| 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 2026 ranking, our fifteenth annual, of the top animation school programs in Texas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is one of the largest visual and performing arts colleges within a public university. This multidisciplinary school provides several paths to study animation including BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization. BS students can focus in Animation Production, while MS students can select an emphasis in Computer Animation. MFA students may focus in Computer Animation, Visual Storytelling, Interactive Art, or Visual Effects. All students benefit from internship opportunities; collaborative projects; the Annual Career Fair; and the Summer Industry Workshop. Visualization graduates are routinely hired at places such as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks Animation, Epic Games, Amazon, Reel FX, Blizzard Entertainment, and Gearbox Software.
The Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) program at University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) launched in 2002, making it the state’s first arts and technology degree. Housed in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology (Bass School), the program leads to a BA, MA, MFA, or PhD. BA students may concentrate in Animation and Games (A&G), while MFA students may specialize in Animation or Creative Practice. Both the BA and MFA are STEM-designated. MA and PhD students may focus their studies in areas such as animation, science and technology, or games. Culminating experiences may include a capstone project, thesis, or research project with exhibition. Graduates can be found atplaces such as Pixar, Google, Activision Blizzard, Disney, LAIKA, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Gearbox Software, Microsoft, Dell, IBM, RTX, Meta, and Verizon.
The College of Arts and Media at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department is an Animation BFA that begins the Workshop in Art Studio and History (WASH) program. To enter the major, students must pass a BFA Portfolio Review in their second year. Advanced coursework and production take place in a studio-like environment, with activities led by industry professionals. The program culminates with a professional portfolio that includes a website, digital reel, and marketing materials customized for the animation, games, and film industries. Some graduates go on to pursue graduate studies at places such as SCAD or UT Dallas. Others can be found at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Zynga, Perkins & Will, Powerhouse Animation, and 900lbs.
The School of Media and Design (SMD) at University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) houses the Department of 3D Animation and Game Design (ANGD). Within the department are three paths to study animation. Options include the 3D ANGD BFA with specializations in 3D Animation; Modeling; Game Programming; and Production Management; an ANGD minor with Programming for Games, and Production Management options; and a Master of Game Development (MGD) with an Animation track. Across programs, students benefit from small class sizes of no more than 14 students; professional internship opportunities; courses led by accomplished instructors in the animation and games industries; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and participation in annual on-campus presentations led by film industry professionals. The 3D ANGD BFA program culminates with an animated film or game. The MGD program culminates with the Graduate Portfolio and Thesis Production courses. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks, Activision Blizzard, Disney, Sony Pictures Animation, Weta FX, Naughty Dog, BioWare, Netflix, The Third Floor, and Crystal Dynamics.
