Top 10 Best Schools for Animation
Choosing the right school for your needs is a critical step in ensuring a successful career in animation. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you out, we\’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best schools for animation, based on factors such as curriculum, facilities, and student support.
Benefits of attending animation school
There are many benefits to attending animation school. One of the most important benefits is that you will learn from experienced professionals. Animation school can provide you with the opportunity to learn from industry veterans who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. This can be invaluable as you start your career in animation.
Animation school can also give you the chance to network with other aspiring animators. You will have the opportunity to meet other people who share your passion for animation. This can be a great way to make connections and find collaborators for future projects.
In addition, animation school can help you develop your skills and technique. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, which will allow you to explore different aspects of animation. You will also get the chance to work on projects with other students, which can help you learn new techniques and hone your skills.
Best Schools for Animation
It takes a lot of skill to create an animation that looks believable and realistic. If you want to study animation and develop these skills, then you\’ll need to attend one of the best schools for animation. In this section, we\’ll take a look at the top 10 best schools for animation in the world.
#1. California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts is one of the top animation schools in the world. Located in Valencia, CA, CalArts offers a variety of programs for aspiring animators.
CalArts has a well-rounded curriculum that covers everything from traditional hand-drawn animation to computer animation. Students have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and work on projects that they can show off to potential employers.
CalArts also has a strong alumni network, which can be helpful for finding jobs after graduation. graduates have gone on to work at major studios such as Pixar, Dreamworks, and Disney.
#2. Ringling College of Art and Design
If you’re looking for the best schools for animation, look no further than Ringling College of Art and Design. This school is one of the top animation programs in the country and it’s located in Sarasota, Florida.
Ringling College of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking & Animation. This four-year program is designed to prepare students for careers in animation, filmmaking, game development, and other related fields.
The curriculum includes courses in storyboarding, character design, 3D modeling, and rigging. Students will also have the opportunity to work on projects with other students in their class.
Ringling College of Art and Design has a strong focus on experiential learning. This means that students will learn by doing rather than just listening to lectures. There are also plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs and competitions.
This school has an impressive list of alumni that includes directors, animators, and artists who have worked on some of the most popular films and television shows. If you want to study at one of the best schools for animation, Ringling College of Art and Design should be at the
#3. Savannah College of Art and Design
Located in Georgia, the Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit university with a history dating back to 1978. It offers bachelor\’s and master\’s degrees in a variety of art and design disciplines, including animation.
The school has produced some of the most successful animators in the industry, including Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) and Kevin Macdonald (The Lion King).
SCAD\’s animation program is one of the most comprehensive in the country, offering students the opportunity to learn 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation. The program also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and character development, two essential elements of any good animated film.
graduates have gone on to work for major studios like Pixar, Dreamworks, and Disney. So if you\’re looking for a top-notch education in animation, SCAD is definitely worth considering.
#4. Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is one of the top schools for animation. The school has a strong focus on both traditional and digital animation, and its students have gone on to work at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Pixar, Dreamworks, and Disney.
RISD offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in animation. Its undergraduate program is four years long, and it includes foundation courses in drawing, colour, and design. Students in the program also have the opportunity to take electives in areas like character design, storyboarding, and stop-motion animation.
The school’s graduate program is two years long and focuses on more advanced topics in animation. Students in the program have the opportunity to work with industry professionals on real-world projects.
If you’re looking for a top-notch education in animation, RISD is definitely worth considering.
#5. School of Visual Arts, New York
The School of Visual Arts in New York is one of the top best schools for animation. It has been ranked as the No. 1 school for animation by The Hollywood Reporter for two years in a row.
The school offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in either 2D or 3D animation. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including character design, storyboarding, and stop-motion animation.
Students have the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced faculty members in the field. They also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
The school has produced some of the most successful animators in the industry, including Academy Award-winning director Pete Docter and Emmy Award-winning producer Nick Jennings.
#6. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the top best schools for animation. Located in Los Angeles, USC offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Digital Arts.
The USC animation program is one of the most comprehensive in the country. It offers students a chance to learn about traditional animation techniques as well as modern computer-generated animation.
USC also has a strong focus on storytelling. This is evident in the curriculum, which includes classes on character development, storyboarding, and scriptwriting.
Graduates of USC’s animation program have gone on to work for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney.
#7. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is one of the top schools for animation. The school offers a variety of animation programs that can be tailored to fit your specific needs and interests.
One of the great things about the University of California, Los Angeles is that it has a strong focus on research. This means that you will have access to some of the latest technology and equipment when you are studying at the school.
Another benefit of studying at the University of California, Los Angeles is that you will be able to network with other students and professionals in the field. This can be a great way to find a job after you graduate.
If you are looking for a top school for animation, the University of California, Los Angeles should definitely be on your list.
#8. Full Sail University
Full Sail University is one of the top schools for animation in the United States. The school offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation degree program that takes four years to complete.
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the computer animation industry. It covers topics such as 3D modeling, character animation, and visual effects.
The school has an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to work in the animation industry, including directors and producers from major studios like Pixar, Dreamworks, and Disney.
If you\’re looking for a top-notch education in animation, Full Sail University is definitely worth considering.
#9. Animation Mentor
If you want to become an animator, one of the best things you can do is to attend a school that specializes in animation. And Animation Mentor is one of the best schools for animation out there.
At Animation Mentor, you\’ll learn from working professionals in the industry who will mentor you and help you grow as an animator. You\’ll also get to work on real-world projects that will help you build your portfolio.
Animation Mentor is a great choice for those who want to pursue a career in animation. The school offers a comprehensive education in animation, from the basics to more advanced concepts. And with the mentorship program, you\’ll have the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the best animators in the industry.
#10. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida provides an affordable education with smaller class sizes which is important for students who want more individualized attention. The school also offers a BFA and MFA in animation and has state of the art facilities.
Conclusion
There are many great schools for animation, but these ten stand out above the rest. Each of these schools has a strong program that can help you become a successful animator. If you\’re looking for a top-notch education in animation, then any of these schools would be a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top animation schools in the US?
- Ringling College of Art and Design
- California Institute of the Arts
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- University of California, Los Angeles
Where do most Disney animators go to school?
- California Institute of the Arts
What major is best for animation?
- The B.F.A. in Computer Animation is the top choice.
Do animators make a lot of money?
- BLS data lists the 2017 median pay for animators at $70,530 a year.
Top Five Schools in the World For Animation, Gaming and VFX
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design
- Griffith University
- University of Technology Sydney
- ArtFX
- Royal College of Art
References
- www.gamedesigning.org – 71 Best Animation Schools: 2D Animation Courses and 3D Animation Courses
- collegegazette.com – The 10 Best Animation Schools in the US
- www.animationcareerreview.com – Top 50 Animation Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2022 College Rankings
