The Animation Career Review’s 2024 Animation School Rankings report is out and for the second year in a row, the Kent State University College of Applied and Technical Studies Bachelor of Science degree in Animation Game Design (AGD) ranks among the top animation programs nationwide. The Kent, Stark and Tuscarawas campuses offer this innovative program.
Moving up one step from last year, the program now ranks 15th nationally among schools offering an animation-related Bachelor of Science degree and holds steady at the 20th spot in the Midwest. This is the 13th year for the annual ranking for animation programs. Nearly two hundred schools from across the country were considered in this year's rankings.
Criteria used for the animation rankings include academic reputation, employment data, depth and breadth of the program faculty, value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, graduation rate and retention rate.
The AGD major provides the key concepts, creative tools and principles of diverse skills in fundamental and advanced technical knowledge of modeling, animation and game design. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design (NASAD).
AGD students create digital media works, such as cartoons, digital and non-digital games, motion graphics, 3D walkthroughs, simulations, and virtual reality environments while learning contemporary concepts in their respective program concentration. All students take core courses which introduce them to the current state of the animation and game industries while building their skills with a variety of industry-standard technologies for 2D graphics, 3D models, digital sculpting and simple animation.
The AGD faculty of active industry professionals guide students through the program, which offers concentrations in both Animation and Game Design.
Graduates of the program usually work in studios specializing in 2D and 3D digital graphics, architectural visualization, virtual and augmented reality, interactive training simulations, as well as the broadcast and entertainment industries. As a field where professionals routinely integrate the work of multiple visual and audio media, students are encouraged to work collaboratively across disciplines. The selection of major electives likewise offers students pathways for building skills and knowledge in related areas.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science degree in Animation Game Design, please visit https://catalog.kent.edu/colleges/ap/animation-game-design-bs/.