| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brigham Young University | Utah |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 3 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 4 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 5 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 6 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 7 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 8 | Middle Tennessee State University | Tennessee |
| 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 | California |
| 15 | Alfred State College | New York |
| 16 | University of North Carolina, Wilmington | North Carolina |
| 17 | Bradley University | Illinois |
| 18 | Kent State University | Ohio |
| 19 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Alabama |
| 20 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Arizona |
| 21 | Dakota State University | South Dakota |
| 22 | Huntington University | Indiana |
| 23 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma |
| 24 | Louisiana State University, Shreveport | Louisiana |
| 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.
The Computer Science BS with an Animation and Games emphasis at Brigham Young University (BYU) is one of two ways students can gain entry to the BYU Center for Animation. The other is through the school’s Animation BFA program. An Unreal Academic Partner and Houdini Certified School, the BYU Center for Animation accepts no more than 25 students each year. The Computer Science BS (Animation and Games) is also a limited enrollment major. Program highlights include faculty mentoring; collaborative projects; and opportunities to intern with major studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney. Graduates go on to secure roles at places such as Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, Hasbro, Riot Games, DreamWorks, and Digital Domain.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is one of the largest visual and performing arts colleges within a public university. This multidisciplinary school houses a Visualization program with both undergraduate and graduate options. The Visualization BS allows students to focus in Animation Production. All students benefit from internship opportunities; collaborative projects; the Annual Career Fair; and the Summer Industry Workshop. Visualization graduates are routinely hired at places such as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Electronic Art (EA), DreamWorks Animation, Epic Games, Amazon, Reel FX, Blizzard Entertainment, and Gearbox Software.
In the 1980s, ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) became the first design school to install computer labs, helping lay the groundwork for the digital design revolution. For animators, this pioneering institution provides an Entertainment Design BS program with Animation and Concept Design tracks. Program benefits include project-based learning; industry partnerships; transdisciplinary studio (TDS) workshops; and opportunities to collaborate with Game Design, Illustration, and Concept Design students. The program culminates with a capstone project and Grad Show exhibition. With a 95% employment rate, ArtCenter students are routinely hired at places such as Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, DreamWorks, Marvel, LAIKA, Nickelodeon, Universal, Warner Bros., 20th Century Studios, and Netflix.
Full Sail University (Full Sail) has a Computer Animation BS program that can be completed online or in-person. While the campus-based program takes just 20 months to complete and the online program takes 29 months, the curriculums are identical. Students will complete several professional development seminar courses along with seven project and portfolio courses covering computer animation and 3D art. Hundreds of Full Sail graduates have been credited on Academy-, Grammy-, and Primetime Emmy Award-nominated projects. Alumni can also be found at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), MTV, Disney, HBO, Insomniac Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Epic Games, Universal Studios, Google, Warner Bros., and Sony.
Purdue University (Purdue) is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Serving more than 7,000 students at 11 locations across Indiana, Purdue Polytechnic houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT). Within the department are the CGT BS with a STEM-designated major in Animation and Visual Effects (ANFX), and the Five-Year CGT BS/MS. All students have the opportunity to complete a professional internship, several animated films, and a study abroad experience. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, DreamWorks, and Animation Mentor. Some alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University houses the Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) BS; the Dual Animation and VFX BS/Digital Media MS; and a dual Digital Media and Virtual Production BS/Digital Media MS. The Digital Media programs are STEM Designated. Across all programs students have the opportunity to complete a paid or unpaid co-op at places such as Pixar or Cartoon Network. Students also enjoy small class sizes and access to state-of-the-art production facilities. Graduates have worked on projects such as The Mandalorian and Avengers: Infinity War. Program alumni have also been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Pixar, Microsoft, and Disney.
Northeastern University (Northeastern) is home to Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Within the college is a Computer Science BS (CS BS) program with a combined major in Media Arts. Program highlights include partnerships with co-op employers such as Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Lucasfilm; opportunities to explore other areas such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), extended reality (XR), and game design; and culminating experiences leading to an animated film or other work. Graduates are routinely hired by co-op employers and other studios such as DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, and Universal.
The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment (CME) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is the only college of its kind. With a focus on storytelling, entertainment, and news, the college houses the Department of Media Arts—home to the Animation BS. Students have the opportunity to complete a paid internship at the CME’s own MT IMAGINE Animation Studio, where they can participate in 2D and 3D animation, XR virtual production, and VR/AR projects for real-world clients. Students also have access to state-of-the-art animation and graphics computer labs; the Center for Innovation in Media; and a 40-foot Mobile Production Lab. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Warner Bros. Games, Reel FX, Cinesite, Titmouse, Pixomondo, and Tippett Studio.
The School of Marketing and Media at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) houses the Department of Digital Media (DIGM). Within the department is a DIGM BS with an Animation concentration. DIGM highlights include individual and collaborative projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and internship opportunities. The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Red Storm Entertainment, Deck Nine, and Luma Pictures. Just a few credits include Avatar; Guitar Hero; Lord of the Rings; World of Warcraft; The Last Jedi; Halo 5; The Avengers; and Kung Fu Panda III.
One of the nation’s oldest technical universities, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) provides programs that focus on experiential learning experiences through paid co-op experiences. This allows students to gain marketable, real-world experience before graduation. Programs for animators are part of the Houdini Certified School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) and the School of Science. Options include the Electronic Arts BS; a Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences BS (GSAS BS) with a concentration in Electronic Arts; the Communication, Media, and Design BS; and a Computer Science BS with a minor in Electronic Arts. Across programs, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and centers such as the HASS Media Studio, the Emergent Reality Lab (ERL), and Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). Programs culminate with a final project and presentation. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Hasbro, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Bethesda, NVIDIA, Apple, Boeing, Google, Amazon, and Dell.
Ohio University (OU or OHIO) is home to the E.W. Scripps College of Communication. Within the college are two paths to study animation. Options include the Media Arts and Studies BS with an Animation major and an MFA with an Animation area. All students have access to the Advanced Animation Lab and over a dozen other state-of-the-art production facilities, studios, and labs. Other program benefits include industry internships and experiential learning experiences such as the 48-Hour Shoot-Out and study abroad in Tokyo; participation in South by Southwest; behind-the-scenes tours at Walt Disney World; and OHIO-in-LA (Hollywood). Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Activision Blizzard, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., Google, and Unity.
Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) is home to the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Within the school is a Media Arts and Sciences BS (MAS BS) program with a specialization in 3D Graphics and Animation. All MAS students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities such as Media Arts Research and Learning Arcade (MARLA), the Emerging technologies Lab, and Video Editing Lab (VELa). Students may also participate in the study abroad experience in Greece and the internship program. The MAS BS culminates with a final project and exhibition. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Digital Domain, Owlchemy Labs, and Gearbox Software.
The Scott M. Smith College of Engineering and Technology (CET) at Utah Valley University (UVU) is home to the Digital Media (DGM) Department. Within the department is an Animation and Game Development BS that provides networking and learning opportunities through the Game Developers Conference; Immerse Global Summit; and the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC). Recognized as an Animation Center of Excellence by Toon Boom (COE), the program also highlights two track options including 2D and 3D; immersive courses taught by artists from DreamWorks and Electronic Arts (EA); and professional internships. The program culminates with a capstone project. Graduates have been hired at places such as Riot Games, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures, Amazon, and Gearbox Software.
Computer Animation and Game Development (CAGD) at California State University, Chico (Chico State) is one of the largest programs of its kind and the school’s ninth largest major. Housed in the College of Communication and Education (CME) and leading to a BS, the CAGD program allows students to focus in Animation, CGI, or Game Development and/or minor in 3D Digital Modeling and Environments; Computer Animation; or Video Game Design. Other program highlights include state-of-the-art labs, studios and workshops, including an in-house motion capture studio; internships with major studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as the London and Thailand. The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates have been hired at places such as Epic Games, Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Weta FX, and Zynga.
The School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology at Alfred State College (Alfred State) houses the Department of Digital Media and Animation (DMA). Within the department is a DMA BS featuring 24-hour access to state-of-the-art production studios and labs. Students also benefit from internship opportunities, and the Living Learning Community (LLC) known as Creative House. Designed specifically for DMA and Graphic and Media Design students, Creative House features workshops, mentors, studio workspace, and a screening room. The culminating experience for the DMA BS is the senior project and final portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at animation and game design studios, advertising agencies, post-production houses, and toy manufacturing companies.
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has a Computer Science BS with a Digital Arts concentration. The 18 credit hour concentration highlights courses such as Computer Animation; Digital Visual Effects; Game Development; and Virtual Reality. Other program highlights include collaborative projects; partnerships with places such as Cinespace Studios Wilmington, the Cucalorus Film Festival, and Working Films; and professional internships. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles with places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Epic Games, and IDEO.
Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at Bradley University (Bradley) houses the Department of Interactive Media (IM). Within the department is an Animation BS program that provides the opportunity to intern at places such as OneFire and the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center. Mentors and instructors for the program are working animators with credits such as Monsters vs. Aliens, Rise of the Guardians, and Thor: Dark World. Other program benefits include opportunities to present animated productions at the Annual FUSE Exhibit and experiential learning experiences in places such as Los Angeles, the Netherlands, and Ireland. The culminating experience for the program is the Animation Capstone. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, MGM Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony Pictures Imageworks, DNEG, Meta Quest, Scientific Games, and Outpost VFX.
The College of Applied and Technical Studies (CATS) at Kent State University (Kent State) has an Animation Game Design (AGD) BS program that allows students to focus in either Animation or Game Design. Students in both focus areas will explore 2D, 3D, motion graphics, special effects, video editing, and more. Other program features include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone Project or Technical and Applied Studies Capstone—student’s choice. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Riot Games, Microsoft, Disney, Apple, IBM, Activision Blizzard, Intel, Google, Epic Games, Boeing, Amazon, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, ESPN, American Greetings, and Meta.
University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is home to the College of Science. Within the college is the Department of Computer Science, which has a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an Entertainment Computing concentration. Course examples include Introduction to Animation; Fiction Writing; Animation - Organic Modeling; Artificial Intelligence and Game Development; 3D Animation; Animation - Visual Story Development; Animation - Technical Arts; and Animation - Concept Art. The program culminates with the Senior Project: Team Software Design course. Graduates can be found at places such as Apple, Topgolf, Amazon, and IBM.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Embry-Riddle) has a Simulation Science, Games and Animation (SSGA) BS program that covers animation, game production, storytelling, virtual world development, systems design, and interactive digital environments. Courses for the program are STEM- and project-based with opportunities to work in teams on animations, virtual worlds, interactive experiences, and more. Other program benefits include courses taught by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and optional internship opportunities. Embry-Riddle alumni have been hired at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Boeing, Sony, the Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO), RTX, Meta, Super League, and ForgeFX Simulations.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Dakota State University (DSU) provides several paths to study animation. Options include a Digital Arts and Design BS (DAD BS) with a Production Animation specialization, and minors in 2D and 3D Production Animation. Across programs, students have opportunities to work on projects with peers in DSU’s Computer Game Design BS program. Other program benefits include courses taught by professors that have worked on major Disney productions such as Frozen and Encanto; student organizations such as the Anime Club, LCA Film Club, and the Games Club; professional internships; and portfolio development courses. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Nexstar Media Group, Amazon, South Dakota Art Museum, and CBS.
Huntington University (HU) has an Animation BS program that allows students to begin animating in the very first semester. With access to state-of-the-art computer, stop motion, editing, and traditional labs, students can also focus in solely on Animation or Visual Effects. Other program highlights include team projects in simulated studio settings; the Internship in Digital Media Arts; participation in film festivals; local, national, and international animation trips during spring break; and the Junior Animation Studio class, where students have the opportunity to work alongside real clients to create marketing materials or public service announcements. The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Riot Games, Disney, Amazon, Eli Lilly, and ABC Network.
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) provides several paths to study animation including a Gaming and Animation BFA; the Gaming and Animation BS; a Computer Science (CS) BS with Gaming and Animation; and the 3D Modeling and Animation minor. All programs focus on career training through hands-on projects, immersive curriculums, and professional internships. Students also have access to Cox Digital Art Lab; Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab; Baugh Motion Capture Lab; and Kicker Audio Lab. The BA, BFA, and BS programs culminate with the Gaming and Animation Capstone. Graduates go on to secure positions at places such as Pixar, Microsoft Gaming, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Boeing, Amazon, Sony, Lockheed Martin, Gearbox Software, ArenaNet, Tektonux, and Northrop Grumman.
In collaboration with the Digital Media and Arts Department, the Department of Computer Science at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) provides a Computer Science BS with a Digital and Interactive Design concentration. The program takes place in state-of-the-art labs and technology-based classrooms dedicated to animation, game development, and bio-informatics. Each month, BS students will participate in the Lunch and Learn event where they can meet with representatives from places such as Cisco and Ingalls. The program culminates with a final project and professional portfolio of the student’s best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in technical animation and visual effects. Across the LSU system, Animation and Digital and Interactive Design graduates have been hired at places such as Pixar, Apple, DreamWorks, Lucasfilm, Disney, Amazon, IBM, Travel + Leisure, and Halliburton.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school is a Simulation, Animation and Gaming (SAG) BS program that provides access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships; and opportunities to complete several projects culminating in a professional portfolio. Course examples for the program include Introduction to SAG; 2D Animation; Advanced Principles in Animation; Story Development; Animation Studio; Vector Illustration; and Unity I-II. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in the entertainment, games, simulation, and technology industries. Just a few potential employers include Disney, Pixar, and Adobe.
