23 Top Animation Schools in Texas-Program Details

If you want to build a strong portfolio, attending the animation schools in Texas is a great way to gain well-developed and technical skills.

The majority of animators and multimedia artists require a bachelor’s degree in art, computer graphics, or a similar field.

It is also vital to be fluent in technical skills, as well as have the major work portfolio that employers are seeking.

In this article, we will be talking about the animation schools in Texas and the qualities that an animator needs.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement along with a well-organized portfolio and great technical skills.

Animators and multimedia artists commonly have a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, or fine art.

Studies in computer graphics commonly include classes in graphic design, programming, and computer science.

In art, there are a variety of bachelor’s degree programs available. They often include classes in sculpture, drawing, and painting.

Animation degrees commonly include classes in film, animation, and drawing.

There are a variety of schools offering specialized degrees in topics including game design or interactive media.

Certain animation studios rely on their own computer applications and software when it comes to creating films.

They provide on-site training to their employees on how to use this software. It is very common for animators to be hired for a probationary period until they can prove they have the necessary talent and skills that are required to become permanent employees.

Skills and Qualities that will Help Animators

There are skills and qualities which animators need. They are:

Artistic talent: Artists and animators ideally require artistic ability and a broad understanding of light, texture, and color.

They need to have excellent technical skills in order to compensate for any artistic shortcomings.

Communication skills: Animators usually work as a complex team of many people who are working towards a common goal.

They need to be able to work towards constructive feedback and criticism in order to finish tasks.

Computer skills: A variety of animators also do the majority of their own work when it comes to writing programming code or even using computer programs.

Individuals who are super artistic may be able to find jobs that do not require excellent computer skills.

Creativity: Animators and artists need to be able to create original ideas and be creative in order to make these concepts come alive.

Time-management skills: Time management skills are very important as the majority of game design companies require extensive hours; especially when there are tight deadlines to make.

Animators and artists need good time management skills when they are approaching deadlines in order to make it.

The List of Top 5 Animation Schools in Texas

  • Texas A&M University-College Station

  • The University of Texas at Dallas-Dallas

  • Sam Houston State University-Huntsville

  • The University of the Incarnate Word-San Antonio

  • The Art Institute of Austin-Austin

Texas A&M University-College Station

This is one of the animation schools in Texas that was established in the year 1876. It is also the state’s first public institution of higher learning.

This college offers programs for animators at all degree levels. Options include BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization.

According to the college, “Animation studies at Texas A&M are part of a broader curriculum offered at the Department of Visualization that produces graduates who prepare for success in a wide range of visualization-related fields by developing artistic and technical expertise.”

Their animation program is focused on the process of creation, design, and development of the visual experience.

Students are prepared to work in animation, technical animation, illustration, and many other areas.

The University of Texas at Dallas-Dallas

The University of Texas-Dallas is a member of the University of Texas System and was established in the year 1969. It is a home for approximately 26,797 students.

At the University of Texas, a variety of programs for aspiring animators are offered. These programs include a BA in Arts and Technology (BA ATEC), an MFA in Arts and Technology (MFA ATEC), an MA in Arts and Technology (MA ATEC), and a PhD in Arts and Technology (PhD ATEC).

Students have the opportunity to take a total of 15 credit hours/five courses in Animation, Design, Storytelling, and Games, to name a few.

Topics in Animation, Game Development, and topics in ATEC will be covered.

Sam Houston State University-Huntsville

Sam Houston State University was established in the year 1879. It is home to approximately 20,120 students. It is the 12th largest university in Texas.

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is home to the Department of Art, which offers a BFA in Computer Animation. 

The Computer Animation program is one of the most popular programs in the Department of Art.

This program offers a highly collaborative experience in 2D and 3D animated storytelling to a diverse student body.

Students take courses like:

  • 2D Animation,
  • 3D Computer Animation,
  • Character Animation,
  • 3D Animation for Interactive Games,
  • 3D Modeling,
  • the History of Animation, and
  • Pre-Visualization.

Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in animation and film, video production, advertising, game production, and fine art. 

The University of the Incarnate Word-San Antonio

This is also one of the animation schools in Texas. This University was established in the year 1881 as Incarnate Word College.

It is a home for nearly 11,000 students. The university is home to the School of Media and Design (SMD). This school of media offers several programs for aspiring animators.

Options include a BFA in 3D Animation & Game Design with two Tracks—3D Animation or Game Design. 

Many students earn their  AAS in 3D Animation or Game Production at Northwest Vista College (San Antonio) or other cooperating community colleges, before transferring into UIW’s BFA Program.

Because the BFA is a “professional preparatory” degree with a heightened focus, it typically takes transfer students two to three years to complete the program, which is the same amount of time it takes other students to complete the degree.

As a professional preparatory degree, all graduates of the BFA program are ready to enter the workplace upon graduation. 

The Art Institute of Austin-Austin

The Art Institute of Austin is a branch of The Art Institute of Houston. It is not just one of the animation schools in Texas, it is one of the Art Institutes, a system of schools throughout North America.

The school offers Diplomas, and AAS, BFA, and BS degrees in Animation & Effects, Film & Production, Gaming & Technology, Visual Design, Interior Design, Fashion, Marketing, and Culinary Arts. 

For aspiring animators, several programs are offered. Such programs include a BFA in Media Arts & Animation and a BS in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics.

Students who are in the Animation Program will take a variety of classes such as Character and Object Design for Animation, Cinematic Storytelling, Computer 3D Modeling & Animation, Acting / Movement, 2D Animation, Storyboard Rendering for Animation, Camera and Lighting Techniques, 3D Modeling, 3D Character Animation, and 3D Textures, and Web Animation.

Visual Effects & Motion Graphics students will take some of the same classes and others such as Editing for Visual Effects, 3D Effects, Advanced Visual Effects, and Interactive Visual Design. 

The List of Other Top Animation Schools in Texas

Texas State Technical College:

At Texas State Technical College, you will learn techniques in graphic media production, multimedia, user experience design, videography, and photography.

Using the creative process, move from brushes and pens to Adobe Creative Suite in order to create your design content.

Your artistic skills and digital know-how will help you in a colorful career where your imagination and creativity shine. Program details.

Northwest Vista College:

This is one of the animation schools in Texas whose program trains entry-level professional designers to work in a variety of career areas that include: 3D animation, film & special effects, and video game industries.

Graduates also have employment opportunities flowing from the increased demand for 3D animation, simulation, and visualization in the Aerospace, Life-Bio-Health Science, Defense, Tourism, Education, and Information Technology fields utilizing, etc. Program details.

St. Edward’s University:

Your study of Animation at St. Edward’s will start with a solid foundation in drawing, script writing, and sequential art, then progress to visual design, storyboarding, and sound design. You can then connect your new skills and build your portfolio by producing your very own animated films. Program details.

McLennan Community College:

The primary mission of the Visual Arts Department at McLennan Community College is the visual arts education of both the major and non-major.

The Department seeks to offer appropriate visual arts experiences and classes for students wishing to pursue a degree in visual arts. See Program details.

Sam Houston State University:

The Animation Program at Sam Houston State University is one of the most popular programs in the Department of Art.

It is one of the animation schools in Texas whose Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation program offers a highly collaborative experience in 2D and 3D animated storytelling to a diverse student body. See program details.

University of the Incarnate Word:

The Department of 3D Animation and Game Design at the University of the Incarnate Word is one of the six departments in the School of Media and Design.

This program offers rigorous and exacting courses that challenge students to develop techniques, master the digital tools of this demanding trade, and grow their creative capacity. Program details.

Other Universities include:

  • Lone Star College Montgomery

  • Lee College

  • Wharton County Junior College

  • Dallas College – El Centro Campus

  • Houston Community College

  • Austin Community College District

  • Tyler Junior College

  • The Art Institute of Austin

  • The Art Institute of Houston

  • MediaTech Institute – Dallas

  • The Art Institute of San Antonio

  • MediaTech Institute – Houston

Job Outlook

Animation programs train professional designers to work in a variety of career areas that include 3D animation, film & special effects, and video game industries. 

Graduates have employment opportunities flowing from the high demand for:

  • 3D animation,
  • simulation and visualization in the Aerospace,
  • Life-Bio-Health Science,
  • Defense,
  • Tourism,
  • Education, and
  • Information Technology fields. 

This is because the demand for creative ways to communicate information and market services is increasing.

The estimated hourly wage for animators is $23.87-39 in the Alamo region. However, variations should be expected.

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