In the USA, a 1-2 year program for a master’s in Animation is available as a single course or a mix of two or three courses. In addition, the best institutions in the USA provide various degree options in Animation for different levels of study.

Admission to Master’s programs in Animation in the USA requires a GPA of roughly 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a CV, English test results, reel or portfolio, personal statement, and a LOR for the USA are the supporting materials needed for program admission.

The average cost of an animation master’s degree in the USA is 30,000 USD. Those who want to study in the USA but have financial needs might apply for several well-known scholarships. After graduation, students typically make 71,800 USD annually.

Highlights of Master’s in Animation Courses in the USA

Why study Master’s in Animation in the USA?

The best and most knowledgeable instructors in the world are available to teach Animation at a few of the top colleges in the USA that specialize in Animation. Describe the current reasons why animation schools in the USA are so well-liked:

• The USA may be the best workplace for international animators as it is home to numerous graphics and animation centers. Employers like Google, DreamWorks, Salesforce, Deloitte, and many more hire students who complete their degrees in the US.
• The average yearly wage for animators in the USA is 71,800 USD. According to estimates, graduates of animation programs in the USA make between 38,100 USD and 109,000 USD per year.
• The average annual pay for professionals in the USA with a master’s degree in Animation is 103,000 USD.
• A full-time animation employee in the US typically sees a wage raise of 10% every 16 months, which shows that the business is expanding.

Types of Master’s in Animation in the USA

Master of Arts in Animation, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Master of Arts in Animation - Technical Artist, Master of Arts in Animation - Motion Graphics, Bachelor of Arts in Art - 2D and 3D Animation, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation are some of the well-known animation programs.

Best Universities for Master’s in Animation in the USA

The following is a list of the top animation schools in the USA:

• The University of California Los Angeles   
• Ohio State University
• Purdue University 
• University of Arizona
• Texas A&M University

Let’s learn more about each of these top animation schools in the US in depth below:

The University of California Los Angeles

Located in Los Angeles, California, the University of California, Los Angeles, is a renowned public land-grant research university. Students can study Animation, directing, cinematography, documentaries, producing, screenwriting, cinema and media studies, encompassing the theoretical and practical facets of moving image production, as part of UCLA TFT’s Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM).

Ohio State University

According to major institutional rankings, the University System of Ohio institution Ohio State University is one of the top animation schools in the US. This institution offers innovative animation degrees that give students practical exposure with cutting-edge digital media technology and formats. In addition, the Department of Art’s conception department is devoted to investigating how digital media and cutting-edge technology might inspire creative experimentation.

Purdue University

Purdue Institution is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana. The campus serves as the system’s main campus for Purdue University. Students learn rendering, 3D modeling, lighting, motion, character rigging, and texturing in classes on Animation and visual effects at one of the leading animation universities in the USA.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a leading public land-grant university in Tucson, Arizona. Students are taught graphic design, illustration, letterpress, book arts, visual narratives, Animation, motion graphics, information design, and multidisciplinary partnerships with the environmental sciences as a part of the Illustration, Design, and Animation curriculum (IDA).

Texas A&M University

In College Station, Texas, there is a public senior military college called Texas A&M University. The Department of Visualization’s larger program equips graduates for success in various visualization-related occupations, including animation students.

Course Curriculum of Master’s in Animation in the USA

The syllabus for animation courses is extensive and varies depending on the course level, whether certification, undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma. The most significant topics studied in the Animation Syllabus as of 2023 are listed below.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Animation in the USA

You must fulfill the following prerequisites to be eligible for admission to the top animation institutions in the USA:

• Educational Qualification
• English language proficiency test scores
• Standardized test scores for the USA

Educational Qualification

A minimum of 10+2 marks in any field (Science, Arts, or Commerce) from a reputable school or college are required for bachelor’s degrees in Animation. For the 10+2 exam, a minimum score of 50% is necessary. In addition, a bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3 (79-86%) is necessary for applicants to master’s or postgraduate diploma programs.

Test results for English language proficiency

Foreign applicants who do not speak English as their native language must take a language competency exam, such as the IELTS or TOEFL. To study Animation in the United States, you must have the following IELTS test results:

An IELTS score of 7.5 is required for postgraduate and advanced diploma programs.

Scores on standardized tests

The SAT, ACT, GMAT and GRE may be required for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs at the top animation universities in the USA.

For Bachelor courses:

SAT: 500

For Master courses:

GRE: 300

GMAT: 600-750

Admission Requirements for Master’s in Animation in the USA 

Documentation Needed for US Animation Courses

• Academic transcripts of standards 10 and 12 from a recognized university.
• English language certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL.
• A copy of the student’s passport.
• A statement of purpose stating their intention of coming to the USA.
• Letters of recommendation from professors at the previous institution.
• Essays describing the academic and personal achievements of the candidate.
• Proof of financial support.
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• An average minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3 on a 4.0 scale (~79-86%)
• Portfolio
• CV
• Personal statement

Master’s in Animation in the USA Admission Process

• To find out if you meet the prerequisites for the program you want to enroll in, visit the university’s official website.
• Application costs must be included with online applications.
• To upload supporting documents, follow the upload instructions.
• By entering into the admissions portal after submitting your application, you may find out how it is doing.
• You will be given an offer of admission following acceptance, and you must accept it.
• Pay the tuition deposit and apply to the school to secure a spot.
• You can move forward with the application for a study permit once you have received notification of acceptance.

Cost of Studying Master’s in Animation Courses in the USA  

The cost of an animation course in the USA varies by university and curriculum. But these are the typical American animation course costs:

Pre-Arrival Fees for US Universities

The pre-arrival expense includes flight and other travel charges, visa and associated immigration fees, and test fees. The pre-arrival costs for Master’s programs in Animation in the USA are listed in the table below.

Master’s in Animation in USA Tuition Fee

Cost of Living in the USA

The university’s location and the student’s lifestyle will impact the cost of living in the USA. The average cost of living in the USA is summarized in the table below.

Scholarship and Financial Aid for Master’s in Animation in the USA

Numerous colleges provide overseas students with scholarships and other forms of financial aid to reduce the expense of pursuing a Master’s in Animation in the USA. Additionally, several organizations offer need-based and merit-based scholarships for international students to study in the USA. Some of the most well-known scholarships available to overseas students in the USA are included in the following table.

Career Opportunities after Master’s in Animation in the USA

The United States is one of the highest-paying countries for animators. An animator makes, on average, 71,800 USD a year in the USA. Following are a few of the highest-paying careers in the USA for Master’s in animation graduates and their average yearly salaries:

Globally, Animation already controls a sizable business. The OTT platform and the use of Animation in films have accelerated growth, which is anticipated to reach 39.96 billion USD by 2028. The United States is undoubtedly one of the world’s top centers for art and technology. This is why young aspirants might benefit greatly from pursuing a master’s degree in Animation at one of the top universities in the USA.