Online animation degree programs can vary by curriculum and program length, but many have common courses that focus on digital media design. Students enrolled in online computer animation degree programs can expect to engage in courses that cover web design, graphic imaging, and 3D modeling. Create the illusion of life in Computer Animation. Ringling College Computer Animation students do it all. In our world-renowned animation program, you will learn to create characters and tell their stories, as well as design, paint, model, texture, animate, light, composite, and edit original films.

• Top 50 Animation Colleges
• Colleges With Computer Animation Majors
• Best Universities For Animation

A degree in animation will prepare you for the ultra-competitive industries where advanced skills and knowledge in areas such as 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, design, digital imaging, modeling, and studio production are a requirement. On this page, we provide a list of the best schools around the country that will help you learn the formal concepts and techniques needed to succeed in areas such as animation, illustration, game design, and more.

Colleges and universities commonly offer animation as a concentration under a general visual arts or graphic design program. However, standalone animation degrees do exist and come with their own specializations, including motion media, print media, film directing, typography/calligraphy, and video game design.

Animation is extremely labor-intensive. To be executed correctly, animators must be artistic, innovative, talented, and up-to-date on the latest computer technology and animation software. The best animation schools allow students to experiment and grow as an artist by offering a wide range of programs so they can realize their full creative potential. Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing, computer-generated imagery (CGI), 2D and 3D design, stop motion, computer graphics, video effects, character modeling and rigging, and graphic design. In addition to classroom lectures, students will also have hands-on instruction that will focus their efforts on developing the technical and artistic skills to make them industry-ready.

Aspiring animators should look for a college, university, private institute, or online school with exceptional faculty, a proven track record of alumni success in the field, world-class instructors, superior value, and a commitment to the very highest academic standards. On this page, we provide a list of the nation’s best animation schools, along with guides and links to additional resources for students seeking education or training in a specific area of focus.

Search through hundreds of schools that offer the Animation programs you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below:

• 01

  CalArts (California Institute of the Arts)

  24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355

  Educating students since 1970, Newsweek Magazine and The Daily Beast have ranked CalArts as the nation’s top college of the arts. Its six schools offer rigorous graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 1,448
  • Visit School Website
• 02

  Ringling College of Art and Design

  2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
  

  Founded in 1931, Ringling College excels in propelling students into the real world of art through substantive internships, national competitions, cutting-edge technology, and client projects (to name a few).

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 1262
  • Visit School Website
• 03

  Savannah College of Art & Design

  342 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
  

  Embracing a forward-looking approach to artistic academia, SCAD is a student-centered institution determined to provide educational excellence within the context of a positive learning environment. Students learn to create art, as well as live creatively artistic lives.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 11,861
  • Visit School Website
• 04

  Rhode Island School of Design

  2 College St, Providence, RI 02903

  Nestled amidst the picturesque New England seaboard, Rhode Island School of Design has long been one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious colleges offering rigorous art programs at both an undergraduate and graduate level.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 2,481
  • Visit School Website
• 05

  School of Visual Arts

  209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

  Founded in 1947, SVA is a for-profit art and design educational institution located in New York offering 11 bachelor’s programs & 20 graduate options. SVA emphasizes excellence in expression and responsible industry participation.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 4,393 (3,750 undergraduate)
  • Visit School Website
• 06

  USC - Roski School of Art and Design

  University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90089
  

  Hailing as the oldest school of art in Southern California, USC’s Roski was established in 1883. It grants two undergraduate degrees and three master’s degrees ( BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MPAS).

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 43,401
  • Visit School Website
• 07

  UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture

  405 Hilgard Ave Los Angeles, CA 90095

  Located in the heart of one of the world’s cultural centers, the UCLA School of Art emphasizes the necessity of a profound interdependence between the creative arts and academic scholarship. Drawing from the richness of the surrounding culture, the School hosts a distinguished, world-famous faculty who effectively combine studio-based experience with critical studies and liberal arts. As part of a leading research university, students are guaranteed an exclusive and empowering education.

  • School Type : Public
  • Enrollment : 41,908
  • Visit School Website
• 08

  Carnegie Mellon University School of Design

  5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  

  The School of Design is one of the nation's only institutions to offer degrees at 3 levels: BA, MA and PhD, within a multi-disciplinary research context.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 12,963
  • Visit School Website
• 09

  Rochester Institute of Technology - School of Film & Animation

  70 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
  

  RIT is a private college whose fine arts programs are consistently ranked in the “Top 10” by US News. Conferring associates, undergraduate and graduate degrees, it has 4 galleries and a Center for Design.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 16,639
  • Visit School Website
• 10

  Pratt Institute

  200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

  Pratt Institute utilizes the city of New York as a literal classroom by engaging students in real life experiences including public critiques and internships with top design companies like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and more.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 4,784
  • Visit School Website
• 11

  Tisch School of the Arts (NYU)

  721 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

  Tisch School of the Arts at NYU is famous not only for its ability to develop scholars, artists and entrepreneurs, but also for the well-known success of its graduates. The accomplishments of alumni are annually recognized by world-renowned achievement at festivals, awards and via fellowships.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 50,027
  • Visit School Website
• 12

  University of Pennsylvania School of Design

  102 Meyerson Hall, 210 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  

  PennDesign hosts a community of scholars, rich in diversity and talent. Emphasizing thoughtful inquiry, innovation and creative expression; the college is committed to local and global well-being in design, art, preservation and planning.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 24,876
  • Visit School Website
• 13

  Academy of Art University (San Francisco)

  79 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
  

  With 30 distinct areas of study, Academy of Art University is America's largest private accredited art university. Markedly exceptional is their “No-Barrier to Admissions” policy. Applicants need only possess passion coupled with the ability to concretize it.

  • School Type : Private, For Profit
  • Enrollment : 11,672 (7,652 undergraduate)
  • Visit School Website
• 14

  Brigham Young University - Department of Design

  155 East 1230 North, Provo, UT 84602
  

  With 4 departments and 3 schools dedicated to the arts, BYU offers everything a student could imagine. There are 11 art galleries, 55 practice rooms & performance groups annually tour 8 countries/140 cities.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 33,469
  • Visit School Website
• 15

  Full Sail University - Game Design

  3300 University Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32792
  

  Offering online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degrees, Full Sail’s game design program was named a 'Top Graduate & Undergraduate School to Study Game Design' in 2016 by The Princeton Review and Electronic Gaming Monthly.

  • School Type : Private, For Profit
  • Enrollment : 20,025
  • Visit School Website
• 16

  The DAVE School

  2500 Universial Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819
  

  Founded by an animator, producer and recruiter in the industry, the DAVE school excels in providing an education steeped in the reality of the career-treks offered. Two online BA’s have recently been added.

  • School Type : Private
  • Visit School Website
• 17

  Texas A&M University

  3137 TAMU, College Station, TX 77840
  

  In response to the widespread growth of imaging, media systems and high technology information; Texas A&M developed its Visualization Laboratory and the Visualization Academic Program. Degrees available are BS, MA, MFA-V and PhD.

  • School Type : Public
  • Enrollment : 12,928
  • Visit School Website
• 18

  Ohio State University

  128 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
  

  Renowned for its excellence in the BA and MA programs; OSU maintains its core values of creative examination and intellectual freedom, while providing students with a rich, people-centered educational environment.

  • School Type : Public
  • Enrollment : 58,663
  • Visit School Website
• 19

  Maryland Institute College of Art

  1300 W Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217
  

  Founded in Baltimore in 1826, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is one of the oldest art colleges in the U.S. For undergraduate education in the fine arts and its MFA programs, U.S. News & World Report has ranked MICA as one of the top colleges in the nation. Parade Magazine has ranked it in the Top 2 Studio Arts Programs in the U.S.; and The Princeton Review consistently names it a “Best Northeastern College.”

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 2,197
  • Visit School Website
• 20

  Laguna College of Art & Design

  2222 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  

  LCAD offers students a variety of opportunities by conferring BFAs in 7 areas and MFAs in 4 distinct categories. Its affiliation with the Florence Academy of Art allows for summer study in Italy.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 607
  • Visit School Website
• 21

  University of Central Florida

  4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816
  

  UCF’s SVAD offers 13 bachelor level degrees and 2 masters level programs. Their amazing gallery presents works in the areas of Film, Photography, Sculpture, Painting, Digital Media and Illustration.

  • School Type : Public
  • Enrollment : 62,953
  • Visit School Website
• 22

  Columbia College of Chicago - School of Fine & Performing Arts

  600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
  

  The School of Fine and Performing Arts upholds that living a creative life is a calling to be answered with driving force. To that end they offer over 50 programs upon which to build success.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 8,961
  • Visit School Website
• 23

  University of Texas at Dallas

  800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080
  

  UT at Dallas gives students nonpareil opportunities to immerse themselves in innovative Art & Performance programs providing a unique interdisciplinary context for the study of the visual arts.

  • School Type : Public
  • Enrollment : 24,554
  • Visit School Website
• 24

  The New School's Parsons School of Design

  66 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011
  

  Unique in its educational approach, Parsons prioritizes humanity and culture; ever-seeking a connection to global urban centers with project-based learning.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 10,344
  • Visit School Website
• 25

  DigiPen Institute of Technology

  9931 Willows Rd, Redmond, WA 98052

  DigiPen is a committed leader in education & research in the field of computer interactive technologies. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees; as well as high school programs, continuing education & international opportunities.

  • School Type : Private, For Profit
  • Enrollment : 1,076
  • Visit School Website
• 26

  Gnomon School of Visual Effects

  1015 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
  

  Gnomon offers superior educational opportunities whether you are getting a bachelor’s degree or participating in a vocational program, either on-campus or online. Its 96% placement rate proves, graduates are ready for the world.

  • School Type : For Profit
  • Enrollment : 442
  • Visit School Website
• 27

  School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  36 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60603

  Since 1866, School of the Art Institute of Chicago has been committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary exploration and the enrichment of each student’s artistic inquiry and experimentation. Installing asterisk on synology support.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 3,591
  • Visit School Website
• 28

  DePaul University

  2320 N Kenmore Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

  At DePaul University teaching comes first. Students are taught by esteemed faculty, not graduate students. DePaul raises artistic awareness in its student body and community by emphasizing knowledge and critical thinking skills.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 23,539
  • Visit School Website
• 29

  Woodbury University

  7500 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91504

  Woodbury’s School of Media, Culture & Design provides an innovative learning experience within an interdisciplinary environment. Undergraduates can choose from 8 degree programs: animation, communication, filmmaking, game art/design, graphic design, psychology and media technology.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 1,457
  • Visit School Website
• 30

  Loyola Marymount University

  1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

  Striving for excellence in academia; social justice and transformative education; students enjoy dedicated lab spaces for theatre, art, dance and music; as well as Strub Theatre, Murphy Recital Hall and 2 galleries.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 9,392
  • Visit School Website
• 31

  ArtCenter College of Design

  1700 Lida Street #2319, Pasadena, CA 91103

  With a tradition of learning to create and influence change; the Center impacts its community as well as global society. Its visionary methodology regarding art and design reflects the conservatory approach it embraces.

  • School Type : Private
  • Enrollment : 2,133
  • Visit School Website

Because of the wide selection of animation programs, degrees, and school choices, students are often confused about what to look for, what makes one school better than the next, what courses to take, etc. The school you choose should provide a broad overview of the field of animation, but also allow you to focus on those skills that will make you competitive in your chosen area of specialization. For each school you are considering, think about what you want to get out of the program, and if the school will help you reach your goals.

Start at the Top

To become a successful animator and work in the industry, you should earn a degree in graphic design, computer animation, media arts, or fine art. Although programs are available at the associate degree level, it is highly recommended to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. Most public universities have animation programs embedded in a liberal arts curriculum, while specialized institutes concentrate less on English, science, and the like, and more on hands-on instruction in animation. Likewise, there are online, community, and technical colleges that offer classes in animation, motion graphics, or character design for students who are not yet decided if they want a career in animation, or who will use the knowledge they learn as a stepping stone into a bachelor’s program. But, no matter how you choose to earn your degree, choose wisely. Some programs offer the world but deliver much less. Make certain too that the program is accreditated by the US Department of Education, or if attending a program outside the US, that all credits earned will transfer if you choose to go on and earn an advanced degree.

Public vs. Private

Some schools offer a degree in computer animation. Some schools offer an animation specialty within a graphic arts or motion graphics program; other schools offer a media arts degree, still others offer a multimedia design or fine arts degree. With all these choices, how can you be sure which programs or which schools – private or public – will offer you the best opportunities after graduation? Each of these degrees will provide the skills and training necessary to become an animator, but some programs will offer concentrations in one or two areas of animation, such as gaming, animation for websites, visual or special effects, and animation and motion graphics for film, video, or online. For example, a degree in fine arts will include structured courses in drawing, filmmaking, and the relativity of color, while a degree in graphic arts will include classes in web design, typography, and digital photography.

Top 50 Animation Colleges

Private colleges are the best choice for students seeking a highly-specialized learning environment. At a private school, the majority of students’ time will be spent in their major, with only a portion of their time spent in general education courses. This allows for a much more intense and focused education. Students attending a private college usually know what direction they are heading post-graduation, and which area they wish to specialize in. Private colleges typically have smaller campuses, class sizes, and student-to-faculty ratio, which can often mean closer ties to classmates and faculty. However, costs to attend a private school can be much higher than costs to attend a liberal arts college or take courses online. For the 2015-2016 school year, the average tuition for in-state students attending a public university was about $9,500. Students attending a public college out-of-state paid an average tuition of $24,000. One highly-rated online animation school charged $1,620 per term or $540 per month. Private school tuition, on the other hand, averaged about $33,000 per year.

Public colleges and universities are also an appealing option for many animation students. Most liberal arts colleges offer the same degrees as private art colleges, although the focus on general education curriculum is typically greater. Most liberal arts colleges, and those with animation programs embedded into their curriculum, offer an amazing education, engaging student communities, and superb preparation for the future; typically at a lower cost than at a private school.

Unlike most private schools, liberal arts colleges also offer financial aid, housing, healthcare, a food program, and many student organizations and clubs for students who wish to be actively involved. You will also receive a more well-rounded education at a liberal arts college, and they tend to better prepare students for graduate school upon graduation. Are you more interested in a well-rounded education, or more intense and focused curriculum? Do you like smaller class sizes, or do larger studio classes appeal to you? Does the school you are interested in attending offer concentrations or specialties in the area of animation and motion graphics? Do you know your career goals and which area of animation you are most interested in pursuing? If not, you may want to take a few classes first, or attend community college and earn your associate degree before you take the leap into a private or public school. However, if you have a passion for animation and are sure of your career path, a private school that is focused on your singular pursuit, is best.

Curriculum and Course Titles

Students pursuing a degree in animation or motion graphics learn the foundational and advanced principles behind animation. Coursework will typically be combined with a portfolio requirement, thesis, internship, or all three. Associate degree programs provide introductory classes and are typically geared toward transferring to a four-year program. But, just as degrees vary, so does curriculum and course titles. Even so, you can be assured to take classes in drawing, design theory, and principles of animation. You may also take modeling and rendering, art and animation history, and object and character creation coursework. You will take courses in computer and video game animation (especially if this is a specific area of focus), writing scripts and storyboards, motion graphics, character rigging, and 2D and 3D animation. You will learn computer software, like Adobe Creative Cloud, Flash, Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, Toonz, and more.

Most programs also place a strong emphasis on traditional areas of art, creative development, analytical thinking and experimental learning – pushing students to explore new areas in the ever-changing world of animation. Find out if the curriculum offers you the opportunity to take a range of courses that you can use in your career. Does the program offer student internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience and network with industry professionals? Are there areas of focus, such as 3D digital art, modeling, and digital texturing or character building? Will you also learn things outside of just ‘button pushing’ like storytelling, narrative, and multimedia?

Faculty

Although it may be true that attending an Ivy League university or private art school might look better on your resume, you can get a great education at a liberal arts college as well, and applying yourself to your studies and doing well is a lot more important than which college you attend. However, there are a few things to look for when researching colleges, especially since there is a great deal of competition in the world of animation, and choosing a highly-regarded school where a degree will provide you an advantage over other applicants is just plain smart.

The best animation schools have well-connected faculty that support students’ career goals, but also mentor and advise on all of the various career options in the field of animation. It’s also important to choose a school that employs instructors who have experience in the industry or have worked at companies like Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, or Blue Sky. And, although having a close relationship with your professors and faculty does not always mean you’ll be at the top of the class, students that do establish a student-professor bond typically perform better in school. That said, not all great animators make good teachers, so ask alumni, recent grads, and current students about their experiences and impressions of the faculty. Do the faculty teach in a way that allows you to learn, but also pushes you outside your comfort zone to experiment in new areas of animation and motion graphics? Are they hands-on or do they have a more lecture-based approach?

In addition to your professors, it is a good idea to review the quality of the animation curriculum in general. Does the program offer opportunities to learn and gain experience, or does it have a mediocre reputation? Look at graduation and freshman retention rates. If you plan to intend to graduate and go on to further your education, find out what percentage of graduates pursue an advanced degree in animation. Are the courses you most want to take available? Keep in mind that sometimes at larger universities it is difficult to fit into your schedule all the classes you need to graduate, which means that sometimes you may have to put off a 200-level course until your third year, or take a 300-level course in your second year. This is where your professors or academic advisors may be able to help, ensuring you take everything needed to graduate.

School Culture

You can only get the feel of a place if you take the time to visit the schools on your list. Sometimes, all you have to do is walk into a classroom or around the campus to know immediately whether or not you want to be there. If the campus is too big, you may feel you’ll get lost in the crowd, or if a classroom is jam-packed with students, you may wonder how you’d ever get a question answered. The opposite is true also. Maybe the campus is small and you’re not sure if there are enough activities to keep you engaged in college life. Or, there are only a dozen students in each of your classrooms, and although you’ll probably get one-on-one attention from the professor, maybe you’d rather be less conspicuous. Do you get the feeling that the staff and faculty care about your career goals and will advise you in a direction that will benefit you individually? Find out too, especially if you’re a social person, if there are opportunities to join clubs and organizations related to your area of study. Check out fraternities and sororities to see if they match your interests and principles. Do you want to join extracurricular athletics and activities, or do you think you would rather just devote your time to your studies? What are the dorms like? Feeling happy on campus is huge, and taking the time to walk around and ask other students about their experiences will give you a sense of whether or not you’ll feel connected.

Larger universities also offer extensive student resources, like housing and athletics, whereas private schools typically do not. Many big public colleges and universities have a large student population, which can be attractive to some students, but overwhelming to others. Smaller colleges usually offer fewer distractions (like dorm parties) than larger colleges, and often provide a more intimate setting where students get to know each other more easily. Smaller colleges and most private institutes also typically have a smaller student-to-professor ratio, which offers students more one-on-one time and personal attention. You don’t want to feel lost in the crowd and left out no matter where you choose to go to college.

Location

Along with everything else you need to consider, like academic reputation, faculty expertise, tuition cost, housing, transportation, etc., the location of the schools you are considering is also one of the most important aspects in choosing a college, university, or private school. Are you willing to move away from family and friends to receive the best possible education? Do you want to live in a big city or smaller community? Near the beach or in the cold tundra? Are you willing to pay out-of-state tuition? (Keep in mind that some state’s offer state-to-state reciprocity programs, which allow you to live in one state but attend school in another state without paying out-of-state tuition). Or, are you open to the increasingly popular distance and online learning opportunities?

Online Degree Options

There are a number of great animation programs offered online. Many offer a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in animation/motion graphics, as well as associate degrees and even master’s degrees in animation. Factors that you should consider if thinking about enrolling in an online program include availability of online resources, academic reputation, flexibility of course schedules, variety of courses, and courses relevant to animation careers. Make sure too that the online program(s) is accredited and that any credits you take will transfer if you decide to further your education and earn a degree.

Search through hundreds of schools that offer the Animation programs you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below:

Animators are everywhere….they create commercials, special effects, motion graphics, medical explanations, advertisement on the Internet, recreate crime scenes for forensics, the list goes on.

Whether you choose to pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or further your education and earning your master’s degree in animation; online or on-campus, the goal of any program is to prepare you for a career in the many areas of animation. Courses offer both foundational and upper-level skill development and knowledge, and provide a solid foundation for professional and personal development and educational growth. In class, students learn about art, computer technology and software, modeling, character development, 3D foundations, motion capture, visual effects, character rigging, various kinds of multimedia, design principles, CGI, and often, photography. And because technology is ever-changing, much of what you learn in school will be outdated in a few years, so staying up-to-date through continuing education is imperative in this field.

Curriculum and outcomes vary greatly from one program to the next, but graduates at all levels are expected to demonstrate the ability to creatively problem solve within the field of animation utilizing technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge. They should be able to communicate ideas using oral, written, and visual presentation skills relevant to the field; recognize the influence that cultural and aesthetic trends (historic and contemporary) have on the industry; evaluate work in the field of animation and motion graphics, including their own work; and demonstrate professional skills and abilities to compete in the marketplace, both nationally and internationally.

College will also give you the professional skills needed to succeed in the animation industry. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside other student designers and professors and learn skills you can only master by doing the work. You’ll learn how to work in a team environment and how to work under pressure. You’ll learn about timelines, budgets, and business practices. The skills you learn in college will help make you ready to enter the job market as a professional animator. And, since animation is a mixture of both art and science, you should have an artistic eye, but also enjoy breaking things down to see how they work. For instance, whereas someone standing in line at a theater may not notice the stranger in line ahead of them. But, a true animator will see the details of that individual, from their posture and clothing, to the way they speak.

The ability to land your dream job in the graphic design industry also relies greatly on your portfolio. Since portfolio class is typically a prerequisite to graduation, most students who attend college will have the opportunity to compile a great portfolio with the assistance of professors and peers. Some employers will choose one candidate over another simply by looking through their portfolios. A portfolio, which can be in print, online or in the form of a website, is a personal record of growth and progress and is used to showcase skills and knowledge within the field of animation. That’s why employers commonly use a portfolio to assess a candidate’s strengths and abilities; to see who they are and what they can do. And, that’s why it’s important to compile a professional-looking portfolio whether you attend college or not.

Search through hundreds of schools that offer the Animation programs you are looking for, simply select the program from the drop down below:

Helpful Resources

• Interview with Evan Smith, 3D Character Artist, Animator & Graphic Designer

  If you are interested in the field of animation or design, this article is for you. No one knows the behind-the-scenes secrets of an industry until they have been there, done that. The Art Career Project has tapped into the wisdom of a successful 3D Character Artist, An..

• Interview with Barbara Bernad, 3D Animator & Video Game Developer

  In the 21st century the field of animation covers a wide variety of career options. The field is unique; it is dynamic and ever-changing, making it a fluid vocation. It is also one that may require international travel. In this article you will learn: how to maximize yo..

• Beginner’s Guide to Animation Techniques

  Breathing life into fixed static images and objects through the process of animation is one of the most magical and entertaining of art forms. Here we explore a few basic forms of animation, including Traditional Animation, Stop-Motion Animation, and Digital Animation.

• 10 Critical Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid

  Scholarships can enable you to study at the college or university of your choice without having to take out numerous student loans. However, they are a very competitive source of funding as literally tens of millions of students apply for a variety of scholarships every..

• 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Art Career

  The life of an artist is often glamorized, while the real challenges of being an artist tend to be glossed over. Here we provide a few tips on how to deal with early challenges, like facing criticism, dealing with frustration, and meeting the right people.

For the average student, summer is a time for binging Netflix's latest original, mindlessly streaming music, and robotically conquering the latest video game, all while doodling on whatever blank space is nearest. But for some ambitious students, summer is an opportunity to learn to draw in an actual studio space, to create their own music or films, and even to design their own video games.

It's for these ambitious students that we found the 50 best pre-college summer arts programs for high school students. We scoured hundreds of programs organized by colleges and universities across the country, and narrowed it down to these. Our list includes a variety of program types, in a range of budget options. While some summer programs focus on a specific art form, others allow students to explore their creativity over a variety of mediums. Differences aside, each of the summer arts programs on our list practically guarantee a fun, creative, and art-filled summer!

3D Art Studio at Syracuse University

This two-week program is designed for sculpture artists in need of further direction and material as they complete their arts proram application portfolio. Students will spend mornings learning new techniques and practices, while afternoons are spent in the studio working on individual projects and receiving reviews and critiques from peers, teachers, and even professional artists. Especially unique is the opportunity that comes at the end of the program, at which point students will collaborate in curating a group exhibition in the Sarah A. Coyne Gallery of Art. Students interested in ultimately pursuing a BFA at the School of Art at Syracuse University will also receive one credit for completing the summer program.
Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Sculpture, 3D Art
How Much: $3,110 for residential students; $2,210 for commuting students
More Information

ACTING AND PERFORMANCE SUMMER INSTITUTE at UCLA

Each summer, UCLA hosts an intensive three-week performing arts program on its campus right in the heart of Los Angeles. Students serious about the theater will love all that this program has to offer. Working with various instructors and working actors, students will take classes in everything from performance training, to movement-based techniques, to handling the audition process. The program culminates in a final performance project.
Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Performing Arts
How Much: $5,798 (includes tuition and room & board; discount offered for students entering the UC system the following fall)
More Information

Architecture Program at Syracuse University

Living the life of a Syracuse architecture student can go a long way in helping one decide if the pursuit of an architecture degree is worth it. This popular four-week residential program is designed and structured to give artistic students a solid understanding of architecture and design, as well as the beginnings of an architecture program application portfolio. Each day, students will develop spatial and formal design skills, learn various drawing techniques, explore the newest industry software, and conduct hands-on model making. They'll even receive frequent critiques and reviews from actual Syracuse professors. Heads up! This program is one of Syracuse's most popular, and it fills up fast!
Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Architecture
How Much: $6,076 (includes tuition, room & board)
More Information

ArcStart at University of Michigan

Sponsored by the Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning at University of Michigan, ArcStart is a three-week pre-college summer arts program open to current 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Participating students receive a solid introduction to architectural design through a college architecture studio, skill-building workshops, and visits to architecturally significant buildings in and around Ann Arbor.
Where: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Architecture
How Much: $3,000 (includes tuition, housing, most meals, excursions, and studio supplies)
More Information

Art as Experience: Drawing and New Media Program at Cornell University

Students who love contemporary art, but don't necessarily want to focus on one particular medium, will love Cornell University's Art as Experience pre-college summer program. Students are guided and mentored by Cornell art instructors and have use of the campus's spacious studios and state-of-the-art digital equipment as they learn and practice a wide range of mediums that include collage, drawing, digital photography, screen printing, and video installation, to name a few. The program culminates with a group exhibition curated by the program students.
Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Art
How Much: $6,310 (includes tuition, social activities, and room & board)
More Information

BFA Preview at University of Michigan

This one-of-a-kind pre-college summer arts program, sponsored by the Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan, combines the direction and coursework of a traditional summer program with the freedom of a creative retreat. Participating students spend three weeks working in their own studio with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities — all while under the guidance of Stamps faculty. Excursions to University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit, and the Detroit Institute of Art allow students to find inspiration outside of the studio when needed.
Where: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Studio Art, Design
How Much: $3,500 (includes tuition, room & board, supplies, and field trips)
More Information

Boston College Summer Challenge: Creative Writing Seminar

High school students who love to write anything and everything, and who take their craft seriously, will love the Creative Writing Seminar offered by Boston College. Over the course of three intensive weeks, student writers will study a range of writing styles that includes creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry in an attempt to explore their own unique voices. Workshops will help students hone their techniques, while discussion groups will allow them to receive valuable feedback from their peers and instructors. At the end of the program, students will work together to edit a class literary journal and present their writing at a public reading.
Where: Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Creative Writing
How Much: $4,500 (residential), $2,500 (commuter)
More Information

Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University

The Clark Scholars program at Texas Tech University is an intensive seven-week summer research program. Open to high school juniors and seniors, the program allows students an opportunity for hands-on practical research with leading members of the Texas Tech faculty. This unique opportunity, which also includes weekly seminars and fields trips, also pays students a $750 tax-free stipend and provides room and board.
Where: Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas
How Long: Seven weeks
Specific Subjects: Advertising, Architecture, Art, Dance, Design, Horticulture, Theatre Arts
How Much: Scholars receive a $750 tax-free stipend
More Information

College Audition Preparation Workshop at Indiana University

Any musician can tell you that auditions are one of the most necessary — and intimidating — parts of a career in music. Luckily, entire pre-college summer programs exist on just this topic, one of the best being that at Indiana University. Over the course of one week, participants of the College Audition Preparation Workshop will undergo intense study with real audition panel members, and learn how to walk into an audition and blow any judge away. The program is particularly recommended for musicians and vocalists looking to apply to college music programs.
Where: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Music Composition, Voice, Various instruments
How Much: $1,360 (includes room & board). Early bird registrations receive $200 off tuition cost.
More Information

Columbia University Summer Immersion

Competitive students looking to pad their college applications while simultaneously exploring an interesting subject should look no further than Columbia University's Summer Immersion program. Students can choose from a variety of subject areas in which to spend their three weeks, while also participating in extracurricular activities, and exploring New York City. Students leave the program with evaluation letters from their instructors, as well as a statement of completion from Columbia.
Where: Columbia University, New York, New York
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Architecture, Art History, Creative Writing, Drawing, Filmmaking, Photography, Theater Arts, Visual Arts
How Much: $5,600 (commuter), $11,064 (residential)
More Information

Creative Writing Institute at Georgetown University

Over the course of a single week, students participating in Georgetown University's Creative Writing Institute will not only write (and write a lot!), but also learn about the publishing and professionalization aspects of the literary industry. They will explore various markets in which writers can sell and publish their work, learn about jobs available to writers, have their writing critiqued by Georgetown professors and professional writers, and even take in-depth tours of D.C.'s most famous literary hubs. Writing styles covered include poetry, fiction, personal prose, story structure and technique, separating good ideas, and recognizing great literature.
Where: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Creative Writing
How Much: $2,895 (includes tuition, room & board)
More Information

Creative Writing Institute at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis hosts an annual Creative Writing Institute in which high school-aged writers spend two weeks immersing themselves in everything that has to do with creative writing and the current publishing industry. Students spend each morning in writer's workshops discussing published work, editing, creating, and sharing their work with peers and instructors. Come afternoon, students are given challenging prompts and time to work independently. Topics covered include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Where: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Creative Writing
How Much: $3,885 (includes tuition, room & board)
More Information

Dance in the City at Barnard College

Barnard College's one-of-a-kind, dance-centered, pre-college summer arts program allows young high school women to learn about dance from four perspectives: as a student, as a dancer, as a choreographer, and as a member of the audience. In the classroom, students will take a course called The World of Dance: From Theory to Practice, while studio time will be spent honing technique with top New York City dance instructors. Lastly, students will attend professional performances to learn to better appreciate their art as a viewer.
Where: Barnard College, New York, New York
How Long: 10 days
Specific Subjects: Dance
How Much: $3,800 (includes tuition, and room & board)
More Information

Design Media Arts Summer Institute at UCLA

UCLA's Design Media Arts Summer Institute is a rigorous residential program hosted by one of the top design departments in the country. Uniquely, this program is multidisciplinary, giving students the opportunity to gain experience in everything from graphic design to game design. Students will be taught how to use the latest software and technologies by experienced UCLA professors, and by the end of the two-week program, will have an online portfolio that is sure to boost any college application.
Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Media Arts, Graphic Design, Web Design, Audio/Video/Gaming
How Much: $3,385 (includes tuition, room & board). Discounts are offered to students entering the UC system in Fall 2018.
More Information

Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute at UCLA

Where better to get a taste of life as a film student than UCLA? Located in the heart of Los Angeles, UCLA's Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the entire production process, from the first idea to the world premiere. Students will visit working Hollywood studios, take part in various hands-on workshops, work with state-of-the-art production and editing equipment, and hear from notable industry professionals. The program culminates in a film festival attended by professors, students, friends, and family.
Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Filmmaking
How Much: $4,225 (includes tuition, materials, room & board). Discounts offered to students entering the UC system in Fall 2018.
More Information

The Fashion Studio: Portfolio Development at Cornell University

This cool pre-college summer program, held at Cornell University in upstate New York, provides fashion-forward students with a rare opportunity to develop their design skills, learn the ins and outs of state-of-the-art fashion tools, catch up on the latest trends, and even build a design portfolio. The program consists of hands-on projects, lectures, discussions, and plenty of critiques.
Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Fashion Design
How Much: $6,310 (includes tuition, social activities, and room & board)
More Information

Game Lab Summer Institute at UCLA

In this one-of-a-kind pre-college summer technology program hosted by UCLA, technology and art are blended in order to show students a unique creative approach to game development and design. Over the course of two weeks, students will foster their creative sides while learning the technology necessary to create and design playable video and mobile games. Topics covered include the fundamentals of game design, building game worlds, creating game characters, and making playable games for mobile platforms.
Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Game Design
How Much: $2,361 (includes tuition, room & board). Discounts offered to students entering the UC system in Fall 2018.
More Information

Harvard University Pre-College Program

Imagine getting a taste of both college life and a subject you love at one of the best schools in the world: Harvard University. With Harvard's Pre-College [summer] Program, you can do just that. This two-week residential program offers students the chance to live on the Harvard campus, take daily classes on a wide variety of fascinating topics, and explore Boston with other bright and ambitious students from around the world. Examples of courses include Fiction Workshop: Writing Short Stories, The Power and Politics of Fairy Tales, Reading and Writing Poetry, and dozens more.
Where: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, English, Expository Writing
How Much: $4,500 (includes tuition and room & board)
More Information

High School Summer Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis's High School Summer Scholars Program is a prestigious program in which students have the opportunity to study a variety of courses right alongside real undergraduate students. During their chosen session (there are three, ranging from five to eight weeks in length), students live on campus in residence halls, participate in specialized seminars and a variety of social events, and are even made part of an academic support group. Course options are extensive, but arts-themed courses include Photojournalism, Curating the City, Introduction to Music, Principles of Writing, Improvisation, and many more.
Where: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
How Long: Five to eight weeks per session
Specific Subjects: Drama, Writing, Dance, Journalism, Photography, Music, and more
How Much: $8,085 (five weeks), $10,585 (eight weeks)
More Information

Colleges With Computer Animation Majors

Introduction to Architecture at Cornell University

Each summer, Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning hosts an intensive six-week course that introduces high school students to the world of architecture. Mornings are spent in lectures and workshops that explore such architectural concepts like space, form, function, and technology, while afternoons are set aside for practicing things learned, or taking field trips to various upstate New York sites. The program culminates in a final project.
Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Architecture
How Much: $12,825 (includes tuition, room & board, activities, and materials)
More Information

The July Experience at Davidson College

Davidson College, one of the top liberal arts schools in the country, offers high school students the opportunity to spend most of the month of July on the Davidson campus in order to experience life as a college student while padding their college application with courses from a school like Davidson. Arts-themed classes include 'The Universal Language of Music…or Not?', 'The American Short Story', and more.
Where: Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Music, Literature, and more
How Much: $4,000 (includes tuition and room & board)
More Information

Liberal Arts Intensive at Barnard College

Barnard College's one-week Liberal Arts Intensive gives young women in high school the opportunity to spend a week in New York City while also taking an interesting college-level course. Mornings are spent in classes such as 'Seeing Musical Theater as Literature', 'Fashion in Literature', and 'Place and the Personal Essay: Being in New York', while afternoons are spent exploring the city at baseball games, Broadway shows, walking tours, and more.
Where: Barnard College, New York, New York
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: The Arts, Fashion, Journalism, Literature, Writing
How Much: $2,700 (residential), $1,850 (Commuter)
More Information

National High School Institute at Northwestern University

Each summer, Northwestern University hosts the National High School Institute (NHSI), a five-week pre-college program that focuses on debate, speech, music, film, video, and theater arts. Students can choose to immerse themselves into one of those topics for an intensive summer of learning and growing as an artist. Examples of classes include Set Design, Acting on Camera, Screenwriting, Policy Debate, and more.
Where: Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
How Long: Varies
Specific Subjects: Film and Video, Music, Speech and Debate, Theater Arts
How Much: $1,400 to $7,600, depending upon choice and length of program
More Information

Parsons Summer Intensive Studies: New York

Arts-minded high school students might recognize Parsons as one of the foremost names in the art school world. In this unique summer program, students spend four weeks at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City taking intensive courses, participating in special events, and attending guest lectures from people successful in the world of art. For those so inclined, Parsons operates a similar program in Paris.
Where: Parsons The New School for Design, New York, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Architecture, Design, Studio Art, Photography, Illustration, Game Design, and more
How Much: $3,064 (includes tuition only)
More Information

Pre-College Art Experience at Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University, a top art and design school located in San Francisco, offers artistic high school students a Pre-College Art Experience every summer. Not only does the program introduce students to life at a real school of the arts, it also makes for the perfect opportunity to build a solid portfolio under the guidance of industry professionals. Classes can be done online or at the Academy's campus in San Francisco, and the extensive list of program choices includes acting, advertising, art history, interior design, graphic design, game development, and much, much more.
Where: Online or at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
How Long: Four or six weeks
Specific Subjects: More than 22 art-related subjects
How Much: Varies
More Information

Pre-College Experience at Emory University

For those wishing to obtain a little taste of the college experience, there may be no better choice of summer program than the one offered by Emory University. One of the best thing about Emory's program is the number of choices. Program length, credit or no credit, specific subjects — you can choose all of it. For example, students looking for a pre-college summer arts program have such class options as Dramatic Writing for the Screen and Stage, Media and Politics, Psychology and Fiction, and Writing Workshop, to name but a few.
Where: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
How Long: Two, four, or six weeks
Specific Subjects: Journalism, Writing
How Much: $2,861—$7,825, depending upon length of course and need for housing
More Information

RISD Pre-College Program

Rhode Island School of Design bills its pre-college summer arts program as 'six weeks that will stay with you for the rest of your life.' This award-winning program is indeed top notch. Students live on campus in dormitories, and spend their days attending intensive classes, gaining valuable insights from faculty and industry professionals, and of course, building their portfolio with plenty of studio time. At the end of the program, students share their work at the Pre-College Exhibitions.
Where: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: 21 different art disciplines
How Much: $8,385 (residential), $5,625 (commuter)
More Information

San Francisco Art Institute PreCollege

This competitive program, which takes place each summer in the heart of San Francisco, offers artistic upperclassmen the opportunity to experience life at a top-notch California arts school. Students choose between an extensive list of disciplines, then spend five weeks learning from industry professionals, creating a portfolio, and exhibiting their work at galleries and studios.
Where: San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, California
How Long: Five weeks
Specific Subjects: 15 art disciplines
How Much: $3,000 (commuters), $4,850 (residential)
More Information

SCAD Rising Star

Savannah College of Art and Design is already a top school for those arts-inclined students, so it should come as no surprise that they host one of the most sought-after pre-college summer arts programs as well. SCAD Rising Star is an intensive five-week program during which students enroll in two college-level classes while simultaneously building their personal portfolios. The program includes courses in a variety of disciplines, and students have the option of participating online, or in Savannah, Atlanta, or even Hong Kong.
Where: Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; or Hong Kong
How Long: Five weeks
Specific Subjects: Computer Art, Creative Writing, Studio Arts, Design, Textiles, Filmmaking, Printmaking, and much, much more
How Much: $6,000 (includes tuition, room & board); $4,400 (eLearning program)
More Information

Shakespeare On Stage at Cornell University

Shakespeare on Stage is a unique pre-college summer arts program that aims to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of The Bard from the perspective of the theater. Students will immerse themselves in Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, and other Shakespeare classics with the goal of analyzing the transformation from script to stage. As part of this immersion, students are exposed to various approaches to these plays, research Shakespeare's abilities to express human emotions, and participate in myriad discussions on various fascinating Shakespeare-themed topics.
Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Performing Arts
How Much: $6,310 (includes tuition, social activities, and room & board)
More Information

Stanford Summer Session

Stanford University, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, invites high school students to choose from more than 140 courses during its summer quarter. This opportunity, called the Stanford Summer Session, is an intensive and selective eight-week program meant to provide high-achieving students with a realistic taste of college at a top university. Not only do participants take the same courses as Stanford undergrads, they are able to learn from actual Stanford professors, and are even matriculated as Stanford students. What an opportunity!
Where: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
How Long: Eight weeks
Specific Subjects: Drawing, Photography, Dance, Creative Writing, Film Studies, and more
How Much: Ranges from $14,426 to $17,054 depending upon chosen program (includes tuition for eight units, room & board, and all fees)
More Information

[email protected]

The [email protected] pre-college summer program is a unique opportunity for students to experience life on an Ivy League campus while immersing themselves in subjects they love — all without the stress of grades and credits. Students participating in the program will live on campus, take part in a full calendar of campus events and activities, and choose from more than 200 non-credit courses. Examples of arts-themed courses available include 'Creative Disobedience: Spoken Protest as Public Art,' 'Ancient Greek Theater Production,' 'World Literature,' 'Writing Flash Fiction,' and much more.
Where: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
How Long:One to four weeks
Specific Subjects:Creative & Performing Arts, Creative Writing, English & World Literature, Music, Studio Art & Art History, Writing
How Much:$2,709 to $6,764 per course, depending upon length of courses and housing needs
More Information

Summer Art Intensive at NYU

By participating in the Summer Arts Intensive at NYU, students undergo an entire arts experience in just four weeks. Students have access to NYU's state-of-the-art facilities as they gain firsthand knowledge of printmaking, laser engraving, 3D printing, sculpting, painting, and much more. When they're not in class, students will make field trips to such classic institutions as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art, among others. The program culminates with the opportunity for students to mount their own exhibition at a gallery in the East Village.
Where: New York University, New York, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Digital & Video, Sculpture, Visual Arts
How Much:$5,900 (includes tuition, activities, and room & board)
More Information

Summer Art Intensive at The Cooper Union

High school students ultimately planning to apply to an undergraduate program at a top art school will likely find The Cooper Union's Summer Art Intensive a worthwhile way to spend a summer. Student artists participating in the program choose a studio concentration in which to spend two days per week. The remaining time is spent preparing a portfolio, visiting major NYC museums, and taking part in discussions with guest artists in residence and industry professionals. The program culminates in a take-home portfolio of work, a student exhibition, and a summer anthology publication.
Where: The Cooper Union, New York, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Animation, Creative Writing, Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Stop Animation, and more
How Much: $2,700 (includes tuition, materials, travel, museum fees)
More Information

SUMMER ART INSTITUTE AT UCLA

The Summer Art Institute at UCLA is designed for talented and highly motivated students of the arts to immerse themselves in their work for two weeks. In addition to plenty of focused studio time, each day consists of a field trip, artist lecture, or faculty critique. The program culminates in a final critique by UCLA arts professors, and an exhibition of student projects at the UCLA New Wight Gallery. Students can choose between programs in drawing, painting, photography, or sculpture.
Where: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Drawing, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture
How Much: $1,990 to $3,575, depending upon program and need for housing. Discounts offered to students entering the UC system in Fall 2018.
More Information

Summer Arts Camp at Interlochen Center for the Arts

While most pre-college summer arts programs on our list are located on college campuses, the High School Summer Arts Program at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan is different. Located on 1,200 acres of forest in northern Michigan, this unique program is part of a full-fledged arts school. Students can choose from a variety of program subjects and lengths, including music, theater, dance, and writing, among other things. The unique environment makes this feel more like a summer camp than an academic program, which we suspect might be good news for some.
Where: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan
How Long: One to six weeks
Specific Subjects: Creative Writing, Dance, General Arts, Motion Picture Arts, Music, Theater Arts, Visual Arts
How Much: Varies from program to program
More Information

Best Universities For Animation

Summer Arts Institute at Stanford University

Stanford University may be located in the midst of the tech capital of the world, but it is dedicated to fostering the arts. As part of this endeavor, they built three new arts buildings and initiated the Summer Arts Institute, an intensive three-week residential program that draws students from around the world. Participants choose from a list of exciting courses and then are mentored by expert faculty and staff. Courses include 'Refining Your Photographic Eye,' 'Why Music Matters,' and 'Product Design,' to name just a few.
Where: Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Music, Visual Design, Art, Architecture, Photography, and more
How Much: $6,200 (includes tuition, room & board, and all course materials)
More Information

Summer Ballet Intensive at Indiana University

Ballet dancers will leap for this pre-college summer ballet program at Indiana University. Not only will participating ballet students experience life on a college campus, but they'll also receive individual instruction over the course of an intensive week. Three sessions are available, each of which is devoted to ballet technique and choreography. Students are also invited to talks and discussions on things like music appreciation for ballet given by Jacobs School of Music faculty members. Each session ends with an information presentation to friends and family.
Where: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Dance (Ballet)
How Much: $725 per one-week session; $432 per week for housing
More Information

Summer in the City at Barnard College

Barnard College, a women's liberal arts school, gives female high school students the unique opportunity to spend four weeks taking college-level courses while experiencing what it's like to live in as vibrant and active a place as New York City. Students choose two four-day-a-week classes from a long list of options that include 'Living the Storied Literature of New York,' 'Rewriting Our Lives With the Lyric Essay,' 'New York in Art and Film,' 'Acting: Process and Performance,' and much more.
Where: Barnard College, New York, New York
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Acting, Architecture, Art History, Filmmaking, Journalism, Literature, Studio Art, Theater, Writing
How Much: $7,900 (residential), $4,700 (Commuter)
More Information

Summer Music Programs at Oberlin

Oberlin College and Conservatory is considered one of the best music programs in the country, so it's no wonder they host one of the most sought-after pre-college summer arts programs. Talented high school students who specialize in music or voice can choose from a variety of one- to two-week institutes to hone their technique and performance skills, work with accomplished instructors, practice audition techniques, and receive valuable critiques from leading industry pros.
Where: Oberlin College and Conservatory, Oberlin, Ohio
How Long: One to two weeks
Specific Subjects: Performing Arts, Sonic Arts, Vocal, Various instruments
How Much: Varies
More Information

Summer Pre-College Art Program at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon offers a top-ranked summer academy that motivates emerging artists and helps to prepare them to pursue a college degree in the arts. The program is specifically designed for those students who are coming from underrepresented backgrounds, most notably ethnic minority students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and first-generation college students. All program students take classes (which includes instruction, work sessions, critiques, and demonstrations) on drawing, sculpture, animation, and concept studio, while six-week students can then choose sessions on painting, digital photography, printmaking, or concept studio.
Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How Long: Three or six weeks
Specific Subjects: Drawing, Sculpture, Animation, Concept studio art
How Much: No tuition, though students are responsible for their books and supplies, and spend an average of $300 on personal and recreational activities
More Information

Summer Scholars Program at University of Notre Dame

Those looking to experience life at a prestigious university like Notre Dame can look no further than the Summer Scholars Program. Scholars choose from a lengthy list of interesting programs of study, then enjoy two intense weeks of coursework — though plenty of free time is also included so as to experience life on a college campus. Some examples of programs from which participants can choose include 'The Art of Being a Filmmaker,' 'Photography: Seeing Creatively,' 'Acting,' and so much more.
Where: University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana
How Long: Two weeks
Specific Subjects: Film, Photography, Performing Arts
How Much: $3,500 (includes tuition and housing). The photography program also requires a lab fee of $125.
More Information

Summer Studio at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Rising 11th and 12th graders participating in the Summer Studio at MassArt will experience first-hand what it's like to attend a rigorous art school. Over the course of four weeks, summer students will take three foundation courses and an elective meant to help them develop their work. A number of special events are held throughout the course of the program, including a culminating closing exhibition of student work. Students may choose to earn credit for their summer work, or complete the program without credit.
Where: MassArt (Massachusetts College of Art and Design), Boston, Massachusetts
How Long: Four weeks
Specific Subjects: Various
How Much: $3,000 (tuition only); $5,610 (includes non-credit tuition and room & board); $6,150 (includes for-credit tuition and room & board)
More Information

Summer Writing Program at Tufts University

Designed for students who may already consider themselves writers, the Tufts Summer Writing Program is an intensive six-week program meant to help students build their critical thinking skills, navigate the relationship between reader and writer, and develop critical literary skills that are key to be successful at writing. Students receive a regular evaluation from professors, and activities include free-writing exercises, learning to revise, and three papers that build on a specific theme.
Where: Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Writing
How Much: $2,900 (tuition only)
More Information

Transmedia: Image, Sound, Motion Program at Cornell

This unique program focuses on Transmedia, a newer art discipline that combines time-based and digital art forms like art video, computer art, cinema, and art photography. Students spend the first of three weeks focusing on macro photography (even building their own macro lenses!), then spend weeks two and three recording a short series of videos based on a given topic.
Where: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Digital Art
How Much: $6,310 (includes tuition, social activities, and room & board)
More Information

UChicago Immersion

The University of Chicago has been called one of the top ten universities in the world, so you can be sure their pre-college summer programs are some of the best available. In UChicago Immersion, students dive into life on the Chicago campus. They take an undergraduate level course, receive personalized attention from faculty members, and participate in labs and other hands-on activities. Arts-themed course options include 'Collegiate Writing: Awakening Into Consciousness' and 'Creative Writing: Fiction.'
Where: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
How Long: Three weeks per session
Specific Subjects: College Writing, Creative Writing
How Much: $6,500 (includes tuition for one course, room & board, Student Life Fee)
More Information

USC Summer Programs

Every summer, the top-ranked University of Southern California hosts high school students on its campus as part of its summer college immersion program. Students can choose to experience life as a college student in either the four-week credit-earning or the two-week non-credit program. Arts-themed courses include 'Exploration of Architecture,' 'Guitar Seminar,' 'Creative Writing Workshop,' 'Comedy Performance,' and much more.
Where: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
How Long: Two weeks or four weeks
Specific Subjects: Writing, Theater, Performing Arts, Architecture, and more
How Much: $3,270 – $8,534, depending upon program length and housing need
More Information

Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Gifted and high-achieving students (generally those who typically score at the 95th percentile and above) are invited to participate in Vanderbilt University's prestigious Summer Academy. This unique experience allows students to get a taste of real college life by living on campus, taking accelerated courses with Vanderbilt professors, attending social activities, and of course, completing college-level homework assignments. Arts-themed courses include 'Digital Storytelling,' 'Writing Fantasy Fiction,' 'Math & Music,' 'Writing Short Stories,' and more.
Where: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
How Long: Three weeks
Specific Subjects: Varies
How Much: $2,750 — $3,625, depending on grade (includes tuition, room & board, activities, and materials)
More Information

Writing Program at Syracuse University

Writing is an important part of college success, and students wishing to brush up on their writing and communication skills can do so via Syracuse University's pre-college summer writing program. During this six-week program, students enroll in two classes, one of which is WRT 104: Introduction to College Level Writing. Over the course of the class, students will be introduced to various types of college writing, learn to analyze and reflect as a means of developing a range of writing skills, and have their writing critiqued by actual Syracuse professors.
Where: Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
How Long: Six weeks
Specific Subjects: Writing
How Much: $9,455 for residential students; $6,839 for commuting students
More Information

Young Shakespeare Camps at the College of William and Mary

Can one truly understand theater without a basic knowledge of The Bard? Each summer, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival hosts week-long camps for high school students on the campus of The College of William & Mary. Participants learn such exciting and useful skills as the choreography of stage combat, the basics of period costuming, and the meaning of Shakespeare's unique language. At the end of the camp, students perform an abridged version of a Shakespeare comedy.
Where: The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
How Long: One week
Specific Subjects: Theater
How Much: $275 per week (does not include housing or transportation)
More Information