Animation Schools and Colleges
If you want to become a animator this page should be your first stop. Below is a list of animation schools and colleges in your area that you should check out, just click on a school and fill out the form to receive a brochure from the animation school or college. The following list of colleges and universities would help someone in their pursuit of a career in 2D animation or in 3D animation. The list is dedicated to schools that many animation studios feel caters to technical direction and to the more artistic field of character animation.
Featured Animation College
Digital Media Arts College
The BFA program in Animation focuses on the preparation of the artist to meet the challenges of tomorrow's production workplace. Through a strong foundation in traditional visual and performance arts, students develop their digital content creation skills within a classical framework. During this program students study foundation art skills; including illustration, painting, photography, sculpture and film making, as the prerequisites to an equally diversified animation core curriculum.
Request a Brochure >Schools that offer classes for Aspiring Animators
| School/College | Programs Offered | Locations | Contact Information |
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DeVry University
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Bachelor's in Game and Simulation Programming
DeVry's Game and Simulation Programming curriculum prepares graduates to join the private and public sector game software industry in a variety of software development roles across the game programming life cycle, including programmer, software engineer and project coordinator. Applications-oriented, the program provides preparation in the math and physics of games; programming fundamentals; game design; modifications (MOD) and massively multi-player online game (MMOG) programming; two- and three-dimensional graphics programming; and simulation and game engine design. Also included is a full complement of general education courses, recommended by game industry experts as critical for well-rounded development team members. 
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80+ locations and Online | |
ITT Technical Institute
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The Digital Entertainment and Game Design program in the School of Drafting and Design at the ITT Technical Institutes can help graduates prepare for career opportunities in a variety of entry-level positions involving the technology associated with the design and development of digital games and multimedia applications. Courses in this program offer a foundation in digital game design through the study of subjects such as gaming technology, game design process, animation, level design and general education coursework. Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level career opportunities in a number of different digital entertainment and game design companies. Job functions may include working in a team to design, develop, test and produce video games, or create animations and 3D scenes for use in video games. 
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Over 90 locations nationwide in over 30 states. Online |
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Digital Media Arts College
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Learn from industry experts from leading companies such as SEGA, ImageWorks, Disney, and more. We're one of the United States' most technologically equipped digital artist colleges. We have the tools and techniques to empower your creative career. Take classes in artist-designed labs and facilities. Learn from experts in digital artistry. Work with industry-standard animation tools, 3D software, and imaging technologies. All at DMAC.
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Boca Raton, FL |
Digital Media Art College 3785 N Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33431
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Collins College
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Bachelor - Game Design The curriculum in our Game Design Program is designed to equip you with game essentials like C++, Java, 3ds max and AI (Artificial Intelligence) so you can make your quest-driven concept a game reality. Your education in Game Design can take you from game research and planning, character development and storytelling, all the way through level design, modeling programming and project management. It takes more than imagination to be a game designer, and we can help you to take your ideas from concept to completion and beyond. BA Visual Art w/ Game Art Major As a student, you can learn to create characters and settings that bring a game to life. You can learn the fundamentals of sound design for game projects and explore the workflow concepts behind the art department of a major game studio. You can visualize a concept and acquire the computer skills necessary to render it in 3D. Enroll in this exciting Visual Arts degree program with a major in Game Art and you'll take classes such as Creative Visualization, Audio for Gaming, Game Design Project Management, 3D Studio Max® 1, and 3D Modeling. Computer labs, traditional animation labs, photo/video labs, and a photography studio lab are available to students who choose this Visual Arts degree program. In approximately 31 months, you can earn a degree to help you enter today's workforce as a Game Designer. |
Tempe, AZ |
Collins College 1140 S. Priest Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 |
International Academy of Design and Technology
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Bachelor - Computer Animation An artful blend of creative vision and technology, computer animators work in 3-D to bring their imagination to life. Animators can specialize in motion, feature films, materials, and more. Our new motion capture studio will give you the opportunity to train on the same equipment that's used in major motion pictures. The computer animation program is designed to teach you how to develop drawing skills and combine them with storytelling in the digital realm to acquire the skills you need to help you enter the field of computer animation. Bachelor - Visual Communications: Game Design The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (Game Design) is designed to provide training in principles and techniques used to create interactive 2D and 3D computer games. Students can learn design software; modeling and animation skills, networking principles, level and world editors, and game engines used to design and develop games, and will examine market research and business concepts related to game production and distribution processes. Project management, creative design, and communication skills are integrated throughout this dynamic curriculum to help prepare students for entry-level positions in the game design industry. |
Chicago, IL Troy, MI Henderson, NV Nashville, TN Orlando, FL Sacramento, CA San Antonio, TX Schaumburg, IL Tukwila, WA Tampa, FL |
International Academy of Design and Technology |
The Art Institute Online
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Animation Program Animation involves bringing artwork and characters to life with such precision that they truly seem real. Animation is part acting, part storytelling, and part visual art - it's a mix of both electronic arts and traditional animation skills. You'll study methods to create realistic movement in 3-D digital environments, and collaborate within a team environment to gain practical experience. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as 3-D character animator, modeler, and storyboarder. Game Art & Design Program Graduates are prepared to enter the Game Art and Design field as modelers, storyboard artists, animation artists, 3-D illustrators, digital artists, FX artists, video post-production artists, and broadcast graphics designers, as well as game designers. Learn what it takes to produce great art and design and use the skill to create applications used by the business, education, training and entertainment industries. Request a Brochure > |
Online Programs and more than 40 locations across the US |
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division 1400 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
Mt. Sierra College
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Students enrolling in Visual Effects and Digital Video degree program will, during the first nine quarters of enrollment, explore the foundations of media arts and design. Based upon a greater understanding of and exposure to the many opportunities that exist within media arts and design, students entering the tenth quarter will take courses in their specialty of Multimedia Arts and Design, Visual Effects and Digital Video, or Graphic Design. Foundation courses, taken during Quarters 1-9, prepare students in the following areas: design, drawing, digital illustration, typography, storytelling, animation, sound, web authoring, logo design, interactive design, digital video, motion graphics, 3-D design, business marketing, and general education.
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Monrovia, CA ONLINE |
Mt. Sierra College 101 E. Huntington Drive Monrovia, CA 91016 |
Westwood College Online
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Programs Offered: Animation (B) Animation is an exciting, innovative field – and growing, too, thanks to the ongoing technology explosion. Potential career paths include television, film, online and computer gaming. Working professionals will ground you in software such as 3D Max, Maya and the full Adobe suite, with the majority of your core contact hours delivered via hands-on lab training. And you’ll graduate with a final student portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers. Not all programs available at all campuses. Game Art (B) Conceptual art… character modeling… game testing. Game art is a diverse and growing 21st century career field. Game artists are essential to the development and creation of visual content for the booming video game industry. And with hands-on training in software such as 3DMax, Maya and Flash under the guidance of our faculty of working professionals, you’ll launch your career with in-demand skills and knowledge. Not all programs available at all campuses. Game Software Development (B) Behind every Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and PC game is a game software developer. Prepare for a career in programming and creating games with a Westwood degree in game software development. Our faculty of working professionals will share real-world experiences and insights while mentoring you in hands-on labs, in building a student portfolio and creating a complete working game to share when applying for a job. Not all programs available at all campuses. Request a Brochure > |
California Colorado Georgia Illinois Texas Virginia ONLINE |
Westwood College |
Laurus College |
3D Animation Certificate ProgramThis program introduces students to the world of 3D animation. Students will focus on the techniques and methods for creating 3D animation and effects using the industry standard software Maya. Maya software is one of the world's most powerfully integrated 3D modeling, animation, effects, and rendering solutions in the video game design and development industry today. Film and video artists, video game developers, web designers, and print designers turn to Maya software to realize their creative vision. Using this software, students will explore ways to model, texture, animate, and render creative environments. Students will work in both 2D and 3D, creating characters with realistic motion in everyday life. In this program students work with industry standard software to gain valuable skills in the video game design and development industry. Students in this certificate program will work to create a portfolio that showcases their creativity and their skills. |
Atascadero, CA San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Maria, CA |
Laurus College 81 Higuera Street, Suite 110 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  |
Living Arts College  |
ANIMATION & GAME DESIGN (BA/BGA, 3 Years)Students around the world look to this boutique-like, creative animation school for a highly specialized education. They excel with their real-world production experience including:
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Raleigh, NC |
Living Arts College 3000 Wakefield Crossing Drive Raleigh, NC 27614 US |
Rasmussen College |
Digital Design and Animation Bachelor DegreeCreative. Visionary. Insightful. These are all descriptions of a good candidate for the Digital Design and Animation specialization student. Students will take courses in drawing, design, art theory, and 3-D arts and animation. Plus, students will have the opportunity to create art projects both digitally and by hand. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work as a graphic designer, a video game artist, and illustrator, or in an advertising career. |
Online |
Rasmussen College |
Platt College |
Bachelor's Degree in 3D AnimationPlatt College School of Graphic Design's Bachelors degree program in Visual Communication helps you build the skills you need to start an exciting new career. You choose to specialize in either Web Design or 3D Animation. Both specializations are dynamic and will provide graduates with skills necessary to be effective in careers in these popular and ever expanding industries. The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication (BAVC) develops professionals who take concepts and then create visual imagery by employing type, illustration, sound, music, photography, and animation. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication degree program will produce a professional portfolio that will make them viable candidates for employment in the myriad of industries related to visual communication. Past graduates have found successful employment as animators, computer animators, digital media producers, special effects artists, background designers, computer artists, layout artists, and video game artists. |
Alhambra, CA Ontario, CA |
Platt College 1000 South Fremont Ave, Suite A9W Alhambra, CA 91803 |
Vancouver College of Art and Design |
3D Modeling Animation Art and DesignThe Canadian animation industry continues to grow and thrive. This evolving industry demands talented individuals who have the most up-to-date training on the latest technology and software. If you're looking to enter this exciting industry, VCAD has the program for you. Our 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design diploma program teaches you the knowledge and skills you need to successfully compete in the computer generated animation industry. The program harnesses the talent of industry-leading professionals to teach the theory and techniques used in three dimensional animation art and design. |
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada |
The Vancouver College of Art & Design 1111 Melville St Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6E 3V6 |
Cogswell Polytechnical College |
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Art and AnimationDigital Arts and Animation offers students preparation in four concentration areas: 3D Animation, Entertainment Design, Game Design, and 3D Modeling. The coursework bridges traditional and digital arts classes and includes solid components of theory, production, and general education. Digital Arts and Animation project classes provide many opportunities for collaborations with other programs at Cogswell, including Digital Audio Technology and Digital Arts Engineering. The Portfolio classes provide a format for bringing together all of the elements of the concept to delivery pipeline as students collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to complete real world projects. |
Sunnyvale, CA |
Cogswell Polytechnical College 1175 Bordeaux Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089  |
Madison Media Institute |
Game Art and Animation program
The Game Art and Animation program prepares students for entry-level positions in the computer game and animation field. These positions are typically found in video game production studios, visual effects houses, TV production studios, and computer animation studios.
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Madison, WI Minneapolis, MN |
Madison Media Institute 2702 Agriculture Drive Madison, WI 53718 |
Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts |
3D AnimationLearn the skills necessary to become a 3D artist and animator with the 3D Animation + Interactive Media Certificate. This cross-curriculum program integrates multiple aspects of 2D and 3D art, interactive media and animation with professional experience. You'll get hands-on training in modeling, design, texturing, animation, lighting and rendering for 3D design. Using Autodesk Maya, the leading 3D software tool for professionals, and web applications such as Adobe Flash, you'll work on a variety of projects: from product illustration and architectural visualization to character animation and web media presentation. When you finish the 3D Animation program, you'll leave with a portfolio and demo reel complete with 3D models, textures and animations to showcase your new skills. |
Waltham, MA Washington, DC |
Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts |
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Mt. Sierra College |
Visual Effects & Digital VideoThe Visual Effects and Digital Video student is seriously playful. Professionals in the visual effects and digital video field cut through the clutter and deliver a lot of information in a short amount of time. Visual Effects & Digital Video is design in motion. The curriculum of the Visual Effects & Digital Video program prepares students with the technological and design foundations to develop a digital portfolio worthy of entry-level positions. These roles support the demands of television, film, the Internet, and a myriad of other media outlets that rely on animated graphic design and seamlessly composited digital video. The program meets its mission by providing students with aesthetic and design awareness, technical skills and lifelong learning strategies that will assist them in launching their careers. With a concentration in Visual Effects and Digital Video, students will explore the world of sound, digital video, advanced 3-D principles, and electives that will round out a strong expertise in visual effects and digital video. Visual Effects & Digital Video graduates are prepared for a variety of challenging careers, including Production Artist Designer, Visual Effects Specialist, Broadcast Designer, Digital Artist, Camera Operator, and Production Assistant. |
Monrovia, CA |
Mt. Sierra College |
American Career Institute |
Digital Gaming Design Training
If you have a love for technology, video game design and 3-D animation, our Digital Gaming Design program is just for you!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Digital Game Design jobs are expected to grow by 29% through 2018.* Now is the time to break into this popular career! |
Cambridge, MA |
American Career Institute |
Keiser University |
Video Game Design Major
Program Description |
Daytona Beach, FL |
Keiser University |
Coleman University |
Game Programming Development and DesignOffered at the San Diego campus. This certificate program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in the area of computer game programming, development, and design. The successful graduate will be able to effectively apply standard programming concepts, including sound and graphics, in a console/computer game setting; create and utilize a framework for designing console/computer games; build and animate three-dimensional models; and apply the preceding as part of a group to create a comprehensive one-level game. These objectives will provide our graduates with a firm grasp of the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are demanded by businesses in the computer/console gaming industry. Students will combine back-end programming and networking solutions with realistic multimedia interaction to satisfy the consumer's demand for exceptional game-playing experiences. |
San Diego, CA |
Coleman University 8888 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA |
CDI College |
3D Modeling Animation Art & DesignThere is growing demand for skilled 3D modelers and animators for film, TV, and video game design. CDI's 3D Modeling Animation Art & Design program gives you a solid foundation in the artistic and technical skills you need to thrive in these competitive industries. The program teaches key concepts like video game design programs, 3D modeling software, colour theory, life drawing, and other design fundamentals. Students will put their skills to use in the the production and animation of lighting, texturing, characters, layout and design. Graduates of this program will have built a strong portfolio that they can use to launch their careers in animation and design. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of CGI based industries. "The staff in Employment Services was very supportive and made sure that the students had the ability to produce a strong resume and to perform a thorough job search. Overall, I would recommend this college to anyone because of the high standards set by all staff." - Patrick S. CDI College graduate Job Opportunities Game development companies Computer animation studios Special effects and post-production Industrial design firms Software producers |
Pointe-Claire, QC |
CDI College Pointe-Claire, QC |
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Ex'pression College for Digital Arts 
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Digital Visual Media Program Ex'pression Digital Visual Media Program is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills through an intensive series of courses that cover a wide spectrum of digital visual media including 3D modeling and animation, texture and lighting, compositing, digital film and video effects, creating graphics for the Internet and more. You will gain experiential knowledge through extensive lab time using multiple hardware platforms. A one-to-one (student-to-machine) lab ratio allows you to individually explore the intricacies of a wide variety of graphics software. Request a Brochure > |
Emeryville , CA |
Ex'pression College for Digital Arts 6601 Shellmound St. Emeryville , CA 94608 |
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ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN ™ |
Entertainment Design The film and game industries aren't what they used to be. Thanks to the nonstop advances in modern technology, CG films are on the rise, the game universe is rapidly expanding and the entire field of visual entertainment is being blown wide open. It's a world of endless possibility, and illustrators are suddenly finding themselves playing a major role in shaping its future. They are now an integral part of the creative process, collaborating with writers and directors to create entire worlds for games, and their visionary ideas are a driving force behind the inception and creation of films. Art Center is on the cutting edge of these exciting changes. Anticipating rapid changes in today's entertainment industry, the College recenlty restructured its Film and Illustration Departments. The Illustration Department now specializes in two entertainment tracks - the Arts Track and the newly-launched Entertainment Design Track. Students learn to work in a collaborative environment, to see the big picture and to fully understand the new interdisciplinary way of filmmaking. The world is changing fast, and Art Center is providing the talent and resources to not only keep up, but to raise the visual bar to new levels. Request a Brochure > |
Pasadena, California |
Art Center College of Design 1700 Lida Street Pasadena, CA 91103 Admissions: 626.396.2373 Request a Brochure > |
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Savannah College of Art and Design |
SCAD animation program The SCAD animation program has been ranked among the top three animation programs in North America by 3D World magazine. Industry-standard Tools Including After Effects, Premiere, Flipbook, Flash and Dreamweaver; Autodesk Maya; Anime Studio; Apple Shake; and Pixar RenderMan. School of Film and Digital Media resources also include a Vicon motion capture system. SCAD, Savannah, Gary Goldman, animationGary Goldman is Winter Quarter Guest Animation Faculty Member Legendary animator Gary Goldman, best known for his work on such animated classics as “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” (1982) and “All Dogs Go To Heaven” (1989), and the video games “Dragon's Lair” (1983) and “Space Ace” (1983), will join SCAD as artist-in-residence, teaching traditional 2-D animation. Request a Brochure > |
Savannah, GA |
Savannah College of Art and Design 342 Bull St. Savannah, GA 31402 (912) 525-5100 Request a Brochure > |
Johns Hopkins University
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Multimedia & Web Design, 3D Design, Animation Design
Request a Brochure > |
Baltimore, MD Columbia, MD |
Johns Hopkins University Request a Brochure > |
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Pratt Institute |
Pratt Institute's Manhattan campus Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS)offers certificate programs in Computer Graphics. One area of concentration is in Computer Animation and Video. It is for students who wish to pursue careers in film , entertainment, special effects, game design and broadcast design. Study focuses on the creation and design of time-based media. Choose to focus on a variety of areas, including 2D and 3D animation,including traditional animation, digital video, and broadcast design. Students study the choreography and design of complex animated sequences, with topics including creation of titling sequences, editing, compositing, modeling, rendering, and animation. Final projects are edited to form a demo reel portfolio. Request a Brochure > |
New York, NY |
Pratt Institute 144 West 14th St. Room 209 New York, NY 10011-7300 212 647.7199 Request a Brochure > |
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AGA Digital Studios, Inc. |
Character Animation, Computer Animation/Digital Art, Workshops, Private Training. Request a Brochure > |
Schaumburg, IL |
AGA Digital Studios, Inc. 1305 Wiley Road Schaumburg, IL 60173 847-755-4488 Request a Brochure > |
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University of Texas at Dallas Arts and Technology |
Cartooning, Character Animation, Experimental Animation, Computer Animation/Digital Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Multimedia/Games, Web Graphics/Design, Web Animation, Performance Animation, Animation History/Theory.
Request a Brochure > |
Richardson, TX |
University of Texas at Dallas Arts and Technology POB 830688, JO 31 Richardson, TX 73083-0688 972-883-4376 Request a Brochure > |
Natcoll Design Technology
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Natcoll is a design school based in New Zealand. Natcoll offers a range of courses and qualifications for creative digital arts, including the video editing courses, 3D animation courses and other digital video courses needed to launch a successful career as an animator. Diploma of Animation and Digital Video Natcoll's Diploma of Animation and Digital Video gives students the skills needed to produce 3D animation videos, from storytelling techniques to post-production. Students learn on state-of-the-art equipment and software. This digital media course is ideal for gaining cursory knowledge of the digital animation industry. Diploma of Animation (Advanced) The Diploma of Animation (Advanced) is designed to develop the creative and technical skills needed to succeed in the animation industry. The course teaches creative skills such as character development and storyboarding as well as technical skills to create 3D modelling, special effects and animation. This animation diploma is ideal for anyone trying to pursue a career in 3D or 2D animation. |
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand |
Natcoll Design Technology Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand info.chch@natcoll.ac.nz Request a Brochure > |
