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What are the best schools with animation MFA programs for 2026?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Institute of the Arts | California |
| 2 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
| 3 | University of Southern California | California |
| 4 | School of Visual Arts | New York |
| 5 | University of California, Los Angeles | California |
| 6 | Pratt Institute | New York |
| 7 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 8 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 9 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York |
| 10 | University of Texas at Dallas | Texas |
| 11 | The Ohio State University | Ohio |
| 12 | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Illinois |
| 13 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 14 | Arizona State University | Arizona |
| 15 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minnesota |
| 16 | San Jose State University | California |
| 17 | Academy of Art University | California |
| 18 | The New School | New York |
| 19 | Clemson University | South Carolina |
| 20 | California State University, Long Beach | California |
| 21 | DigiPen | Washington |
| 22 | Bowling Green State University | Ohio |
| 23 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Illinois |
| 24 | Louisiana State University | Louisiana |
| 25 | Ohio University | Ohio |
For our graduate degree rankings, we have evaluated animation schools and programs with the best Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Science (MS) options. To determine which degree matches your career goals, it is important to understand how each qualification differs.
The Master of Arts (MA) is an advanced degree that focuses on areas such as the humanities. MA degrees are typically available in the areas of communications, English, teaching, literature, linguistics, art, and languages. Seminars are the main method of learning for MA programs and many programs do not require a thesis.
The Master of Science (MS) degree option typically focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. This advanced degree often includes immersive lab work, scientific research, analysis, and evaluation. Unlike MA programs, most MS programs require a thesis.
The Master of Fine Art (MFA) is academically recognized as a terminal degree and it is typically awarded in the visual, fine and performing arts. The MFA degree demands the highest level of professional competency in these areas and practicing artists must exhibit the highest level of accomplishment through the generation of a body of work.
Below are the Top 25 Animation MFA Programs for 2026.
1. California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California
The School of Film/Video (F/V) at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) houses an Experimental Animation MFA program led by working filmmakers, artists, and technicians. Across programs, students have opportunities to present films at the annual F/V Bijou Festival; complete a paid internship with independent and major productions; study abroad in places such as Paris and Prague; and interact with award-winning animators and filmmakers at REDCAT’s film series. CalArts graduates have gone on to secure roles at places such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, Pixar, Apple, Disney, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Google, Warner Bros., Illumination, and NBCUniversal.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) serves more than 18,500 students from the U.S. and 100 different countries. Hosting one of the world’s largest student-run film festivals and home to Savannah Studios—one of the largest university film studios in the U.S.—SCAD provides multiple paths to study animation. Students seeking a graduate animation degree can enroll in the Animation MFA or the dual BFA/MFA provided through Gradpath@SCAD. Programs culminate with a thesis, final project, or capstone. SCAD Animation alumni are routinely hired at places such as DreamWorks, Epic Games, Lucasfilm Animation, Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney Animation, Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation, Activision Blizzard, and Sony Pictures Animation.
3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
The School of Cinematic Arts at University of Southern California (USC) is home to the John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts (Hench DADA) and the Expanded Animation Division (EAD). Both allow students to collaborate with students in other divisions such as music, interactive games, and dance. Program options for students seeking a graduate degree include the Animation + Digital Arts MFA and the Expanded Animation Research + Practice MFA (XA MFA). Programs culminate with an animated project. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Digital Domain.
4. School of Visual Arts, New York, New York
Serving nearly 800 students, the Animation Department at School of Visual Arts (SVA) is one of the nation’s largest. SVA students seeking an advanced degree can enroll in the Computer Arts MFA program. Focus areas include with Animation, Motion Design, and Experimental Art. Other program highlights include access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with a thesis project and presentation. SVA Computer Arts MFA students have been nominated for 13 Student Academy Awards and won nine. Graduates are routinely hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Pixar, DreamWorks, MTV, Electronic Arts (EA), Adobe, and Google.
5. University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
The School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the highly competitive UCLA Animation Workshop. Leading to an MFA, the workshop features training in 3D, traditional, and experimental animation in a collaborative environment; access to the Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio; and industry connections in Los Angeles. The program culminates with a market-ready original film. UCLA TFT alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar, Netflix, Amazon, NBCUniversal, PBS, and Titmouse.
6. Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
The School of Art (SoArt) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) is home to the Digital Arts and Animation Department. Within the department is a Digital Arts MFA with a focus in 3D Animation and Motion Arts. Program highlights include frequent trips to festivals, exhibitions, shows, and screenings in New York City; collaborative projects; and Studio Crit, which hosts regular critique sessions for student films. Graduates can be found at places such as Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, and Disney Animation Studios.
7. DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University (DePaul) has one of the largest full-time animation faculties in the U.S. For students seeking an advanced degree, Jarvis has Animation MFA and BFA/MA programs. Graduate concentration options include 3D Animation; Motion Graphics; Storyboarding and Character Design; Technical Artist; and Traditional Animation. Graduates of the Animation programs at DePaul University go on to land roles at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, Epic Games, Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, and LAIKA.
8. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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 provides a Visualization MFA with a focus in Computer Animation, Visual Storytelling, Visual Effects, or Interactive Art. Other program highlights include internship opportunities; collaborative projects; the Annual Career Fair; and the Summer Industry Workshop. Programs culminate with a final project. TAMU 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.
9. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is home to the School of Film and Animation (SFA). This designated Center of Excellence (COE) by Toon Boon houses MAGIC Spell Studios—a 52,000 square foot state-of-the-art production and screening space. At the graduate level, the SFA has a Film and Animation MFA with 2D, 3D, and Stop Motion Animation options. The program culminates with an industry-ready film and public screening event. RIT graduates are routinely hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lucasfilm, PlayStation, and Epic Games.
10. University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
The Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) program at University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) launched in 2002, making it the state’s first arts and technology degree. Housed in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School), the program has an MFA pathway with the option to specialize in Animation or Creative Practice. This STEM-designated program also allows students to focus their studies further in areas such as science and technology or games. Culminating experiences may include a capstone project, thesis, or research project with exhibition. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Google, Activision Blizzard, Disney, LAIKA, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Gearbox Software, Microsoft, Dell, IBM, RTX, Meta, and Verizon.
11. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
The Ohio State University (OSU) has two graduate programs for animators. Options include the interdisciplinary Art and Technology MFA and a Design MFA with a Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) track. Students in both programs benefit from project-based learning; internships at places such as Netflix and YouTube; study abroad experiences in places such as London, Prague, and Rome; and access to dedicated labs, state-of-the-art production facilities, and shared studio spaces. Programs culminate with a thesis project and presentation. Graduates have landed positions at Disney, Warner Bros. Animation, Nickelodeon, Starz, ABC, Sundance, 4th Row Films, Ohio Film Group, and Myriad Pictures.
12. School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) houses the Film, Video, New Media, and Animation Department (FVNMA). Within the department is a Studio MFA program that allows students to specialize in a specific area or develop skills across multiple areas of study. Specialization examples include Digital 2D and 3D Animation; Moving-Image Installation; and Interactive Art. The culminating experience for the program is a final project and exhibition. SAIC alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, the Whitney Museum, NASA, and YouTube.
13. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF) is home to an Emerging Media MFA program with an Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) track. As part of UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), students benefit from internships with major studios and 24/7 access to state-of the art production facilities. The program culminates with a final project and screening. UCF FIEA graduates are routinely hired at places such as Pixar, Electronic Arts (EA), Disney, Marvel, Epic Games, Google, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Apple, DreamWorks, Gameloft, and Blizzard Entertainment.
14. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) houses an Art MFA program with a Digital Technology concentration. Through electives, MFA students can also study stop motion animation, game art, visual effects (VFX), and screenwriting. Other program highlights include access to state-of-the-art production facilities and internship opportunities with local studios. Graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Adidas, and Intel.
15. Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) has a Visual Studies MFA program that allows students to pursue creative work in areas such as animation, comic arts, film/video, illustration, or interactive design. MFA students also have opportunities to study abroad in places such as Japan and the UK, and complete an internship at Nickelodeon, MTV, or MASS MoCA, among others. Degree programs culminate with a project and presentation or exhibition. MCAD graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Nickelodeon, MTV, Nike, and Walker Art Center.
16. San Jose State University, San Jose, California
The College of Humanities and the Arts at San Jose State University (SJSU) houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Digital Media Art MFA that prepares students for positions in animation, 2D/3D, computer games, AR/VR/XR, multimedia, and more. Students benefit from immersive courses taught by industry professionals; internships; guest speakers from places such as Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and DreamWorks; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studios. SJSU Art, Design, and Digital Media Art students have landed positions at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Sony Pictures, Microsoft, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Disney, NBCUniversal, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, 20th Century Studios, and Cartoon Network.
17. Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
The STEM-designated School of Animation and Visual Effects at Academy of Art University (AAU) is home to StudioX, where students have the opportunity to work on real films being produced for streaming platforms, theaters, and television. Past productions include Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, and THEEB. AAU also provides 24/7 remote access to rLab, and an Animation and Visual Effects MFA program with access to several emphasis areas. Options include 2D Animation; 3D Animation; 3D Modeling; Stop Motion; Storyboarding; and Visual Effects. AAU graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Riot Games, Sony Pictures Animation, Weta FX, DNEG, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Marvel, Google, and LAIKA.
18. The New School, New York, New York
The New School is home to Parsons School of Design. Within Parsons is a STEM-designated Design and Technology MFA program that provides the opportunity to work on projects with artists from places such as Nickelodeon, Google, MTV, Apple, The New York Times, IBM, and Intel. Students benefit from professional internship opportunities; access to state-of-the-art production studios and labs; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with a final project and presentation. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Rockstar Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Nickelodeon, Riot Games, Microsoft, IDEO, Google, Apple, Oracle, Pentagram, and Meta.
19. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson University (Clemson) houses a Digital Production Arts (DPA) MFA program that explores areas such as animation, games, visual effects, film production, human computer interaction (HCI), computer science, visualization, and virtual reality (VR). Other program highlights include small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and professional internships. The program culminates with a final project. Graduates can be found at places such as Pixar, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Reel FX.
20. California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California
The School of Art at California State University, Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach or CSULB) has an Art MFA program with a Studio Art concentration, and Illustration/Animation track. Both programs allow students to study animation at the advanced level. Across programs students also benefit from industry partnerships, guest lecturers, and professional internships. The program culminates with an animated film or studio project. Graduates are routinely hired with partners such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Cartoon Network, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Sony Pictures Animation.
21. DigiPen, Redmond, Washington
DigiPen is a Certified Partner of SideFX and home to a Digital Arts MFA program featuring courses taught by independent Disney and Lucasfilm animators. Other program highlights include semester- or 12-month long interdisciplinary team-based projects, and opportunities to study abroad at the DigiPen Singapore or Spain campuses. The program culminates with a professional film or other creative work. To date, DigiPen graduates have been hired by more than 1,250 companies around the world. Examples include Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Warner Bros. Games, Sony, Nintendo, Amazon, and Riot Games.
22. Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio
The School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has a Digital Arts MFA program with access to state-of-the-art spaces modeled after real-world production studios, labs, and research centers. MFA students also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships at places such as Disney, Pixar, and the Museum of Modern Art; study abroad at BGSU’s partner school in Florence, Italy; and work in BGSU’s professional large-format printing studio. The program culminates with a final project to be screened at School of Art's Annual Exhibition and Film Festival. BGSU alumni can be found at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, Epic Games, and American Greetings.
23. University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The School of Art and Art History at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has an Art MFA program that allows students to concentrate in an area such as New Media Arts (Animation, Interaction, Digital Technology); Moving Image (Film, Video, Time-Based Media); or Studio Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture). Students also have the opportunity to live and work in Berlin through the month-long Berlin Residency Program. The MFA program culminates with a thesis project and exhibition. Graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Microsoft, Google, NetherRealm Studios, Apple, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago, and Adler Planetarium.
24. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University (LSU) houses a Digital Art MFA program that highlights opportunities to work in the DMAE Digital Media Center on LSU's campus. This shared space with Electronic Art’s (EA) North American Test Center allows students to collaborate with accomplished animators, digital artists, and programmers. Students also have access to state-of-the-art production spaces such as the XR Studio Brain Bar; the Digital Twin Studio; and the XR Studio, and all students may participate in the internship program. Graduates have been hired at places such as Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Pixar, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
25. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Ohio University (OU or OHIO) is home to the E.W. Scripps College of Communication. Within the college is a MFA program with an Animation area. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, studios, and the Advanced Animation Lab. Additional 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-scene tours at Walt Disney World; and OHIO-in-LA (Hollywood). The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Activision Blizzard, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., Google, and Unity.