| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 2 | University of California Los Angeles | California |
| 3 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 5 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 7 | University of Colorado Denver | Colorado |
| 8 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts | North Carolina |
| 9 | California State University Fullerton | California |
| 10 | Florida State University | Florida |
Our 2024 rankings of the Top 10 public visual effect schools in the U.S. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is home to the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Newly redesigned on September 1, 2022, the school now includes Dance Science, Theater, Music Performance, and Visual Studies. The schools five undergraduate majors, three graduate programs, and 11 minors are managed by working directors, composers, computer graphics engineers, sound technologists, dancers, and many other artists.
For students seeking careers in visual effects, the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts has a Visualization program leading to a BS, MS, or MFA. The MFA is one of a few programs of its kind in the U.S. and possibly the only one in Texas.
Established in 1989, the TAMU Visualization program is studio-based and cross-disciplinary, with an emphasis on experimentation. This allows students to explore areas such as interaction, computer graphics, design, visualization, and art. Through electives, students at all levels may also focus in any area of specialization. This includes visual effects.
Examples of VFX-related courses include Digital Rendering; Interactive Virtual Environments; Visualization Techniques; Digital Characters: Art, Technology, Uses and Meaning; Visual Studies Studios; Digital Compositing; Computing for Visualization; Interaction Design; Video and Time based Media; Creating Digital Environments; Multimedia Design and Development; and Virtual Reality.
To enhance the program, VFX students may add an additional emphasis area such as interactive design, animation and virtual production or visual computing. Students may also add a minor in Flim, Game Design and Development, Virtual Production, Music Technology, or other area.
All TAMU Visualization students also have the opportunity to complete 15-week, 600 hour internship; participate in the Semester Away Program in places such as Germany or Italy; and attend the Annual Career Fair. Undergraduate internships are worth six credit hours. Graduate internships are worth eight credits. TAMU Visualization students have interned at a major animation, game, and design studios.
Graduates of the Visualization programs at Texas A&M University are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, including visual effects, animation, and game design; interaction design; user interface design; and interactive design. TAMU Visualization alumni have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Reel FX.
TAMU Visualization graduates have been recognized by the Visual Effects Society Awards (VES), with nominations for work on productions such as Coco, Wall-E, Brave, Finding Dory, The Peanuts Movie, Toy Story of Terror, The Incredibles, King Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest, The Croods, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Lightyear. The VES Awards honor visual effects in film, television, video games, and commercials.
Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876 as the state’s first public Institution of higher learning. The school is one of the few universities in the nation to have land-, sea-, and space-grant designations. Serving approximately 77,490 students, Texas A&M is the largest university in Texas. With branch campuses in Galveston, Texas and Doha, Qatar, Texas A&M houses 17 colleges and schools that provide over 140 undergraduate programs and more than 270 graduate degree programs.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The School of Theater, Film & Television at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is home to the School of Theater, Flim and Television. Within the school is the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM), which provides several paths and initiatives related to visual effects studies.
Programs include the BA in Flim, Television and Digital Media. Initiatives include Special Effects for Film and Television; Interactive Television; Computer Animation and Video Gaming; Development of Web-Based Media Arts; and Computer Assisted Theater Design. FTVDM students also have access to the state-of-the-art Walter Lantz Digital Animation Studio and other production facilities.
For students seeking shorter program or single courses, UCLA Extension has an 11-week Introduction to Visual Effects Creation course and a Post-Production certificate program. The course features lectures, exercises and industry guests. Topics include understanding color for VFX; virtual production and XR; 3D animation; VFX supervision; studio pipelines, and Adobe After Effects. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to complete a short VFX sequence with After Effects.
The Post-Production Certificate is a project-based program that features courses taught by professionals from paces such as Amazon Studios, Netflix, and MTV. The nine-course curriculum covers training on industry-standard software, VFX, sound, and editing. Course examples include Introduction to Visual Effects Creation; Post-Production for Film and Television; The Art and Craft of Film Editing; Color Correction for Film and Television; and Introduction to Adobe Premiere.
Certificate students may also select two electives from upper division courses in Directing, Producing, Cinematography, and Film Scoring. Examples include Directing Workshop I: Composition and Movement; Introduction to Pro Tools; The Role of the Digital Imaging Technician in Cinematography. Anatomy of a Film Score; The Craft of the Director; and Making Your First Short Film.
All certificate students will have the opportunity to apply for an internship after completing 12 credit hours. Students will also leave the program with a portfolio of their best work. The Post-Production certificate program at UCLA can be completed in nine months full-time or up to three years part-time.
The Film, Television and Digital Media BA provides education and professional training in production and post-production techniques, animation, and screenwriting. Course examples for the program include Digital Cinematography (explores special effects); Experimental Film; Computer Animation in Film and Video; Advanced Film Editing; Tools and Techniques: Cinematography; Motion Picture Lighting; Digital Audio Postproduction; Film and Television Laboratory; and Undergraduate Film Production.
During the senior year, BA students will choose a concentration in an area of interest. Examples include Production – Post-Production; Animation; and Digital Media. The program culminates with a professional internship and the completion of a professional production.
Graduates of the FTVDM Department at UCLA are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. UCLA alumni have been hired at major studios such as Pixar, Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks, and Nickelodeon.
Established in 1919, University of California Los Angeles has helped produce more than 200 startup companies to date. Serving approximately 46,675 students from more than 115 countries around the world, UCLA provides over 250 programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Moody College of Communication at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides several paths to study VFX. Within Moody’s Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF) are the RTF BA, RTF minor, and the Film and Media Production MFA (FMP MFA).
All UT Austin RTF and FMP students have opportunities to work and learn in the Digital Media Production Lab (DML), which provides access to software such as Blackmagic Davinci Resolve, Autodesk Maya and Mudbox, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, and other industry VFX tools. The DML also houses five surround sound dub stages; a 70 x 20 green screen; and dedicated work spaces.
In addition to the DML access, students may sign up for an internship and courses taught by industry insiders through the Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies. Internships and courses take place in Los Angeles for a semester or summer.
Other RTF and MFA program benefits include Maymester—a three- to four-week study abroad program in places such as Italy, the UK, or Guatemala; UT In New York, which provides the opportunity to live, work, and learn in New York City; and one- to six-hour hybrid/blended internships to gain practical experience in film, television, digital media, or video games.
Across RTF and FMP MFA programs, students also have access to a variety of VFX and special effects courses, as well as dozens of support courses. Examples include VFX & Motion Graphics; VFX for Storytelling; CGI for Film and Games; 2D Animation; Post-Production Techniques; Advanced Editing; Producing Short Films; Advanced Cinematography; Digital Media Production; Advanced Screenwriting: Feature Film; Producing Film and Television; Storytelling in Film and Media; and Global Hollywood.
The Digital Media Production course allows students to select an area of interest such as compositing and VFX; CGI and interactive game design; or animation and simulation. Areas of interest allow students to delve deeper into topics such as simulating effects, virtual cinematography, and lighting.
VFX courses are also accessible to students in the Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS program (AET BS) and the UT Austin Game Development and Design (GDAD) program.
The AET BS is housed in the School of Design and Creative Technologies. The GDAD program is a partnership between the AET, Computer Science (CS), and RTF Departments, with courses on immersive experiences provided by the Texas Immersive Institute (TXI). This GDAD program leads to a BS.
Recent graduates of the RTF and Film programs at UT Austin have been hired at some of the world’s top studios. Examples include DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Classics, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Shondaland, Searchlight Pictures, and Amazon Studios.
Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 53,865 students, making it the second the largest university in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 170 undergraduate degree programs, 125 master’s degree programs, and more than 80 doctoral programs across 15 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Central Florida (UCF) provides an advanced degree program for students seeking employment at production studios and artists looking to make their own independent films. Leading to an Emerging Media MFA, this three-year, 60 credit hour program has an Animation and Visual Effects track.
Program features include courses and projects led by working professionals with connections in the industry; opportunities to co-direct a team of students in the Emerging Media: Character Animation BFA program; and access to labs and studios equipped with the same industry-standard software used in major studios around the world.
Students in the SVAD UCF MFA program (Animation and Visual Effects) will take 48 credit hours of required courses. Examples include The History of Animation and Visual Effects; Script and Story Development for Animation and Visual Effects; Visual Effects for Animation and Live Action I-II; Technical Problem Solving for Animation and Visual Effects; Animation and Visual Effects Production I-V; Visual Development and Design for Animation and Visual Effects; Editing for Animation and Visual Effects I: Theory and Production; Directing for Animation and Visual Effects; Editing for Animation and Visual Effects II: Practical Editing; Script and Story Development for Animation and Visual Effects; and Research Methods in Film and Digital Media.
The Emerging Media MFA program at University of Central Florida culminates with a 12 credit hour Visual Effects or Animation Thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Weta FA, Lockheed Martin, Walt Disney Animation Studios, NASA, Weta FX, Epic Games, Pixar, the U.S. Navy, Nickelodeon Animation, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Reel FX, Framestore, Riot Games, Blur Studio, Netflix, and Titmouse.
University of Central Florida opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University. On the first day of classes, the school had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF serves approximately 69,320 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of the largest universities in the U.S. Across 13 colleges, more than 13,000 faculty and staff manage the school’s 104 bachelor’s degrees, 97 master’s degrees, and 39 doctorate and specialist degrees.
University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Utah (The U) houses the College of Architecture and Planning. Within the college is an Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) emphasis, provided in conjunction with the School of Computing. Leading to a BS in Computer Science (BS CS), this 123 credit hour program features a computer science curriculum along with courses that cover computer-generated special effects, 3D animation, and game design and development.
Course examples include Interactive Machinima; Asset Pipeline; Digital Content Creation; Computer Systems; Alternative Game Design; Software Practice 1-2; and Human-Centered Computing. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone, completed over two courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in the entertainment industry or to enroll in a graduate program, such as the Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE) at University of Utah.
The MEAE is a two-year program that provides a Technical Arts track. Areas of specialization within the track include Visual Effects; Simulation; Rigging; Technical Animation; Lighting; Procedural Content Creation; Scripting; Pipelines; and Shaders. Through the project-based Technical Art I-III courses, students will focus on topics such as procedural workflows in Side Effects Houdini; using programmable GPU Shaders to customize graphics pipelines to produce visual effects; and pipelines from concept to engine. Students will master Maya, C++, Maya Embedded Language (MEL), Unreal Engine, and Python.
Other course examples for the program include Level Design; Rapid Prototyping; 3D Modeling; Character Design; Texturing for 3D; Shader Development; Advanced 3D Character Production; Narrative in Game Design; Paper Prototyping; Hard Surface Modeling; Experimental Gameplay; Environment Art for Games; Technical Art IV; Narrative in Game Design; and Games User Interface Design.
In the Technical Art IV course, students have the opportunity to experiment with techniques and use what they have learned so far to create visual effects, games, animations, and more. The course also focuses on branding and portfolio presentation.
Upon completion of the program, students will have a demo reel and/or portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as VFX Artist, Visual Effects Animator, VFX Editor, VFX Production Coordinator or Production Manager, Video Game FX Artist, Computer Animator, Film Editor, 3D Animator and Digital Filmmaker.
Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves more than 36,000 students, making it the second largest public university in the state. The school is also classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the 137 research universities with the highest research activity in the nation.
Students at The U have access to more than 200 programs across 18 colleges and schools and nearly 100 departments. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school is also member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) provides an ideal path to study visual effects—the Computational Media BS (BSCM). A collaborative effort between the Ivan Allen College School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) and the College of Computing, the Computational Media launched in 2004 with just one student. Today, the program serves more than 300 students, making it one of Georgia Tech’s fastest growing programs.
Within the BSCM program is a Media and Games concentration that consists of courses such as Digital Video Special Effects; Computer Animation; Video Production; Principles and Applications of Computer Audio; Constructing the Moving Image; Experimental Digital Art; Interactive Narrative; Graphic and Visual Design; and Game AI. The BSCM program also highlights focus threads such as Interaction; Games; Narrative; and Film.
To enhance the degree, students may add the Film Studies minor. Housed in the School of LMC, the minor provides access to courses such as Advanced Video Production; Science Fiction Film and Television; Video Editing and Post-Production; Film and/as Technology; and Experimental Film.
All students may participate in the internship program where they have opportunities to work in visual effects, animation and special effects, the design and development of video games, and user interfaces. Students also have access to post-production labs featuring Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and DaVinci Resolve software, and a film and video equipment rental house that provides the latest industry software and production tools for students and researchers working in the entertainment industry.
Graduates of the BSCM program at Georgia Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as visual effects, special effects creation, animation, 3D modeling, virtual and augmented reality, simulation, interactive game design, and robotics.
Georgia Tech alumni have been hired at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), NBC Universal, Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Cox Communications, Turner Sports, and Delta Airlines.
Georgia Institute of Technology was established in 1885. When it opened, the school had just 129 students enrolled in one degree program—the Mechanical Engineering BS. Today, Georgia Tech serves nearly 50,000 students enrolled in more than 180 degree programs and minors across six colleges and 28 schools. Students represent 50 states and 149 countries. Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) houses the Department of Visual Arts (VA) and the state-of-the-art Digital Animation Center (DAC). The two areas have partnered to provide a Visual Arts BFA with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the program features courses such as VFX Rigging and Animation; Intro to Film; DAC: Visual Effects; Character FX; Surface Modeling; DAC: Dynamic Simulation; 3D Design; DAC Modeling I-II; Surface and Lighting; Digital Cinematography; Production I-III; and Character Creation.
The DAC: Visual Effects course is delivered in a lecture/lab format that explores the theory and techniques of creating VFX sequences. Students will explore how to develop complete effects shots such as camera tracking, shooting live plates, VFX, and compositing with an emphasis on artistic distinction through the application of current 3D technologies.
Visual Arts BFA students can develop additional VFX skills through electives such as Editing and Post-Production Techniques, Lighting, Grip, and Sound, and Sound for Film and TV.
In the junior year of the Visual Arts BFA program at University of Colorado Denver, students will begin production on their senior films. Throughout this 18-month capstone experience, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with departments across CAM and work in all areas to create their final projects.
Visual Arts students will create visual effects, sound, motion graphics, storylines, special effects, and soundtracks. Students may also participate in the internship program during the final two years of the program.
Other CAM features include guest speakers; access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and production facilities; and participation in the CU Denver Visual Arts BFA Thesis Show at Redline.
Graduates of the Visual Arts BFA program at CU Denver are prepared to pursue careers as filmmakers, visual effects artists, animators, production and post-production artists, special effects artists, and many others. BFA alumni have produced films that have been screened at more than 300 film festivals across 22 countries, and they have won more than 75 Best Animated Short awards in non-student categories. Visual Arts graduates have also landed positions at major studios such as Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Sony.
University of Colorado Denver began as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder in 1912. The school became CU Denver in 1973, making it an independent campus. Organized into eight colleges and schools, CU Denver serves approximately 15,000 students enrolled in 112 academic degrees University of Colorado Denver is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNC School of the Arts or UNCSA) is home to the School of Filmmaking. Established in 1993 with just five faculty members and 58 students, the school houses the Film Studio Village. This 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art New Media Building features state-of-the-art AR/VR equipment, and the most current hardware and software for visual effects, animation, gaming, and digital design.
The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA employs more than two dozen film faculty today, who have won or been nominated for Oscars, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes, among others. Film faculty have also worked for award-winning programs on just about every network, and streaming platforms from Netflix to Disney+.
Other School of Filmmaking benefits include guest artists from studios such as Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, and Amazon Studios; internship opportunities with local, national, and alumni-owned film studios; screenings, workshops and seminars with industry professionals; the opportunity to participate in UNCSA’s Los Angeles trip, featuring behind the scenes tours and meetings with industry leaders; and access to METL.
Launched in 2017, METL is a creative incubator housed in a 3,600 square foot production space known as the Cube. This working studio is located in the Center for Design Innovation (CDI)—UNC’s 24,000 square foot, multi-campus research center, which serves as a laboratory, classroom, and convening space.
For students seeking careers in visual effects, the School of Filmmaking at UNCSA has a Production Design and Visual Effects BFA. This 120 credit hour program requires 84 credits in the major, 30 credits in general education, and six credits in liberal arts or designated arts courses. Major course examples include Visual Effects for the Production Designer I-II; Color Rendering Techniques; Fundamentals of Picture Editing I-II; Pre-Visualization; Making and Reflecting; Fundamentals of Producing I-II; Digital Design for the Art Director; Production Design; Art Direction Workshop I-II; and Production Design Practicum.
The Production Design and Visual Effects BFA program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts culminates with a professional digital portfolio and the production of a film under the direction of a mentor.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as visual effects for film and television; set design; animation; production design; art direction; filmmaking; and game art. Program alumni have been hired to work on shows and films such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; South Park; We’re the Millers; Under the Dome; Mud; Eastbound and Down; and Vacation.
Some UNCSA Filmmaking graduates also hold positions at places such as Paramount Pictures and ABC, while others work with international film festivals, or in development and distribution for major studios around the world.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts began as North Carolina School of the Arts in 1963. Established by the N.C. General Assembly, the school opened in 1965, becoming the nation’s first public arts conservatory. In 1972, North Carolina School of the Arts became part of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System. In 2008, the school was renamed University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Today, approximately 1,370 UNCSA students are enrolled in 40 degree programs across five conservatories (schools) including Design and Production; Filmmaking; Dance; Music; and Drama. The school also houses the Division of Liberal Arts and the High School Academic Program, which is accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
University of North Carolina School of the Arts is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
California State University Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton or CSUF) is home to the College of the Arts and the College of Communications. The College of the Arts houses the Department of Visual Arts (DVA) and the College of Communications houses the Department of Cinema and Television Arts (CTVA). Together, these departments provide several paths to study visual effects. DVA options include BFA degrees in Entertainment Art/Animation, and Game Art, Animation, and Immersive Media. CTVA options include the Cinema and Television Arts BA.
The BFA programs allow students to focus their studies in areas such as visual effects through 30 units of electives. The BA program allows students to focus their studies in VFX through 27 required elective units.
Across programs, students have access to required and elective courses such as Digital Effects for Film-TV; 3D Rigging and Animation; Editing Film and Video; Video Art and Moving Image; Sound Design for Film-TV; Game Design and Production; 3D Character Modeling; Advanced Computer Graphics; Artificial Intelligence; Lighting and Compositing; Design for Interactive Art; 2D Digital Animation; Special Studies in Entertainment Art/Animation; Audio Production; Video Games and Storytelling; and 3D Team Production.
All students benefit from access to state-of-the-art production facilities; participation in seminars and workshops; interactions with visiting artists; and internship opportunities. Note that the BA curriculum includes a mandatory Mass Media internship worth three credits. BFA students are encouraged to complete an internship, but it is not required.
CSUF also has industry relationships with Sony Pictures Animation, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Disney Animation, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, Epic Games, LAIKA Studios, Bento Box Entertainment, Netflix Animation, Obsidian Entertainment, and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.
The BFA programs culminate with the BFA Capstone, which provides the opportunity to create individual portfolio projects in VFX, animation, games, virtual reality, or other area of interest. BA students will complete a final project and portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Entertainment Art/Animation BFA, Game Art, Animation, and Immersive Media BFA, and Cinema and Television Arts BA programs at Cal State Fullerton are prepared to pursue careers across the filmmaking, animation, television production, game design and development, advertising, and virtual reality industries.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), Disney Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts (EA), Nickelodeon, and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Graduates have worked on productions such as Ice Age 2, Avatar, Superman Returns, SpongeBob Squarepants, Spiderman 3, Alvin and The Chipmunks, The Simpsons, and Meet the Robinsons.
Founded in 1957, California State University, Fullerton is part of the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system. Serving more than 41,000 students, the school is also the system’s largest. 110 degree programs across eight academic colleges. California State University, Fullerton is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Florida State University (FSU) is home to the College of Motion Picture Arts. Within the college are several paths to study visual effects. Options include a Motion Picture Arts BFA and the Motion Picture Arts MFA Conservatory program. The Motion Picture Arts BFA is an immersive limited-access program with a concentration in Animation and Digital Arts. This three-year concentration, within a four-year degree, focuses on teaching students how to use visual effects as a storytelling tool in filmmaking.
BFA students will work and learn in a collaborative environment alongside industry professionals. The program begins with foundations coursework, which lasts one semester. For the remainder of the program, students will hone their skills in filmmaking, 3D animation, visual effects, and more.
The Motion Picture Arts MFA is an immersive program with a Production focus that allows students to specialize in a specific area of filmmaking. With a five-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individual mentorship by resident and visiting filmmakers. This two-year conservatory begins with the Boot Camp—an intensive practicum semester where all students will work together to understand motion picture production and produce a first-semester film.
The MFA Conservatory program also includes a series of workshops designed to train students to work on production crews. Students will rotate through 13 crew jobs from Boom Operator to 2nd Assistant Director. For the remainder of the MFA program, students will complete several additional films, including the final thesis film. In addition to being presented to faculty and peers, thesis projects will be entered into film festivals and other markets.
Across programs, FSU students have access to courses such as Visual Effects Cinematography; Motion Picture Editing; Visual Effects Aesthetics; History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation; Production Design Workshop; Compositing I-II; Lighting, Texturing, and Rendering; Stop-Motion Animation; Digital Studio Department Leadership; 3D Computer Graphics; Filmmaking; Motion Picture Sound; 3D Computer Animation; and Advanced Workshop in Area of Specialization.
Additional program features include 24/7 access to state-of-the-art facilities; a collaborative environment with class sizes of no more than 15 students; professional internships at places such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Blizzard Entertainment, and Disney Animation; study abroad experiences in Italy, London, and Spain; and the Torchlight Program, which provides instruction in the marketing, finance, and distribution of films.
Graduates of the Motion Picture Arts programs at Florida State University are prepared to pursue careers with film studios, VFX studios, theatrical production companies, studio facilities, broadcasting groups, television studios, advertising agencies, and broadcasting groups.
Program alumni have a 92-96% industry placement rate within one year of graduation. Many go on to become Visual Effects Artists, Modelers, Effects Animators, Technical Directors, CG Lighters, Riggers, 3D Animators, Animation Supervisors, Storyboard Artists, Art Directors, and Animatics Supervisors. Alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, AMC Entertainment, NBC Universal, ESPN, Comcast, and Cumulus Broadcasting.
Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the state’s oldest continuous site of higher education. Serving approximately 43,700 students from every Florida county and 130 countries, the school is also one of the top five largest universities in the state. Students at FSU have access to more than 275 degree programs across 16 colleges and schools, and multiple campuses across the state. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
