The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in animation through its School of Theater, Film, and Television (TFT). Below are ten compelling reasons to consider UCLA for animation studies, followed by ten considerations that might lead you to explore other options.
Comprehensive Curriculum Across Degree Levels: UCLA provides a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film, Television, and Digital Media with opportunities to concentrate in animation, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation through the renowned UCLA Animation Workshop. This allows students to pursue animation studies at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Historical Prestige: Established in 1948, the UCLA Animation Workshop has a long-standing reputation for excellence in animation education, contributing significantly to the field over the decades.
"One Person, One Film" Philosophy: The MFA program emphasizes individual creativity, encouraging students to independently create complete animated films, thereby mastering all aspects of the filmmaking process.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students have access to the Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio, equipped with advanced technology to support both traditional and digital animation projects.
Experienced Faculty: Courses are led by accomplished animators and industry professionals, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship from experts actively engaged in the field.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities: UCLA's broader academic environment allows students to collaborate across various departments, enriching their educational experience and fostering a diverse skill set.
Summer Programs for Skill Enhancement: For those seeking intensive training, UCLA offers the Traditional Animation Summer Institute, focusing on hand-drawn animation techniques and providing a condensed, immersive learning experience.
Alumni Success: Graduates of UCLA's animation programs have secured positions at major studios, reflecting the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in the animation industry.
Industry Connections: Located in Los Angeles, a global hub for the entertainment industry, UCLA offers students unparalleled networking opportunities with leading studios and professionals.
Selective Admissions Ensuring Quality: The MFA program admits a limited number of students annually, ensuring personalized attention and fostering a close-knit community of passionate animators.
Limited Undergraduate Animation Focus: While the undergraduate program offers exposure to animation, it is primarily a general film and television degree. Dedicated animation courses are limited, and priority enrollment is often given to Film, Television, and Digital Media majors who have declared a concentration in animation.
Highly Competitive Admissions: Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are highly selective, with the MFA program admitting only a small number of students each year, making the admissions process exceptionally competitive.
Graduate Program Duration: The MFA in Animation is a three-year commitment, which may be a significant time investment for some students compared to shorter programs elsewhere.
Emphasis on Traditional Techniques: The program places a strong emphasis on traditional hand-drawn animation methods, which may not align with the interests of students solely focused on contemporary digital animation techniques.
Resource Limitations for Non-Majors: Access to certain animation courses and facilities may be restricted for students not enrolled in the Film, Television, and Digital Media major, limiting opportunities for those in other disciplines.
High Cost of Attendance: As a public university in California, tuition costs can be substantial, especially for out-of-state students. Additionally, the cost of living in Los Angeles is notably high, adding to the financial burden.
Limited Online Course Offerings: While some programs, like the Summer Institute, are offered online, the comprehensive animation degrees require on-campus attendance, which may not be feasible for all students. TFT UCLA
Focus on Individual Projects: The "One Person, One Film" approach means students are responsible for all aspects of their projects, which can be overwhelming for those seeking a more collaborative educational experience.
Limited Exposure to Commercial Animation Practices: The program's focus on individual artistic development may result in less emphasis on mainstream commercial animation techniques and industry trends.
Variable Course Availability: Some animation courses and electives may not be offered every term, potentially impacting students' ability to enroll in desired classes during their studies.
When considering UCLA for animation studies, it's essential to weigh these factors against your personal educational goals, career aspirations, and learning preferences to determine if the program aligns with your needs.
Story-Driven, Independent Filmmaking in a Prestigious, Industry-Connected Environment. UCLA’s animation programs — especially the MFA Animation Workshop — are rooted in a “One Person, One Film” philosophy, giving students full creative control to write, design, animate, and edit their own films. Combined with UCLA’s location in Los Angeles and strong faculty connections, this approach prepares students for meaningful careers as storytellers in the animation industry.
Limited Program Access and Opportunities for Undergraduates. UCLA’s animation strength lies primarily in its graduate MFA program, while undergraduate students have more limited access to animation-specific resources and coursework. If you're seeking a fully immersive undergraduate animation experience, the structure may feel too restricted.
Other programs to consider:
