
What does it take to become a “top” animation school? Is it location? Cost? Job placement services? The answer is all of the above. Other factors that make a difference may include number and variety of clubs and organizations, recreational opportunities, student population, and even Greek life. When it comes to assessing animation schools, a few other factors might be involved including the type of production facilities and ease of access, student-teacher ration, and internship opportunities.
In the state of Mississippi, animation programs come in all shapes and sizes. While most are offered at quality schools, not all can make the “best schools” list. However, many make the “top schools” list. The state of Mississippi is now home to 40+ accredited colleges and universities. Because the animation industry continues to grow, many of the states traditional colleges offer animation programs. They can be found in major cities such as Jackson and Hattiesburg, and in small Mississippi towns such as Clinton and Itta Bena.
Continue reading to find out which animation schools made the list of “top schools” and what they have to offer. Please note that the schools listed are in order by population from largest to smallest.
Top Animation School Programs Mississippi Major Cities
Jackson
University of Southern Mississippi
Student Population: 12,826
Backdrop: City, 1,090-acre campus, easy access to New Orleans
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design
Jackson
Jackson State University
Student Population: 6,805
Backdrop: Urban, 250-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design
Jackson
Belhaven University
Student Population: 2,467
Backdrop: Urban, 42-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design with Emphasis in Digital and Print Media or Web and Interactive Media
Top Animation School Programs Mississippi Other Cities and Towns
University
Mississippi State University
Student Population: 15,543
Backdrop: Small town, 4,200-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design
University
The University of Mississippi
Student Population: 14,159
Backdrop: Small town, 2,500-acre campus, easy access to Tennessee
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis
Cleveland
Delta State University
Student Population: 3,156
Backdrop: Small town, 332-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Concentration
Clinton
Mississippi College
Student Population: 3,107
Backdrop: Suburban, 320-acre campus, easy access to Jackson
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. S. Graphic Design
Columbus
Mississippi University for Women
Student Population: 2,394
Backdrop: Small town, 110-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design
Itta Bena
Mississippi Valley State University
Student Population: 2,210
Backdrop: Small town, 450-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Visual Communications
More Programs to Consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#15) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#23) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#29) - 2020
- Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCAD eLearning
- Animation – BFA, MA, MFA
- Film and Television – BFA, MA, MFA
- Graphic Design – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Illustration – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Immersive Reality - BFA
- Interactive Design and Game Development – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Motion Media Design – BFA, MA, MFA
- Sequential Art – BA, BFA, MA, MFA
- Visual Effects – BFA, MA, MFA
- User Experience (UX) Design – BFA
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#3) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#12) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#9) - 2020
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#9) - 2020
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#19) - 2020
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#17) - 2020
- Top 5 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2020
- Online
Sources
Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, www.usnews.com/rankings