Special Effects College: List of Schools and Colleges with Special Effects Degree Programs
Special effects can be seen in blockbuster films, television dramas or commercials and gaming software. Creators of these special effects hold degrees in visual effects, animation and motion media design. Brigham Young University, University of Southern California and Sam Houston State University all have special effects degree programs.
Special Effects Program Details
Special effects play a large component in the production of film and television. Special effects artists create visual enhancements through digital and animated technologies, such as Adobe Master Collection, Houdini and RenderMan. These visual effects are used when it's too dangerous to use live actors and actresses.
Many visual effects degree programs are taught in digital recording studios and require much hands-on learning from their students. Entry-level employment can be found with a bachelor's degree in special effects. However, senior-level directing positions often require a graduate degree in visual or special effects.
Special Effects Bachelor's Degree Program Details
Special effects artists create visual effects for film and television production. Visual effects producers, technical directors and digital effects animators learn their craft by completing a bachelor's degree program in visual effects, motion media design or animation. Bachelor's degree programs in special effects expose students to digital media and animation concepts and state-of-the-art technologies that make these effects possible.
Students study modeling and animation, drawing, color theory, 2-D and 3-D design and visual effects programming. They may also take courses in special effects cinematography, concept development, compositing and storyboarding. Many bachelor's degree programs in special effects require supervised studio internships that result in the completion of special effects portfolio for students to use in securing employment.
Special Effects Master's Degree Program Details
Visual effects directors, animation directors and special effects studio managers have advanced degrees in visual effects, animation or cinematography. A master's degree program in special effects prepares these technical professionals to not only conceptualize special effects but also to direct the entire production of such a sequence.
Graduate students take courses in visual effects programming, theory and application and studio management. They may also study contemporary art, 3-D techniques and procedures, advanced animation and modeling. Special effects graduate students are required to complete studio field internships, teaching experiences and visual effect theses.
Public and Private Nonprofit Schools with Special Effects Degree Programs
| School Name | Institution Type | Enrollment | Mailing Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 34,244 | Main Campus, Provo, Utah 84602 | (801) 422-4636 |
| University of Southern California | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 33,747 | University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | (213) 740-2311 |
| Sam Houston State University | 4-year, Public | 16,662 | 1806 Ave. J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | (936) 294-1111 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 15,055 | 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, New York 14623-5603 | (585) 475-2411 |
| East Tennessee State University | 4-year, Public | 13,646 | 807 University Parkway, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614-0000 | (423) 439-1000 |
| Ferris State University | 4-year, Public | 13,532 | 1201 S. State St., Big Rapids, Michigan 49307-2251 | (231) 591-2000 |
| University of Idaho | 4-year, Public | 11,791 | 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow, Idaho 83844-2282 | (888) 884-3246 |
| American University | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 11,684 | 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001 | (202) 885-1000 |
| Southern Methodist University | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 10,965 | 6425 Boaz St., Dallas, Texas 75275-0221 | (214) 768-2000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 4-year, Private, not-for-profit | 10,875 | 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890 | (412) 268-2000 |
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Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
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Purdue Global
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Southwestern College
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Liberty University
Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- MA: Visual Communication Design
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Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies
Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies responds quickly to information requests through this site.
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University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus responds quickly to information requests through this site.