Best Animation Schools & Programs

When it comes to pursuing a career in animation, choosing the right school can make a significant impact on a student’s future success. Whether a student is interested in 3D animation, computer-generated imagery (CGI), digital arts, or traditional hand-drawn animation, there are several top-tier animation programs around the world that provide both foundational training and cutting-edge skills. Below are some of the best animation schools in the world:

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – USA

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is one of the premier institutions for students interested in animation, offering an extensive array of degrees and specializations that cater to the diverse needs of students pursuing careers in animation. SCAD has earned international recognition for its comprehensive art and design programs, which include degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Arts (MA), as well as certificates in animation. The university's commitment to providing a wide variety of degree options is one of the reasons it is considered one of the best animation schools.

SCAD’s animation program has been ranked among the top three in North America by 3D World magazine, which is a testament to the quality of the instruction and resources available to students. This ranking is based on the university’s ability to equip students with both creative and technical skills. SCAD’s curriculum covers a wide range of animation techniques, from traditional 2D hand-drawn animation to cutting-edge 3D computer animation. This diversity in approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of animation as an art form and as a technological discipline.

SCAD also benefits from a global presence, with campuses in Savannah, Georgia, and Hong Kong, as well as online programs. This allows students to access a wealth of international experiences while studying animation. SCAD’s faculty includes industry professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom, ensuring students receive instruction that is both relevant and up-to-date with current industry trends. Graduates from SCAD are often recruited by top animation studios, including major companies like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney.

Ringling College of Art and Design – USA

Ringling College of Art and Design, located in Sarasota, Florida, is another powerhouse in the field of animation. Its Computer Animation program has been ranked as No. 1 in North America by 3D World magazine, further solidifying its status as one of the top animation schools in the world. The program at Ringling College is renowned for its rigorous technical training, artistic development, and industry-standard equipment, which provides students with everything they need to succeed in the competitive world of animation.

Ringling offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Animation, which is designed to give students a strong foundation in animation principles while also providing them with advanced technical skills in 3D modeling, visual effects, character animation, and storytelling. The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, and students have the opportunity to work on projects for both traditional animation and computer-generated animation. This approach ensures that students develop a diverse skill set that is highly valued in the animation industry.

The faculty at Ringling College includes animators, designers, and industry professionals who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom. In addition to its excellent animation program, Ringling College also offers specialized courses in visual effects, game art, and interactive media, allowing students to explore the intersection of animation with other forms of digital media. Ringling College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), adding to its credibility as one of the best animation schools in the world.

University of Southern California (USC) – USA

The University of Southern California (USC) is home to one of the most prestigious animation programs in the United States. The School of Cinematic Arts at USC is known for its cutting-edge approach to animation education, and the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts offers a world-class program for students interested in animation and digital arts. USC’s animation program is particularly well-regarded for its international and multicultural perspective, which is an important component of the school’s curriculum.

Ranked among the top 20 animation colleges worldwide by 3D World magazine in 2007, USC’s animation program has built a reputation for its strong emphasis on storytelling, artistic development, and technical excellence. The program offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation and Digital Arts, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation and Digital Arts. The MFA program at USC provides students with the opportunity to refine their skills through advanced coursework, independent projects, and collaboration with professionals in the field.

USC’s proximity to Hollywood and the thriving entertainment industry offers students unparalleled opportunities for internships, mentorships, and networking with leading animation studios. The program’s emphasis on practical experience, combined with its robust academic curriculum, ensures that students graduate with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the competitive animation industry. Graduates from USC have gone on to work at major animation studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Industrial Light & Magic.

Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning – Canada

Located in Ontario, Canada, the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is widely regarded as one of the top institutions for animation education in North America. Sheridan’s animation program has a storied history, having been one of the first schools to offer computer animation courses and to begin training students in this evolving field. The program has consistently produced talented graduates who have gone on to work in major animation studios, including Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and DreamWorks.

Sheridan’s Computer Animation Program has been a key player in the Canadian animation industry and has had a significant impact on Hollywood’s animation talent pool since its inception in the 1980s. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum, which combines traditional animation techniques with the latest digital technologies. Sheridan offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Animation, and students are given opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals. The program also emphasizes the importance of creativity and storytelling, helping students to develop their unique voice as animators.

Sheridan’s alumni include many successful animators who have worked on major animated films and television series, and the school’s reputation for excellence continues to attract students from around the world. Sheridan is accredited by the Ontario College of Art and Design University and has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s leading polytechnic institutes.

Other Notable Animation Schools

In addition to the schools mentioned above, several other institutions around the world are highly regarded for their animation programs. For instance, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for its emphasis on both traditional and experimental animation, offering a highly competitive Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Character Animation. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) also offers an exceptional animation program that is ranked among the top in the world for its artistic rigor and technical training.

The Vancouver Film School (VFS) in Canada offers a one-year diploma in 3D Animation and Visual Effects, which is designed to provide students with the practical skills needed to enter the animation industry quickly. Similarly, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in the United Kingdom offers a highly respected MA in Animation, focusing on both traditional and digital animation techniques.

Conclusion

Choosing the right animation school is a critical decision for any aspiring animator. Institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ringling College of Art and Design, University of Southern California, and Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning provide students with the skills, resources, and industry connections needed to succeed in the fast-paced, competitive world of animation. These schools offer a variety of degree programs, ranging from Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) to Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and provide students with an excellent education in both the artistic and technical aspects of animation. As the animation industry continues to grow and evolve, graduates from these prestigious programs will continue to shape the future of animation across a variety of platforms, from feature films and television to video games and digital media.