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What are the top ranked animation school programs in Virginia for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond |
| 2 | Virginia State University | Petersburg |
| 3 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg |
Our 2026 ranking -our fifteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in Virginia. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to the School of the Arts (VCUarts). Within the school is the Department of Kinetic Imaging, which provides BFA and MFA degrees in Kinetic Imaging, and an 18 credit hour Animation minor. The degree programs explore video, animation, emerging media, and sound. Students can also add the Animation minor or customize a focus in animation through electives. The BFA culminates with a final project and presentation. The MFA culminates with an exhibition at VCU’s Anderson Gallery. Graduates have gone on to secure roles at places such as Disney, Electronic Arts (EA), DreamWorks, Marvel, Sony Pictures Imageworks, MTV, and DC Comics.
2. Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia
Virginia State University (VSU or Virginia State) is home to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which houses the Department of Art and Design. Within the department is a Visual Arts BFA with a concentration in Animation. Program highlights include immersive workshops; courses led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art production facilities, studios, and labs; internships; and opportunities to focus in additional areas through 24 required elective credits. The program culminates with the Animation Team and Senior Animation Studio courses. VSU alumni can be found at places such as Amazon, the Smithsonian, Boeing, KPMG, Rolls Royce, Northrop Grumman, and DXC Technology.
3. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) has two paths to study animation including the Creative Technologies (CT) BFA and MFA. Both programs highlight hands-on learning through collaborative projects and participation in the Virginia Tech Internship Program. Through electives, all students have opportunities to focus in areas such as 2D and 3D digital animation; character design and worldbuilding; game design and development; virtual and augmented reality; and sound design. Other program highlights include seminars and exhibitions; visiting artists; the SOVA Study Abroad Program, featuring three weeks in Europe; dedicated studio space; and access to state-of-the-art production spaces, labs, and equipment. Virginia Tech alumni go on to land positions at places such as Disney, Epic Games, Google, Apple, Lockheed Martin, and Amazon.