| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gnomon | California |
| 2 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
| 3 | School of Visual Arts | New York |
| 4 | University of Southern California | California |
| 5 | Academy of Art University | California |
| 6 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 7 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles | California |
| 9 | The DAVE School | Florida |
| 10 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 11 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
| 12 | Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island |
| 13 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 14 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York |
| 15 | Chapman University | California |
| 16 | Otis College of Art and Design | California |
| 17 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 18 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 19 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 20 | New York Film Academy | California |
| 21 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 22 | Columbia College Chicago | Illinois |
| 23 | University of Colorado, Denver | Colorado |
| 24 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts | North Carolina |
| 25 | Laguna College of Art and Design | California |
Our 2024 rankings of the Top 25 visual effects (VFX) schools in the U.S., our third annual rankings for VFX. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Gnomon provides two paths to study visual effects. All options emphasize training in leading industry software such as Maya, Nuke, Adobe After Effects, ZBrush, Houdini, Photoshop, and V-Ray. Specific programs include the Digital Production BFA and the Digital Production for Entertainment certificate. Across programs, students benefit from small class sizes of no more than 14 students; a studio-environment consisting of a 45,000 square foot lot within the historic Television Center Studio lot; and instructors who are working professionals in the VFX, animation, and games industries.
The Digital Production BFA consists of 180 total units, with 135 units of career-focused study and 45 in general education. Students will take 27 units of concentration-specific courses. Concentration options include Visual Effects Animation and Game Art. VFX Animation is the top choice for students interested in pursuing careers in visual effects.
Course examples for this concentration area include Principles of VFX; HD Digital Filmmaking for VFX; Animation and Visual Effects; Houdini 1-4; Matchmoving and Integration; VFX Design; Virtual Production; Dynamic Effects 1-4; Liquid Simulations; Advanced Digital Sculpting; Maya Modules; Visual Effects for Games; and Character Rigging for Production.
The Digital Production BFA at Gnomon consists of 12 terms completed over three to four years. The program culminates with the creation of a professional demo reel competed across four courses and two terms.
Consisting of eight terms completed over two years, the Gnomon Digital Production for Entertainment certificate has five emphasis areas. Visual Effects Animation is among them. Course examples include Overview of Visual Effects and Games; Animation and Visual Effects 1-2; HD Digital Filmmaking for Visual Effects; Dynamic Effects 1-4; Matchmoving and Integration; Visual Effects Design; Houdini 1-4; Scripting for Production; Lighting and Rendering 1-4; Advanced Compositing; and Liquid Simulations.
In the final two terms of the program, certificate students will compete a demo reel across two courses; several labs as electives; the Portfolio and Resume Workshop course; and the Career Realities course.
Known as the MIT of visual effects, Gnomon boasts a 95% placement rate, with more than 900 industry-employed graduates to date. Alumni hold titles such as VFX Artist, Gameplay Animator, Character Artist, Cinematics Animator, and Environment Artist. They work at top studios such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Netflix Studios, and Framestore.
Established in 1997 by Alex Alvarez, Gnomon opened in a modest classroom location in Hollywood, California. Today, Gnomon sits on a 45,000 square foot lot within the historic Television Center Studio Lot in North Hollywood, California. Serving more than 550 students, the school provides degree programs, vocational certificates, and 110 unique courses for professional enrichment or portfolio development. Gnomon is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
The Visual Effects programs at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) provide opportunities to work on case studies through the school’s in-house design studio known as SCADPro. Examples of participating companies and studios include Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Google, Adult Swim, Microsoft, NASA, Hasbro, Universal Studios, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Oculus, Fisher-Price, and Samsung.
Outside of SCADPro, all students will have opportunities to create visual effects and animations for collaborative projects using industry-standard software such as Pixar’s RenderMan, Houdini, Autodesk Arnold, Maya, Adobe Substance 3D Painter, Nuke, and Resolve.
Other SCAD VFX benefits include access to more than 800 networked computers, a 60,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art digital media center consisting of a green screen lab and a 75-seat in-house theater; learning that takes place in a studio environment; internship opportunities; and instruction by award-winning professors who have worked at major studios and on productions such as Ice Age, The Lion King, and Pocahontas.
Housed in the School of Animation and Motion, the VFX programs at SCAD lead to a BFA, MA, or MFA. All programs are now available at the Atlanta and Savannah campuses.
Consisting of 180 credit hours, the Visual Effects BFA program requires 75 credit hours in the major and 20 credit hours of free electives. This provides the opportunity to develop additional skills in related areas such as technical direction, interactive design and game development, sound design, and animation.
Course examples for the program include Visual Effects-Based Cinematography; Digital Visual Effects; Visual Effects Studio I-II; Digital Lighting and Rendering; Concept Development for Visual Effects; Procedural Modeling and Animation Techniques; and Professional Development for Visual Effects.
The SCAD VFX BFA program culminates with the Visual Effects Studio. Across two courses, students will collaborate to produce a visual effects project from start to finish. Student will also demonstrate skills in analysis and critique, scheduling, and organization.
The Visual Effects MA program requires 45 credit hours of 700-level coursework. Students in this advanced program will take courses such as Visual Effects Theory and Application; Modeling for Visual Effects; Programming Concepts for Visual Effects; Media Art; Digital Compositing I: The Art and Science of Digital Integration; Procedural Modeling and Animation for Production; and 3D Color, Lighting, and Rendering.
The SCAD VFX MA program culminates with the School of Animation and Motion MA Final Project (VSFX 748) and the Visual Effects Portfolio (VSFX 749).
The VFX MFA at Savannah College of Art and Design is a 90 credit hour program and the terminal degree in the field. Students in this program will take advanced courses such as Particles and Procedural Effects: Stochastic and Calculated Methodologies; Programming Concepts for Visual Effects; Digital Compositing I: The Art and Science of Digital Integration; Modeling for Visual Effects; Visual Effects Theory and Application; Procedural 3D and Shader Programming; Digital Compositing II: Advanced Studies of Multi-layered Integration; Visual Effects Studio I: Preproduction; and Visual Effects Studio II: Production.
All MFA students will undertake a teaching or field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member through the Graduate Internship course (VSFX 779). The program culminates with the VFX MFA Thesis course, which requires the creation of a project that demonstrates advanced professional standards in stylized visual effects.
Graduates of the VFX programs at Savannah College of Art and Design have contributed to 16 Academy Award nominated films in 2020 alone. Examples include Avengers: Endgame; Toy Story 4; Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Frozen 2; and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Program alumni hold titles such as Visual Effects Artist, CGI FX CGI Technical Director, 3D Environment Artist, Character FX Artist, Lighting Technical Director, VFX Producer, Previsualization Artist, Visual Effects Supervisor, Surfacing Artist, Digital Compositor, and Look Development Artist.
SCAD graduates can be found at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Pixomondo, Blur Studio, and Shade VFX.
Savannah College of Art and Design provides more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. In 1979, the school opened in the renovated Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory with just one classroom, an administration building, and 71 students. Today, SCAD serves more than 17,500 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries.
SCAD has campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCADNow (online). Programs include more than 100 degrees and 75+ minors and certificates. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has one path to study visual effects—the 3D Animation and Visual Effects BFA. The program consists of 120 credit hours, including 72 credits in studio art, 30 credits in humanities and sciences, 15 credit hours in art history, and three elective credits from any undergraduate area.
Classes for the program are led by award-winning instructors, with projects taking pace across state-of-the-art computer labs, production studios, and dedicated suites. The computer labs feature the same hardware and software used by professionals in the animation and VFX industries. Students can access the lab 24 hours a day seven days a week from any location.
Other program features include opportunities to develop animation and VFX skills by working with alumni-owned studios such as Augenblick, Titmouse, and Plymptoons; workshops and seminar; visiting artists; and courses such as VFX and Compositing I-IV; Python Scripting for Maya Artists; VFX Animation with Houdini; Computer-Generated Imagery I-IV; Modeling and Animation with Maya; Character FX; Basic Cinema 4D; 3D Animation Pipeline I and II; and Introduction to Real-Time Rendering and Game Engine Graphics.
The 3D Animation and Visual Effects BFA program at School of Visual Arts culminates with a thesis film, which will be screened by industry professionals.
Graduates of the VFX program have gone on to win awards from the Academy of Motion Pictures and at major festivals. SVA alumni have launched their own studios or landed positions at major companies and studios such as DreamWorks, Microsoft, Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures Animation, DreamWorks, Apple, Warner Bros., Google, and Lucasfilm Animation.
Some SVA graduates go on to work for independent animation studios worldwide or to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, SVA serves approximately 4,015 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with individual program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
University of Southern California (USC) is home to the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), which houses the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts (Hench DADA). Within the division are the STEM-designated BFA and MFA programs. A 3D Animation minor with elective options in visual effects, virtual reality, motion capture, character animation or modeling is also available. Students in the minor will complete 16 credit hours, including 12 elective credits.
Course examples for students who would like to focus in visual effects include The World of Visual Effects; Digital Effects for Animation; Visual Effects; Live Action Integration with Visual Effects; and Creative Production in Virtual Reality.
The BFA program at USC Hench DADA has an Animation and Digital Arts option and a Game Art option. Both programs allow students to concentrate or specialize in visual effects.
The Animation and Digital Arts BFA program at USC is combines liberal arts and animation practice. The curriculum for the Game Art BFA has a broader liberal arts component, combined with the specialization. In addition, all Hench DADA students have the unique opportunity to collaborate on projects with students in the Production (Live Action) Division, Interactive Games Division, Kaufman School of Dance, and Thorton School of Music.
Course examples across programs include Introduction to 3D Modeling, Animation, and Visual Effects; Creative Production in Virtual Reality; Visual Effects; The World of Visual Effects; Digital Effects Animation; Live Action Integration with Visual Effects; Programming in Python; Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games; Digital Lighting and Rendering; Organic Modeling for Animation; History of Cinema; Introduction to Storyboarding; Production; and Studio Careers: Story to Screen. All BFA students will also complete a senior project across several courses.
The Animation and Digital Arts MFA at University of Southern California is a 50 credit hour program that allows students to select 15 SCA electives in an area of interest. This includes visual effects. All students will complete a master’s thesis, which consists of a fully rendered, animated production complete with soundtrack. For visual effects students, final projects must be 70% animated.
Graduates of the SCA Hench DADA BFA and MFA programs go on to land positions at major studios or to launch their own studios and freelance businesses. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Nickelodeon Animation, Pixar, Sony Pictures, Digital Domain, and Illumination.
University of Southern California opened in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, the school has 47,000 students served by approximately 4,770 full-time faculty. This makes University of Southern California the largest school by enrollment in the state, and the largest private sector employer in Los Angeles. USC also provides more than 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools and divisions. University of Southern California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Academy of Art University houses the STEM and Houdini Certified School of Animation and Visual Effects. Learning in the school takes place in a studio production environment known as Studio X, where students get hands-on experience working with real filmmakers. StudioX students have been credited on many films such as Fruitvale Station and Beasts of the Southern Wild. All StudioX students will also have an IMDB listing, and the opportunity to include all work on their final demo reels.
Specific programs for students seeking careers in VFX include AA, BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Animation and Visual Effects. Academy of Art also has an Animation and VFX certificate program that allows students to skip liberal arts coursework and begin producing visual effects from day one.
Course examples across programs include Cinematics for Animation and VFX; History and Technology of VFX and Computer Animation; Scripting for VFX and Riggers; Real-Time Animation and VFX; Storyboarding and Cinematic Effect; Producing for Animation and Visual Effects Physics for Artists: Light, Sound, and Motion; Fundamentals of Lookdev & Lighting; 3D Animation Physics and Mechanics; and Careers in Animation and VFX.
Across programs, students have opportunities to complete an internship and/or study abroad experience.
Graduates of the School of Animation and Visual Effects at Academy of Art University are prepared to pursue careers in the Entertainment industry. Program alumni have been hired at major studios such as Sony Pictures Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Google, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel, Riot Games, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta FX, and LAIKA Studios.
Academy of Art University is a family-owned private university that serves more than 7,000 students. making it one of the nation’s largest private art and design schools. Established in 1929, Academy of Art is divided into 22 schools that provide more than 120 programs across 40+ areas of study. Programs lead to the AA, BA, BFA, BS, B. Arch, MAT, MA, MFA and M. Arch degrees. Academy of Art University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) has an Entertainment Design BS program that prepares students for careers in areas such as visual effects, live action filmmaking, animation, and game design. The program allows students to customize the coursework to fit their individual goals. The BS also provides established tracks in Animation, Game Design, and Concept Design.
All students have access to VFX courses such as Visual Structure; CG 2 Mechanics; Worldbuilding; 2D 3 Mechanics; Visual Storytelling; CG 3 Mechanics; Rendering and Lighting; Previsualization; and Production Design.
The Entertainment Design BS program at ArtCenter College of Design culminates with a Capstone project completed across six courses. Final productions will be viewed during the Graduate Show for Entertainment Design.
Graduates have been hired at major companies and studios such as Pixar, Warner Bros., Microsoft, Apple, DreamWorks Animation, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Marvel, Google, Paramount, Mattel, Walt Disney Imagineering, Netflix, Amazon, and The WB.
Founded in 1930, ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,385 across campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles), and Berlin, Germany. The school provides 11 undergraduate programs; seven graduate degree programs leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors in Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation.
ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is home to the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Newly redesigned on September 1, 2022, the school now includes Dance Science, Theater, Music Performance, and Visual Studies. The schools five undergraduate majors, three graduate programs, and 11 minors are managed by working directors, composers, computer graphics engineers, sound technologists, dancers, and many other artists.
For students seeking careers in visual effects, the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts has a Visualization program leading to a BS, MS, or MFA. The MFA is one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in Texas.
Established in 1989, the TAMU Visualization program is studio-based and cross-disciplinary, with an emphasis on experimentation. This allows students to explore areas such as interaction, computer graphics, design, visualization, and art. Through electives, students at all levels may also focus in any area of specialization. This includes visual effects.
Examples of VFX-related courses include Digital Rendering; Interactive Virtual Environments; Visualization Techniques; Digital Characters: Art, Technology, Uses and Meaning; Visual Studies Studios; Digital Compositing; Computing for Visualization; Interaction Design; Video and Time based Media; Creating Digital Environments; Multimedia Design and Development; and Virtual Reality.
To enhance the program, VFX students may add an additional emphasis area such as interactive design, animation and virtual production or visual computing. Students may also add a minor in Flim, Game Design and Development, Virtual Production, Music Technology, or other area.
All TAMU Visualization students also have the opportunity to complete 15-week, 600 hour internship; participate in the Semester Away Program in places such as Germany or Italy; and attend the Annual Career Fair. Undergraduate internships are worth six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have interned at a major animation, game, and design studios.
Graduates of the Visualization programs at Texas A&M University are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, including visual effects, animation, and game design; interaction design; user interface design; and interactive design. TAMU Visualization alumni have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Reel FX.
TAMU Visualization graduates have been recognized by the Visual Effects Society Awards (VES), with nominations for work on productions such as Coco, Wall-E, Brave, Finding Dory, The Peanuts Movie, Toy Story of Terror, The Incredibles, King Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest, The Croods, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Lightyear. The VES Awards honor visual effects in film, television, video games, and commercials.
Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876 as the state’s first public Institution of higher learning. The school is one of the few universities in the nation to have land-, sea-, and space-grant designations. Serving approximately 77,490 students, Texas A&M is the largest university in Texas. With branch campuses in Galveston, Texas and Doha, Qatar, Texas A&M houses 17 colleges and schools that provide over 140 undergraduate programs and more than 270 graduate degree programs.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The School of Theater, Film & Television at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is home to the School of Theater, Flim and Television. Within the school is the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM), which provides several paths and initiatives related to visual effects studies.
Programs include the BA in Flim, Television and Digital Media. Initiatives include Special Effects for Film and Television; Interactive Television; Computer Animation and Video Gaming; Development of Web-Based Media Arts; and Computer Assisted Theater Design. FTVDM students also have access to the state-of-the-art Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio and other production facilities.
For students seeking shorter program or single courses, UCLA Extension has an 11-week Introduction to Visual Effects Creation course and a Post-Production certificate program. The course features lectures, exercises and industry guests. Topics include understanding color for VFX; virtual production and XR; 3D animation; VFX supervision; studio pipelines, and Adobe After Effects. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to complete a short VFX sequence with After Effects.
The Post-Production Certificate is a project-based program that features courses taught by professionals from paces such as Amazon Studios, Netflix, and MTV. The nine-course curriculum covers training on industry-standard software, VFX, sound, and editing. Course examples include Introduction to Visual Effects Creation; Post-Production for Film and Television; The Art and Craft of Film Editing; Color Correction for Film and Television; and Introduction to Adobe Premiere.
Certificate students may also select two electives from upper division courses in Directing, Producing, Cinematography, and Film Scoring. Examples include Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement; Introduction to Pro Tools; The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician in Cinematography. Anatomy of a Film Score; The Craft of the Director; and Making Your First Short Film.
All certificate students will have the opportunity to apply for an internship after completing 12 credit hours. Students will also leave the program with a portfolio of their best work. The Post-Production certificate program at UCLA can be completed in nine months full-time or up to three years part-time.
The Film, Television and Digital Media BA provides education and professional training in production and post-production techniques, animation, and screenwriting. Course examples for the program include Digital Cinematography (explores special effects); Experimental Film; Computer Animation in Film and Video; Advanced Film Editing; Tools and Techniques: Cinematography; Motion Picture Lighting; Digital Audio Postproduction; Film and Television Laboratory; and Undergraduate Film Production.
During the senior year, BA students will choose a concentration in an area of interest. Examples include Production – Post-Production; Animation; and Digital Media. The program culminates with a professional internship and the completion of a professional production.
Graduates of the FTVDM Department at UCLA are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. UCLA alumni have been hired at major studios such as Pixar, Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks, and Nickelodeon.
Established in 1919, University of California Los Angeles has helped produce more than 200 startup companies to date. Serving approximately 46,675 students from more than 115 countries around the world, UCLA provides over 250 programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Located on the backlot of Universal Studios, Florida, The DAVE School provides three paths to study visual effects. All programs are campus- and project-based, with opportunities to develop at least two VFX productions. Programs include the Visual Effects Production Diploma; the Game Production Diploma; and the school’s flagship Virtual Production (VP) Diploma. The Visual Effects Production and Game Production programs consist of 60 credit hours completed over 12 months. The VP Diploma is an 18 month program consisting of 90 credit hours.
The VP program combines everything from the Visual Effects Production and Game Production programs. Students in the 12-month programs have the option to extend their studies into the VP program. Course examples across programs include Compositing and VFX: Principles of Integration; Rotoscoping; Dynamics and Visual Effects for Motion Graphics; Level Design; 3D Animation: The Art of Motion; Real-Time Technologies and Studio Production; and Game Asset Creation and Immersive Techniques.
DAVE School students will also learn the basics of creating a start-up, while working their way through the production process using industry software such as Nuke, Maya, Adobe Premier Pro, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, Zbrush, Quixel, and After Effects.
DAVE School programs culminate with a demo reel and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to launch their own studios or pursue VFX roles at major studios around the world. DAVE School alumni have worked on Hollywood productions such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Encanto, Top Gun: Maverick, Lightyear, The Batman, Ms. Marvel, The Addams Family 2, Eternals, Shining Vale, The Last of Us, Moon Knight, Free Guy, and The Book of Boba Fett.
Founded in 2000, The DAVE (Digital Animation and Visual Effects) School is an academic unit of NUC University. Serving approximately 1,000 students, the school provides three programs leading to a diploma. As part of NUC University, The DAVE School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MCSHE). The school is also licensed by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education.
Moody College of Communication at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides several paths to study VFX. Within Moody’s Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF) are the RTF BA, RTF minor, and the Film and Media Production MFA (FMP MFA).
All UT Austin RTF and FMP students have opportunities to work and learn in the Digital Media Production Lab (DML), which provides access to software such as Blackmagic Davinci Resolve, Autodesk Maya and Mudbox, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, and other industry VFX tools. The DML also houses five surround sound dub stages; a 70 x 20 green screen; and dedicated workspaces.
In addition to the DML access, students may sign up for an internship and courses taught by industry insiders through the Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies. Internships and courses take place in Los Angeles for a semester or summer.
Other RTF and MFA program benefits include Maymester—a three- to four-week study abroad program in places such as Italy, the UK, or Guatemala; UT In New York, which provides the opportunity to live, work, and learn in New York City; and one- to six-hour hybrid/blended internships to gain practical experience in film, television, digital media, or video games.
Across RTF and FMP MFA programs, students also have access to a variety of VFX and special effects courses, as well as dozens of support courses. Examples include VFX & Motion Graphics; VFX for Storytelling; CGI for Film and Games; 2D Animation; Post-Production Techniques; Advanced Editing; Producing Short Films; Advanced Cinematography; Digital Media Production; Advanced Screenwriting: Feature Film; Producing Film and Television; Storytelling in Film and Media; and Global Hollywood.
The Digital Media Production course allows students to select an area of interest such as compositing and VFX; CGI and interactive game design; or animation and simulation. Areas of interest allow students to delve deeper into topics such as simulating effects, virtual cinematography, and lighting.
VFX courses are also accessible to students in the Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS program (AET BS) and the UT Austin Game Development and Design (GDAD) program.
The AET BS is housed in the School of Design and Creative Technologies. The GDAD program is a partnership between the AET, Computer Science (CS), and RTF Departments, with courses on immersive experiences provided by the Texas Immersive Institute (TXI). This GDAD program leads to a BS.
Recent graduates of the RTF and Film programs at UT Austin have been hired at some of the world’s top studios. Examples include DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Classics, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Shondaland, Searchlight Pictures, and Amazon Studios.
Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 53,865 students, making it the second the largest university in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 170 undergraduate degree programs, 125 master’s degree programs, and more than 80 doctoral programs across 15 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the Integrative Design, Arts and Technology Network (IDeATe). In collaboration with the Robotics Institute in the School of Computer Science, IDeATe manages eight undergraduate areas that can be taken as minors. This includes Animation and Special Effects.
Led by faculty with expertise in art and robotics, the minor is open to students in any program. Ideal parings include the Film and Visual Media BA in Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences/Department of English; the create your own path Video and Media Design MFA in the School of Drama; the Bachelor of Computer Science and Art (BCSA) in the College of Fine Arts/School of Art and the School of Computer Science; and the Electronic and Time Based Media BFA in the School of Art.
Course examples for the CMU Animation and Special Effects minor include Special Topics in Animation: Storytelling Through Effects; IDeATe Portal: Creative Kinetic Systems; Technical Character Animation; Physical Computing; Little Games/Big Stories: Indie Roleplaying Game Studio; Character Rigging for Production; Animation, Art and Technology; Experimental Capture; Intermediate Studio: Real-Time Animation; and Digital Realities: Introducing Immersive Technologies for Arts and Culture.
All students, regardless of major, will develop advanced skills in visual effects and procedural animation; digital 2D and 3D techniques; rendering and compositing; expanded and experimental animation methods; motion-capture technologies; real-time animation systems; and storytelling through animation.
The creative degree programs at Carnegie Mellon University culminate with a final project, portfolio, and/or reel. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in entertainment and other related industries.
Graduates of the IDeATe programs at CMU have been hired at major studios and networks such as Electronic Arts (EA), Walt Disney Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Activision Blizzard, MTV, Paramount, Zynga Games, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Games, and Comedy Central.
Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University began as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, the school serves more than 14,500 students from 100+ countries with access to over 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. This private, global research university has more than a dozen degree-granting locations, along with 20+ research partnerships in Silicon Valley, Australia, Africa, and Qatar. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) houses the Film/Animation/Video (FAV) Department. Serving 150 students, the department provides an FAV BFA program that allows students to focus their studies on animation, live action, or open media. All VAF students will work and learn in a professional studio environment while creating visual effects, animations, and films using techniques such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop-motion, and hand-drawn.
Other program features include collaborative assignments and projects; workshops; 24/7 access to animation, live action, green screen, and blackout shooting studios; and Apple workstations equipped with Avid, Final Cut, Pro Tools, Autodesk Maya, the Adobe Production Suite.
Course examples for the FAV program include Digital Effects and Compositing for the Screen; Computer Generated Imagery 3D; Experimental Film Techniques; Advanced Stop Motion Animation; Character Design; Film Practices; Computer Animation: Integrated Techniques; Experiments in Stop Motion Animation; Time, Light and Sound; Lighting For The Moving Image; Digital Practices; and Senior Studio: Animation, Live Action or Open Media.
In addition, all RISD students have the opportunity to complete a professional internship in a studio environment.
The FAV BFA Program at Rhode Island School of Design culminates with a senior project to be presented at the Annual RISD FAV Senior Show. This public event takes place across four evenings—live on campus, and via online stream.
RISD FAV graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Program alumni been recruited by major networks and studios such as HBO, Pixar, DreamWorks, and PBS. Some alumni have also launched their own studios or production companies, while others have gone on to create, direct, or produce dozens of films and series.
Founded in 1877 as both a school and a museum, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first independent colleges of art and design in the U.S. Serving approximately 2,520 students from 57 countries, this private, nonprofit college provides 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
RISD is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
DePaul University (DePaul) is home to Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), which houses the School of Cinematic Arts. Within the school is a Visual Effects minor that can be added to programs such as the BA, BFA, MS, and MFA Film and Television; the Animation BA, BFA, MA, and MFA; the Game Design BS and MFA; and the Game Programming BS and MS, among others. A Visual Effects concentration is also available for Film and Television students.
Consisting of 28 credit hours, the Visual Effects minor covers the techniques used to create visual effects for film, television, and multimedia. Courses include Introduction to Visual Effects; Compositing I-II; 3D Design and Modeling; Visual Effects Supervision or 3D Texturing and Lighting; Color Correction; and Editing I.
The Visual Effects concentration is a deep dive into VFX. In addition to the courses for the minor, the concentration includes courses such as Visual Effects Cinematography; Producing for Animation and VFX; Advanced Topics in Visual Effects; Editing II; CG Compositing; Motion Graphics; 3D Dynamics; Coding for Audio and Video; Virtual Cinematography; 3D Animation Production; Previsualization; Screenwriting; Image Science; Post-Production Seminar; and Post-Production Capstone.
Across programs, students have access to DePaul Cinespace Studios. Formed in partnership with Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, this 60,000 square foot space serves as a production facility and learning environment for film students. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to work near major productions filming on the Cinespace lot.
Other benefits include access to the latest software, tools, and technologies including Cintiq labs; 3D motion capture, motion control, and sophisticated sound studios; 3D printing, stop motion stages and fabrication studios; and professional-level animation and effects software. Students also have access to the Animation Lodge, which provides opportunities to network, collaborate on group projects, and build a professional portfolio.
Students in all programs also benefit from the visiting artist series, with past guests from Pixar and Disney; the LA Quarter Program—a 10-week immersive experience that provides internship opportunities at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Disney, The Jim Henson Company, Warner Brothers, Sony, Titmouse, and Bix Pix Entertainment; Project Bluelight, which supports independent filmmaking; and the student organization DePaul Cinema Collaborative (DCC), which supports collaborative projects, research, and guest lecturers.
Graduates of the Film, Animation, and Game programs at DePaul University are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of entertainment, advertising, game design, and many others. Across programs, alumni have been hired at places such Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network, Disney Animation, LAIKA Studios, Nickelodeon Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Iron Galaxy Studios, ShadowMachine, and The Mill.
Serving approximately 20,490 students, DePaul University is the largest private Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1898, the school provides more than 300 programs across two Chicago campuses that house 10 colleges and schools. DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is home to the College of Art and Design, which houses the School of Film and Animation. A Designated Center of Excellence (COE) by Toon Boom Animation, the school provides several paths to study visual effects. These include the Film and Animation BFA with an Animation or Production Option; the Film and Animation BFA without an option; and the STEM designated Motion Picture Science BS; and the Film and Animation MFA.
All programs are multidisciplinary, with opportunities to complete an internship with local and regional studios; cooperative education (co-op) in the College of Art and Design, which provides hands-on experience in a professional environment; and the Study Away: LA Program, which allows students to spend a semester in Los Angeles and complete an internship with a major studio or entertainment companies. Study Away students may also take two courses during their stay in LA.
RIT Film and Animation students also have access to 52,000 square foot MAGIC Spell Studios; labs and classrooms equipped with industry standard technology and software; 24/7 access to a dedicated graduate lab with industry-level software 9MFA students); and opportunities to participate in the RIT’s Creative Industry Days. This event highlights opportunities to meet with representatives of studios, design firms, and other creative companies.
Across programs, students will study digital effects, production, AR/VR, games, stop-motion animation, filmmaking, sound design, 2D animation, screenwriting, compositing, 3D animation, engineering, and live-action storytelling.
Course examples include Digital Effects and Compositing; Film Sound Theory: Effects; Computers and Imaging Technology; After Effects for Animators; 3D Lighting and Rendering; Concept and Character Design (2D); Interactions Between Light and Matter; Digital Color Correction; Advanced 3D Modeling; Production Processes; Digital Post Production Technology; Imager Capture and Production Technology; and IT Fundamentals for Digital Media; Virtual Production I-II (explores real-time visual effects); World Building Workshop; and Building the 3D Characters.
All programs culminate with a final project to be presented at any number of RIT events from film festivals to student showcases. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as VFX Artist, Effects Animator, Visual Effects Compositor, Visual Effects Supervisor, and Post Production Supervisor.
RIT alumni have been hired at major studios such as Lucasfilm, Disney, Nickelodeon, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Sony, and Dolby.
Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum. With global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, this research university serves 20,570 students, making it one of the largest private universities in the U.S. RIT provides more than 200 academic programs across nine colleges and two degree-granting institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Chapman University (Chapman) is home to the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts (Dodge College), which houses the Sodaro-Pankey School of Media Arts. Within the school is an Animation and Visual Effects BFA program that allows students to specialize in Visual Effects; Animation 2D; or Animation CG. While the Animation 2D and CG areas consist of courses such as Production Design for Animation and Visual Effects; Character Design; and Storytelling in Animation and Visual Effects, the VFX area is the most popular option for students who would like a stronger focus in visual effects.
Consisting of 33 credits, the Visual Effects area include courses such as Visual Effects: Fundamental Techniques and Technologies; Compositing for Visual Effects; Virtual Production Workshop for Animation and Visual Effects; Advanced 3D Computer Graphics for Visual Effects; Advanced Unreal Engine; Advanced Visual Effects Production and Workflow; Unreal Engine for Filmmakers; 3D Computer Graphics; Advanced Pre-visualization for Motion Pictures; and On-Set and Post-Production Visual Effects Supervision.
All 2D, CG and VFX students will take core courses such as Fundamentals Graphics I-II for Animation and Visual Effects; Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects; Mechanics of Motion; History and Aesthetics of Animation and Visual Effects; and Animation and Visual Effects: Evenings with the Experts.
The Animation and Visual Effects BFA program at Chapman University culminates with a three-semester capstone (short film or comparable project) across the following courses: Senior Thesis I: Concept Development; Senior Thesis II: Pre-Production and Production; and Senior Thesis III: Production II and Post-Production.
Chapman University’s Dodge College also has a VFX minor that can be added to undergraduate programs such as the Creative Producing BFA; the Film and Television Production BFA; or the Film and Media Studies BA. The VFX minor also complements graduate programs such as the Film and Media Studies MA, and the Film Production MFA.
Consisting of 21 credits, the VFX minor includes courses such as Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects; History and Aesthetics of Animation and Visual Effects; 3D Computer Graphics; Visual Effects: Fundamental Techniques and Technologies; Advanced Previsualization for Motion Pictures; Advanced Visual Effects Production and Workflow; and On-Set and Post-Production Visual Effects Supervision.
Across programs, students will work with industry software and tools such as Maya, Blender, Houdini, Zbrush, Toon Boom Harmony, Unreal Engine, Nuke, Rokoko, and Adobe. Students also have 24/7 access to Marion Knott Studios—Chapman’s 76,000 square foot working production studio; the Digital Media Arts Center (DMAC)—a digital arts studio and lounge inspired by studios such as Disney and Pixar; and Chapman Studios West—a 38,000 square foot space that includes a prop/set warehouse, scene shop, and other resources.
Other program benefits include internship opportunities at places such as DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, NBCUniversal, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Lionsgate; study abroad experiences at entertainment studios in places such as London; Hong Kong; Rome, and Greece; and participation in student clubs and organizations such as the Chapman Animation and Visual Effects Club, The Collective, and the Virtual Reality/AR Club.
Graduates of the Animation, Visual Effects, and Film programs at Chapman University are prepared to pursue titles such as Visual Effects Artist, VFX Animator, and VFX Supervisor. Alumni have been hired at places such as Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures, Marvel, DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, PlayStation, Obsidian Entertainment, DNEG, Netflix, Lightstorm Entertainment, Blur Studio, The Third Floor, Frame48, and Bento Box Entertainment.
Founded in 1861 as Hesperian College, Chapman University is a private research university that serves approximately 10,000 students from 49 states, two territories, and 82 countries. The school provides around 200 programs across 11 schools and colleges. Chapman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).
Otis College of Art and Design (Otis College) provides a number of programs that allow students to specialize in an area of interest through minor, certificate, and emphasis options. All students will begin their studies with the immersive First-Year Experience, which consists of studio courses, major-focused events, and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) courses. During this time, students will also finalize the course of action for their chosen discipline.
For students seeking careers in visual effects, Otis College has several ideal options that can be taken alone or combined to enhance the program. These include the Digital Media minor; the Animation BFA; and the Game and Entertainment Design BFA.
The Digital Media minor explores visual effects, modeling, animation, video games, film, television, and advertising. Consisting of 16 credit hours, the minor is open to students in the Fine Arts, Illustration, and Graphic Design BFA programs, among others.
The Animation BFA at Otis College is an interdisciplinary program where students have the opportunity to master industry software such as Nuke, Houdini, Maya, Toon Boom, Zbrush, Unreal Engine, Cinema 4D, and Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premier). Students will also master pre-production, production, and post-production techniques; storyboarding and previsualization; animation; visual development and storytelling; color theory and design; 3D production (modeling, lighting, rendering), and drawing.
Electives allow students to develop additional or advanced skills in many areas. Elective examples include Motion Capture; Lighting: CG and IRL; Digital Sculpting and ZBrush; Advanced Storyboarding; Stop Motion Animation; Basic Video Editing; and Storytelling: Cinematic/Miyazaki.
The Game and Entertainment Design BFA at Otis College of Art and Design features collaborative projects; lectures; and in-class exercises. The program covers everything from the Animation BFA along with courses such as VFX for Games; Robots, Vehicles, and Spaceships; and Creative Action Learning Studio.
All programs culminate with a senior project. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as VFX Artist, 2D/3D CG Artist, Effects Animator, Unreal Engine Artist, Rotoscope Artist, Animatic Designer or Producer, Match Mover, Modeler, Background Artist, Animator, and Real-Time Development Artist.
Program alumni have been hired for VFX positions at places such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Mattel. Other Otis College alumni have been recruited by companies and studios such as Weta FX, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), Apple, Nickelodeon, Digital Domain, Netflix, and Nike.
Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is Los Angeles’ first professional school of the arts. This private, non-profit college serves more than 1,200 students enrolled in 10 BFA and MFA degree programs in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Public Practice, and Writing. More than 25 minors and certificate programs are also available. Programs and courses at Otis College are led by more than 430 active professionals in their fields.
Otis College of Art and Design is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Otis College is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the Partnership for Academic Leadership on Sustainability (PALS).
Drexel University is home to Antoinette Westphal College of Arts and Design. Serving more than 2,000 students, Westphal is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Within the college is an Animation and Visual Effects BS with a long list of electives that allow students to specialize in VFX. Students may also select a concentration or enroll in the generalist path. Concentrations include Modeling and Animation.
Housed in Westphal’s URBN Center, the Animation and Visual Effects BS is a studio-based program that consists of 187 units of study. Designed for collaboration across programs, the URBN Center features shared making spaces and state-of-the-art studios and labs. This includes the Animation Capture and Effects Lab (ACE-Lab), which consists of a 1200-sq-ft digital media studio equipped with the latest digital media technology.
Course examples for the Animation and Visual Effects program include Digital Imaging for Programming, Animation and VFX; Scripting for Animation and Visual Effects; Digital Character Creation; Spatial Data Capture; Experimental Animation Lab; Audio Production and Post; Digital Compositing; Organic Modeling; Character Animation; and Light and Sound.
All Animation and VFX students will participate in the Drexel Cooperative Education (co-op) program. The university has been a cooperative educational institution since 1919. This six-month professional co-op experience provides the opportunity to gain professional experience at places such as Sony Studios, FuseFX, Cartoon Network, 3FX Medical Animations, and Mediakraft TV.
Other program benefits include optional participation in Westphal’s Drexel in LA Program; courses taught by professionals in the entertainment, media, and technology industries; and overseas experiences through the Drexel University Study Abroad Program.
The Drexel in LA program provides the opportunity for students to spend the entire summer term living and working in Los Angeles with students in the Film and Television, and Screenwriting and Playwriting programs. Through the program, students have interned at places such as Riot Games, ImageMovers, and BBC Worldwide Productions.
For students seeking an add-on to their degree program or an advanced degree, the Antoinette Westphal College of Arts and Design at Drexel University has additional program options: an accelerated Animation and Visual Effects BS/Digital Media MS and an Animation and VFX minor.
In addition to all that the Animation and Visual Effects BS has to offer, the accelerated program features industry-sponsored projects; funded grant research opportunities; independent, student-generated projects; and three co-op experiences. The accelerated program can be completed in just five years. Graduates have been hired at major companies and studios such Pixar, DreamWorks, Microsoft XBOX, Disney, and NCSoft.
Consisting of 24 credit hours (eight courses), the Animation and Visual Effects minor is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in any discipline. The program provides a foundation in the storytelling, design, and technological aspects of 3D animation and visual effects. Course examples include Foundational Tools for Animation and VFX; Digital Imaging for Animation and VFX; Realtime Visualization; Scripting for Animation and Visual Effects; Digital Compositing I-II; and Advanced Visual Effects.
The Animation and Visual Effects programs at Drexel University culminate with a Capstone Project, which will be presented in a Thesis Exhibition attended by professionals in the industry. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as VFX Artist, 3D Modeler, Visual Effects Supervisor, Character Animator, Art Director, Texture Artist, and Technical Director.
Drexel University was established in 1891 as Drexel Institute of Art, Science, & Industry. The school serves approximately 21,700 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools. Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The school’s Digital Media and Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts & Design (NASAD).
The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Central Florida (UCF) provides an advanced degree program for students seeking employment at production studios and artists looking to make their own independent films. Leading to an Emerging Media MFA, this three-year, 60 credit hour program has an Animation and Visual Effects track.
Program features include courses and projects led by working professionals with connections in the industry; opportunities to co-direct a team of students in the Emerging Media: Character Animation BFA program; and access to labs and studios equipped with the same industry-standard software used in major studios around the world.
Students in the SVAD UCF MFA program (Animation and Visual Effects) will take 48 credit hours of required courses. Examples include The History of Animation and Visual Effects; Script and Story Development for Animation and Visual Effects; Visual Effects for Animation and Live Action I-II; Technical Problem Solving for Animation and Visual Effects; Animation and Visual Effects Production I-V; Visual Development and Design for Animation and Visual Effects; Editing for Animation and Visual Effects I: Theory and Production; Directing for Animation and Visual Effects; Editing for Animation and Visual Effects II: Practical Editing; Script and Story Development for Animation and Visual Effects; and Research Methods in Film and Digital Media.
The Emerging Media MFA program at University of Central Florida culminates with a 12 credit hour Visual Effects or Animation Thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Weta FA, Lockheed Martin, Walt Disney Animation Studios, NASA, Weta FX, Epic Games, Pixar, the U.S. Navy, Nickelodeon Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Reel FX, Framestore, Riot Games, Blur Studio, Netflix, and Titmouse.
University of Central Florida opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University. On the first day of classes, the school had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF serves approximately 69,320 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the largest universities in the U.S. Across 13 colleges, more than 13,000 faculty and staff manage the school’s 104 bachelor’s degrees, 97 master’s degrees, and 39 doctorate and specialist degrees.
University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Utah (The U) houses the College of Architecture and Planning. Within the college is an Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) emphasis, provided in conjunction with the School of Computing. Leading to a BS in Computer Science (BS CS), this 123 credit hour program features a computer science curriculum along with courses that cover computer-generated special effects, 3D animation, and game design and development.
Course examples include Interactive Machinima; Asset Pipeline; Digital Content Creation; Computer Systems; Alternative Game Design; Software Practice 1-2; and Human-Centered Computing. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone, completed over two courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry or to enroll in a graduate program, such as the Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE) at University of Utah.
The MEAE is a two-year program that provides a Technical Arts track. Areas of specialization within the track include Visual Effects; Simulation; Rigging; Technical Animation; Lighting; Procedural Content Creation; Scripting; Pipelines; and Shaders. Through the project-based Technical Art I-III courses, students will focus on topics such as procedural workflows in Side Effects Houdini; using programmable GPU Shaders to customize graphics pipelines to produce visual effects; and pipelines from concept to engine. Students will master Maya, C++, Maya Embedded Language (MEL), Unreal Engine, and Python.
Other course examples for the program include Level Design; Rapid Prototyping; 3D Modeling; Character Design; Texturing for 3D; Shader Development; Advanced 3D Character Production; Narrative in Game Design; Paper Prototyping; Hard Surface Modeling; Experimental Gameplay; Environment Art for Games; Technical Art IV; Narrative in Game Design; and Games User Interface Design.
In the Technical Art IV course, students have the opportunity to experiment with techniques and use what they have learned so far to create visual effects, games, animations, and more. The course also focuses on branding and portfolio presentation.
Upon completion of the program, students will have a demo reel and/or portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as VFX Artist, Visual Effects Animator, VFX Editor, VFX Production Coordinator or Production Manager, Video Game FX Artist, Computer Animator, Film Editor, 3D Animator and Digital Filmmaker.
Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves more than 36,000 students, making it the second largest public university in the state. The school is also classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the 137 research universities with the highest research activity in the nation.
Students at The U have access to more than 200 programs across 18 colleges and schools and nearly 100 departments. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school is also member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
The 3D Animation and Visual Effects School at New York Film Academy (NYFA) in Los Angeles houses an accelerated 3D Animation and VFX BFA program that can be completed in just three years. Courses and projects for the program are led by faculty from studios such as DreamWorks, Universal, Disney, and Netflix.
Course examples include Maya Polygonal Modeling; Compositing with Nuke; Advanced Rigging 1; Particle Dynamics and Visual Effects in Maya; Character Design; Screenwriting, Lighting and Cameras; UV Mapping; Lighting and Rendering with V-Ray and Arnold; Storyboard and Animatic Animation; MEL and Python Scripting; Screenwriting, Lighting and Cameras; Professional Development in Animation; and Concepting with Zbrush.
For students seeking a graduate degree, New York Film Academy has a 3D Animation and VFX MFA that explores VFX for film, TV, virtual reality, and games. The program features hands-on projects and advanced versions of the same courses for the BFA.
The 3D Animation and VFX MFA culminates with a thesis and a professional demo reel of the student's best work.
For students seeking a shorter program, the 3D Animation and Visual Effects School at New York Film Academy provides four- and 12-week 3D Animation and VFX workshops (part-time evening and full-time days, respectively); four- and 12-week Adobe After Effects workshops (part-time evening and full-time days, respectively); a three-week 3D Animation and VFX workshop (full-time days); a one-week Visual Effects workshop (in-person accelerated); and a four-week online 3D Animation and VFX workshop.
Across workshops, students will master character development, Maya, movement, timing, and weight through hands-on projects. Most workshops culminate with the creation of an original short.
Students in all NYFA programs have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, equipment, and industry standard animation and VFX software such as Foundry’s Nuke compositing and editing program; Mudbox; SideFX Houdini, Chaos Group’s V-Ray; MotionBuilder, Pixologic’s ZBrush digital sculptor; and Autodesk’s 3D Maya.
New York Film Academy graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. NYFA alumni are VFX Artists, Filmmakers, and Animators at places such as DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, Digital Domain, Tyler Perry Studios, ACM Siggraph, Gearbox Software, and Bad Robot Productions.
New York Film Academy has degree-granting campuses in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Additional campuses and programs are located at Harvard University and in China, France, Australia, and Italy. Founded in 1992, NYFA serves thousands of students enrolled in dozens of Visual and Performing Arts programs leading to a AFA, BA, BFA, MA, MFA, or certificate. New York Film Academy is WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) provides an ideal path to study visual effects—the Computational Media BS (BSCM). A collaborative effort between the Ivan Allen College School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) and the College of Computing, the Computational Media launched in 2004 with just one student. Today, the program serves more than 300 students, making it one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs.
Within the BSCM program is a Media and Games concentration that consists of courses such as Digital Video Special Effects; Computer Animation; Video Production; Principles and Applications of Computer Audio; Constructing the Moving Image; Experimental Digital Art; Interactive Narrative; Graphic and Visual Design; and Game AI. The BSCM program also highlights focus threads such as Interaction; Games; Narrative; and Film.
To enhance the degree, students may add the Film Studies minor. Housed in the School of LMC, the minor provides access to courses such as Advanced Video Production; Science Fiction Film and Television; Video Editing and Post-Production; Film and/as Technology; and Experimental Film.
All students may participate in the internship program where they have opportunities to work in visual effects, animation and special effects, the design and development of video games, and user interfaces. Students also have access to post-production labs featuring Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and DaVinci Resolve software, and a film and video equipment rental house that provides the latest industry software and production tools for students and researchers working in the entertainment industry.
Graduates of the BSCM program at Georgia Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as visual effects, special effects creation, animation, 3D modeling, virtual and augmented reality, simulation, interactive game design, and robotics.
Georgia Tech alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), NBC Universal, Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Cox Communications, Turner Sports, and Delta Airlines.
Georgia Institute of Technology was established in 1885. When it opened, the school had just 129 students enrolled in one degree program—the Mechanical Engineering BS. Today, Georgia Tech serves nearly 50,000 students enrolled in more than 180 degree programs and minors across six colleges and 28 schools. Students represent 50 states and 149 countries. Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago has a Cinema Visual Effects (CVFX) concentration and an Editing and Post Production concentration that prepare students for direct entry into the field. Open to Film and Television BFA students, the CVFX concentration consists of 12 courses including Editing I; Editing I Studio; CVFX Foundations; Cinema Color I-II; CVFX Cinematography I; Computer Animation: Visual Effects; CVFX Compositing I-II; Computer Animation: Keyframing; and Motion Graphics I-II.
Also open to Film and Television BFA students, the Editing and Post Production concentration consists of many of the same courses for the CVFX program, as well as Experimental Editing; Applied Post-Production; Digital Workflow; Post-Production Audio I-III; Post-Production Supervisor; and Digital Imaging Technician and On-Set Post-Production.
Electives allow students to develop additional skills in areas such as screenwriting, traditional animation, experimental production, directing, interactive media, storytelling, and game culture.
All cinema visual effects, production, editing, directing, lighting, and related courses take place in the 35,500 square foot working and learning facility known as the Media Production Center (MPC). Designed for Columbia College Chicago and used exclusively by its students, the MPC also provides opportunities to collaborate, build sets, design lighting schemes, and direct productions.
Other program features include participation in the Semester in LA Program (SiLA). This multidisciplinary program allows students to work, live, and study in Hollywood for an entire semester. SiLA consists of courses held at Sunset Las Palmas Studios; a 15-20 hour a week LA-based internship; networking events; intensive week-long workshops in January and the summer; and trips to tapings, tours, and exclusive events.
The Film and Television BFA-CVFX program culminates with the production of a short, festival-quality film. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, advertising, and anywhere VFX skills are required.
Columbia College Chicago alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Studios, Weta FX, Pixar, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros.
Columbia College Chicago was established in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory. The school serves approximately 6,700 students enrolled in more than 60 degree programs in areas such as communication, writing, music, and media, The school also provides several business management programs. Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) houses the Department of Visual Arts (VA) and the state-of-the-art Digital Animation Center (DAC). The two areas have partnered to provide a Visual Arts BFA with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the program features courses such as VFX Rigging and Animation; Intro to Film; DAC: Visual Effects; Character FX; Surface Modeling; DAC: Dynamic Simulation; 3D Design; DAC Modeling I-II; Surface and Lighting; Digital Cinematography; Production I-III; and Character Creation.
The DAC: Visual Effects course is delivered in a lecture/lab format that explores the theory and techniques of creating VFX sequences. Students will explore how to develop complete effects shots such as camera tracking, shooting live plates, VFX, and compositing with an emphasis on artistic distinction through the application of current 3D technologies.
Visual Arts BFA students can develop additional VFX skills through electives such as Editing and Post-Production Techniques, Lighting, Grip, and Sound, and Sound for Film and TV.
In the junior year of the Visual Arts BFA program at University of Colorado Denver, students will begin production on their senior films. Throughout this 18-month capstone experience, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with departments across CAM and work in all areas to create their final projects.
Visual Arts students will create visual effects, sound, motion graphics, storylines, special effects, and soundtracks. Students may also participate in the internship program during the final two years of the program.
Other CAM features include guest speakers; access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and production facilities; and participation in the CU Denver Visual Arts BFA Thesis Show at Redline.
Graduates of the Visual Arts BFA program at CU Denver are prepared to pursue careers as filmmakers, visual effects artists, animators, production and post-production artists, special effects artists, and many others. BFA alumni have produced films that have been screened at more than 300 film festivals across 22 countries, and they have won more than 75 Best Animated Short awards in non-student categories. Visual Arts graduates have also landed positions at major studios such as Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Sony.
University of Colorado Denver began as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder in 1912.
The school became CU Denver in 1973, making it an independent campus. Organized into eight colleges and schools, CU Denver serves approximately 15,000 students enrolled in 112 academic degrees University of Colorado Denver is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNC School of the Arts or UNCSA) is home to the School of Filmmaking. Established in 1993 with just five faculty members and 58 students, the school houses the Film Studio Village. This 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art New Media Building features state-of-the-art AR/VR equipment, and the most current hardware and software for visual effects, animation, gaming, and digital design.
The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA employs more than two dozen film faculty today, who have won or been nominated for Oscars, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes, among others. Film faculty have also worked for award-winning programs on just about every network, and streaming platforms from Netflix to Disney+.
Other School of Filmmaking benefits include guest artists from studios such as Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, and Amazon Studios; internship opportunities with local, national, and alumni-owned film studios; screenings, workshops and seminars with industry professionals; the opportunity to participate in UNCSA’s Los Angeles trip, featuring behind the scenes tours and meetings with industry leaders; and access to METL.
Launched in 2017, METL is a creative incubator housed in a 3,600 square foot production space known as the Cube. This working studio is located in the Center for Design Innovation (CDI)—UNC’s 24,000 square foot, multi-campus research center, which serves as a laboratory, classroom, and convening space.
For students seeking careers in visual effects, the School of Filmmaking at UNCSA has a Production Design and Visual Effects BFA. This 120 credit hour program requires 84 credits in the major, 30 credits in general education, and six credits in liberal arts or designated arts courses. Major course examples include Visual Effects for the Production Designer I-II; Color Rendering Techniques; Fundamentals of Picture Editing I-II; Pre-Visualization; Making and Reflecting; Fundamentals of Producing I-II; Digital Design for the Art Director; Production Design; Art Direction Workshop I-II; and Production Design Practicum.
The Production Design and Visual Effects BFA program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts culminates with a professional digital portfolio and the production of a film under the direction of a mentor.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as visual effects for film and television; set design; animation; production design; art direction; filmmaking; and game art. Program alumni have been hired to work on shows and films such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; South Park; We’re the Millers; Under the Dome; Mud; Eastbound and Down; and Vacation.
Some UNCSA Filmmaking graduates also hold positions at places such as Paramount Pictures and ABC, while others work with international film festivals, or in development and distribution for major studios around the world.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts began as North Carolina School of the Arts in 1963. Established by the N.C. General Assembly, the school opened in 1965, becoming the nation’s first public arts conservatory. In 1972, North Carolina School of the Arts became part of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System. In 2008, the school was renamed University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Today, approximately 1,370 UNCSA students are enrolled in 40 degree programs across five conservatories (schools) including Design and Production; Filmmaking; Dance; Music; and Drama. The school also houses the Division of Liberal Arts and the High School Academic Program, which is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
University of North Carolina School of the Arts is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) provides many paths to study visual effects. BFA programs include Animation; Entertainment Design; Game Art; and Experimental Animation. Game Art, Entertainment Design, and Animation may also be taken as minors. All programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing students to develop skills across areas and work with peers across pathways.
Course examples for these 122 credit hour programs include CG Modeling; Real-Time VFX; 2D Development Studio; Fundamentals of Maya; Robotics, Vehicles and Spaceships; Advanced Real-Time VFX; 3D Character Animation; Lighting and Rendering; Experimental Stop Motion Techniques; Compositing for Animators; New Technologies; Environment Design; Storyboarding for Entertainment – Live Action Film and TV; World Development; Character Design for Limited Animation and Stop Motion; Scripting for Game; Shaders and Materials; Modeling for Concept; Visual Storytelling; Advanced Technologies; Creatures and Characters; Rigging and Animation for Game; Level Design; and Architectural Visualization.
Across programs, LCAD students benefit from opportunities to create several productions; guest speakers; access to state-of-the-art production studios and computer labs; workshops and seminars; study abroad experiences in places such as Paris and Italy; and internships opportunities. LCAD students have interned at major studios such as Pixar, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony, and Hasbro. Many of these studios are LCAD industry partners.
Others include DreamWorks, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), South Park Studios, The Jim Henson Company, Mattel, Warner Bros., LAIKA Studios, Titmouse, Obsidian Entertainment, Renegade Animation, and Telltale (LCG Entertainment, Inc.).
The Animation, Experimental Animation, Game Art, and Entertainment Design programs culminate with a senior capstone, thesis defense, and portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in visual effects, animation, filmmaking, special effects, and game art, among others.
Many Laguna College of Art and Design alumni have been hired by the school’s industry partners or at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Apple, and Meta.
Laguna College of Art and Design opened in 1961 as Laguna Beach School of Art (LBSA). The not-for-profit art and design school has a main campus in Laguna Beach, with educational affiliates in Florence (Academy of Arts in Florence, Italy); Los Angeles (Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art); and the Netherlands (Breda University of Applied Sciences).
Laguna College of Art and Design serves approximately 770 students enrolled in more than 20 degree programs and minors. LCAD is regionally and nationally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
