After deciding to major in Animation in Ohio, it is now time for you to decide the school that fits you best. There are several universities and institutions in Ohio that provide industry-standard professional educations in Animation.
These programs will guide future professionals of the Animation and Graphic Design industries, allowing them to reach their fullest potentials. Here are the top schools with animation related degrees in Ohio.
1. Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland, OH
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technology and Integrated Media Environment
All students undergoing the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the Cleveland Institute of Art are required to complete the core classes in art before moving on to their major concentration. These classes will include digital art and design, drawing, design woodshop, 2D and 3D design, and color.
Animation students will then move onto classes focusing on 3D character animation, narrative production, digital texture and lighting, sound design, web practice, screenwriting, 3D modeling and animation, and narrative production.
The Cleveland Institute of Art believes that its program must enable students to find successful careers in their chosen paths, and prepares Animation students for jobs as Independent Filmmakers, Animators, Storyboard Artists, Game Designers, and 3D Character Animators.
2. Columbus College of Art and Design
Columbus, OH
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Studies
As an animation major at the Columbus College of Art and Design, you are taught to bring life into your animations. They emphasize the importance storyboarding and storytelling, coupled with the technical ability in animation software and technology.
This course combines skills from lighting, digital modeling, motion graphics, game art, experimental animation, and 2D and 3D animation, to create a holistic learning experience that serves as the complete package for students looking to go far in the Animation industry.
The school also provides masterful guidance from faculty who are current professionals in the industry, with top facilities that allow them access to the best computers and software to create their animations. The industry-standard facilities include a stop-motion lab with Dragonframe and DSLRs, the Sandbox Student Lounge, and 21-inch Cintiq tablets.
3. Kent State University
Kent, OH
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design 2D
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design 3D
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design 2D
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design 3D
- Bachelor of Arts in Illustration
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Design, Animation and Game Design
Kent State University offers a full range of animation and graphic design courses for students interested in the various aspects of these industries. Students are given the academic knowledge and skills to join the industry of computer animation, as well as the rapidly-growing industry of game design.
With the Bachelor of Science in Computer Design, Animation and Game Design, Kent State University aims to equip students with the animation skills to join the creation of the next generation of video game animation. There is an emphasis on using the latest software to animate digitally created or hand drawn imagery.
Students are exposed to problems in modeling and experimental animation, and they combine modern theory of visual creation with issues in computer animation, multimedia, digital imaging, game design, and motion capture.
4. Ohio University
Athens, OH
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Special Effects
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Games and Animation
Students undergoing the Graphic Design program at Ohio University are expected to complete the foundational coursework in digital visualization, system and color, 3D studies, descriptive drawing, typography, and graphic design principles before they can proceed with their chosen concentration.
Students are required to create an exhibition detailing their knowledge of these core concepts in their sophomore year.
The Games and Animation concentration at Ohio University encourages students to learn more about the nuances of digital games and computer animation, with some focus on training their leadership and management skills in these industries.
Unlike other programs, Ohio University values leadership and management abilities and instilling these in their students, equipping them with the skills to not only enter their industries, but thrive in them.
5. Ohio State University—Columbus
Columbus, OH
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Design with Concentration in Visual Communication Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Digital Animation and Interactive Media
The Ohio State University at Columbus offers courses in Art and technology, design, and visual communication design, as well as a graduate program in Digital Animation and Interactive Media.
Students in this graduate program concentrate on 3D virtual environments, interactive arts media, independent animation, experimental animation, digital cinematography, video game prototyping. This course is created for students who intend to work as animators and designers in the interactive and digital animation industries.
Have you found the right college or institution for your degree? Start looking into the application process today, so that you can start going down your journey towards attaining your animation degree and entering the animation industry.
