| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro |
| 2 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City |
Our 2018 rankings of the top animation school programs in Tennessee. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) opened on September 11, 1911 as one of three state normal schools for teacher training. Today, the school is home to 22,442 students enrolled in more than 115 programs across seven colleges. The College of Media and Entertainment, Department of Electronic Media Communication, offers a BS in Animation and Mass Communication with Concentrations in Electronic Media Communication, New Media Communication, and Photography.
The Electronic Media Communication Concentration offers two specialties: Electronic Media Production (video and film production) and Electronic Media Management (media management). Animation and Entertainment Technology Minors are also available as well as an MS in Media and Communication. Students in the MS program may choose six hours of approved electives in Animation.
The Animation Programs at MTSU prepare students for careers in Character Animation, Motion Graphics, and Visual Effects. Electronic Media Production students are also prepared to create Animated and Feature Films, as well as content for Documentary Films, Television, and Educational Videos.
Founded in 1911 as East Tennessee State Normal School, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) serves 14,606 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The school offers more than 350 programs across 11 colleges and schools. Part of the College of Business and Technology, the Department of Digital Media offers a BS in Digital Media (BS DIGM) with a Concentration in Digital Animation, a DIGM Minor, and an MA in New Media Studio.
Through heavy coursework and training in all areas of animation, the BS DIGM Program prepares students for careers 3D Animation, 2D Animation, Motion Graphics, Character Animation, and Technical Direction. Sample courses include Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, 3D Animation, Character Animation, Effects Animation, High Fidelity Modeling for Entertainment, Lighting and Rendering, and Visual Effects Compositing.
The MA Program covers 3D Animation, Gaming, Motion Capture, Visualization, Video and Special Effects, Digital Illustration, and Graphic Design. The DIGM Minor offers courses such as Animation Fundamentals, 3D Animation, Fundamentals of Character Animation, Effects Animation and Lab, 3D Model Design, Motion Tools, and Interactive Development.
Graduates of ETSU Animation Programs are prepared for careers 3D animation, 2D animation, motion graphics, character animation, technical direction, and many others.