| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University | Clemson |
| 2 | University of South Carolina | Columbia |
Our 2025 ranking -our fourteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in South Carolina. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Clemson University (Clemson) is home to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS), which houses the School of Computing. Within the school is the Division of Visual Computing and the Digital Production Arts (DPA) program, which provides several paths to study animation. Options include the DPA minor, MFA, and MS.
Launched in 2011, the DPA minor is a partnership between the School of Computing and the Department of Art in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. This 15 credit-hour program explores computer animation; visual effects; graphics production using Maya; animation production; and computer games. The minor is open to all majors. However, it is ideal for students in architecture; visual arts; computer science; computer engineering; and computer information systems.
Courses for the DPA minor vary by major and may include Studio Methods for Digital Production; Advanced 3D Modeling; Technical Foundations of Digital Production I-II; Computer Graphics Images; Advanced Three- Dimensional Modeling; Game Engine Construction; and Special Studio Topics in Digital Production Arts.
For degree-seekers, Digital Production Arts at Clemson University encompasses dozens of disciplines. However, each DPA degree program has its own learning objectives. The curriculum for the DPA MFA blends art, and performing arts; psychology; computer science and engineering; philosophy; and graphic communications. Technical electives allow students to develop advanced skills in areas such as game engines, virtual reality (VR), multimedia systems and applications, human computer interaction (HCI), and computation.
Course and elective examples for this 60 credit-hour, terminal degree program include Visual Narrative; Visual Foundations of Digital Production; Special Effects Compositing; Film Genres; Physically Based Animation; 3D Modeling and Animation; Technical Character Animation; Virtual Reality Systems; Improvisation: Interpreting and Developing Texts; Advanced Animation; 2D Game Engine Construction; Digital Production Studio; and Advanced Computer Graphics.
In the Digital Production Studio course, Clemson DPA MFA students will work on a team project from start to finish. This project is worth 12 credits. Students will also complete the Graduate Research Studio course, which consists of a major project or projects under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The culminating experience for the program is the MFA Thesis, completed under the guidance of the student’s advisor and thesis committee.
Graduates of the DPA MFA at Clemson University are prepared to pursue advanced or leadership roles in animation, film, games, video, and television, and many others. Graduates have been hired at major studios such as Walt Disney Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts (EA), ReelFX, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Established in 2017, the DPA MS program at Clemson University focuses on developing advanced skills in film production, commercial video, and games. The curriculum is very similar to the MFA program curriculum. Course examples include Virtual Reality; Rendering and Shading; Software Construction; Physically Based Visual Effects; Human and Computer Interaction (HCI); Visualization; 2D Game Engine Design; Advanced Computer Graphics; 3D Modeling and Animation; and Computer Graphics.
The six required electives for the program allow students to explore other areas such as audio engineering, advanced drawing, visual narrative, printmaking, photography, and improvisation.
Graduates of the DPA MS program at Clemson University are prepared to pursue technical roles in the broad entertainment industry. Sample job titles include Technical Animator, 3D Graphics Programmer, VFX Animator, Layout Artist, Gameplay Animator, VR Developer, Software Engineer, and Technical Director.
Founded in 1889, Clemson University opened in 1893 as Clemson Agricultural College. On the first day of classes, the college welcomed 446 students. Today, Clemson is a public institution that serves approximately 29,080 students enrolled in more than 80 majors, 90+ minors, and over 130 graduate programs across nine colleges. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at University of South Carolina (USC) is part of the College of Arts and Sciences. The school provides 11 degree programs in the areas of Film and Media; Studio Art and Design; Art History; and Art Education. These interdisciplinary programs provide opportunities to study abroad through programs such as Kenya: Enhancing Perceptions Through Art and Art Making, and Art and Culture of Japan.
Other SVAD highlights include learning and production that takes place in an 85,000 square feet facility designed specifically for visual arts; interactions with visiting artists; opportunities to design and install works in the student exhibition space Passage Gallery; internships with local and national studios; access to the McMaster Gallery; participation in SVAD Studio, which hosts workshops, talks, and exhibitions; and assistantships for graduate students.
For USC students seeking an animation degree program, SVAD has BA and MA degrees in Media Arts, and an 18 credit-hour Media Arts minor. Across all options, students have access to hands-on, immersive courses taught by industry professionals. Course examples include Animation; Digital Compositing; Manga and Anime; The Moving Image; Cinematography; Narrative; Sound for Motion Picture; New Media Art; Video Game Design; Sound Art; Media Performance; and Screenwriting.
All BA and MA students have many opportunities to work on animation projects individually or in a group. BA students may concentrate in Media Production or Media Studies. MA students may concentrate in Filmmaking/Moving Image Art; Screenwriting; or New Media Art. The BA program culminates with a final project in the student’s concentration. The culminating experience for the MA program is the Thesis Project and Project Defense.
Graduates of the graduate Media Arts program at University of South Carolina are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as entertainment, fine art, game design, advertising, architecture, science, and medicine. MA students can pursue leadership roles in these areas as well as research and education.
Program alumni have been hired at major companies and studios such as Nickelodeon, Blizzard Entertainment, ABC, Marvel, Amazon Studios, IBM, Showtime, HBO Films, Netflix, CBS Television, and NBC.
Established in 1801 as South Carolina College, University of South Carolina is one of the nation’s oldest public universities. The eight-campus system serves approximately 56,170 students enrolled in more than 350 programs across 16 colleges and schools. The Columbia campus is USC’s flagship campus and one of just 40 public universities to earn the Carnegie Foundation’s highest designation for community engagement (Elective Community Engagement Classification) and research activity (R1).
USC Columbia serves approximately 38,000 students of the systems 56,170 students enrolled. University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
