Top 40 Public Animation Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2023 College Rankings

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses the Visualization Program, which has three degree pathways for animators including the BS, MS, and MFA in Visualization. The Visualization MFA is one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in the state of Texas.

Established in 1989 the TAMU Visualization Program is cross-disciplinary, allowing students to explore interaction, art, design, visualization, and computer graphics. Students at all levels may focus in an area of emphasis. Options for BS students include Animation and Virtual Production, Media Art, Interactive Design, Game Creation, and Visual Computing.

MS students may focus in areas such as Computer Animation, Interactive Design, Gaming, Virtual Reality or Computer Graphics, to name a few. Examples of emphasis areas for MFA students include Computer Animation, Visual Storytelling, Visual Effects, Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Interactive Art, and Gaming.

Students in all programs have the opportunity to participate in the Annual Career Fair, the Semester Away Program in Italy, Germany, and other countries, and the TAMU Internship Program. The supervised undergraduate internship spans 15 weeks and 600 hours, and students earn six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have completed internships at animation, game, and graphic design companies. 

Texas A&M University Visualization graduates will leave the program with a polished portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are routinely hired for positions at major studios. Examples include DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Reel FX Animation Studios.

With more than 73,000 students, Texas A&M University is one of the nation’s largest universities by enrollment. Established in 1876, TAMU is also Texas’s first public institution of higher learning. Texas A&M houses 17 colleges and schools that provide more than 400 degree programs. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida (UCF) houses the School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), home to the Emerging Media Program. Degree options for animators are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Emerging Media BFA has Character Animation and Experimental Animation Tracks and the MFA has an Animation & Visual Effects Track.

Character Animation and Experimental Animation are portfolio-based, highly competitive tracks that takes two years to complete, full-time. Students in the program benefit from courses taught by industry professionals; courses in multiple areas such as storytelling, technology, art, and design; access to state-of-the-art production labs; a studio-environment that mirrors today’s professional studios; faculty mentors; and internship opportunities.

Course examples for the Character Animation Track include Digital Effects and Compositing, Visual Storytelling and Visual Development,  Digital Production in Artificial Environments, Advanced 3D Animation, New Imagery in Motion Workshop, 3D Textures, and Character Animation Portfolio Review.

Course examples for the Experimental Animation Track include Advanced Experimental Animation, Experimental Animation Professional Practice, Experimental Animation Workshop, and Experimental Animation Portfolio. Students in this Track will also complete the BFA thesis project and exhibition/screening.

Both BFA Tracks allow students to work their way through the production pipeline from story creation to film completion.

The Emerging Media MFA: Animation & Visual Effects Track focuses on narrative film structure and the entrepreneurial aspects of animation as it relates to independent filmmaking, job creation, and studio employment. Program benefits include co-directing opportunities; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and the opportunity to create an animation and/or visual effects thesis using techniques such as stop motion, 2D and 3D computer animation, and traditional hand-drawn. This competitive program requires 60 credit hours of study, completed over three years, full-time.

Graduates of the UCF SVAD Emerging Media Programs are Animators, Effects Artists, Story Artists, Modelers, Visual Development Artists, Lighting Artists, Riggers, Technical Artists, and Texture Artists. Program alumni are employed with major studios and gaming companies such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney, and Electronic Arts (EA).

The College of Sciences at University of Central Florida has an additional option for animators seeking a MS degree. Housed within the College of Sciences is Nichols School of Communication & Media—home to Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). Established in partnership with the city of Orlando, the state of Florida, and UCF, FIEA enrolls more than 130 students annually.

UCF FIEA has an MS in Interactive Entertainment that provides the opportunity for students to work in production teams mentored by industry professionals who provide instruction in 3D animation and modeling, game design, technical art, motion capture, creative collaboration, software engineering, and more. The program requires 30 credits including 12 credit hours of core courses, nine credit hours in a specialization, a practicum, and a capstone experience. An internship is also part of the program.

University of Central Florida FIEA graduates have been hired at studios and gaming companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Marvel, Sony, Gameloft, Nintendo, Electronic Arts (EA), Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks, Universal, Google, Microsoft Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Zynga, and many others.

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 around 70,400 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the nation’s largest universities. The school provides 240 bachelor’s degrees, 214 master’s degrees, and 81 doctorate degrees across 13 colleges. University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Animation Department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) houses more than 20 classrooms, studios, and labs dedicated to animation. The Animation Program, which leads to a BFA, begins with the foundation year, which consists of courses such as Time, Form Study, Drawing Projects, Studio for Drawing, and Visual Language. During the second year of the program, students are introduced to animation basics, experimental animation, and digital 2D animation. Color & media, figure, liberal arts, and history of art courses are also explored during the second year. Course examples for the program include Stop-Motion Animation, Puppet Animation & Fabrication, Drawing for Animators, VFX Alchemy: Pixels & Grain, 3DCG Character Animation, Motion Graphics, Figurative Clay Construction, and Advanced 3D Digital Animation.

In the third and fourth years of the MassArt Animation BFA Program, students will focus primarily on advanced animation coursework, the animation portfolio, and the final animation project, while continuing to complete liberal arts and art history coursework. An internship is also available.

Graduates of the MassArt Animation BFA Program are prepared to pursue a wide range of positions in the film and animation industries, digital art, advertising and marketing, design, and many other industries.

Founded in 1873 as Massachusetts Normal School, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first and only public college of art and design. The school serves around 1,800 students enrolled 40 degree, minor, and certificate programs. More than 150 continuing education students are enrolled in more than 100 classes and workshops in all areas of art and design.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The school is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University (FSU) has an Animation and Digital Arts Program that leads to a BFA. Students in this four year program will spend their first year completing general education requirements. For the next three years, students will immerse in the major.

Course examples for the program include Reality & Illusion in World Cinema, Motion Picture Editing, Story Development and Screenwriting, History & Practice of Visual Effects and Animation, Filmmaking, Lighting, Texturing and Rendering, and Professional Development. The FSU College of Motion Picture Arts provides close to 30 elective options for the BFA program, allowing students to pursue a variety of interests. Examples include Visual Effects (VFX), Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking, Film Business, and Marketing and Exhibition.

FSU Animation and Digital Arts students will have the opportunity to complete four major films (including the thesis film), and a professional internship. All FSU College of Motion Picture Arts students may participate in the Torchlight Program, which provides instruction in the financing, marketing, and distribution of films.

Florida State University BFA graduates are prepared to seek positions in the film, television, and animation industries. Potential job titles include Animator, Effects Animator, VFX Artist, CG Lighter, Animation Supervisor, Modeler, Animatics Supervisor, Rigger, and Storyboard Artist.

Founded in 1851, Florida State University serves close to 45,500 students enrolled in nearly 300 degree programs at all levels. One of the largest and oldest universities in Florida, FSU houses 16 colleges and schools at campuses across the state. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Purdue University (Purdue) houses Purdue Polytechnic Institute (Purdue Polytechnic). Within the Institute is the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT), which has several paths to study animation. Options include a CGT BS with a Major in Animation or Animation and Visual Effects, CGT MS, and a 5-Year CGT BS/MS. The CGT MS Program participates in Purdue’s Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Program.

The CGT BS/Animation Program focuses on Character Rigging, Motion, Lighting, 3D Modeling, Rendering, and Texturing. Using the same software used in the animation industry, such as Maya and Autodesk, BS students will create animations, games, films, and other related productions.

The CGT BS/Animation and Visual Effects explores areas such as Animation, Computer Rendering, Audio, Special Effects, Video, and Digital Lighting. Visual Effects at Purdue is a STEM-based discipline, so students will also take courses in Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry. The animation business is also explored, including coursework in marketing, management, business writing, and entrepreneurship.

Graduates of Purdue University’s CGT BS/Animation and Animation and Visual Effects Programs are routinely hired at studios such as Walt Disney and DreamWorks. Some graduates go on to teach at schools such as Animation Mentor, while others have launched their own studios and freelance businesses.

The Purdue University CGT MS provides study and training in Animation, Games, Information Visualization, and UX Design. A large number of course options allow students to concentrate in a specific area. Because the CGT MS program is interdisciplinary, students have opportunities to take coursework across other Purdue graduate programs.

MS students who would like to study animation may choose the Thesis or Non-Thesis option. Those in the Non-Thesis option will complete a Senior Capstone. Course examples across options include The Art and Technology of Computer Animation, Visual Intelligence and Perception, The Development of Graphics in Technology, and Seminar in Computer Graphics Technology. Elective requirements also allow students to explore other areas.

Purdue University CGT MS alumni are Animators, Technical Directors, Digital Lighting Specialists, Simulation and Visualization Specialists, Riggers, and Technical Artists at both independent and major studios.

Students with a graduate degree from Purdue University are eligible to apply to the Technology PhD Program. Also offered in Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s Department of Computer Graphics Technology, the PhD program supports study and research Computer Animation, Game Studies, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience (UX) Design, and other related areas.

Graduates of the CGT PhD Program at Purdue University go on to pursue careers in entertainment, academics, technology, and government, among others.

Founded in 1869, Purdue University began classes in 1874 with six instructors and just 39 students. Today, the school serves approximately 50,885 students, with around 5,600 enrolled in Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Founded in 1964 as Purdue University’s School of Technology, Purdue Polytechnic houses seven departments and schools offering dozens of technology-centered programs. Purdue University offers more than 400 programs across 10 colleges and schools. Purdue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) at Clemson University (Clemson) houses the School of Computing—home to the Division of Visual Computing and the Digital Production Arts (DPA) Program. Pathways for animators include the DPA MFA and DPA MS. A Digital Production Arts Minor is jointly offered by the Department of Art in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, and the School of Computing. Launched in 2011 the Minor requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of study.

Digital Production Arts at Clemson University encompasses dozens of disciplines. However, each DPA program pathway has its own learning objectives. The curriculum for the MFA DPA pathway blends computer science and engineering, psychology, graphic communications, art, philosophy, and performing arts. Course examples include Technical Character Animation, Physically Based Animation, Visual Foundations of Digital Production, 3D Modeling and Animation, and Special Effects compositing.

The 60 credit hour DPA MFA at Clemson no longer requires the GRE and it is the terminal degree in the field. Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in the film and animation, video, electronic gaming, and visual effects industries. Graduates have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), Walt Disney Animation Studios, ReelFX, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

Established in 2017, the DPA MS focuses on the technical and visual effects aspects of film production, games, and commercial video. The program includes many of the same animation courses offered in the DPA MFA, which provides many opportunities for students to develop their animation skills. Other course examples include Software Construction, Advanced Computer Graphics, Human and Computer Interaction (HCI), 2D Game Engine Design, and Virtual Reality. Six required electives allow students to explore areas such as visual narrative, drawing, improvisation, scene painting, and audio engineering.

In addition to technical roles in the animation industry, graduates of the Clemson University DPA MS Program can pursue positions such as Technical Director, Software Engineer, VR Developer, 3D Graphics Programmer, or Tool Builder in the broad entertainment industry.

Clemson University began as Clemson Agricultural College in 1893. The school serves approximately 27,340 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs and 90+ minors across seven colleges and a graduate school. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) houses the College of the Arts (COTA). One of the universities largest and most popular colleges, COTA consists of six separate academic units including the School of Art, The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, and the Departments of Film and Electronic Arts, Dance, Design, and Theatre Arts. The School of Art houses the Art BFA and MFA Programs. The BFA has an Illustration/Animation Option and the MFA has an Illustration/Animation Track.

For the BFA Program, students may choose one of three Tracks within the Option: Animation, Illustration or Pre-Production. Consisting of 132 units, the Art BFA Program requires 31 units in the Animation Track, six units of upper division Art History courses, and nine units of electives. Examples of required courses include Core Studio: Animation - Practices, Core Studio: Animation - Design 1-2, Professional Practices in Illustration/Animation, Core Studio: Animation - Story Art, Advanced Studio: Animation Filmmaking, Advanced Studio: Animation - 3D CG 1, Experimental Animation, and Animation Senior Project.

Electives provide opportunities to create additional works. Elective examples include Costumed Figure Drawing, Experimental Animation, Advanced Animation Practices, Animation: Acting and Staging, and Animation Senior Film I-II.

The Art MFA-Illustration/Animation Track requires 39 units in the focus area. Course examples include Experimental Animation 2, Graduate Studies: Advanced Illustration/Animation, Animation 4, Computer Animation 2, Graduate Studies: Directed Studio, Writing for Artists, Graduate Studies: Image as Text, and Graduate Studies: Professional Practices for Visual Communication. In the final semester of the program, students will take the Graduate Studies: MFA Project course with members of the student’s Project Committee.

The COTA Department of Film and Electronic Arts has an Option in Theory and Practice of Cinema. Within the Option is a Specialization Track in Postproduction. The Track provides a number of courses for animators including 3D Computer Animation, Digital Arts Production, Color Correction, Editing, Sound Design, and Audio Production. Students in this program also have access to courses such as Advanced Screenwriting, Alternative Media, Writing the Short Script, Film Production, and Studio Directing.

Graduates of the COTA BA, BFA, and MFA Programs at California State University Long Beach will enter the job market with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are prepared for careers such as Animator, Animation Technical Director, Character Animator, Compositing Artist, Illustrator, Art Director, Storyboard Artist, and Forensic Animator.

California State University, Long Beach was established in 1949. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University System, CSULB serves more than 38,000 students enrolled in over 300 programs across eight colleges. California State University, Long Beach is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) houses the School of Filmmaking and the School of Design & Production. The School of Filmmaking is home to Animation BFA, and the School of Design & Production (S&P) is stand-alone design and production conservatory that houses the Animatronics MFA.

The Animation BFA requires 121 credit hours of study. The first year consists of liberal arts and foundations courses in filmmaking. At the end of the first year, students will complete a portfolio for entry into the Animation Program. Once admitted, students will begin exploring character design, storytelling, lighting techniques, drawing, and props. Third year students will complete a three-minute animation project and begin working on the final fourth-year project. This final project consists of a five minute film that will serve as the BFA Thesis.

During the junior or senior years, students may complete an internship or independent study as well as upper level elective courses to enhance the degree. UNCSA Animation BFA students have interned at major studios such as Sony Pictures Imageworks and Stargate Studios.

Graduates of the Animation BFA Program at UNCSA have worked with Cartoon Network and Prologue Pictures, among others.

The Animatronics MFA in the School of D&P launched in Fall 2021. This hybrid, three-year program blends electronics and animation. Students will take hands-on, immersive courses that explore animatronic programming and design, engineering and infrastructure of animatronic figures, sculpting, 3D printing, and project management. Other program benefits include seminars and workshops led by professionals in the industry and access to a 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production space.

The Animatronics MFA Program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts culminates with a final project (thesis) conducted in collaboration with an advisor.

Graduates of the Animatronics MFA Program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts have launched their careers at places such as Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

North Carolina School of the Arts was established in 1963 by the N.C. General Assembly. The school opened in 1965, becoming the nation’s first public arts conservatory. North Carolina School of the Arts became part of the University of 17-campus North Carolina System in 1972, and was renamed University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Today, UNCSA serves more than 1,300 students enrolled in dozens of programs across five schools. University of North Carolina School of the Arts is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Department of Art at California State University Northridge (CSUN) houses a Visual Arts Program with several pathways to study animation. Within the Department’s Visual Arts BA is a Concentration in Animation with three Tracks: 2D Animation Design, 3D Animation, and Game Design. As part of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, all tracks provide access to the Entertainment Industry Institute (EII) and the student-operated creative agency known as IntersectLA.

In addition, students in all tracks may join the Animation Students League of Northridge and/or the CSUN Game Development Club. Both student-run organizations provide networking opportunities and the chance to interact with industry guests through lectures and workshops. Other program highlights include internship opportunities, participation in studio tours, and CSUN’s partnerships with Seoul Institute of the Arts and DreamWorks studios.

Students in the Visual Arts BA: 2D Animation Design Track will take courses such as Visual Development, Pre-Production, Compositing, and 3D Computer Animation. Potential careers for graduates of this Track include Animator, Storyboard Artist, and Background Designer. In the Visual Arts BA: 3D Animation Track, students will explore Game Animation, Compositing, and Visual Development. Possible job titles for graduates include Character Animator, Lighting Artist, CG Modeler, Compositor, and Pre-Vis Artist. During the final year of both Tracks, students will work on collaborative group projects and their final portfolio.

Game Track students will take Character Animation, Compositing, Animation Production, 3D Computer Animation, and Game Production courses. Graduates of this track are prepared for careers in character animation, modeling, texture painting & lighting, quality assurance, and level design, among others.

With a population of more than 38,500 students, California State University Northridge is one of the largest universities in the nation. Founded in 1958, CSUN is also one of the youngest universities in the U.S. and within the 23 campus California State University System. This liberal arts institution comprises eight academic colleges, The Tseng College, and the University Library.

CSUN program offerings include bachelor’s degrees in 69 disciplines, master’s degrees in 76 fields, three doctorates, and 17 teaching credential programs. California State University Northridge is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Design at North Carolina State University (NC State) began as the School of Architecture and Landscape Design in 1946. It was renamed the School of Design in 1948 and the College of Design in 2000. Today, the College provides programs in architecture, art and design, design studies, graphic and experience design, industrial design, and landscape architecture and environmental planning. Programs are available at all levels—including the doctorate.

Other College of Design highlights include swing studios in other majors; study abroad experiences in places such as Greece, Chile, and Prague; an interdisciplinary first-year experience; workshops; and internship opportunities.

The College of Design at NC State also has several pathways to study animation. Housed in the College’s Department of Art + Design are the Bachelor of Art + Design (BAD) and Masters of Art + Design (MAD) Programs. A 15 credit hour Art + Design Minor consisting of courses such as Animation, Three-Dimensional Design, Drawing, Color and Light, and Sequential Imaging, is also available.

Department of Art + Design programs are highly multidisciplinary, allowing students to study both traditional disciplines and emerging techniques. Examples include animation, VR/AR, visual composition, interactive and computational media, and visual effects. Electives allow additional opportunities to focus the BAD. Examples of required courses and elective options include Advanced Digital Techniques, Animation I. Art + Design Laboratory I-II, Creative Technology Studio I-III, Drawing I-II, Visualization I-II, Digital Motion, Sequential Imaging, Color and Light, Digital Modeling, Digital Representation, and Writing About Film.

Undergraduate students will move from foundation courses in the first and second years to intermediate and advanced classes in the final two years of the program. Students will leave the Bachelor of Art and Design program with a final project and a polished portfolio of their work.

The NC State MAD Program emphasizes experimental media arts and provides the same opportunities to study animation as the BAD Program does. Examples of past MAD elective options include 3D Animation, Seminar in Animation, Special Effects, Creative Coding, Digital Motion, Visualizing Narrative, Digital Modeling, Sequential Imaging, and Business of Design.

During the final years of the program, MAD students will have the option to produce a project in animation, interactive media, or other area of their choosing, or complete a research-based study or paper.

NC State Art + Design graduates work in fields such as animation, digital special effects, multimedia, illustration, filmmaking, and software design. Some graduates go on to launch their own studios and freelance businesses, while others are become art and design educators.

North Carolina State University employs more than 9,000 faculty and staff members serving 36,000+ students, making it the largest university in the University of North Carolina System. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State offers more than 300 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Fine Arts at Ball State University (Ball State) houses the School of Art, home to the Visual Arts/Animation BFA Program. Students in this program will explore areas such as traditional 2D animation, stop-motion animation, 3D animation, visual effects, character animation, lighting, texturing, and modeling. The BFA Program also provides instruction and hands-on training in industry tools such as Toon Boom, Adobe Illustrator, Toon Bom Harmony, Photoshop, and Maya.

Other program highlights include collaborative projects, professional skills development including professional terminology and marketing, and courses taught by industry professionals. Course examples include 3D Animation, Rigging, and Simulation, Pre-Production, Production, Traditional Animation, Storyboarding, Character Design, Experimental techniques, Compositing and Motion Graphics, Drawing Studio, 4D Foundations Studio, and Animation: Specialty. Students will complete a senior project, professional portfolio, and demo reel of their best work to graduate.

Ball State University was established in 1918. The school serves more than 20,000 students enrolled in over 200 programs across seven academic colleges. Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Programs in the School of Art at Ball State are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The Digital Media (DIGM) Department at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredited program that provides the opportunity to study animation. Housed in the College of Business and Technology, the Department emphasizes hands-on learning and technical skills development. Students in all DIGM programs will learn and work in the Niswonger Digital Media Center and the Millennium Center—a shared space with the ETSU Computing Department.

Specific program options for animators include the Digital Media BS, MFA, and Minor. The 24 credit hour DIGM Minor consists of four required courses (four credits each) and eight credits of approved electives. Required courses include Digital Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Digital Game Design, and Visualization. Electives allow students to create an emphasis in a specific area of specialization in Digital Media.

The Digital Media BS has Digital Animation Concentration that consists of 28 credit hours of study out of the 120 required credits for the program. Course examples for the program include Digital Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Digital Game Design, 3D Animation, Effects Animation, Character Animation, Technical Direction, High-Fidelity Modeling for Entertainment, Visual Effects Compositing, and Raster-Based Imaging. DIGM BS students will also complete several projects and a professional portfolio of their work during the final course in the program—Portfolio Development for Digital Media.

Graduates of the ETSU BS Digital Media/Digital Animation are well-positioned for careers in 2D or 3D animation, technical direction, motion graphics, and character animation, among others. Graduates are also prepared to pursue an advanced degree at ETSU or other university.

The Digital Media MFA at East Tennessee State University is a terminal degree designed for Animators, Visual Effects Artists, Cinematographers, Coders, UI/UX Designers, 3D Designers, Creature Artists, Character Animators, and other related professionals with a bachelor’s degree. This non-thesis degree program allows students to complete 12 credit hours of study in any area. An additional 12 credit hours are dedicated to team projects for both internal and external clients, and another six credits are dedicated to experimental media.

The culminating experience for the ETSU DIGM MFA allows students to develop and finalize a body of work for peer and faculty review.

Graduates of the DIGM Programs at East Tennessee State University have worked on productions and games such as Kung Fu Panda, World of Warcraft, The Last Jedi, The Walking Dead, Thor: Ragnarok, Halo, and Charlie Brown. Program alumni are Animators, Technical Directors, Modelers, Advertising Designers, Level Designers, Game Artists, VFX Artists, 3D Artists, and Compositors. They work at studios big and small such as Ubisoft Red Storm, Luma Pictures, Idol Minds, and Volition.

East Tennessee State University was established in 1911 as East Tennessee State Normal School. The school serves approximately 13,740 students enrolled in more than 140 academic programs leading to degrees at all levels. ETSU programs are housed across eleven colleges and schools, and two campuses.

The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington (UW) has a Computer Science (CS) Program with several pathways to study animation. Options are highly interdisciplinary, and each provides access to three labs including the UW Graphics and Imaging Lab (GRAIL), the Center for Game Science, and Animation Research Labs (ARL). Collectively, the Labs at UW engage in animation, graphics, visualization, computer game science, and vision.

Undergraduate pathways include BS degrees in CS and Computer Engineering (CE). Graduate options include a PhD and Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Course examples across programs include Computer Animation, Advanced Digital Design, Digital Sound, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, and Data Visualization.

Serving more than 1,500 students, the Allen School at UW has an active study abroad program that provides the opportunity to study at four partner universities: ETH Zurich, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in Switzerland; Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany; and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Allen School students may also fulfill elective and general education requirements through hundreds of other study abroad options.

Graduates of the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington are routinely hired by some of the world’s top companies. Examples include Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, and Meta.  

Established in 1861, the University of Washington serves approximately 59,725 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. UW offers more than 300 programs and 570+ degree options across in 18 colleges and schools. The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Engineering at the University is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The E.W. Scripps College of Communications at Ohio University (OU) houses the School of Media Arts & Studies. Options for animators here include the Animation BSC and the Communication Media Arts MFA. The Animation BS takes the place of the Games and Animation emphasis area, and it provides access to the new Advanced Animation Lab.

The new curriculum includes digital techniques for 2D and 3D animation; animation for film/TV, video games, and VR/AR; hybrid animation techniques; narrative storytelling in animation; motion graphics for video; preproduction and postproduction for animation; animation for visual effects; and sound design for animation. Coursework for the program is complemented by capstone projects, study abroad opportunities, industry internships and other experiences, and participation in student organizations.

Examples of industry experiences include OHIO-in-LA, where students will live and work in Hollywood; attendance at South by Southwest; Storytelling in Theme Parks, which includes all access tickets, workshops, speakers, and behind-the-scene tours at Walt Disney World; Animation and Culture in Tokyo, where students will explore Tokyo’s animation scene and culture; and the 48-Hour Shoot-Out where students have just two days to write, direct, and shoot polished 5-minute film.

Graduates of Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies are Animators, Motion Graphics Designers, 3D Artists, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Animation Production Assistants, Cinematic Artists, Video Editors, Multimedia Artists, Technical Artists, Art Directors, and Environmental Artists, among others.

The Communication Media Arts MFA at Ohio University is a multidisciplinary program provided in partnership with the schools of Visual Communication and Media Arts and Studies, and the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies in the E.W. Scripps College of Communication. This three-year, 90 credit hour program provides the opportunity to study in two or more areas such as Animation, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Digital Games and Animation, Interactive Web Design, or Data Visualization and Infographics. In addition, all students must declare a Cognate Area outside of their production skills. Areas might include Film History, Media Studies, Educational Technologies, or Public Media.

Ohio University MFA students will receive hands-on training through collaborative and experiential projects. A required component of OU MFA program, projects may include practicum projects through Scripps College or the College of Fine Arts, projects in the Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab, grant-funded faculty initiatives, or projects through WOUB Public Media—a broadcasting service licensed to Ohio University.

Other program highlights include opportunities to teach, professional internships and externships, and study abroad experiences. Students in the Communication Media Arts MFA at Ohio University will spend the final year of the program in two immersive Thesis Production courses.

Established in 1804, Ohio University is the oldest college in the state. The school opened in with one building, three students and one professor. Today Ohio University’s more than 1,700 faculty members serve 28,000+ students across more than 10 campuses and centers across the state, and OHIO Online. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Ohio University offers more than 250 academic programs across 11 colleges that house 16 schools and dozens of departments.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has several pathways to study animation. Housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ School of Literatures, Cultural Studies and Linguistics (LCSL) is the Moving Image Arts Minor. The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts’ School of Art & Art History is home to the Moving Image and New Media Arts BFA Programs, and the Art MFA Program.

The 18-20 credit hour Moving Image Arts Minor consists of courses such as Moving Image Arts, Filmmaking, and Communication Technologies. The Moving Image BFA Program explores experimental and documentary filmmaking. Emphasis is placed on production coursework, independent study, and seminars in Digital Animation and Film & Video. Students will complete at least 129 credit hours of study, with 61 credits in the major and up to a dozen credit hours of electives. Course examples include 3D Space: Animation, Introduction to Filmmaking, Introduction to Creative Coding in New Media Arts, and Topics in Drawing. Advanced Critique and the BFA Thesis Project are also part of the program.

The UIC New Media Arts BFA is interdisciplinary, allowing students to focus in areas such as animation. The curriculum for the program covers 3D Animation, Physical Computing, and Mobile Application Design, to name a few. Course examples include Topics in New Media Arts: Intermediate Game Play, 3D Space: Animation, Creative Coding, and Information Aesthetics.

The University of Illinois at Chicago provides private studio spaces for all Art MFA students. This highly interdisciplinary program is a combination of collaborative projects, seminars, individual projects, research, advanced critique courses, and coursework from other Departments at UIC. Course options run the gamut from Drawing and Painting to New Media Arts and Moving Image.

All MFA students will present a public exhibition and complete a thesis or final project. The UIC Art MFA requires 64 credit hours to graduate.

University of Illinois at Chicago serves nearly 34,000 students, making it the largest university in the Chicago area. With roots dating back to 1859 when the Chicago College of Pharmacy was founded, UIC offers more than 250 degree programs and 85 minors across 16 colleges and schools. The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Iowa (U of Iowa) houses the School of Art and Art History. Established in 1936, the School provides opportunities to study across disciplines. Within the School is the Department of Cinematic Arts, which also provides opportunities to study animation through several degree programs.  

Degree options include the Cinema BA and Minor, the Film Studies MA, the MFA in Film and Video Production, and the Film Studies PhD. Across all programs, students may choose coursework that explores Animation, Experimental Film, Documentary Film, and Film Production. Course examples include Animation, Digital Production: Animation, Film/Video: Image Design, Video for Performance, Digital Arts, Modes of Film and Video Production, Screenwriting: Short Form, Film/Video Production: Video Games and Identity, Alternative Forms, and Film and Media Practicum. To learn about careers in film, all Department of Cinematic Arts students may enroll in Film/Video Production: The Business of Filmmaking.

Program highlights include workshops, group critiques, participation in film festivals, individual advising sessions, mock job interviews, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The University of Iowa Department of Cinematic Arts also offers ample opportunities to gain work experience through the internship program housed in the Pomerantz Career Center and the student-run Student Video Production (SVP) Club. In addition, the Department also hosts panels with faculty members and students may join EPX Studio—a student run organization that supports artists and their game, animation, and digital projects. The Studio also hosts trips to studios and conferences.

Graduates of the Film Programs at University of Iowa enter the job market with a professional portfolio of their best work. University of Iowa Film graduates can be found at studios, entertainment companies, and agencies in Hollywood, New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and Milwaukee, among others.

University of Iowa was founded in 1847, making it the state’s oldest college. The school serves approximately 31,655 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate areas of study and 100+ graduate areas. Programs at U of Iowa are housed in 12 academic colleges. University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The School of Fine Arts at University of Connecticut (UConn) houses the Digital Media & Design (DMD) Department and the Art and Art History Department. Both provide several pathways to study animation. The Art & Art History Department has an Art BFA Program with an Illustration/Animation Concentration. The DMD Department has a 3D Animation BFA and Digital Media & Design BA Program, which provides the opportunity to take 15 credit hours of electives in 3D Animation. The DMD also has a Motion Design & Animation (MDA) BFA Program.  

Across programs, students enjoy collaborative and project based-learning, and access to state-of-the-art facilities in the UConn Bishop Center. Facilities include a high-powered Cintiq computer lab for high-end 3D work, a speedy render farm, and a brand new 688 ft Motion Capture studio. In addition, graduates enjoy a high employment rate. Most graduates are offered positions within six months of graduation.

The Art BFA-Illustration/Animation requires 66 art/design credits, 12 art history credits, and 42 credits general education credits. Students will create projects in both digital and analog environments including  2-D and stop-motion animation; character and environment design; comics, cartoons, and graphic novels; book, editorial, institutional, and children’s illustration; design for products; and self-promotion. Graduates are prepared for careers in these areas and many others.

Program alumni are employed at major studios and companies such as Pixar, Google Creative, Stoopid Buddy Studios, YouTube Gaming, and Lego.  

The 3D Animation BFA Program explores all areas of animation production including compositing for visual effects, simulations and visualizations, modeling, animation, lighting, rendering, and rigging. Courses focus on the core principles of 3D animation. Examples include 3D Animation I, 3D Modeling, Lighting & Rendering II, and Motion Graphics I.

Graduates of the 3D Animation BFA Program are Animators, 3D Specialists, Video Game Artists, Visual Effects (VFX) Artists, Medical and Scientific Animators, and Advertising Designers and Animators. Program alumni have gone on to work at Epic Games, NBC Sports Group, Blur Studio, Twitter, Greenhouse Studios, and Matter Communications.

MDA BFA students will learn to animate and design for entertainment, marketing, communications, and emerging media, such as augmented reality, digital media & performance, scientific visualization, UI/UX, projection mapping, and social media content creation.

MDA graduates and students have landed positions and paid internships at animation and design studios such as AW Design, DW Advertising, Fusion 360, and XVIVO | 3D Animation & Illustration as well as major companies and studios such as NBC Universal, Adobe, Viacom, CBS 2 News, World Wide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE,) ESPN, and NBC Sports Group.

Founded in 1881, University of Connecticut began as Storrs Agricultural School with just three faculty members and 13 male students. Today, UConn’s more than 18,000 faculty and staff members serve approximately 32,150 students across the main campus at Storrs, and four regional campuses. Programs at UConn are provided across 14 colleges and schools. Offerings include eight undergraduate degrees with 120 majors, 17 graduate degrees in 92 fields of study, and six professional degree programs.

University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). UConn School of Fine Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) of Ferris State University (Ferris or Ferris State) has Digital Art and Design BFA that provides opportunities to develop a portfolio in 2D Animation, Interaction Design, 3D Game Art, Motion Design, or Visual Development. A Digital Art and Design Minor consisting of five courses is also available.

The Digital Art and Design BFA combines imaging, animation, sound, and interactivity. The program, which has focus options in Multimedia Design and Entertainment Art, requires 120 credit hours of study. Multimedia Design students will take courses that explore interaction design for the web, apps, virtual reality, the internet of things, video and motion design animation. Entertainment Art students will take courses that explore 2D animation, 3D game art, and concept and production art for animation and games.

Graduates of the Digital Art and Design Programs at Kendall College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue careers in a wide variety of industries. Possible job titles include 2D Character Animator or Designer, Storyboard Artist, 2D/3D Motion Graphics Animator, 2D/3D Character Concept Artist, Character Animator, Background Designer, and 2D/3D Prop & Environment Concept Artist.

KCAD alumni hold positions at places such as Disney Television Animation, Epic Games, YouTube, and R/GA New York. KCAD alumni have also been accepted into graduate programs at the School of Visual Arts, New York (SVA NY), Academy of Art University (San Francisco, CA), Vancouver Film School (Vancouver, Canada), and Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing (Indianapolis, IN).

Ferris State University was established in 1884. Located in Big Rapids, Michigan, the school serves more than 10,000 students enrolled in more than 190 programs in seven degree-granting colleges. Ferris State university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Founded in 1928, Kendall College of Art and Design is one of the seven colleges within Ferris State University. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, KCAD serves 565 students enrolled in dozens of specialized undergraduate degree programs and several graduate and certificate programs. As part of Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design is accredited by the HLC. KCAD of Ferris State University is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Arts and Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is home to the Department of Art and Art History, which houses the interdisciplinary Digital Arts Program. Within the Program are two pathways for animators including the Digital Arts BA and a Minor. The Digital Arts BA has an optional Concentration in Interactive Graphics. Also housed in the College of Arts and Sciences is the Computer Science (CS) Program. CS student can add a Digital Arts Concentration, which leads to a BS in CS/Digital Art.

Students in the interdisciplinary Digital Arts BA Program will learn to design 3D graphics and interactive user experiences for film animation, VR/AR, digital art, games, and 3D animation applications. Course examples include Computer Animation, Computer Gaming, Digital Visual Effects, Life Drawing, Visual Design for Multimedia, and Computer Graphics Programming. A Digital Arts Capstone (Portfolio Project) is also part of the program. Students will complete the Capstone during the last year in the major and present it in a campus venue.

The UNCW BS in CS/Digital Art Program requires 55 credit hours in the CS Core and 24 credit hours of study in the concentration. Course examples for the program include Computer Networks, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering. In the concentration, students may take courses such as Computer Animation, Film Production, Digital Video Production, 3D Computer Graphics, Multimedia Systems, Graphic Design, and Tools & Literacy.

Graduates of the Digital Arts Programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington are prepared to pursue positions at animation, VFX, and game design studios; graphic design firms; companies that specialize in using VR/AR for entertainment, training, and education; video production companies; and places that utilize HCI such as theaters, galleries, and museums, architectural firms, and engineering companies.  

Established in 1946, University of North Carolina Wilmington is part of the part of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System. The school serves approximately 17,845 students enrolled in more than 100 programs across five colleges and schools. The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (SACSCOC).

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) houses the Department of Visual & Media Arts. An accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department serves nearly 700 students enrolled in five programs leading to ten different degrees. Students in all programs have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities designed for work in traditional and new media; experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study abroad, and field trips; visiting artists; and campus exhibition and independent study programs.

The Department of Visual & Media Arts at GVSU also has two pathways to study animation including the BA and BS in Film and Video Production. Both programs explore animation, scriptwriting, film studies, sound design, new media, nonfiction, documentary, and fiction.

While both the BA and BS pathways prepare students for careers in the industry, the BA requires proficiency in a foreign language and the BS requires three courses in Computer Information Systems, History or Statistics. All courses are taught by working professionals in the field. Other program benefits include membership in several student organizations, the opportunity to present work at local screening events, and the opportunity to complete production projects for clients outside of the classroom.

GVSU Film and Video Production students have worked with or interned at DreamWorks Animation, Voyage Pictures, Contact Light Films, 52 Watt Studios, Match Frame Creative, A2 Creative, D-Squared Creative, Coastline Studios, M-1 Studios, Detroit Public Television, and Allied Productions, among others. Grand Valley State University alumni are often hired by many of these studios and firms.

Grand Valley State University was established in 1960. With eight regional campuses and centers, GVSU serves approximately 21,650 students enrolled in 145 degree programs across seven schools and eight locations throughout Michigan. Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).