Visual Effects Schools
The schools below offer degrees and courses in Visual Effects, 3D Animation, Game Development and more.
The following are a list of schools and colleges that offer courses in Visual Effects and Animation. Some offer Visual Effects degrees others offer classes you can take to become a Visual Effects Artist. If you attend and graduate one of these Visual Effects Schools you'll have the skills necessary to land a job in the video game, animation or movie industry. You may qualify for an entry position as a storyboard artist, character animator, character designer, 3D modeler, layout artist, Matte painter, visual effects artist and more.
Video Game Design Schools
The Art Institutes
An animation and special effects education that teaches very real skills.
You have all these great ideas in your head. Amazing technology at your fingertips. And a world of possibilities at your feet. Possibilities you can explore in the programs designed to teach animation and special effects at The Art Institutes system of schools.
When you study animation and special effects at our schools, you'll blur the boundaries of business, entertainment and communication as you study everything from character and object design to audio for animation to video production. And you'll learn hands-on, using the same type of animation and special effects equipment and programs the pros use. Once you've finished your study of animation and special effects in school, you can pursue entry-level employment as a 3-D animator, special effects artist, or digital animator. Take a look at the programs below that interest you. And think about the very real possibilities these programs at The Art Institutes system of schools can open up for you.
Programs:
- Animation
- Special Effects
- Game Design and Programming
- Audio, Video, or Film Production
- Web Design & Interactive Media
Campus Locations:
- 49 Campus Locations Across the US.
- Online
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Mobile Game Dev
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at The Art Institutes.
Expression College for Digital Arts
If you want to launch a career in the field of your dreams, Ex'pression College is the place to make your passion your profession. The Ex'pression Bachelor's degree is accelerated, and may be earned in just over 2 ½ years. Our graduates are able to be out of school, doing what they love, sooner. Ex'pression College offers Bachelor's degrees in seven programs: Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Filmmaking , Game Art & Design, Interaction Design, Interactive Audio, Motion Graphic Design, and Sound Arts.
Ex'pression's training in 3D animation, gaming, motion graphic and interaction design, sound arts, and film, video or music production is landing graduates positions in digital arts entertainment companies.
Class sizes are limited, taught by industry professionals and instructors from universities, and the equipment is professional-grade. See what's made in Emeryville – step inside.
Programs:
- ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS
- DIGITAL FILMMAKING
- GAME ART & DESIGN
- MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN
- INTERACTION DESIGN
- INTERACTIVE AUDIO
- SOUND ARTS
Campus Locations:
- Emeryville, CA
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Expression College for Digital Arts.
Full Sail University
If you're looking to launch or further your career in music, concerts, film, video games, design, animation, or web development, as well as those that address the need for modern-day professionals in entertainment business, internet marketing, and the evolving world of education, you've come to the right place. Full Sail offers Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's Degrees for creative minds at both our award-winning campus in Florida and online. Regardless of which program you choose, one of Full Sail's fundamental goals is to encourage the union of art and technology. Pick a campus degree or online degree program and come inside and learn more about our university for creative minds.
Programs:
- Computer Animation
- Game Art
- Game Design
- Game Development
- Recording Engineering
- Film
- Creative Writing for Entertainment
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Winter Park, FL
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Recording Engineering
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Full Sail University.
Westwood College
A career in animation is custom made for you. With your bachelor's degree in animation from Westwood College, you'll have the skills to work in the exciting field while doing what you love to do. And your courses are as interesting as your career will be—with classes that incorporate audio/video technology, laws of motion and drawing with general education. Business classes provide you with important skills in critical thinking, logic, communications and problem solving that will help you address workplace challenges. You'll leave qualified for entry-level positions, like web animator, 3D animator/graphic designer, desktop publisher or flash designer/animator.
Programs:
- Game Software Development
- Animation
- Game Art
- Web Design and Multimedia
- Computer-Aided Design/Architectural Drafting
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Texas
- Virginia
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Mobile Game Dev
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Westwood College
Collins College
Searching for game production colleges? Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a video game? If you're an avid player of computer games, the Bachelor of Science degree in Game Production at Collins College could be for you.
Game producers are the skilled and imaginative professionals who bring a game concept to life. Become a student in our Game Production degree program for an education in game research and planning. Game Production is a comprehensive program emphasizing multiple aspects of game production. Students will have an opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and competence in asset development and integration, game play, team collaboration, written and verbal communication, and business operations. In addition, students will be engaged in the integration of theory, process, and digital assets that lead to successful production of games, culminating in a digital portfolio. Students should be able to create, manipulate, and integrate 2D and 3D assets as well as apply game play theory to the analysis and resolution of design challenges and problems. One the best parts of the Game Production degree program is the opportunity to create a professional portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers.
Our Game Production degree program can be completed in as few as 150 weeks.
Programs:
- Game Production
- Film & Video Production
- Digital Video Production
- Audio Production
Campus Locations:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- Game Designer
- 3D Modelers
- Effects Artist
Learn more about programs at Collins College.
Digital Media Arts College
Digital Media Arts College (DMAC) is designed to mold your creativity and test your artistic skills as it readies you for an ever-changing industry where trends come and go and competition is steadily increasing. DMAC offers specialized Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Computer Animation and Graphic Design (and a concentration in Advertising Design) as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees in Visual Effects Animation and Web Design.
Programs:
- Computer Animation
- Game Art Concentration
- Visual Effects Animation
- Advertising Design Concentration
- Graphic Design
Campus Locations:
- Boca Raton, FL
Potential Jobs:
- 3D Animator
- Motion Capture
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Digital Media Arts College .
International Academy of Design & Technology
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Computer Animation is designed to provide students with the advanced conceptual and technical skills needed to enter the field of computer animation, game art and game design.
Utilizing industry-standard hardware and software such as Maya, Motion Builder, Z-Brush, Motion capture, Renderman and AVID, students in our Computer Animation degree program are exposed to a comprehensive course of study that can provide them with opportunities to:
* Gain a strong foundation in the principles of animation, storyboarding, drawing, modeling and animation.
* Specialize in television, feature films, games and other exciting career fields.
* Create projects for competition and portfolio that can help students confidently prepare to enter a competitive job market.
* Train on the same equipment used by major motion picture and game studios.
This career-focused Computer Animation degree program explores professional principles and practices in the computer animation and game industry. Students in our Computer Animation training program will be instructed in the principles of drawing, character development in both 2D and 3D. Students will have an opportunity to develop characters, animations, amazing worlds and special effects like those used in feature films, television and games.
Programs:
- Digital Media Production & Animation
- Film, Video & Animation Post Production
- Game Design & Production
- Computer Forensics
- Audio Production
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Las Vegas
- Nashville
- Orlando
- Sacramento
- San Antonio
- Seattle
- Tampa
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at International Academy of Design & Technology.
Laurus College
This program introduces students to the world of 3D animation. Students will focus on the techniques and methods for creating 3D animation and effects using the industry standard software Maya. Maya software is one of the world's most powerfully integrated 3D modeling, animation, effects, and rendering solutions in the video game design and development industry today. Film and video artists, video game developers, web designers, and print designers turn to Maya software to realize their creative vision.
Using this software, students will explore ways to model, texture, animate, and render creative environments. Students will work in both 2D and 3D, creating characters with realistic motion in everyday life. In this program students work with industry standard software to gain valuable skills in the video game design and development industry. Students in this certificate program will work to create a portfolio that showcases their creativity and their skills.
Programs:
- 3D Animation Program
Campus Locations:
- Atascadero, CA
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Santa Maria, CA
Potential Jobs:
- 3D Animator
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Laurus College.
Visual College of Art and Design Of Vancouver
Visual College of Art and Design of Vancouver (VCAD) began as a branch of the Victoria College of Art and Design, which has taught artists and imaginative people to follow their creative passions for more than 35 years. Building on these creative roots, VCAD has rapidly grown into its own innovative and dynamic Vancouver-based college of creative applied arts, but is now independent of its progenitor. VCAD's Art and Design diploma programs cover the fashion, graphic and web design, interior design, and animation industries.
Programs:
- 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design
Campus Locations:
- Vancouver, BC
Potential Jobs:
- Computer Animation Studios
- Game Development Companies
- Post Production
- Special Effects Studios
- Industrial Design Firms
- Software Producers
- 3D Graphics Companies
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Visual College of Art and Design Of Vancouver.
Platt College
Platt College School of Graphic Design's Bachelors degree program in Visual Communication helps you build the skills you need to start an exciting new career. You choose to specialize in either Web Design or 3D Animation. Both specializations are dynamic and will provide graduates with skills necessary to be effective in careers in these popular and ever expanding industries.
The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication (BAVC) develops professionals who take concepts and then create visual imagery by employing type, illustration, sound, music, photography, and animation. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication degree program will produce a professional portfolio that will make them viable candidates for employment in the myriad of industries related to visual communication. Past graduates have found successful employment as animators, computer animators, digital media producers, special effects artists, background designers, computer artists, layout artists, and video game artists.
Programs:
- Bachelor's Degree in 3D Animation
Campus Locations:
- Alhambra, CA
- Ontario, CA
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Platt College.
Rasmussen College
Creative. Visionary. Insightful. These are all descriptions of a good candidate for the Digital Design and Animation specialization student. Students will take courses in drawing, design, art theory, and 3-D arts and animation. Plus, students will have the opportunity to create art projects both digitally and by hand. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work as a graphic designer, a video game artist, and illustrator, or in an advertising career.
Programs:
- Digital Design and Animation Bachelor Degree
Campus Locations:
- ONLINE
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- North Dakota
- Florida
Potential Jobs:
- Game Developer
- 3D Animator
- Game Designer
- Storyboard Artists
- 3D Modelers
- Layout Artists
- Character Animators
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Rasmussen College.
Gnomon School of Visual Effects
Gnomon School of Visual Effects is an innovative training facility that stresses the importance of creativity in computer graphics. We believe, that while technology offers new tools to create your visions, it is our ultimate goal to allow you to interact transparently with the software.
At Gnomon, we know that it is not the technology that drives results, but the artist. Therefore, our instructors are industry professionals with traditional backgrounds who started using the technology to bring their imaginations to life.
Programs:
- Entertainment Design
- Digital Production for Entertainment
- Entertainment Design & Digital Production
- Maya Fast Track
- Master Classes
Campus Locations:
- Hollywood, CA
- Online Classes
Potential Jobs:
- Modeling
- Texturing
- Creature Animation
- Animation
- Visual Effects
- Generalist
- Texture Artist
- Matte Painters
- Effects Animators
Learn more about programs at Gnomon School of Visual Effects.
