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Bring your career into 3D with one of the nation’s best master’s in animation degrees.
Are you captivated by compelling narratives and imaginative characters? Do you think animation gives fresh opportunities to tell stories? Are you looking for a way to advance your current creative skill sets and inspire new vision?
Then a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in animation may be for you!
What kind of master’s in animation degree should you get?
Each of the 10 programs on our list is an MFA degree. This means you are guaranteed a creative foundation in animation fundamentals. You will hone your technique and craft while working closely with faculty who are internationally and nationally respected artists.
However, each program does still vary in its emphasis. For example, while some colleges focus mostly on animation in film, such as Rochester Institute of Technology, others stress the importance of a broad-based education in digital media, such as DigiPen University.
To find the best fit for you, think about your career goals and creative vision. Then ask yourself which program will provide the right opportunities to make those ambitions come to life.
And though most of the degrees below are traditional, on-campus programs, it doesn’t hurt to consider online education. Distance education is both a flexible and affordable way to earn your degree and advance your career. So, be sure to check out College Choice’s 50 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees.
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How much money do people make with a master’s in animation degree?
Depending on your title and level of management, the average salary for an MFA graduate in Animation varies. However, the industry is a lucrative one.
For example, Multimedia Artists and Animators make on average $31 an hour. That translates to over $65,000 a year. And if you’re a Producer or Director that number leaps up to nearly $71,000 annually.
In addition to making good money, a career in animation ensures you a lifetime of stability. In fact, the need for Multimedia Artists and Animators is projected to grow another 8 percent in the next few years. And for Directors and Producers that number expands to 12 percent!
What can you do with a master’s in animation degree?
Though a Master’s in Animation degree fully prepares you to work for animation conglomerates such as Pixar and Dreamworks, your options are in fact even broader and more versatile.
For example, an animation MFA program not only teaches you how to best implement cutting edge digital technology. It also supports your artistic vision through coursework covering storylines, characters, and craft development.
Therefore, you will graduate ready to enter various industries, from tech to education. And you’ll be equipped to work in many settings. Whether you want to become an art director, film editor, multimedia specialist, character artist, or production designer, an MFA in Animation can help you get there.
What are the requirements for a master’s in animation degree?
To earn a MFA in Animation, you are looking at two years of full time study. During your first year you will take many courses on animation and media fundamentals. In these classes you will learn the history of animation, 2D and 3D art, character animation basics, and maybe even some screenwriting.
In your second year you will take even more specialized courses, including workshops where you will discuss your projects with the class to receive critical feedback. Specialized coursework ranges, encompassing several areas of animation. The work you do in your second year, therefore, directs your future career as you become an expert in your field.
Finally, some of these programs encourage or require you to complete an internship. We’ve been sure to note those.
What are the best master’s in animation degrees?
While some of these programs are offered through large universities and others through small arts colleges, all 10 share one thing in common: they are the nation’s best MFA in animation programs.
To determine the best programs we first examined the reputation of each school across the nation that offers the degree. From there we explored other crucial factors, such as retention, which is a sign of student satisfaction. Finally, we took into account graduate salaries and tuition rates to get an idea of the return on investment.
This thorough research helped us determine the nation’s best programs for advanced training in animation.
Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Masters In Animation Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in advancing their career can earn their master of fine arts in animation and digital arts at University of Southern California. From its Los Angeles campus, the private institution enrolls degree-seekers with a variety of options, including online delivery formats. The program builds on undergraduate knowledge. Applicants without a related background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
College resources and support services help master's candidates participate fully in campus life and meet graduation requirements. Financial aid advisors connect students with resources to pay for graduate school, while academic advisors recommend course selections. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of tutoring, mental health counseling, and library services.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 199
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Admission Rate: 11%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $61,400
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Masters In Animation Degrees
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rochester, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of fine arts in film and animation program at Rochester Institute of Technology stands out for its academic rigor and flexibility. The program serves students seeking advanced education and increased career opportunities. At the school, graduate programs offer flexible enrollment options, including schedules designed for working professionals.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge to build a comprehensive understanding of film and animation. Internships and other hands-on learning opportunities apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Degree candidates can specialize their education by choosing electives and concentrations.
Rochester Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Location: Rochester, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 71%
Graduate Tuition In State: $47,522
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $47,522
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 98%
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Masters In Animation Degrees
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The MFA in digital animation and interactive media at Ohio State University-Main Campus is one of the school's 119 master's degrees. The program incorporates career-focused training to help students advance their professional opportunities. Flexible enrollment options help candidates balance graduate courses with work or other obligations.
The curriculum encourages a comprehensive understanding of animation and interactive media through both theoretical and practical knowledge. Students build valuable professional connections during internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Learners can specialize their animation education by choosing electives and concentrations.
Ohio State University-Main Campus at a Glance:
Location: Columbus, Ohio
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 54%
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,560
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $35,144
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 79%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $8,176
Average Price After Aid: $18,706
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Masters In Animation Degrees
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners interested in a career in animation can enroll in a top-ranked emerging media MFA - animation and visual effects program at University of Central Florida. Students advance their career opportunities and increase their earning potential with this degree. Flexible enrollment options help candidates balance graduate courses with work or other obligations.
The curriculum blends theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of animation. Degree-seekers prepare for the workforce with internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Learners choose concentrations and electives to build specialized skills in a specific area of the field.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Location: Orlando, Florida
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 44%
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,916
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,759
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 92%
Average Amount Aid Awarded: $9,728
Average Price After Aid: $11,617
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Masters In Animation Degrees
Pratt Institute-Main
- Brooklyn, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
Learners seeking a graduate degree in animation can enroll in the MFA in digital arts program at Pratt Institute-Main. The program helps students advance their education and increase their career opportunities. Flexible enrollment options appeal to working professionals who need to schedule classes around their other responsibilities.
The curriculum blends theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of animation. Degree candidates apply their classroom knowledge through internships and hands-on learning opportunities, which also build professional connections. Choosing a concentration also helps learners gain specialized skills in a specific area of animation.
Pratt Institute-Main at a Glance:
Location: Brooklyn, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 56%
Graduate Tuition In State: $33,246
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $33,246
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 82%
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
