Start your career as a 2D animator for film, TV and games! CG Spectrum’s offers specialized online career training and mentorship from expert animators working at top studios. Get access to career services and a supportive community. Learn more.
What are the top animation school programs in Texas for 2022?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University | College Station |
| 2 | University of Texas at Dallas | Dallas |
| 3 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville |
| 4 | University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio |
Our 2022 ranking, our eleventh annual, of the top animation school programs in Texas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
The College of Architecture at Texas A&M University (TAMU) houses the Department of Visualization, which offers BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization. The MFA degree is just one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in the State of Texas.
Established in 1989 the TAMU Visualization Program is cross-disciplinary, allowing students to explore interaction, art, design, visualization, and computer graphics. Students at all levels may focus in an area of specialization through electives. Students also have opportunities to participate in the annual career fair and the semester away program in Italy, Germany, and other countries.
Internship opportunities are also available at all levels. This supervised undergraduate course spans 15 weeks and 600 hours and students earn six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have interned at animation, game, and graphic design companies.
Texas A&M University Visualization graduates are often hired for positions at major studios. Examples include Walt Disney Animation Studios, Reel FX, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Industrial Light & Magic.
With more than 73,000 students, Texas A&M University is one of the nation’s largest universities by enrollment. Established in 1876, TAMU is also the state’s first public institution of higher learning. More than 400 degree programs are offered at all levels across 17 colleges and schools. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
The School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) at University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) offers BA, MA, MFA, and PhD degrees in ATEC. BA students may select a concentration in Animation and Games. Coursework explores games, motion graphics, UX/UI, computer animation, and more.
MFA ATEC students may specialize in Animation, while MA and PhD students may focus their studies and research in animation, science and technology, games, and other areas. All graduate level programs provide advanced study in computer-based arts, interactive media, digital media, technology, professional practices, and more.
Other ATEC program highlights include guest speakers from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and others, seminars and lectures presented by industry professionals, portfolio and project-based exercises, and applied and experimental research in collaboration with instructors in varying areas of expertise.
Graduates of the ATEC programs at UT Dallas are prepared to seek careers in animation, games, film, and television, as well as emerging fields such as medical and scientific visualization.
The University of Texas at Dallas began in the 1960s as the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest, established by the owners of Texas Instruments. Today, UT Dallas is an official member of the University of Texas System, serving nearly 29,700 students. More than 140 degree programs are offered in eight schools. University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication is home to the Department of Art, which offers a BFA in Computer Animation. This 120 credit hour program consists of courses such as Character Animation, 2D Animation, 3D Modeling, History of Animation, 3D Computer Animation, Pre-Visualization, and 3D Animation for Interactive Games, among others.
Electives allow students to focus in additional areas in the arts. In addition, all Department of Art students will spend a semester in the Workshop in Art Studio and History (W.A.S.H.) Program. The Workshop encourages innovation and collaboration.
Graduates of the Sam Houston State University Animation BFA Program go on to pursue careers in animation, film, game design, advertising and marketing, multimedia, and more.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) was founded in 1879 as the Sam Houston Normal Institute. The school serves more than 21,500 students enrolled in 90 bachelor's degree programs, 55 master’s degree programs, and 10 doctoral programs, including the nation’s first PhD in Forensic Science. Programs at SHSU are offered in eight colleges. Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
4. University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) houses the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, home to the School of Media and Design. Within the School of Media and Design is the Department of 3D Animation and Design, which offers a BFA in 3D Animation and Design. Students may choose s specialization. Options include Animation, Modeling, Programming for Games, or Production Management.
Other program highlights include small class sizes, courses taught by professionals currently working in the industry, and internship opportunities. Students will spend the last two years of the BFA program developing a professional portfolio and reel.
Graduates of the 3D Animation and Design Program have gone on to establish successful careers in areas such as television and film, VFX, animation, forensic animation, art direction, game production and design, media, consulting, and information technology.
Serving close to 9,500 students across the globe, University of the Incarnate Word is the largest Catholic University in Texas. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW has campuses in San Antonio, Texas and across the state, in Mexico, and in Strasbourg, France. More than 115 programs are offered in 11 colleges and schools. University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)