Texas A&M University Is Top Animation School In State, No. 2 In Public Animation Schools Nationally
Animation is part of the Visualization program in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts.
From left, “T-Wrecks” by Ashley Smith, Samantha Quiroga, Ariana Flores, Gail Michaelson, Nikki Möller and Elijah Whitlock; “Wacky West” by Anthony Le, Cole Schantel, Sophia Guzman and Steve Leal; and “Louise” by Corain Marneweck are among the work created by animation students in Texas A&M’s College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts.
Texas A&M University is again ranked the No. 1 animation school in Texas and No. 2 among public schools in the nation, according to new rankings by Animation Career Review.
It is the eighth consecutive year that Texas A&M has been No. 1 in Texas, since Animation Career Review’s state rankings began in 2018. The university has been in the top 10 public animation schools in the nation since those rankings began in 2016.
Animation is part of Visualization in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Visualization includes an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science) and two graduate degrees (Master of Fine Arts and Master of Science).
Hadeel Ramadan, undergraduate program director and instructional associate professor, credited the program’s forward-thinking approach, along with hard-working students and dedicated faculty members.
“What really keeps our ranking moving forward is how our Visualization academic affairs team keeps refining the curriculum — always thinking ahead and adding new courses taught by both faculty and working professionals,” she said. “This balance between academic depth and real-world application keeps our program strong and our graduates well-prepared for careers in animation and beyond.”
Visualization graduates go on to work for top animation and visual effects studios, including DreamWorks Animation, Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm Animation, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
In addition to being No. 1 in Texas, the university ranks second in the southwest among animation schools. Nationally, Texas A&M is No. 17 overall.
“These rankings are an honor and direct reflection of the dedication and creativity of the graduate students,” said Courtney Starrett, graduate program director in Visualization and associate professor. “They are a credit to the commitment and high standards of the faculty and our industry mentors and alumni who spend countless hours working with our students.”
Animation Career Review’s rankings criteria include academic reputation; admission selectivity; employment data; depth and breadth of the program faculty; tuition value; graduation and retention rates.
The Visualization program’s success is also reflected in the university’s high rankings in visual effects (No. 1 public school in 2024); game design (No. 9); and augmented and virtual reality (No. 10).
