as augmented reality, science, architecture, medicine, law, publishing, geographical information systems (GIS), education, aerospace, training, and data visualization.
Graduates have been hired to work with major studios, networks, companies, and agencies such as NASA, Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), ESPN, Google, Sony, Disney, HBO, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, the NFL, Universal Studios, MTV, Warner Bros., Insomniac Games, PBS, Meta, NASCAR, the WWE, and Unity Technologies.
More than 45 Full Sail University alumni were also credited on numerous 2024 Grammy-Nominated projects; 100 graduates were credited on many 2024 Academy Award films; and nearly 200 graduates were credited on shows presented at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition, Full Sale alumni have worked on previous award-winning productions such as Everything Everywhere All at Once; Jurassic World: Dominion, Minions: The Rise of Gru, and Lightyear, as well as Stranger Things 4, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ms. Marvel, among others.
Purdue University (Purdue) houses 10 academic colleges that provide degrees at all levels across all disciplines. Among the school’s 10 colleges is Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
Formally organized in 1964 as the School of Technology and known as Purdue Polytechnic, the institute serves more than 7,000 students at 11 locations across Indiana. With six academic departments, the Polytechnic is the college for Purdue’s Division of Military Science and Technology and its three ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs on campus.
One of the six departments of Purdue Polytechnic is the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT). Within the department is a CGT BS with a major in Animation and Visual Effects (ANFX).
Visual Effects at Purdue is a STEM-based discipline, so CGT BS ANFX students will take courses in calculus, physics, and trigonometry. The program also focuses on 3D modeling, computer rendering, digital lighting, video, motion, texturing, character rigging, and audio. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to create animated films, games, and other productions using industry software such as Autodesk and Maya. Students may also experiment with other types of animation software.
The CGT BS ANFX program requires 120 credit hours, including 39 major course credits, 15 credits of entertainment “selectives,” and 52 credits in other departmental requirements. The required 14 elective credits allow students to focus in different areas of animation, games, VFX, and more. Core course examples for the program include Visual Effects Introduction; Introduction to Computer Animation; Geometric Modeling for Visualization and Communication; Animation Foundations; Sketching for Visualization and Communication; Production for Computer Animation; and Computer Graphics Professional Practices II.
Graduates of Purdue Polytechnic’s CGT BS in Animation and Visual Effects are prepared to pursue positions in the animation and games industries, among others. Some graduates have gone on to work for studios such as Disney and DreamWorks, while others go on to teach, launch their own independent studios or freelance businesses, or apply to the CGT MS program.
Drexel University has one of the largest cooperative education programs in the U.S. allowing students to gain up to 18 months of work experience in their chosen field—all before graduation. Drexel University also houses one of the nation’s largest media arts and design colleges.
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design provides eighteen undergraduate majors, twenty-six undergraduate minors, and several STEM-designated and accelerated degree programs across the entertainment, visual art, media, design, and performing arts. In addition to the co-op program, which allows undergraduates to spend six months working full-time in the industry, students in all programs benefit from a studio-based curriculum; courses led by industry professionals; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios.
Examples include the 1200 square feet Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); computer labs outfitted with advanced graphics workstations; screening rooms; and the Immersive Research Lab for augmented reality, virtual reality, and immersive media projects.
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University (Drexel) has several undergraduate and dual degree paths to study animation including the Animation and VFX BS; the Animation and VFX BS/Digital Media MS; and the Digital Media and Virtual Production BS/Digital Media MS.
The Dual BS/MS programs consist of coursework and projects in animation, interactivity, gaming, 3D modeling, and digital design. The programs also explore digital media history, theory, and methods. Westphal dual BS/MS students can also participate in three co-op experiences in the second, third, and fourth years of study. Positions may be paid or unpaid.
Past co-op positions include animation, technical direction, visual effects (VFX), and 3D production work at places such as Cartoon Network, Pixar, 3FX Medical Animations, Sony Studios, Ingenuity Studios, and FuseFX.
The Animation and VFX BS program provides instruction and hands-on training in 3D modeling, storyboarding, character design, rigging, scripting motion capture, and storytelling. Animation electives allow students to specialize in an area such as VFX, motion capture, character performance, or organic modeling. Course examples for the program include Digital compositing; Computer Programming; Scripting for Animation and Visual Effects; Character Animation; Experimental Animation Lab; History of Modern Design; Organic Modeling; Audio Production and Post; and Spatial Data Capture.
In addition to the co-op program, Animation and VFX BS students can participate in Westphal’s Drexel LA program. During this experience, students will spend an entire summer living and working in LA alongside students in the Screenwriting, Film and Television, and Playwriting programs. Drexel LA students have held internships at Riot Games, BBC Worldwide Productions, Nerdist, and ImageMovers.
The Westphal Drexel Animation and VFX BS program culminates with the Digital Media Senior Project. Students will create works in teams in a simulated real-world production environment. Final projects will be presented during a Thesis Exhibition attended by industry professionals.
Graduates of the Animation/VFX and Digital Media programs at Drexel University are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the entertainment industry, game design and development, television production, advertising, and more. Program alumni have worked on projects such as The Mandalorian, How to Train Your Dragon 2, Ready Player One, and Avengers: Infinity War.
Graduates have also gone on to land positions in research and development in the fields of virtual reality, generative design, and real-time rendering solutions. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Pixar, XBOX, Disney, NCSoft Corp, and Microsoft.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is the largest producer of graduates in the Greater Nashville area and home to the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center—one the largest facilities of its kind on a college campus. MTSU is also home to the College of Media and Entertainment (CME). With a focus on news, storytelling, and entertainment, the CME is the only college of its kind.
Within the college is the Department of Media Arts—home to the Animation BS. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program provides access to the 80,000 square feet John Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, which houses animation and graphics computer labs; radio, television, and recording production facilities; and the Center for Innovation in Media.
The Department of Media Arts provides access to additional facilities such as a 40-foot Mobile Production Lab; five different studios; and numerous other labs. And with its own varsity team for live video production, the department provides plenty of opportunities for real-world, hands-on experiences and opportunities to work with virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR); 360-degree video production; and 3D projection mapping.
All MTSU Animation students have the opportunity to complete an internship in the recently launched MT IMAGINE Animation Studio, which produces high-end animated visuals for clients on a budget. Housed in the College of Media and Entertainment, the studio’s project-based, paid internships allow faculty, students, and even recent graduates to create content for real-world clients. Projects span the 2D and 3D animation, XR virtual production, and VR/AR fields.
Another component of the MTSU Animation program is the chance to volunteer at the annual SIGGRAPH conference. In 2023, 19 MTSU Animation students were accepted as volunteers and one was accepted as a team leader. These artists were among the nearly 300 students selected from over 100 universities worldwide for this coveted program.
The Animation BS is a 120 credit-hour program, including 76 credit hours in the major. Beginning in the first semester, students will explore traditional animation techniques through hands-on project opportunities. Students will gradually advance into coursework that covers advanced digital tools and techniques.
Course examples for the program include: Introduction to Media and Entertainment; Scripts for Media; 2D Animation I-II; Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering; Motion Graphics I-II; Visual Effects; Animation and Performance; Character Modeling and Rigging; Animation Mechanics; History of Animation; Art Appreciation; Film History; Animation Preproduction; and Professional Practices in Animation.
The MTSU Animation BS program culminates with the Animation Capstone, completed across two courses. The capstone consists of an original animated short that will be submitted to film and animation festivals around the world. This project will be centerpiece of the student’s final portfolio.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in entertainment (film, animation, television), game design and development, medical visualization, forensic recreation animation, AR/VR, advertising, publishing, architecture, education, and research. Program alumni have been hired at studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Cinesite, Pixel Magic, Titmouse, Pixomondo, WB Games, Tippett Studio, and Reel FX.
With its signature experiential learning model and more than 3,500 employer partners, Northeastern University prepares students for immediate employment across industries. The school has established solid relationships with co-op employers such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Microsoft Studios, Walt Disney Company, Lucasfilm, Viacom, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Universal Pictures, Sony, Amazon, Adobe, CBS, and Meta. Partnerships such as these are especially beneficial to students in Northeastern’s animation programs in Khoury College of Computer Sciences.
Established in 1982 and the nation’s first computer science college, Khoury College of Computer Sciences houses the Computer Science BS (CS BS) program with a combined major in Media Arts. Consisting of 134 credit hours, the CS BS explores animation; AR/VR, artificial intelligence (AI), human-computer interaction (HCI), and machine learning; and traditional disciplines such as computer graphics, video, database design, and photography.
Course examples for the program include Making with Video, Sound, and Animation; Virtual Environment Design; Animation Basics; Introduction to Immersive Media; Animation 1-3; Experimental Video; Making with Video, Sound, and Animation Tools; Computer Graphics; Character Design for Animation; Human Computer Interaction (HCI); Animation for Games; and Animation Tools. The CS/BS/Media Arts program culminates with the Media Arts Degree Project.
Graduates of the CAMD BFA and Khoury BS/CS programs at Northeastern University have found success in areas such as animation, TV and film, game art and design, VR/AR, XR, advertising, HCI, and digital media. Program alumni have been hired by many partner companies and studios such as Apple, Amazon, CNBC, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Dolby, NBC Universal, and Meta.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is home to the Digital Media (DIGM) Department. Part of the College of Business and Technology’s School of Marketing and Media, the department provides a Digital Media BS (DIGM BS). Program benefits include opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios; and accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The DIGM BS at ETSU has a Digital Animation concentration with 2D and 3D Pathways, and 20 credit hours of guided electives. Course examples for this 120 credit-hour program include Animation Fundamentals; Principles of Visual Effects and Motion Graphics; Character Animation; Topics in Digital Media History; Principles of Digital Animation; Principles of Visualization; Animation Fundamentals; Technical Communication; Principles of Digital Game Design; and Art History Survey.
2D students will also take Storyboarding; 2D Character Construction; and 2D Animation. 3D students will also take 3D Lighting and Rendering; 3D Animation; and Procedural Modeling and Effects Simulation. Although a minor is not required, some students elect to enroll in the Storytelling minor.
Throughout the ETSU DIGM BS program, students will complete several projects. The culminating experience for the program is the Portfolio Development for Digital Media course, which leads to a professional portfolio of the student’s best work.
Graduates of the DIGM BS program at East Tennessee State University are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, visual effects (VFX), character animation, game art and design, advertising animation, level design, modeling, compositing, and technical direction.
DIGM alumni have worked on productions and games such as Lord of the Rings; Avatar; The Last Jedi; The Peanuts Movie; World of Warcraft; Guitar Hero; Thor: Ragnarok; Halo 5; The Avengers; Kung Fu Panda III; Ice Age: Continental Drift; and The Walking Dead. DIGM graduates can also be found at places such as Luma Pictures, Red Storm Entertainment, and Deck Nine.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is one of the oldest technical universities in the U.S. In addition to being a leader in engineering and computer science programs, RPI focuses heavily on experiential learning through paid co-op experiences, summer research fellowships, and undergraduate research. This allows students enrolled in all RPI schools to gain real-world experience with major companies and organizations in New York and across the region.
The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an interdisciplinary Houdini Certified School that houses the Departments of Communication and Media; Arts; Science and Technology Studies; Economics; Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS); and Cognitive Science. Undergraduate programs for animators are housed in the Department of Art and the Department of GSAS.
Department of Arts program options include the BS in Electronic Arts. The Department of GSAS provides a BS in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences.
RPI is a designated New York State Center of Excellence in Digital Game Development. The school’s GSAS BS has six concentration options including Electronic Arts; Computer Science; Music; Writing; Cognitive Science; and Management. With a curriculum that focuses on the animated and visual components of games, the Electronic Arts concentration is ideal for animators.
The program provides advanced coursework in 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), character modeling, rendering, and lighting. Course examples for the program include 2D Experimental Animation; 3D Animation; Graphic Storytelling; Game Animation; 3D Digital Modeling; Animation Production; 3D VFX; Interactive Visualization; 3D Technical Direction; Art in Context; and Advanced Digital Imaging.
The GSAS BS program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute culminates with a final project and presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation, interactive simulation and visualization, and game design and development. Program alumni can also pursue graduate study in areas such as game design artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, and fine arts.
The Electronic Arts (EART) program at RPI focuses on theory and practice. All students have opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty. BS students may select from five concentrations including Animation and Algorithmic Art; Sonic Arts; Integrated Visual Art; Video, Performance and Social Practice; and DIY (Do It Yourself). All students (BS, PhD, and minor) have access to resources such as the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC), the Center for Deep Listening (CDL), the CRAIVE Lab, and the Emergent Reality Lab (ERL).
Across undergraduate programs students also have access to courses such as 2D Experimental Animation; Graphic Storytelling; 3D Animation; Interactive Arts Programming; Animation Production; Art and Coda and Interactivity; 3D Digital Modeling; Experimental Game Design; Advanced Digital 3D Projects; 3D VFX; Digital Imaging; Digital Filmmaking; Basic Drawing; and Introduction to Game Art.
The EART BS culminates with the Senior Thesis worth eight credit hours. Students will complete this final project across the Creative Seminar I and II courses. Upon completion, projects will be presented in a public exhibition designed and marketed by the students.
Graduates are prepared for to pursue careers as animators, game artists, storyboard artists, advertising animators, and educators, among others. Program alumni have been hired at companies and studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Microsoft, Hasbro, Amazon, Google, AMC Networks, IBM, Meta, The Creative Advantage, Branch VFX, 1st Playable, F2 System, Something Digital, and FDM Group.
Ohio University (OU) is home to the E.W. Scripps College of Communication. Within the college are five schools that provide a combination of major, minor, graduate, and certificate programs. Schools include Visual Communication (VisCom); Journalism (JOUR); Media Arts and Studies (MDIA); Communication Studies; and the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies (ECT).
Serving approximately 600 undergraduates, the Scripps School of Media Arts and Studies (MDIA) provides two paths to study animation including the Animation BS and the Media Arts Production BS. In partnership with the Warren School of ECT and the VisCom School, the School of Media Arts and Studies provides Communication Media Arts MFA.
For the BS programs, students have access to the Advanced Animation Lab and more than a dozen other state-of-the-art facilities, studios, and labs. Other program benefits include participation in student organizations; industry internships and other experiential learning experiences; study abroad opportunities; and capstone projects.
Examples of industry internships and experiential learning experiences include the 48-Hour Shoot-Out where students have just two days to write, direct, and shoot a polished 5-minute film; Animation and Culture in Tokyo, where students will explore Tokyo’s animation scene and culture; Storytelling in Theme Parks, which includes all access tickets, workshops, speakers, and behind-the-scene tours at Walt Disney World; OHIO-in-LA, where students have the opportunity to live and work in Hollywood; and attendance at (and possibly participation in) South by Southwest.
The Animation BS program at Ohio University requires 120 credit hours. Students will complete the Animation Core consisting of Animation Foundation and Animation I-II. Electives allow students to focus in an area of interest within Animation or take advanced courses. Electives examples include Animation III; Character and Production Design for Animation; Compositing; Special Topics in Games and Animation; Visual Storytelling; Animated Documentary Production; and Traditional Animation Techniques.
All Animation students will complete a capstone to graduate. For this culminating experience, students may select the Animation Capstone course or the Storytelling, Technology and Digital Media in Theme Parks course. The Animation Capstone is a semester-long portfolio project consisting of projects that utilize animation through all steps of the creative pipeline.
The Storytelling, Technology and Digital Media in Theme Parks course explores the technology, media design, and storytelling principles utilized in theme park development. Students will integrate different forms of media into a single immersive environment. This project includes one off-campus field trip.
The Media Arts Production BS at Ohio University is designed for students seeking careers in animation, game design, film and video, music, and social media, among others. For students seeking careers in animation, the program provides related coursework through requirements and electives. Examples include Animation Foundation; Global Animation; Animation I-II; Traditional Animation Techniques; Character and Production Design for Animation; Advanced Video Production; Special Topics in Games and Animation; Visual Storytelling; Sound for Moving Image I-I; The Craft of Editing; and Production in Los Angeles.
For the culminating experience, Media Arts Production students may select one from the following options: Advanced Screenwriting for Film; Advanced Narrative Production Credit Hours; Nonfiction Storytelling and Documentary Production; Advanced Digital Video Postproduction; and Media and Web Delivery.
Graduates of the School of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University are prepared to pursue titles such as Animator, Motion Graphics Designer, 3D Artist, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist, Animation Production Assistant, Cinematic Artist, Video Editor, Multimedia Artist, Technical Artist, Art Director, and Environmental Artist.
Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) is the only R1 university in Indianapolis. Located in downtown Indianapolis, the school is considered a leader in STEM, healthcare, arts and humanities, artificial intelligence, data science, and business. The university’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering houses many of these programs. This includes a customizable Media Arts and Sciences BS (MAS BS).
For students seeking a shorter program, the school has minors in 3D Graphics and Animation; Game Design and Development; and Studio Art and Technology. A Virtual Production certificate is also available. Minors are 15 credit hours and the certificate is 18 credit hours.
All degree, minor, and certificate programs provide access to access to state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and other facilities, and courses that explore topics such as animation, special effects, augmented and virtual reality (VR/AR), 3D modeling, and production. Students also benefit from hands-on classroom projects.
The customizable MAS BS allows students focus on one or more specializations. Options include 3D Graphics and Animation; Video Production and Sound Design; Game Design and Development; Digital Storytelling; and Web Design and Development.
Across all specializations, students have access to many animation courses. For example, Digital Storytelling students may take courses such as 2D Animation; Directing Visual Narratives; Stop Motion Animation; Interactive Design; and Advanced 2D Animation. The 3D Graphics and Animation focus includes courses such as include 3D Animation; Compositing and Visual Effects; 3D Character Development; Motion Graphics; and Advanced 3D Character Animation.
Game Design and Development students may take courses such as 2D Animation; Character Design and Animation; Virtual World Design and Development; Storyboarding for Multimedia; and Digital Painting. Students in all specializations may also participate in the study abroad experience in Greece.
The core for the MAS BS program also requires the Multimedia Project Development, Career Planning, and Portfolio Development courses. To graduate, students will have the option to complete the Capstone Project Internship, Mentorship, or Bridge to Industry course. Final projects culminate with an exhibition.
Graduates of the MAS BS program at Indiana University Indianapolis are prepared to pursue positions in the film/TV/animation, games, multimedia, and advertising industries, well as emerging areas for animators such as science, medical, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), engineering, and legal.
Sample job titles include 2D and 3D Animator, Game Artist, Film Production Artist, Technical Animator, Creative Director, Forensics Animator, AR/VR Designer, Motion Graphics Artist, Medical Animator, and Game Artist.
Indiana University Indianapolis alumni have been hired at companies and studios such as Rockstar Games, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Pictures ImageWorks, Gearbox Software, Owlchemy Labs, Half Full Nelson, HTC (Taipei, Taiwan), Vision3 Interactive, and Pipeworks Studios.
Utah Valley University (UVU) follows a dual-mission model that combines university and vocational community college programs. This means, UVU students have many opportunities to engage in hands-on learning at companies and studios near Utah’s tech epicenter—Silicon Slopes.
Utah Valley University is also home to Scott M. Smith College of Engineering and Technology (CET). Serving more than 6,700 students, Smith CET provides over 120 degree programs across 11 technology and other departments. Led by more than 450 faculty and staff, the Smith CET engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).
Among the college’s departments is the Digital Media (DGM) Department. Within the department is an Animation and Game Development program featuring courses taught by professional animators and game producers from places such as DreamWorks Animation and Electronic Arts (EA). Leading to a BS, the Animation and Game Development program also provides opportunities for students to participate in associations and Animation and Game conferences.
Examples include the Digital Animation and Games Association (DAGA); Immerse Global Summit; the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference; and the Game Developers Conference. Participation allows students to network and stay current with industry trends.
The Animation and Game Development BS has two tracks: 2D and 3D. Both options require 120 credit hours, including 35 credits in general education, 40 credits in the discipline core, and 45 credits in the track. Discipline core examples include 3D Modeling and Animation; Digital Media for Intercultural Communication; Advanced Character Rigging; Animation and Game Production Lab I-II; Animation Story Development; Digital Lecture Series; Animation I Lab; and Character Development.
Recognized as an Animation Center of Excellence by Toon Boom, the cohort-based 2D track focuses on animation, compositing, and character rigging. Course examples include Animation Essentials Lab; Digital Storyboarding; Advanced Technical Direction I-II; Concept Essentials; Technical Design and Direction; Performance Animation; Introduction to Compositing; Studio Technology Essential; and Digital Media Essentials.
The 3D track focuses on modeling, rigging, and scripting. Students in this track will take many of the same courses for the 2D track, as well as Scripting for Animation and Games I-II; Fundamentals of Programming; Game Development I-IV; and Intermediate Scripting. 3D students will produce group and individual titles throughout the program.
The culminating experience for the Animation and Game Development BS at UVU is the Senior Capstone. All students will develop real-world projects, individually and as part of a team, in consultation with a faculty advisor. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits towards graduation.
Graduates of the Animation and Game Development BS program at Utah Valley University are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of animation, game design and development, television production, film and video, user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design, advertising, social media, architecture, graphic design, science, aerospace, medicine, legal, government, health, education, and research.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Amazon, Gearbox Software, Northrop Grumman, Tektonux, and ArenaNet.
California State University, Chico (Chico State) is home to one of the nation’s largest Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD) program. The program is also the ninth largest major at Chico State, which provides more than 120 undergraduate options. Established in 1999 as the Applied Computer Graphics Program, the CAGD program is housed in the College of Communication and Education’s (CME) Department of Computer Animation and Game Development.
Launched in 1992, the CME houses a total of nine departments that focus on career preparation, collaborative opportunities, innovative teaching methods, and research. Students in the 120-unit CAGD program have the option to major in Animation or Game Development. The program also has an interdisciplinary requirement with three selections including Media Arts, Design, and Technology; Computer Science; and Art Studio. Students must choose one area. To enhance the degree, students can add a minor such as Video Game Design or Applied Computer Graphics.
Leading to a BS, the 120 credit-hour CAGD program provides the opportunity to participate in the student-run Computer Graphics Club (CGC). Students also have access to state-of-the-art labs, studios and workshops, including an in-house motion capture studio. Other program benefits include study abroad experiences in places such as the UK, Thailand, and Antigua, and internship opportunities with local or national studios.
The 33 credit-hour CAGD Animation major combines coursework that covers formal processes; industry-standard techniques and tools; and 3D animation, game production, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) pipelines. Course examples include Digital Animation; Virtual and Physical Cameras Applications; Computer Animation; 2D and 3D Design; Interactive Storytelling in Video Games; Scripting and Programming for Computer Graphics; 3D Character Animation; Writing for Screen Media; Advanced Animation Pre-Production and Story Development; Technical CGI; and Motion Capture.
The culminating experience for the CAGD BS program at Chico State is the final project and senior portfolio. Students will work in teams to create animations, video games, and 3D experiences in a real-world studio environment. Students are required to formally present their final portfolios.
Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced technical and creative roles in the entertainment industry, game design and development, television and media, advertising and marketing, web design, defense (simulation), medical, architecture, business, and education.
Chico State alumni have been hired at major studios such as Sony Imageworks, Disney, Pixar, Zynga, Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, WetaFX, 2K Games, Crystal Dynamics, and Super Alloy Interactive. Students also work in other industries such as defense (simulation), advertising and marketing, television and media, web design, medical, architecture, construction, ad business.
University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is a Carnegie R1 university. Less than 200 institutions in the U.S. hold this designation, which means the school has the highest level of research activity. As an R1 university, UAH provides opportunities for students to work on research projects with NASA, the U.S. Army, and many other vital organizations.
UAH is also home to the College of Sciences, which houses the Department of Computer Science. Within the department is a technology-based program for animators looking to develop advanced technical and creative skills. Fully accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the UAH Computer Science BS (CS BS) has an Entertainment Computing concentration that consists of 120 credit hours. This includes 18 credit hours in the concentration.
Course examples for the program include Introduction to Animation; Animation - Organic Modeling; 3D Animation; Animation - Technical Arts; Animation - Visual Story Development; Animation - Concept Art; Introduction to Multimedia Systems; Advanced Computer Graphics; Fiction Writing; Artificial Intelligence and Game Development; Music Technology; Graphic Design - Web User Experience; and Special Topics in Communication Arts.
The CS BS/Entertainment Computing program at University of Alabama in Huntsville culminates with the Senior Project: Team Software Design course, worth three credits. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, games, advertising, visualization, graphic design, simulations, web design, architecture, research, and education, among others.
Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at Bradley University (Bradley) is home to the Department of Interactive Media (IM), which provides an Animation BS that focuses on the 12 principles of animation and how they are utilized in procedural animation, stop-motion, character animation, and previsualization. Students will master storyboarding, shading, compositing, rigging, texturing, modeling, lighting, and scripting through immersive studios and projects.
Courses and mentoring for the program are led by professional faculty who have worked on productions such as Thor: Dark World, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Rise of the Guardians. Course examples include Drawing I-II; Principles of Animation; Issues in New Media Theory; Storytelling for Animation; Two-Dimensional Animation I-II; Experimental Animation; Interactive Design; History of Animation; Scripting for Animators; Two-Dimensional Rigging for Animation; and Interactive Media Practicum I-II.
Other Animation BS program features include the opportunity to begin animating in the first semester of the program; internships at places such as the Boy Scouts of America, Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center, OneFire, and Maui Jim; Study abroad experiences in Ireland or the Netherlands; off-campus study in Los Angeles; and opportunities to present works to the public at the Annual FUSE Exhibit.
The culminating experience for the Bradley Animation BS program is the Animation Capstone completed across two courses totaling nine credit hours. Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate studies or careers in areas such as animation, film and video, television production, game art and design, and advertising. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, DNEG, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), UR Studio, Scientific Games, ArtSkills Inc., and Cutters Studios.
The College of Applied and Technical Studies (CATS) at Kent State University (Kent State) has partnered with Intel to lead a network of 13 other Northeastern Ohio colleges and universities to prepare students to join the growing workforce of professional semiconductor engineers. CATS plans to accomplish this (in part) through the more than 35 undergraduate programs, seven minors, and 19 certificate programs it provides. Examples include Engineering Technology, Technical and Applied Studies, and Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology.
In addition to engineering, CATS has a range of programs for students seeking careers that combine technical and creative skills. For animators, the school provides an Animation Game Design program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Programs can be completed at the Kent, Stark, or Tuscarawas campuses.
Leading to a BS, the Animation Game Design program provides access to courses that combine art, engineering, and computer science. Examples include Engineering Drawing; Technical Computing; Computer Hardware for Animation; Computer Science-Procedural Programming; and Modeling for Architecture. The Kent State CATS Animation Game Design BS also has two concentrations: Animation and Game Design.
Each area requires 18 focused credits. Both Animation and Game Design students will learn to create digital media works such as cartoons, games, and virtual reality environments using industry software and technologies for traditional animation, 3D models, digital sculpting, and 2D graphics.
Course requirements for the Animation concentration include Character Animation; Animation Production and Visual Effects; Solid Modeling; Real-Time Rendering for Animation; and Animation Project. All students have the option to complete the Internship in Animation and Game Design elective, worth 1-3 credits. Other elective examples include The Art of Acting; Elements of Film, TV and Animation; Individual Investigation in Animation and Game Design; Animation and Game Design Practicum; Special Topics in Animation and Game Design; Audio Recording; and Story for Picture.
The Animation Game Design BS at Kent State University culminates with the Senior Capstone Project or Technical and Applied Studies Capstone—student’s choice. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles at all levels in areas such as animation, 2D and 3D modeling, game design, technical illustration, and production. Program alumni have been hired at studios such as Electronic Arts (EA), Epic Games, and High Moon Studios. Across Kent State, graduates have also been hired at places such as NASA, Tesla, ESPN, Delta Airlines, Express, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) provides programs that focus on career training through immersive curriculums, hands-on projects, and professional internships. For aspiring animators seeking a technology-based degree, OC has a Gaming and Animation BS and Computer Science (CS) BS with Gaming and Animation.
For students in these and other majors such as Digital Design and Graphic Design, Oklahoma Christian University has a 21 credit hour 3D Modeling and Animation minor that explores motion graphics, lighting, game technology, modeling, animation, rendering, and texturing. Course examples include Animation Principles; 3D Modeling and Animation I-II; Motion Graphics; Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting; and Introduction to Game Technology.
The 3D Modeling and Animation minor prepares students for entry-level positions in the entertainment and games industries.
All OC Animation programs provide access to the Cox Digital Art Lab; Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab; Baugh Motion Capture Lab; and Kicker Audio Lab. Across programs, courses are led by accomplished professionals in the animation, games, and technology industries. Course examples include Motion Imagery; Gaming and Animation Studio; Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting; History of Animation; 3D Modeling and Animation; Technology for Graphics; Interactive Media Design; History of Photography and Motion Pictures; Contemporary Art; Animation Principles; Digital Sculpting; Team Game Production; and Gaming and Animation Studio.
The OC Gaming and Animation BS programs also have overlapping coursework. Students in the BS program will complete programming coursework such as Programming I, II and Languages; Game Programming-Unity and Unreal; and Software Engineering - Practices, Tools, Ethics, and Projects. Students will also complete coursework in technical writing, math, and business.
Both BS and CS BS students may enhance the degree by selecting electives in an additional specialized area. Examples include Audio for Gaming, Illustration, and Digital Painting. The culminating experience for the Gaming and Animation BS programs is the Gaming and Animation Capstone. Non-CS students will also complete The Business of Branding Yourself or Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management course.
Graduates of the Oklahoma Christian University BS programs are prepared to pursue careers in animation, film production, game design and development, computer science, healthcare, architecture, healthcare, education, research, and life sciences.
Alfred State College (ASC) houses the School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology (SAMET). Within the school is the Department of Digital Media and Animation (DMA), which provides a 123 credit hour DMA BS.
Students in the program have access to traditional studio spaces; state-of-the-art computer labs; and virtual reality, 3D sculpting, and video and sound production studios. Course examples include Survey of Animation and Visual Effects; 2D Animation; Interactive Media; 3D Animation; Motion Graphics; Figure and Motion; 3D Design/Color; Intermediate 3D Animation; Foundations: Form/Space; Advanced Modeling; Production I-II; and Advanced Animation.
The culminating experience for the DMA BS program is the final project and portfolio completed across four courses including Senior Seminar (three credits); Senior Studio I; Senior Studio Project II; and Portfolio. AAS students will complete a Digital Portfolio to graduate.
Graduates of the Alfred State College DMA BS program are prepared to pursue an advanced degree at a major college or university or seek employment in the animation, film, interactive media, fine art, digital imaging, or advertising industries, among others.
The Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at Missouri State University (MSU) houses School of Communication. Within the school is an Electronic Arts BS program with a Computer Animation Studies track. Students will have access to courses such as include 2D Design; Computer Animation I-V; Creative Coding; Three-Dimensional Design; Color Theory; Contemporary Art; Individual Instruction; and Professional Practices in Computer Animation.
Course examples specific to the BS include Fundamentals of Collaboration in Electronic Arts; Introduction to New Media; Digital Film and Media Production; Principles of Cinematography; Editing for Film and Animation; and Introduction to Audio Techniques. Students will also complete the Junior Portfolio Review and the Public Affairs Capstone (Senior Project in Electronic Arts) to graduate.
Graduates of the Missouri State University Animation BS program are prepared to pursue titles such as Animator, Computer Animator, Filmmaker, Visual Effects (VFX) Artist, Game Artist, Television Production Artist, Advertising Animator, and Animation Professor.
Huntington University (HU) provides programs in film, animation, and television production. Leading to a BS or a minor, all programs feature learning that takes place in high-tech classrooms; collaborative projects; and access to state-of-the-art labs and studios in the Martin Center for Digital Media Arts. Examples include editing suites; a sound stage, green screen, and Foley pit; traditional and stop motion studios; and a screening theater. HU classrooms and labs are equipped with professional workstations outfitted with industry-standard software, 3D printing technology, and VR equipment.
The Animation program at HU leads to a BS degree. The opportunity to work with real clients through the Junior Animation Studio Experience (ASE) is a major component of the program. Animation BS students will work in teams with local businesses to create promotional media or public service announcements (PSAs). Past ASE partners include Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo; Habitat for Humanity; and Conner Prairie: Indiana’s Living History Museum.
In addition to working with local partners, HU Animation BS students have the opportunity to complete the Internship in Digital Media Arts course and create animated films and other productions to be presented at film festivals. Students will also participate in local, national, and international animation trips during spring break.
Housed in the Department of Digital Media Arts, the Animation BA program also highlights immersive coursework led by accomplished industry-professionals. Course examples include Introduction to Motion Graphics for Animators; Visual Effects; Tools and Media Management for Animators; Drawing and Painting; Principles of Character Animation; Stop Motion Animation; 2D Animation; Graphical User Interface Design; Storyboard and Concept; 3D Computer Graphics; and Advanced Directing.
The Animation BS program at Huntington University culminates with an animated film project completed in collaboration with professional mentors. Animation students will also complete the Animation Portfolio and Professional Practices course where they will create a digital media portfolio and professional website. The class will also cover job searching techniques, professional survival skills, and networking within the broad digital media arts community.
Graduates of the Animation BS program at Huntington University are prepared to pursue careers in animation for television, film, advertising, architecture, medicine, science, and law; game art, design, and development; education and job training; and research and government.
A near-perfect 99.7% of HU alumni are employed or accepted into graduate school shortly after graduation. Some graduates are offered positions before graduating.
Animation BS alumni have been hired at studios, networks, and companies such as DreamWorks Animation, the U.S. Army, Riot Games, Amazon, Eli Lilly and Company, Disney, ABC-TV Network, Edward Jones, The RealReal, Sweetwater Sound Inc., Fort Wayne Community Schools, Riley Hospital for Children, and Youth for Christ.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is home to the Department of Visual and Media Arts (VMA), which combines liberal arts studies with visual arts production. An accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the VMA Department serves nearly 700 students enrolled in 10 programs leading a BA or BS; minors in Art History, Photography, and Studio Art; and nearly 40 single non-credit courses.
Students in all VMA degree programs have the opportunity to participate in campus exhibitions; field trips; study abroad experiences in places such as France, the UK, Spain, and Australia; professional internships; and independent study. VMA students have interned with companies and studios such as Voyage Pictures, Michael Lynn Animation Studio, Mosaic Film Experience, Flix Premiere, Externa CGI, Paris Films, TruVision Studios, Green Sky, and Coastline Studios.
The creative programs in the VMA Department also provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities designed for work in traditional and new media. Through the department, students will also have opportunities to attend and present at off-campus screening events; interact with regular visiting artists; and participate in multiple student organizations.
The Department of Visual and Media Arts at GVSU has two paths to study animation including the BA and BS in Film and Video Production. Both options explore animation, sound design, film studies, scriptwriting, fiction and nonfiction, new media, and documentary. The Film and Video Production BA requires proficiency in a foreign language, while the BS requires three courses in Computer Information Systems, Statistics, or History.
Across programs, courses and projects are led by accomplished industry-professionals, with opportunities to work on productions for outside clients. Course examples for the programs include Animation I and II; 3D Computer Animation; History of Animation; New Media I-II; Film and Video Art; Digital Post Production; Experimental Film and Video; World Cinema; Lighting for Film and Video Production; Special Topics in Film and Video; Scriptwriting I-II; and Audio Production I-II.
The Film and Video Production programs at Grand Valley State University culminates with the Advanced Film Practicum – Summer Film Project; Post-Production Practicum; Producing for Clients; and the Senior Thesis Project. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animated filmmaking, live-action filmmaking, animation for television, game art and design, and animation for advertising.
GVSU Film and Video Production alumni have worked with studios and production houses such as DreamWorks Animation, Voyage Pictures, D-Squared Creative, Coastline Studios, Match Frame Creative, M-1 Studios, Contact Light Films, A2 Creative, Detroit Public Television, 52 Watt Studios, and Allied Productions.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University (BSU or Bowie State) houses the Department of Fine and Performing Arts (DFPA). Within the department is the Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts (VCDMA) program that combines technology, design, and the media. All DFPA VCDMA students will work and learn in the Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC), which houses spaces such as Studio Ayoka Chenzira—a stop-motion animation studio powered by LAIKA Studios; digital media labs; and a multimedia recording studio.
Other spaces and equipment include a video editing, compositing, motion capture, XR, VFX suite powered by Adobe known as MOCAVI-XR; visual arts and design studios for painting, photography, and more; and a digital music production lab.
The VCDMA program at Bowie State also houses an Animation and Motion Graphics concentration that requires 120-122 credit hours of study. Leading to a BS, the program that focuses primarily on animation as well as well as time-based art, sequential art, motion graphics, and production. Courses for the program are supplemented with professional internships, portfolio reviews, and trips to exhibitions and screenings.
Course examples include Introduction to Computer Graphics; Visual Communications; History of Animation; Introduction to Film; Advertising; 2D Design; Screenwriting; 2D Digital Animation I: Animation and Motion Graphics; 2D Digital Animation II: Advanced Animation and Motion; Stop-Motion and Experimental Animation; 3D Modeling and Animation I-II; and Multimedia Workshop-Web Design and Digital Media.
All Animation and Motion Graphics students have the opportunity to participate in the Department of Computer Science’s Computational Perception and Animation Lab (CPAL). Research explores computer animation, simulation, computer graphics, human-computer interaction (HCI), and video image processing.
The VCDMA Animation and Motion Graphics BS at Bowie State University culminates with the Senior Thesis and Exhibition course, which includes a formal display of the student’s artwork in the Gallery of Fine Art in the FPAC. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as 2D and 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), game art and design, television production, special effects (SFX), illustration, new media, advertising, simulations, visualization, research, education, medical, legal, and science.
Bowie State graduates have been hired at places such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratories.
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) launched the state’s only Animation Design and Computer Game programs in 2013. They are still the only programs of their kind in Arkansas. One of these programs is the Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an option in Computer Game and Animation Design.
Provided jointly with the College of Science and Engineering’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, and the Department of Art and Design, the program features access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; internships at local and regional studios; and opportunities to participate in immersive production workshops.
Consisting or 123 credit hours of study, the BS is a project-based program that focuses on the creation of animations and video games. Course examples include 3D Modeling Tools; Computer Graphics; Programming Languages and Compilers; Software Engineering; 2D Design; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Technical Writing; Game Development; and Mobile Applications Development.
The BS CS program at Southern Arkansas University culminates with the Senior Project in Animation or Games. Projects are either individual or group (student’s choice) in 2D or 3D animation or a working prototype game. Projects will become the centerpiece of the student’s final portfolio.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Southern Arkansas University are prepared to pursue positions in animation, film, television production, game art, game development and programming, software design, software programming, simulations, computer graphics, AI, and mobile app development. Program alumni work at companies, studios, and organizations in Arkansas, and in neighboring states such as Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic unit at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Serving approximately 4,430 students enrolled in more than 140 degree programs across eighteen departments and schools, the college is also home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school are five undergraduate majors, three minors, and three graduate programs. As part of the School of Art and Design, all programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
For animators, the EMU School of Art and Design has an in-person/hybrid Simulation, Animation and Gaming (SAG) BS with approximately 140 students enrolled. A 20 credit hour SAG minor is also available. Courses for the minor include Introduction to Game Design; Graphics for Simulation I-II; Environment Design; Studio I Simulation; Web Publishing Technology; and Digital Photo Technology.
The multidisciplinary SAG BS is a STEM-designated program that combines traditional art disciplines, story development, and creative writing, with courses and projects that focus on animation, lighting, rigging, camerawork in 3D, illustration, modeling, and lighting. Course examples include Introduction to Simulation, Animation and Gaming; Story Development; 2D Animation; Organic Modeling; Advanced Principles in Animation; Introduction to Unity I-II; Animation Studio; Vector Illustration for SAG; Simulation and Animation Dynamics; Texturing and Mapping; Environment Design; and Studio I-II.
In addition to Unity, EMU SAG students will use software and development tools such as Adobe Animate, Maya, 3ds Max, and Illustrator to create several projects throughout the program. Students will also complete several studios and Senior Projects in SAG as the culminating experience for the program.
Graduates of the SAG BS program at Eastern Michigan University are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as computer animation, visual effects (VFX), game art, storyboarding, concept art, character design and development, modeling, advertising animation, and graphic design.
Founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, Eastern Michigan University is the state’s second oldest public university and America’s first teacher-training institution west of the Alleghenies. The school serves approximately 12,665 students enrolled in more than 350 majors and programs across five colleges, the Graduate School, and the Honors College. Eastern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
