| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas State University | Manhattan |
| 2 | University of Kansas | Lawrence |
Our 2024 ranking -our thirteenth annual- of the top animation school programs in Kansas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Kansas State University (K-State) is home to the Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, which has an Engineering Technology BS with a Digital Media Technology (DMT) option. This hands-on program takes place in a studio atmosphere led by industry professionals, where students will work on projects with real-world clients. The program also provides access to designated iMac Lab space and industry-standard software including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
The K-State Digital Media Technology program is a hybrid degree that combines the study of technology and art by blending courses in animation, motion graphics, programming, video production, graphic design, web design, and photography. Specific course examples include Emerging Technologies Studio; Digital Media Production Studio; User Experience (UX) Design in Digital Media; Programming I and II; Fundamentals of Design Thinking; Visual Communication Studio; Web Fundamentals; and Computer Systems Studio I and II.
The culminating experience for the K-State DMT BS is the Digital Media Senior Capstone Project. Students in this course will develop a professional quality digital media project, individually or in teams. Real-word projects (in some cases) from local businesses will focus on the student’s area of interest. Projects will be presented to faculty and peers for final evaluation.
Graduates of the K-State Digital Media Technology Program are prepared to pursue careers across the entertainment, technology, advertising, games, and other industries. Program alumni enjoy a near-perfect 97% job placement rate. Graduates go on to become Animators, Creative Directors, Motion Designers, Digital Illustrators, Web Designers, Interactive Designers, Video Producers, Directors, Game Artists, Art Directors, and UX Designers.
Founded in 1863, Kansas State University serves 19,745 students enrolled in more than 365 graduate degrees, certificates, and undergraduate majors (and options). Programs at K-State are housed across nine colleges and a graduate school. Campuses include Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe, Kansas, and K-State Global/K-State Online. Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Kansas (KU) has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1968. The school is home to the School of Architecture and Design (SAD), which operates in a creative studio environment that encourages multidisciplinary study. Within SAD is the Design Department—home to the Design BFA. Students in this 120 credit hour program can specialize in areas such as Illustration and Animation, Visual Communication Design, or Industrial Design.
All Design students have access to studio spaces, state-of-the-art labs, and photography facilities. Other program features include lectures and workshops led by accomplished industry professionals; Opportunities to collaborate with KU SAD partners; and both short-term and semester-long internships in the U.S. and abroad.
The Illustration and Animation concentration is the ideal option for students seeking careers in animation. The program explores art, design, animation, illustration/drawing, marketing, and professional practices. Course examples include Fundamentals of Animation; Drawing Media for Illustration I-II; Advanced Animation; Sequence & Narrative Illustration; KU Design Lecture Series; Advanced Concept Art; Professional Studies; and Promo and Marketing for Illustration.
Graduates of the Illustration & Animation Program at University of Kansas are prepared to pursue careers in Animation, Television, and Film, Game Art and Design, Advertising, Motion Graphics, Architecture, Medical Illustration, and Education, among others.
University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Founded in 1865, KU opened on September 12, 1866 with one building and 55 students. Today, the school serves 28,500 students across five Kansas campuses including Lawrence, Overland Park, Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. University of Kansas offers more than 400 degrees and certificate programs across 13 academic schools.
