UCF ranked # 2 among the best public animation schools and colleges nationwide

Animation Career Review ranked UCF School of Visual Arts and Design # 2 among the top public animation schools and colleges in the country in 2021.

As an online resource for aspiring animators, graphic designers, digital artists and more, Animation Career Review has published a list of the Top 100 Schools in Different Programs since 2012. This year UCF has been ranked as one of the Best Animation Programs, illustration program and graphic design programs.

“SVAD is delighted to represent the second place in the 2021 Animation Career Review for public animation schools across the United States,” says associate professor Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA, who is the coordinator of the school’s experimental animation area. “At UCF and SVAD, we strive to provide affordable, innovative and inspiring educational opportunities to nurture the next generation of creative professionals. SVAD’s Emerging Media Alumni have been and continue to represent UCF on some of the industry’s largest film, television, video game and design projects.

UCF’s prestigious bachelor’s and master’s degree programs focused on animation include character animation, experimental animation, animation, and visual effects. UCF’s animation tracks have continued to rise through the ranks over the years. The school is ranked among the top 20 in the following animation categories:

• 2 nationally among public schools and colleges
• 21 nationally
• 3 in Florida
• 3 nationally among schools offering an MS / MA related to animation
• 4 in the south
• 11 nationally among schools offering an MFA related to animation
• 18 nationally among schools offering an animation BFA

In 2019, the courses ranked fifth nationally among public schools and colleges, then reach third in 2020 and second in 2021. BFA, MS / MA and MFA programs also ranked higher in 2021 than the previous years.

“This increase is due to the hard work of our faculty, students and alumni,” says Associate Professor Cheryl Briggs, Zone Coordinator for Character Animation and Program Director for Animation and Visual Effects.

Animation Career Review also recognized UCF among the top illustration programs in the country in 2021, as well as its strength in graphic design:

• 2 in Florida among art BFA – illustration specialization
• 3 art-illustration license in the South
• 4 BFA graphic design in Florida
• 7 bachelor’s degree programs in illustration art among public schools and colleges
• 14 graphic design BFA in the South
• Top 25% of Bachelor of Art Illustration program nationwide
• 46 BFA graphic design nationwide among public schools

SVAD has also been recognized by College Rank, an online resource for prospective students to view nationally ranked colleges and universities. SVAD ranked ninth in the top 20 animation schools and degree programs in 2020.

Many UCF animation graduates work for large animation and game companies such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, PIXAR Animation Studios, Blue-Sky Animation Studios, Weta Digital, Framestore, MPC, Titmouse, Netflix, Genius Brands, Reel FX , Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Animal Logic, Blur Studios, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Riot Games, Turtle Rock Studios and Blizzard Entertainment or create simulations for organizations such as the US Navy, NASA, DISTI and Lockheed Martin.

“UCF has given me a really solid foundation for my career. It was great to learn different aspects of the pipeline, like modeling and texturing, as those skills were helpful in finding employment after school, ”said Teresa Falcone ’14 who has worked as an animator on award-winning films including Little foot, Coco, Forward and Soul.

The latest work of SVAD Emerging Media graduates can be viewed virtually at Revival: BFA Exhibition II, SVAD 2021 Premieres and Graphic Design Senior Showcase.

Visit svad.cah.ucf.edu to learn more about UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design.