| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro |
| 2 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City |
| 3 | Lipscomb University | Nashville |
| 4 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville |
Our 2026 ranking -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in Tennessee. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment (CME) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is the only college of its kind. With a focus on storytelling, entertainment, and news, the college houses the Department of Media Arts—home to the Animation BS and minor. Both programs allow students to complete a paid internship CME’s own MT IMAGINE Animation Studio, where they can participate in 2D and 3D animation, XR virtual production, and VR/AR projects for real-world clients. Students also have access to state-of-the-art animation and graphics computer labs; the Center for Innovation in Media; and a 40-foot Mobile Production Lab. Program alumni have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Warner Bros. Games, Reel FX, Cinesite, Titmouse, Pixomondo, and Tippett Studio.
The School of Marketing and Media at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) houses the Department of Digital Media (DIGM). Within the department are several paths to study animation including the DIGM BS, MFA, and minor. The BS has an Animation concentration, the MFA allows students to customize a specialization, and students in the minor can study animation through electives. Other DIGM highlights include individual and collaborative projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and internship opportunities. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Red Storm Entertainment, Deck Nine, and Luma Pictures. Program alumni have also worked on productions and games such as Avatar; Guitar Hero; Lord of the Rings; World of Warcraft; The Last Jedi; Halo 5; The Avengers; and Kung Fu Panda III.
The George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts (CEA) at Lipscomb University houses The Animation Program. Pathways include the BA, BFA and minor. Courses are led by Disney Animators, award-winning independent filmmakers, and experts in industry-standard software. Animation students also benefit from internships at major studios; field trips to places such as Los Angeles and Italy to attend animation events; and opportunities to work with real clients in the CEA’s Imagine House. The BFA program culminates with an Animation Capstone. BA students will complete a final project to graduate. Program alumni are often hired at places such as Pencilish Animation Studios, the Tennessee Titans, and Imagine House.
Austin Peay State University (APSU) is home to the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA), which hosts more than 75 guest artists and over 100 events each year. APSU also houses the Department of Art and Design, which includes 46,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production studios and classrooms. For animators, the department has an Art BFA program with an Animation and Visual Effects concentration. All students have opportunities to Participate in APSU’s Jackson Alley Film Festival and the 24 Hour Animation Contest for Students. Other program highlights include Student Juried Exhibitions with artistic merit awards; professional internships in Nashville, abroad, or virtually; and faculty-led or exchange programs in locations such as South Korea, London, and Paris. The program culminates with the Animation VFX Portfolio course. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Triggerfish Animation Studios.
