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What are the top animation school programs in Oklahoma for 2023?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma City |
| 2 | Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City |
Our 2023 ranking -our twelfth annual- of the top animation school programs in Oklahoma. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) has several undergraduate pathways for students interested in studying animation. Students seeking an art degree can choose between the Gaming & Animation BA and BFA degrees. Students seeking a science and math-based degree can choose between the Gaming & Animation BS and the Computer Science (CS) BS with Gaming & Animation. For a shorter program that prepares students for entry-level positions in animation, Oklahoma Christian has a 21 credit hour 3D Modeling & Animation Minor. This program explores game technology, animation, texturing, rendering, and lighting, 2D modeling, and motion graphics.
All OC Animation Programs provide access to Cox Digital Art Lab, Kicker Audio Lab, Sparks Advanced Visualization Lab, and Baugh Motion Capture Lab. Courses for all programs are taught by experienced professionals in the animation, games, and technology industries. Course examples for the BA and BFA programs include 3D Modeling and Animation, Motion Imagery, Animation Principles, Interactive Media Design, Technology for Graphics, Team Game Production, Texturing, Rendering, and Lighting, Digital Sculpting, Motion Imagery, History of Animation, and Gaming and Animation Studio.
The OC BA and BFA Programs require 126 credit hours to graduate. For the BA, this includes six credit hours of the same foreign language, and 51 credit hours in the major. For the BFA, this includes three hours in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, and 72 hours in the major.
The Gaming & Animation BA and BFA Programs at Oklahoma Christian University require successful completion of the Gaming + Animation Capstone. Graduates of both programs are prepared to pursue careers in animation, TV/film, game art and design, and visual effects (VFX), among others.
The OC Gaming & Animation BS requires foundation, core, major, and elective coursework, including 54 hours in the major. BS students must also complete a Minor in an area such as Art, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, General Business, Music, or Marketing Management. Business, Programming, and Game Technology and Production are also major components of the program, and students may enhance the degree by selecting electives in an additional specialized area. Examples include Illustration, Audio for gaming, or Digital Painting.
To graduate, Gaming & Animation BS students will complete the Gaming + Animation Capstone and one of two business courses: The Business of Branding Yourself or Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.
The OC Computer Science BS with Gaming and Animation consists of heavy coursework in programming (I, II and languages), software engineering (practices, tools, ethics, and projects), and game programming (Unity and Unreal). Math, business, and technical writing are also major components of the program. CS BS students will also complete 15 hours of gaming and animation coursework, Team Experience I-II, and electives such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cryptography, Computer Simulation, and Mobile Application Development.
Graduates of the Oklahoma Christian University BS Programs are prepared to pursue careers in gaming, animation, and computer science, as well as industries that use 3D animation such as architecture, healthcare, education, and life sciences.
Oklahoma Christian University was established in 1950 as Central Christian College. When it opened, the school has just 97 students. Today, OC serves more than 2,250 students enrolled in nearly 100 programs and areas of study across 14 academic departments operating in five colleges. Oklahoma Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City University (OCU) is one of the few post-secondary institutions in the world to provide scholarships for every single Game Design and Animation Major—for up to four years. Students in this program also benefit from career and internship opportunities; state-of-the-art technology, labs, studios, and equipment; a dedicated screening room; and access to visiting artists and industry advisors.
Students in the Game Design and Animation Program must complete 124 credit hours to graduate. Course examples for the program include 3D Modeling & Animation, Illustration, Animation Principles, Technology for Graphics, Texturing, Rendering, & Lighting, Concept Development, and Game Technology. Also part of the program are the Game Design & Animation Studio courses, and the Game Design & Animation Capstone. This culminating experience includes a final project that will be presented in OCU’s Hulsey Gallery.
Housed in the Petree College of Arts & Sciences-School of Visual Arts, the Game and Animation Program at Oklahoma Christian University leads to a BA. Graduates of this program are prepared for positions such as Animator, 3D Modeler, Cartoonist, Environmental Concept Artist, Video Game Level Designer, Character Designer, Matte Painter, Sound Designer, Character Rigger, Scientific Visualization Artist, Programmer, Cinematographer, and Television Graphic Artist.
Oklahoma City University was founded in 1904. This Private United Methodist University serves more than 2,400 students from 45 states and 39 countries. More than 70 undergraduate degrees and more than 20 graduate degrees are offered across six colleges and schools, and an online division. Oklahoma City University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1951.