Animation

Animation Bachelor’s Degree Programs in NYC

Explore the art of bringing stories to life through motion and design with a bachelor’s degree in Animation in New York City. Home to world-renowned studios, creative hubs, and cutting-edge technology, NYC offers aspiring animators an unparalleled environment to develop their skills and launch their careers. Whether you’re passionate about 2D, 3D, or experimental animation, studying in this vibrant city gives you access to industry professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and endless creative inspiration.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Located in the heart of New York City, FIT offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Computer Animation, Interactive Media, & Game Design. The program emphasizes both traditional and digital animation techniques, preparing students for careers in various sectors, including film, television, and gaming. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are taught by industry professionals.

• Address: 227 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
• Phone: (212) 217-7999
• Website: www.fitnyc.edu
• Disability Access: Yes, FIT is disability-friendly, offering accommodations and support through its FIT-ABLE office to ensure accessibility for all students.
• Public Transport:

Subway:

• While walking is the most convenient for such a short distance, if needed:
  • Take the 1 train to 28th Street Station.
  • FIT is a short walk south from the station.

Bus:

• M7 or M20: Both buses run along Seventh Avenue and stop near 27th Street.

School of Visual Arts (SVA)

SVA provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation, focusing on storytelling, character development, and the technical aspects of animation production. The curriculum covers both 2D and 3D animation, and students benefit from exposure to New York’s vibrant art scene. Graduates have gone on to work in major studios and production companies.

• Address: 209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
• Phone: (212) 592-2000
• Website: www.sva.edu
• Disability Access: Yes, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) is disability-friendly, offering tailored accommodations and support through its Disability Resources office.
• Commute:

Subway:

1. Lines R, W:
   • Take the R or W train from 28th Street Station to 23rd Street Station.
   • Walk east to Second Avenue.
   • Estimated travel time: 10–15 minutes.
2. Lines 6:
   • Take the 6 train to the 23rd Street Station.
   • Walk west to SVA.
   • Estimated travel time: 15 minutes.

Bus:

• M23-SBS (Select Bus Service):
  • The M23-SBS runs across 23rd Street.
  • Board at the nearest stop in 10001 and disembark near Second Avenue for SVA.
  • Travel time: 15–20 minutes.

New York University (NYU)

NYU‘s Tisch School of the Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Television with opportunities to specialize in animation. The program combines a liberal arts education with intensive professional training, allowing students to explore various aspects of animation, including traditional hand-drawn techniques and computer-generated imagery. Students have access to extensive resources and networking opportunities within the industry.

• Address: 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012
• Phone: (212) 998-1212
• Website: www.nyu.edu
• Disability Access: ​Yes, New York University (NYU) is disability-friendly, offering tailored accommodations and support through its Moses Center for Student Accessibility.
• Commute:

Subway:

Option 1: Line 1

• Take the 1 train from 28th Street Station to Christopher Street–Sheridan Square Station.
• Walk east to NYU’s Washington Square Park campus.
• Travel time: ~15 minutes.

Option 2: Lines N, R, W

• Board the N, R, or W train at 28th Street Station.
• Disembark at 8th Street–NYU Station.
• Walk west to Washington Square Park.
• Travel time: ~15 minutes.

Option 3: Line A, C, E

• Board the A, C, or E train at 34th Street–Penn Station.
• Exit at West 4th Street–Washington Square Station.
• Walk east to the park.
• Travel time: ~15 minutes.

Bus:

• Board the M55 bus on 6th Avenue heading downtown.
• Disembark near West 4th Street and walk to Washington Square Park.
• Travel time: ~20 minutes.

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn campus offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts with an emphasis on 3D Animation and Motion Arts. The program focuses on the artistic and technical skills required for animation, encouraging experimentation and innovation. Students work in cutting-edge labs and studios, preparing them for diverse careers in digital arts and animation.

• Address: 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
• Phone: (718) 636-3600
• Website: www.pratt.edu
• Disability Access: Yes, Pratt Institute is disability-friendly, see the learning/access page for more information.
• Commute:

Subway:

Option 1: A or C Train

• Route: From 34th Street–Penn Station, take the A (express) or C (local) train downtown.
• Transfer: At Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets, transfer to the G train toward Court Square.
• Disembark: Exit at Clinton–Washington Avenues.
• Walk: Approximately 10 minutes to Pratt Institute.

Option 2: 2 or 3 Train

• Route: From 34th Street–Penn Station, take the 2 or 3 train downtown.
• Transfer: At Nevins Street, transfer to the 4 or 5 train toward Crown Heights–Utica Avenue.
• Disembark: Exit at Franklin Avenue.
• Walk: Approximately 15 minutes to Pratt Institute.

Bus:

B62 Bus

• Route: From Madison Avenue/E 52nd Street, take the Q32 bus to Queens Plaza South/28th Street.
• Transfer: At Jackson Avenue/Queens Plaza South, transfer to the B62 bus toward Downtown Brooklyn.
• Disembark: Exit at Park Avenue/Ryerson Street, near Pratt Institute.
• Note: This route involves multiple transfers and may take longer than the subway.

Driving:

• Route: Drive east from ZIP code 10001, cross the Manhattan Bridge, and continue to Clinton Hill.
• Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Parking: Limited around campus; consider public transportation.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

Located in Newark, NJIT offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Design with a concentration in Entertainment and Animation. The program integrates art and technology, providing students with skills in animation, game design, and digital media. Proximity to New York City offers additional opportunities for internships and industry connections.

• Address: 323 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102
• Phone: (973) 596-3000
• Website: www.njit.edu
• Disability Access: Yes, NJIT ensures an inclusive environment by providing customized accommodations and support through its Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.
• Commute:

Train:

PATH Train + NJ Transit:

• Step 1: Take the PATH train from 33rd Street Station (near 10001) to Journal Square or Hoboken Station.
• Step 2: Transfer to a NJ Transit train heading to Newark Penn Station.
• Step 3: From Newark Penn Station, take the NJ Transit Light Rail or walk (~15 minutes) to NJIT.
• Travel time: ~45 minutes to 1 hour.

Direct NJ Transit Train:

• Step 1: From New York Penn Station (34th Street), board a NJ Transit train (Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line) to Newark Penn Station.
• Step 2: Walk (~15 minutes) or take the NJ Transit Light Rail to NJIT.
• Travel time: ~30–40 minutes.

Bus:

NJ Transit Bus 108:

• Board: Bus 108 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street) to Newark Penn Station.
• From Newark Penn Station: Walk (~15 minutes) or take the NJ Transit Light Rail to NJIT.
• Travel time: ~1 hour.

Private Coach Services:

• Some coach services run between Manhattan and Newark, stopping near downtown Newark and Newark Penn Station.

Driving:

• Route: Take the Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel to I-280 W. Follow signs to NJIT (MLK Jr. Blvd).
• Time: ~30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Parking: On-campus parking is available but limited; plan accordingly.

Montclair State University

Montclair State University, situated in Montclair, New Jersey, offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX). The program combines traditional art training with digital techniques, preparing students for various roles in the animation industry. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum and opportunities for practical experience through internships and projects.

• Address: 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043
• Phone: (973) 655-4000
• Website: www.montclair.edu
• Disability Access: Yes, Montclair State University ensures accessibility for students with disabilities through its Disability Resource Center, offering a range of support services and accommodations.

Train:

Route:

• From New York Penn Station (near 10001), take the NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line.
• Disembark at Montclair Heights Station, which is adjacent to the university campus.

Schedule:

• Trains operate regularly on weekdays.
• Note: There is no weekend train service on this line to Montclair State University.

Duration:

• Approximately 50 minutes.

Bus:

Route:

• From the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street and 8th Avenue), take the NJ Transit Bus No. 191.
• Disembark at Normal Ave at Valley Rd, near the university.

Schedule:

• Buses depart every three hours on weekdays.

Duration:

• Approximately 36 minutes.

Driving:

• Route:
  • From 10001, take the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey.
  • Merge onto NJ-3 West, then take the exit toward US-46 West.
  • Follow signs to Valley Road, leading to the university.
• Duration:
  • Approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Parking:
  • On-campus parking is available for visitors; check the university’s website for details.

Each of these institutions provides unique strengths and opportunities in the field of animation. Prospective students should consider factors such as curriculum focus, campus facilities, faculty expertise, and proximity to industry hubs when making their decision.