Masters in Animation in USA is an intensive course of 1-2 years. The top universities for MS in Animation in USA offer various animation courses. The programs appear as a single course or deal with 2 or 3 subjects. The best universities for Masters in Animation in USA demand a TOEFL score of 100 and IELTS score of 7 for admission. The average annual tuition fees of the top universities for Masters in Animation in US vary from 18,084-34,260 USD (INR 14,88,555-28,20,057). Candidates find a wide career scope after pursuing Masters in 3D Animation in USA. The average annual salary of graduates after the completion of animation courses in USA is 84,000 USD (INR 69,18,903). Some of the top recruiters in this sector include Dreamworks, Pixar, Google, Deloitte, etc.

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ROI for Masters in Animation in USA is the highest if students pursue from Ohio State University, University of California Los Angeles, Purdue University, Texas A&M University, etc. The ROI percentage is highest if students receive their degrees from universities with a low tuition fee range. Although the cost of living is high in USA, students can still budget their expenses and get part-time jobs in USA to get a better ROI after completion of Masters in Animation. 

An aspirant needs to fulfill few eligibility criteria for pursuing MS in Animation in USA. These requirements include GPA of minimum of 2.5-3 on a 4.0 scale. Other mandatory requirements include GRE score of 300 or a GMAT score of 600-750. Apart from that, students also must submit SOP, LOR, proof of financial record and copy of a valid passport while applying to top universities in USA. Students must remember to also submit their visa application form during the admission process. 

Why Study Masters in Animation in USA?

Many universities offer animation courses in USA. Masters in Animation offers several specializations and also an opportunity for high-paying jobs after completion. Top recruiters in USA are also hiring candidates for MFA in their firms. Students can also pursue the degree at some of the cheapest universities in USA. Candidates must choose the universities in USA for studying Masters in Animation for the following reasons:

  • USA is the home of top universities to offer effective animation programs for candidates.
  • USA is an ideal workplace as it is the hub of multiple top animation companies. Candidates get hired by top companies like Deloitte, Google etc. after completing Masters in animation in US.
  • Candidates attain various job roles like 3d Artist, Motion Graphic Designer and many more after graduating with MS in Animation in USA.
  • The salary of animation employees in USA rises by 10% every 16 months.
  • Candidates get high salary packages after pursuing Masters in Animation in USA. The average annual salary of graduates is 84,000 USD (INR 69,18,903)
  • Google, Pixar, Deloitte are some of the top recruiters
  • Scholarships providing full coverage to students

Top Universities for Masters in Animation in USA

Top universities like University of California Los Angeles, Purdue University, University of Arizona, etc  offer students Masters in Animation in USA. The annual fee range is between 18,822 USD (INR 15,49,303) to 34,000 USD (INR 27,98,553). A varied fee range helps students decide what suits them the most, and is surely one of the  benefits of studying in USA. The table below highlights the Masters in Animation in USA fees of the top universities:

Name of University Course Offered Annual Tuition Fees
University of California Los Angeles Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television, Area: Animation 33,238 USD (INR 27,35,833)
Ohio State University MFA in Digital Animation and Interactive Media 21,660 USD (INR 17,82,843)
Purdue University MS in Computer Graphics Technology - Animation 31,104 USD (INR 25,60,182)
University of Arizona MFA in Art - 3D and Extended Media 34,000 USD (INR 27,98,553)
Texas A&M University MFA in Visualization 18,084 USD (INR 14,88,555)
University of Texas - Dallas MFA in Art, Technology and Emerging Communication - Animation 18,822 USD (INR 15,49,303)
University of Kentucky MFA in Art Studio - Animation and Virtual Reality 34,260 USD (INR 28,20,057)
DePaul University MA in Animation 23,868 USD (INR 19,64,656)
New York Institute of Technology MFA in Digital Art and Design Animation 27,720 USD (INR 22,81,727)
Academy of Art University MFA in Animation and Visual Effects 24,624 USD (INR 20,26,885)

Note: 1 USD = 83.13 INR as of 21st March 2024

Admission Process for Masters in Animation in USA

US education system US education system has a fixed set of rules for students appearing for admission process. Applicants must visit the official websites of the universities to take a list of documents required. The admission process for MS in Animation in USA follows simple steps like:

  • Select the university for the best Masters in Animation in USA.
  • Visit the official website of the university to check the admission requirements.
  • Fill in the application form.
  • Submit the supporting documents.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • After receiving the confirmation of admission, pay the deposit fees to book a seat.

Admission Deadline

The intakes in USA usually vary among universities.  But mostly the universities have Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes in USA.  Academy of Art University has rolling admissions in USA, which means that based on seat availability the student will be getting admitted. The admission deadline for the top universities for Masters in Animation in USA are as follows:

Name of University Admission Deadline
University of California Los Angeles February 1, 2024
Ohio State University November 15, 2024
Purdue University September 1, 2024
University of Arizona January 10, 2024
Texas A&M University January 15, 2024
University of Texas - Dallas May 15, 2024
University of Kentucky January 6, 2024
DePaul University June 1, 2024
New York Institute of Technology June 1, 2024 
Academy of Art University Rolling Admissions

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for MS in Animation in USA applicant must submit their ELP score reports and also their GMAT/GRE score. Most top universities require these to admit new students for the course. Most of these eligibility requirements are also checked during US student visa application. The eligibility criteria for Masters in Animation in USA are as follows:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • Official academic transcripts.
  • GPA of minimum of 2.5-3 on a 4.0 scale (79-86%) is required.
  • IELTS score of 7.5 is required.
  • TOEFL score from 79-100 is required.
  • GRE score of 300 is required.
  • GMAT score of 600-750 is required.

University-Wise Score Requirements

Some exams to study in USA include TOEFL/IELTS/DET exams and also GMAT/GRE exams. To be eligible for admission for MS in Animation students are required to get a mandatory score as listed in the table below. The university-wise Masters in Animation in USA requirements for admission are tabulated below:

Name of University Admission Requirements
University of California Los Angeles TOEFL: 100

IELTS: 7

DET: 120

Ohio State University TOEFL: 79

IELTS: 7.0

Purdue University TOEFL: 90

IELTS: 7.5

University of Arizona TOEFL: 79

IELTS: 7.0

PTE: 60

Texas A&M University TOEFL: 80

IELTS: 6.0

University of Texas - Dallas TOEFL: 80

IELTS: 6.5

PTE: 67

University of Kentucky TOEFL: 79

IELTS: 6.5

DePaul University TOEFL: 80

IELTS: 6.5

PTE: 53

New York Institute of Technology TOEFL: 79

IELTS: 6.0

PTE: 53

DET: 105

Academy of Art University TOEFL: 79

IELTS: 6.5

Admission Documents Requirement

For admission purpose aspirants need to submit their academic transcripts along with their SOP/LOR for MFA degree course. Other requirements like submission of ELP and standardized test scores are also required.The documents required for admission to the top universities for MS in Animation in USA are listed below:

  • Official transcripts of previously attended institutions
  • IELTS and TOEFL score card
  • A copy of passport.
  • Statement of purpose
  • GRE/GMAT score card.
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essays
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Reel or portfolio
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Masters in Animation in USA Cost

Aspirants of Masters in Animation in USA must know that cost of studying in USA is really high. The average annual cost of accommodation can be as high as 9,800 USD (INR 8,07,067), followed by 500 USD (INR 41,176) per month for meals and grocery. Before applying to any university in USA, students must research about budget and other cost of attendance. The cost of attendance will vary as per student preferences. All information about cost of living in USA for pursuing Masters in Animation in USA is tabulated below:

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Note: 1 USD = 83.13 INR as of 21st March 2024

Masters in Animation in USA Scholarships

Students with good scores in prior academics and also financial needs can for various scholarships to study in USA. The awards given to students for the Masters in Animation scholarships ranges from 100% coverage to an annual sum of 12,500 USD (INR 10,29,468). The table highlights the scholarships for pursuing Masters in Animation in USA for international students:

Scholarship Eligibility Award
Obama Foundation Scholars’ Program International candidates interested in making careers in public and private sectors. Tuition fee, book and coursework funding, monthly stipend
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Indian candidates with 5 years of professional experience Tuition, health insurance, living cost, travel cost and monthly stipend
National Overseas Scholarship Candidates enrolled in graduate program | Must have a minimum of 55% in UG Tuition, miscellaneous expenses and living cost
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships Candidates with good academic records in UG Full tuition fee waiver, living expenses and one-way travel cost
PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women Women enrolled in graduate programs in USA 12,500 USD (INR 10,29,468) p.a.

Note: 1 USD = 83.13 INR as of 21st March 2024

Jobs after Masters in Animation in USA

Candidates attain multiple job profiles after completing Masters in Animation in USA. Students need to know they are eligible for various job titles like 3D Artist, Motion Graphic Designer, Senior Animator, etc for jobs after MS in USA. The table highlights the average salary of the various job profiles attained by the candidates:

Job Title Average Salary
3d Artist 68,015 USD (INR 56,01,368)
Motion Graphic Designer 59,480 USD (INR 48,98,469)
Senior Animator 93,483 USD (INR 76,98,783)
Associate Director, Creative Services 138,975 USD (INR 1,14,45,272)
Lead Animator 92,003 USD (INR 75,76,897)
Senior UX Designer 84,928 USD (INR 69,94,236)
User Experience Designer 71,762 USD (INR 59,10,885)

Note: 1 USD = 83.13 INR as of 21st March 2024

Top Recruiters for Masters in Animation in USA

There are several recruiters like Pixar, Google, etc. Job roles like Lead Animator or User Experience Designer jobs in USA are offered to students who have a MS in Animation from recruiters all over USA. The top recruiters for Masters in Animation in USA are as follows:

  • Dreamworks
  • Pixar
  • Google
  • Deloitte
  • Walt Disney Animation Studios
  • Cartoon Network Studios

Work Permit

Candidates interested in attaining courses in USA are required to apply for F1 student visas. F1 visa enables the students to pursue graduate and undergraduate programs in USA. The cost of applying for this visa is 160 USD (INR 13,171). Candidates must have a post-study work visa in USA to attend jobs after completing courses in USA. The F1 visa allows candidates to attain temporary jobs for a minimum of one year. F1 visa holders need to apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) for working in USA for a longer time. Other than that students can apply for H1-B visa after they complete 12 months of  OPT visa phase.  H1-B visa can be applied for by candidates who have a stable job in USA, and their employer is willing to sponsor their visa. If a candidate is eligible for H1-B visa, then they can work and live in USA without any restriction. Later an applicant can apply for PR card in USA, after fulfilling PR eligibility criteria.

Masters in Animation in USA offers the candidates great career opportunities. Candidates willing to pursue animation courses in USA top universities must meet the admission requirements. Candidates can apply for scholarships to pursue the animation course and to bear the cost of living in USA.

FAQs

Ques: How much does animation course cost in USA?

Ans. The average tuition fees of the top universities for Masters in Animation in US vary from 18,084-34,260 USD (INR 14,88,555-28,20,057).

Ques: Are animators paid well in America?

Ans. The average annual salary of graduates after the completion of animation courses in USA is 84,000 USD (INR 69,18,903).

Ques: Is animation a good career in USA?

Ans. Candidates attain various job roles like 3d Artist, Motion Graphic Designer and many more after graduating with MS in Animation in USA.

Ques: How many years is a master's degree in Animation?

Ans. Masters in Animation in USA is an intensive course of 1-2 years.

Ques: What GPA is required to study Masters in Animation in USA?

Ans. Candidates need a GPA of 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale for applying to Animation Masters in USA.

Ques: What are the requirements for MS animation in USA?

Ans. IELTS score of 7.5 and TOEFL score of 79-100 is required for MS animation in USA.

Ques: Is animation a profitable career?

Ans: Yes, animation is a profitable career for students, as in this field students can get a chance to raise their creative knowledge and also later get high paying jobs.

Ques: Do you need a masters for animation?

Ans: Although not necessary but students can surely get a masters degree for animation if they want to gather more in-depth knowledge on the subject and have options for better high paying jobs.

Ques: Is animation a good career in USA?

Ans: For students inclined towrds pursuing a career in acreative field for them animation is a really good career. The jobs are also various and high paying in this sector. 

Ques: Which country has highest demand for animators?

Ans: Countries like USA, Australia, UK, Germany, etc has the highest demand for animators. Theses countries offer top rated jobs to students of this sector.

Ques: What is the highest degree for animation?

Ans: After completing a BFA the highest degree one can achieve is a MFA. 

Ques: How long is a Master's degree in animation?

Ans: A Master's degree in animation if pursued full time can be 1-2 years in duration. But for students who are completing the degree part-time, it might take longer. 

Ques: Which degree is best for animator

Ans: To become an animator in USA stduents typically need a degree in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field.

Ques: Which country is best for master's in animation?

Ans: USA is best known worldwide for its courses in Animation, and animation related fields. MSc Animation is a popular course in USA and highly sought after by Indian students.

Ques: Can you do a masters in animation?

Ans: Yes, stduents who want to further pursue their academics after securing a bachelor’s in animation can go ahead with a masters in animation. 

Ques: Who is eligible for MSc animation?

Ans: Students with a fraduation or bachelor’s degree in animation or multimedia or creative arts background are eligible to pursue MSc Animation in USA.