3D Design Colleges and Universities in the United States
Higher Education Articles February 20, 20133D Designer are also known as 3D illustrators or 3D animators, they specialize in creating 3-dimensional computer graphics. Thus, 3-dimensional design is typically considered a specialization within the animation field. Students should complete an animation program as part of their educations, if they want to become involve in 3D design.
How to Choose 3D Design School
A combination of computer generated 3D design skills and traditional 2D animation are typically emphasized in animation programs. Coursework focuses on compositing and animation, background design and modeling among other things. When they create and execute these areas, 3D designers are required to make different aesthetic and technical decisions; hence, students should choose their area of focus in accordance with their true aptitude. Some aspiring designers might prefer to enroll in graphic or media design programs.
The field of 3D design is expected to be highly competitive during the period from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Before they zero in on a particular 3D design school, potential students will need to take a look at the career placement history of those who have previously graduated from the program. For instance, those considering a career in the field of CGI film should join a program without hesitation, if the alumni of the program are employed with firms such as Sony Picture Imageworks, Dreamworks or Pixar.
Technology will play an important and large role in the career of a 3-dimensional designer that is why the facilities offered by animation programs may be key to the college and university selection process. Students should consider selecting a college and university program, which provide motion capture labs, stop motion studios, output and editing facilities, and lab equipped for computer and cel animation. In addition, facilities should consist of the latest in editing programs, special effects, and animation. Programs that offer experience on various platforms and with different types of software are valuable. Students need to be aware of how frequently programs and equipment are updated.
Largest 3-Dimensional Design Schools in the Nation
| Name of School | Student Enrollments | Type of Institution |
| American University | 11,684 | Private, Four-year |
| Bradley University | 5,873 | Private, Four-year |
| Brigham Young University | 34,244 | Private, Four-year |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 10,875 | Private, Four-year |
| College of Southern Nevada | 40,310 | Public, Four-year |
| East Tennessee State University | 13,646 | Public, Four-year |
| Fashion Institute of Technology | 10,065 | Public, Four-year |
| Ferris State University | 13,532 | Public, Four-year |
| Lesley University | 6,690 | Private, Four-year |
| Loyola Marymount University | 9,011 | Private, Four-year |
| Madison Area Technical College | 14,666 | Public, Four-year |
| Marist College | 5,828 | Private, Four-year |
| Olympic College | 7,152 | Public, Four-year |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 15,055 | Private, Four-year |
| Sam Houston State University | 16,662 | Public, Four-year |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 9,120 | Private, Four-year |
| Southern Methodist University | 10,965 | Private, Four-year |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | 8,725 | Public, Four-year |
| University of Idaho | 11,791 | Public, Four-year |
| University of Southern California | 33,747 | Private, Four-year |
