Digital Worlds Institute climbs the rankings with animation and game design programs
Written by: Ryan Helterhoff (MAMC ‘23)
The UF Digital Worlds Institute continues to climb the ranks of the country’s top animation and game design programs. Below are some of the Institute’s rankings from Animation Career Review’s recent annual report.
- #15 nationally for animation among public colleges
- #11 nationally for best game design BA program
- #7 for game design in the south
The Institute’s curriculum is robust, allowing students to explore various areas of specialization before narrowing their chosen path. In animation, students can specialize in 2D or 3D, while the game design program offers opportunities for students to focus in specific areas like level design, character art, and more. Paired with world-class instructors, students learn the fundamentals of everything from level design to creating complex 3D animations.
The Institute’s smaller cohorts allow faculty to connect with students on an individual level, creating trust and enabling a more dynamic relationship in the classroom. This personalized approach, according to 3D Animator and Lecturer Aaron Karlson, helps students gain the confidence they need to succeed.
“The Institute’s ranking as a top animation school gives students the confidence to know that their work will create a competitive portfolio,” Karlson said. “Chelsea Cantrell and I have worked over the years to ensure our 2D and 3D courses align with industry standards, and I love seeing students respond to this curriculum with amazing animated productions.”
From creating interactive media for Lockheed Martin to crafting groundbreaking AR and VR experiences at Subvrsive, alumni are hard at work pushing the boundaries of emerging media. According to 2D Animator and Lecturer Chelsea Cantrell, the Institute’s consistent rise in ranking is a direct result of its dedicated, career-driven students.
“Seeing our ranking grow each year has been incredibly rewarding,” Cantrell said. “Our students are amazing artists who have a respect for the foundations and principles of animation. Their dedication adds value to the program and ensures they’ll be successful after graduation.”
This respect for the foundations and principles of animation is also held by game design students, who rely on their animation skills to bring game worlds to life. For Senior Game Design Lecturer Nick Heitzman, these animation skills are part of the foundation of making a good game.
“Animation, along with the 2D and 3D skills that support it, is critical in the process of creating video games,” stated Heitzman. “Bringing static characters to life and creating the inhabitants of game worlds, such as animals and side characters, would be impossible. Without animation, the world would feel hollow and lack the impact that I know the students intend.”
Student who focus on game design at the Institute go on to become innovators in the field, founding their own studios and working at prominent companies like Bungie and Insomniac. The program provides the technical skills required for game content creation and system development while implementing core principles of the game design production process. This curriculum gives students experience in a collaborative studio environment before they enter their career.
The Institute offers both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Digital Arts & Sciences, as well as an online Bachelors program. With tracks in game design, visual effects, and UI/UX management, the program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to hone their skills while also having access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, like VR technology and a professional film production studio.
