| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago |
| 2 | University of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago |
| 3 | Northern Illinois University | DeKalb |
The criteria we used for the animation rankings consists, in no particular order, of the following: Academic reputation, Employment data, Admission selectivity, Depth and breadth of the program, Value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, Graduation rate, and Retention rate. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The School of Visual Arts at Columbia College Chicago (Columbia) has an Illustration program with BA and specialized BFA pathways. Students in both programs will learn to create works using traditional and digital illustration techniques. To enhance the degree, BA students can add a minor or second major such as Computer Animation or Motion Graphics. Other BA/BFA program highlights include professional internships; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; workshops; and career networking. Programs culminate with a professional portfolio and presentation. Graduates have landed roles at places such as NBC/SNL, The New Yorker, DDB, Nexstar Media Group, Disney, HBO, Art Institute of Chicago, Chronicle Books, Apple, VICE Media, American Express, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago.
The College of Applied Sciences at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has a Biomedical Visualization MS (BVIS MS) that’s suitable for students seeking advanced roles in traditional illustration, scientific and medical illustration, technical animation, and other related areas. Course examples include Illustration Techniques; Visual Storytelling in Biomedical Visualization; Animation I-IV; Surgical Illustration; Modeling I-III; and Advanced Illustration Techniques. Other program highlights include seminars and workshops; partnerships with animation studios and museums; professional internships; access to state-of-the art lab dans studios; and independent study. Graduates have been hired at places such as Nexstar Media Group, Accenture, Crain Communications, Eli Lilly and Company, Chicago Fire, Oracle, and NEWSWELL.
The School of Art and Design at Northern Illinois University (NIU) houses an Art Studio and Design BFA program with 11 specializations. This includes Illustration with the option to explore areas such as 3D animation, digital 3D model making, and 3D printing. Other program highlights include courses and hands-on projects led by accomplished illustrators; access to state-of-the-art studios and production facilities; internships; and job networking opportunities. The program culminates with the Senior Project in Illustration and BFA Show. Graduates have been hired at places such as Ticketmaster, LNW Gaming, the Art Institute of Chicago, MedVisuals + High Impact, Lillstreet Art Center, and Norton Simon Museum.
