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Last Updated: February 03, 2023
It would be accurate to say the modern world literally, is run by computers. Earning a degree in Computer Graphics will help you develop employable skills in areas such as multimedia systems and applications, graphics software, digital multimedia, visual design, 3D modeling, and animation. Here we provide a carefully assembled list of top schools offering Computer Graphics programs.
Computer graphics schools teach students how to utilize computer technology to “render” or draw pictures or designs for multiple purposes. Central to the educational experience is the ability to use software to produce and manipulate pictorial images for projects, such as commercial art, advertisements, movies, scientific and educational modeling, computer programming, and video game development; just to name a few. Categories of study include interactive multimedia production, algorithms for computer animation, the use of Flash, technical animation, computational photography, computer game programming, digital image generation, rasterization, radiosity, physically-based modeling, interactive simulation, human motion modeling and analysis; and many more.
Due to the furiously-dynamic nature of the industry, the very best schools will survey state-of-the-art techniques, as well as require project-based demonstrations of acquired knowledge. If you can master computer technologies and have a talent for artistic design, enrolling in a computer graphics school could determine the trajectory of your career. And, because choosing that school could very well be the most important decisions you will ever make, we have taken the mystery out of the equation. On this page, we provide a list of the nation’s best computer graphics schools, along with guides and links to additional resources for students seeking education or training in a specific area of focus.
The fast-paced world of computer graphics combines both technology and art to create computer-generated images and video. It takes a great deal of artistic ability, technical and analytical skills, time-management skills, and superior computer skills to be successful in this career field. As a degree is preferred by most employers, students wishing to enter the field of computer graphics can choose from a number of highly-rated colleges, technical schools, universities, and private art institutes to gain industry knowledge and delve deeper into the field of computer graphics much more so than if they tried to learn on their own. The most popular degree programs include Game Art and Design, Animation, Web Design, and Graphic Design, as well as Computer Science. (Those wishing to teach at the postsecondary level must earn a graduate degree). But how do you choose the best program to meet your career goals?
You will find that curriculum, classes, and areas of specialty will vary greatly from one school to the next. However, the focus of most programs will typically include classes in graphic design, broadcasting, illustrating, mass media, documentary production, website design, animation, and computer coding. Students who wish to pursue website design careers, for instance, will usually become proficient in HTML and CSS. No doubt, you will also be exposed to any number of software programs, such as Poser, GoAnimate, SketchBook, MudBox, Blender, Flipbook, and many others.
If, at this point, you’ve decided to enter the computer graphics field, then choosing the best school to match your career goals is important. But, it’s also important to set some personal priories to make the choice easier.
There are about 320 postsecondary colleges, universities, and private schools that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Accreditation helps determine if a school meets or exceeds minimum standards of quality and also helps students determine which schools are most acceptable for enrollment. Accreditation is extremely important if you intend to go on and earn your master’s or doctoral degree in computer graphics, or if you plan to attend a community or technical college and transfer to a four-year university. You want to be sure that the credits you earn are transferable.
Beyond accreditation, what are the advantages of attending a private college over a public university, and vice versa? Comparing differences and similarities, as well as all the pros and cons can help students choose the right school for a career in computer graphics.
Typically, class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios are smaller at private schools, which usually means closer relationships between professors and students. And, although that doesn’t necessarily translate to higher grades, it is a proven fact that students who form connections with their professors do better in school overall. Private schools are usually more intimate, allowing students to form close-knit friendships with classmates as well. Smaller class size typically also allows easier access to professors and more specialized instruction. A public university is likely to have a larger and more diverse student body and a higher rate of admission, whereas a private institution may have a very small, exclusive population. But, if you want the extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, etc., that most larger universities offer, or you want to join a fraternity or sorority and take part in all the meaningful activities of college life, than a public university should be your choice, as private colleges have few, if any, on-campus activities outside of class.
If you’re committed to graduating on time and getting into the job market right away, then a private school may serve you best. When compared side-by-side, 53 percent of private school students graduate on-time, whereas only 33 percent of students who attend a public school graduate on-time. This is due in part because at a larger university it is sometimes more difficult to enroll in all the classes you need for your major. This means that sometimes you will have to put off a 200-level course until your third year, or take a 300-level course in your second year. This is where your professors or academic advisors may be able to help, ensuring you take everything needed to graduate. That said, students attending a public university have a wider choice of courses, majors, minors, concentrations, and degrees to pursue. Private schools are tailored for those with a specialized focus, or for students who want to segue into a graduate program. Find out if the courses you need to take are available? What are the graduation rates at the schools on your list? Do you want to graduate as soon as you can, or are you most interested in a wider choice of degrees and specializations?
Along with graduation rates, it’s also a good idea to check out freshman retention rates (the percentage of freshman who return for their sophomore year) at the schools on your list. A high retention rate usually means that students are satisfied with their first-year experiences, professors, and classes. What are the retention rates at the schools you are considering? What do the students say about their classes?
Many students choose a college, university, or private school based on academic programs, cost to attend, faculty, or because their friends are attending such-and-such school. But, another thing to take into consideration is location. Sometimes, attending the school of your choice means moving away from home. This can be an exciting time for many prospective computer graphic students, but it can cause anxiety for others.
Larger cities often offer many more opportunities for internships and landing a job after graduation, but they also have their drawbacks. It can be more expensive to live in a city if you choose to live off-campus. Keep in mind too that not all schools, especially private schools, offer housing. Transportation can be crazy, and getting around can be a headache. Larger cities, however, are packed with museums, shows, nightlife, and concerts, all of which can distract even the most committed students from their main purpose, learning and practicing, but can also provide more opportunities to gain insight into the computer graphics industry. Smaller towns are more intimate and don’t have all the distractions of many larger cities, but may not provide the same opportunities for internships and jobs post-graduation.
For example, if you want a job in computer graphics, you’ll likely be better off attending a school in a computer-centric city like New York, San Jose, or Boston (and many others across the US). Additionally, if you plan to stay on-campus or close to school in the summer months, make sure there are internships available in the area.
The primary goal upon graduation from college is to earn money in your chosen career field. While that’s true, college costs money, and the price tag can vary greatly depending on when you attend – private college, university, online coursework, etc. Fees may include housing (if offered), meals, and health services. Many private colleges don’t offer any of these items, so off-campus housing, food, etc., must be considered. Fees for out-of-state or non-resident students can cost much more than if you are a resident in the state where the school of your choice is located. Keep in mind that for the 2015-2016 school year, the average tuition for a public university was just over $9,000 for in-state students; about $24,000 for out-of-state students, and almost $33,000 to attend a private institute. Does the college or university offer financial aid? Are there grants or scholarships you can apply for offered through the school? Many private schools do not offer grants or scholarships.
Computer graphics schools, whether online or on-campus, generally offer a host of different programs to prepare you for your career. The types of degree programs that a school offers might also help you decide which school you should attend. Research the computer graphics schools on your list to ensure each school offers a degree program in the specialization you’re most interested in. But first, you must narrow down your area of intended expertise. The most common broad programs of study are:
In the age of the Internet, access to anything you want to learn is readily available online. However, it can take much longer to learn things this way because you must locate the information yourself and separate the quality data from inaccurate tutorials. If you want to do freelance work, it’s entirely possible to teach yourself what you need to know. The websites that you create can be listed together and used as a portfolio to lure in potential clients. But, is forgoing attending a computer graphics school a good idea for freelancers? That’s questionable. Degrees from computer graphics schools will give freelancers the right educational background to get the job done right. In addition, the credentials you’ll be sporting after you graduate will attract potential clients in much greater numbers than a resume full of links to all the online videos that you’ve watched.
All said, online schools can be a great choice for people who have other responsibilities that inhibit them from attending class on-campus, such as a job or family obligations. In fact, there are nearly three million students enrolled in online degree programs, and another six million taking at least one online course as part of their degree requirements. Online classes are almost always cheaper than classes offered at a traditional college or university, and online classes are convenient and provide flexibility.
However, if you’re seeking a career in computer graphics with a company, you might as well assume you will need a degree in your field. In general, there are hardly ever exceptions to this rule. Very few companies will hire you based on what you “know” when there are so many other candidates with the educational goods to back it up. If you want to work for a computer graphics firm, it’s in your best interest to seek out computer graphics schools to make that dream a reality. Ultimately, the decision of whether to enroll in a computer graphics school is up to you, however. Weigh your options carefully, and make sure that the field you choose is one you’ll be happy working in for the rest of your life.
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