Interested in computer animation schools in Colorado? This guide lists the top programs, courses, career paths, and financial aid options to help you choose the best one.
- University of Colorado Denver offers a leading Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Graphics and Animation with comprehensive training in 2D and 3D media, and an emphasis on practical experience through senior year capstone projects showcased in global film festivals.
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design provides Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in both 2D and 3D Animation, emphasizing traditional and digital training with small class sizes for personalized attention and a curriculum that prepares students for professional animation careers.
- Colorado State University’s unique Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Art integrates traditional artistic skills with digital design and interactive media, offering a balanced education that includes internships and portfolio development to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.
University of Colorado Denver
Ranked among the top 40 animation programs in the U.S. by Animation Career Review, the University of Colorado Denver shines in the field of animation, particularly with its 3D Graphics & Animation program. Offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Graphics and Animation, this program is designed to transform students into skilled 3D digital content creators for various industries including:
- film
- entertainment
- medicine
- science
The Digital Animation Center (DAC) at CU Denver provides the technological core of the academic program, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge tools and resources.
Alumni from the University of Colorado Denver have successfully landed positions at industry-leading companies such as LucasArts, Pixar, and Sony. This speaks volumes about the quality of education and training provided by the institution. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from traditional 2D and 3D media to advanced animation techniques and intermedia applications.
Curriculum Overview
Requiring 120 total credit hours, including 27 upper-level courses, the BFA in 3D Graphics and Animation at CU Denver is an intensive program. Students embark on a journey through various aspects of animation, starting with foundational courses in 2D and 3D media, art history, and drawing. As they progress, they delve into more specialized subjects such as digital 3D, intermedia, rigging and animation, surface modeling and properties, and lighting and animation production.
Advanced courses like DACD 3835 focus on visual effects production, while DACD 4810 and DACD 4820 guide students through complex production techniques and projects. These courses are designed to not only enhance technical skills but also to foster creativity and innovation, preparing students for the dynamic demands of the animation industry. The additional cost of upper-level courses ensures that students are working with the latest technology and software available in the Digital Animation Center.
Student Work Showcase
A highlight of the CU Denver animation program is the senior year capstone project, a collaborative film creation process spanning 18 months. These projects are not just academic exercises but are showcased in over 300 national and international film festivals across 22 countries, providing students with invaluable exposure and recognition. This level of professional presentation is emphasized in courses like ARTA 425 Animation, Film, and Photography Studio II, where students learn to present their work in portfolios, festivals, and public exhibitions.
The success of these student films at various festivals underscores the program’s ability to prepare students for the real world. By the time they graduate, students have not only honed their technical skills but also developed a strong portfolio that showcases their creativity and expertise. This practical experience is crucial for those looking to make a mark in the competitive field of animation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
While financing an education can be daunting, CU Denver offers various financial aid options to help alleviate this concern. The university provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Additionally, CU Denver participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program, which offers reduced tuition rates for eligible students from Western states.
With these financial aids, aspiring animators can focus more on their studies and less on the financial burden.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in both 2D and 3D Animation at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) are particularly noteworthy. These programs offer a unique blend of traditional and digital training, covering everything from classical 2D drawing techniques to cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI). What sets RMCAD apart is its emphasis on small class sizes, which ensures personalized attention and a more supportive learning environment for students.
RMCAD’s 2D Animation program centers on traditional drawing techniques, establishing a strong foundation in animation basics. Meanwhile, the 3D Animation program delves into the complexities of CGI, preparing students for the high-tech demands of the modern animation industry. This dual approach allows students to develop a versatile skill set, making them adaptable to various roles within the animation field.
Program Overview
RMCAD’s Animation Program is designed to nurture creativity and technical proficiency in students. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Story and character design, skills that are crucial for creating engaging and memorable animations
- Texture mapping
- 3D modeling
- Character design
- Storyboarding
All of these are essential components of the animation production process. The program also prepares students to use industry-standard tools and techniques, enabling them to produce original animations and compelling narratives.
RMCAD’s small class sizes foster a nurturing environment, ensuring individual attention and support for each student, thereby enabling creativity to flourish. This personalized approach helps students to fully develop their unique artistic voices and technical skills, making them well-prepared for the professional animation industry.
Degree Requirements
A total of 123 credits is required to earn a BFA in either 2D or 3D Animation at RMCAD. The curriculum is divided into several categories:
- Animation
- Liberal Arts
- Foundations
- Art History
- Studio Electives
This structure ensures that students receive a well-rounded education at public colleges, combining technical training with a strong liberal arts foundation.
Classes are offered year-round in both on-campus and online formats, providing flexibility for students with different needs and schedules.
Career Opportunities
RMCAD’s Animation Program graduates are suitably prepared for diverse careers in the animation industry. Potential job titles include:
- Animator
- 3D modeler
- Texture artist
- Lighting artist
- Story artist
The program’s emphasis on developing a strong portfolio and mastering industry-standard skills ensures that graduates are competitive in the job market, meeting essential ranking criteria.
With the comprehensive training they receive, RMCAD alumni are ready to make significant contributions to the world of animation.
Colorado State University
Offering a unique BFA in Electronic Art, Colorado State University (CSU) combines traditional artistic skills, digital design, interactive media, and experimental video into an integrated program. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to manipulate technology as they would traditional artistic tools, creating a bridge between classical and modern art forms. CSU’s Digital Fabrication Lab further enhances this experience by providing students with access to tools for working with various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood.
The program at CSU is designed to provide a comprehensive education that includes both theoretical and practical components. Students study electronic art history and contemporary electronic artists, gaining a deeper understanding of the field’s evolution and current trends. This historical perspective complements their technical training, giving them a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse career paths in the digital arts.
Course Offerings
CSU’s BFA in Electronic Art curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects. Foundational courses in art history, drawing, and 2D and 3D fundamentals are taken by first-year students to start their studies. These courses provide a strong basis for their artistic development. As they advance, they move on to more specialized courses in graphic design, digital visual fundamentals, and electronic art. These courses emphasize design principles and the use of various software tools, ensuring that students develop both creative and technical skills.
In addition to these core subjects, students also study electronic art history, which provides valuable context for their practical work. This combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training prepares students to tackle complex projects and develop innovative solutions in the field of electronic art.
Internship and Portfolio Development
Internships and portfolio development constitute key components of CSU’s BFA program. These components ensure that students gain practical, real-world experience, making them job-ready upon graduation. Through internships, students have the opportunity to apply their skills in professional settings, gaining insights into industry practices and building valuable connections.
Seniors focus on their BFA portfolios while taking advanced courses in interactive media and experimental video, allowing them to showcase their best work to potential employers.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Offering a trailblazing Bachelor of Innovation™ (BI) program in Digital Media, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) stands out. This unique program combines elements of technology, art, and business to prepare students for the interdisciplinary challenges of the modern world. The BI in Digital Media is a collaborative effort across several departments, including:
- Communication
- English
- Music
- Technical Communication and Information Design
- Visual Arts
This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that equips them with diverse skills.
A distinctive feature of the BI program is its stress on hands-on team projects. These projects foster collaboration and hands-on experience, allowing students to apply what they have learned in real-world situations. This practical focus not only enhances their technical skills but also develops their ability to work effectively in teams, a crucial skill in today’s job market.
Program Highlights
UCCS’s BI in Digital Media distinguishes itself through its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. The program involves departments as varied as:
- Communication
- English
- Music
- Technical Communication and Information Design
- Visual Arts
This creates a rich and diverse educational experience.
Practical team projects are a cornerstone of the program, providing students with the opportunity to work on innovative projects and gain hands-on experience.
Tuition Benefits
UCCS participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program, offering reduced tuition rates for residents from Western states. This program makes education more accessible and affordable for students from these regions, providing a tuition rate of 150% of the in-state rate instead of the full non-resident rate. WUE eligibility is determined at the time of application, requiring no additional action from students.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
MSU Denver provides engaging undergraduate degrees in Digital Arts and Communication Design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design emphasizes the importance of oral, written, and visual communication. Both concentrations require students to complete internships and develop an art portfolio as part of their graduation requirements. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the professional world.
The Digital Arts concentration at MSU Denver spans various subjects such as video art, web art, and visual thinking. Meanwhile, the Communication Design concentration focuses on typography, imagery, space, and time to communicate ideas and create compelling narratives. This dual focus allows students to develop strong communication skills and technical proficiency.
Concentration Details
In the Digital Arts concentration, students explore various media, including video art and web art, while developing their visual thinking skills. The Communication Design concentration, on the other hand, delves into the use of typography, imagery, space, and time to craft narratives and communicate ideas. Intermediate studies involve visual design problem-solving through critical inquiry and research, preparing students for advanced projects.
Advanced levels in the Communication Design program allow students to:
- Connect with the Denver design community and industry
- Explore a wide range of design projects
- Learn design fundamentals, traditions, history/theory, strategy, research, and interactive time-based content
State-of-the-art facilities, including digital technology, studio spaces, and production facilities, support students’ learning and creativity.
Internship Experience
Required internships in MSU Denver’s degree program guarantee that students acquire practical experience in a real-world context. These internships connect students with real-world design practices and the broader design industry, providing invaluable hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities.
This practical exposure is crucial for students to transition smoothly from academia to their professional careers, equipped with the skills and connections necessary to succeed.
Colorado Mesa University
Offering a broad spectrum of courses in photography, animation, and filmmaking, Colorado Mesa University aims to enhance students’ skills in digital design, time-based media, and advanced techniques. The university’s curriculum is crafted to provide a holistic education that balances creativity with technical proficiency, preparing students for various roles in the digital media industry, including opportunities in New Mexico.
The photography courses offered include:
- ARTA 222 Principles of Digital Photography
- ARTA 322 Intermediate Photography
- ARTA 422 Advanced Photography
- Studio Lighting
These courses teach students the art of seeing through the lens and mastering photographic principles using digital single-lens reflex cameras. ARTA 422 and Studio Lighting focus on advanced techniques in light exploration and developing a professional studio lighting portfolio.
Key Courses
The courses in animation and filmmaking at Colorado Mesa University are equally compelling. ARTA 223 Image and Motion integrates images, typography, digital film, and sound, providing students with the tools and techniques needed for time-based media projects. ARTA 324 Animation Production allows students to develop their personal aesthetic through advanced short animations and character performances based on original concepts and stories. This course includes comprehensive training in storyboarding, pre-production, and post-production processes.
Advanced courses in the ARTA program include:
- ARTA 327 Sound Design and Post-Production: covers essential techniques including editing, coloring, and sound design
- ARTA 424 Animation Studio I: focuses on developing industry-standard professional presentations for portfolios, festivals, and public exhibitions
- ARTA 425 Animation Studio II: continues to develop industry-standard professional presentations for portfolios, festivals, and public exhibitions
These courses ensure that students graduate with a strong portfolio and the skills needed to succeed in their careers.
Advanced Learning Opportunities
In advanced courses like ARTA 426 Advanced Motion Studio, students at Colorado Mesa University can engage in unique, experimental, and personal projects. This course is designed to help students develop their emerging personal direction in animation and motion design, whether individually or in collaboration with others.
These advanced learning opportunities allow students to push the boundaries of their creativity and technical skills, preparing them for innovative roles in the industry.