What are the top visual effects schools in the southwest for 2025?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 2 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 3 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 4 | Brigham Young University | Utah |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver | Colorado |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 5 visual effect schools in the Southwest, our fourth annual rankings for VFX. We define the Southwest as Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
The School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses a Visualization program with options leading to a BS, MS, or MFA. Through electives, all PVFA students may focus in any area of specialization, including VFX. Students also have opportunities to complete an internship at major animation, game, and design studios; participate in the Semester Away Program including locations such as Italy and Germany; and attend the Annual Career Fair. Graduates of the Visualization programs at TAMU have been hired at places such as Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Reel FX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Examples of production credits include Brave, The Peanuts Movie, Black Panther, Coco, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, and Encanto.
2. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides several paths to study VFX including the Radio-Television-Film (RTF) BA and comprehensive minor; the Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS (AET BS); the Computer Science BS with an interdisciplinary Game Development concentration; and a Film and Media Production MFA (FMP MFA). Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Disney Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Google, Sony Pictures Classics, Dell, DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, Apple, Paramount Searchlight Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, and IBM.
3. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
University of Utah (The U or U of U) houses a Computer Science (CS) BS with an Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) emphasis that explores computer-generated special effects, game design and development, and 3D animation. At the graduate level, The U houses a Master of EAE (MEAE) with a Technical Arts track. Examples of specializations within the track include Visual Effects; Technical Animation; Simulation; and Rigging. Upon completion of the programs, students will have a demo reel and/or portfolio of their best work. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Atari, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Microsoft, Nickelodeon, HBO, Pixar, NVIDIA, Bungie, Adobe, and NBCUniversal. Many of these companies and studios were co-founded by U of U alumni.
4. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Brigham Young University (BYU) houses the BYU Center for Animation, which provides an Animation BFA and a Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an Animation and Games emphasis. Both programs explore the technical aspects of VFX though required courses, projects, and electives. Course examples across programs include 3D Visual Effects; Lighting for 3D Graphics; Materials and Surfacing; Advanced Shading; Technical Animation; Motion Concepts; and Animated Film Production. Some top employers for BYU Animation and CS graduates include Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney Interactive, Digital Domain, Pixar, DreamWorks, Riot Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Sony, and Nickelodeon.
5. University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
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). A Visual Arts BFA with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation is jointly provided through the VA Department and DAC. Course examples include VFX Rigging and Animation; DAC: Visual Effects; Character FX; Editing and Post-Production Techniques; and Lighting, Grip, and Sound. The program culminates with an industry-ready film to be presented at the CU Denver Visual Arts BFA Thesis Show at Redline. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Sony.