Grand Valley named among top 20 in Midwest for animation programs

Animation Career Review listed Grand Valley State University on the Top 20 list of Best Animation Programs in the Midwest.

The rankings take into account university-wide reviews by major surveyors, like U.S. News Best Colleges and The Princeton Review, and additional criteria including curriculum, faculty, internship possibilities, location (as it pertains to industry hubs), campus life, accolades, tuition and more. Of the three Michigan universities listed, Grand Valley ranked number 16, ahead of Ferris State University at 17, and University of Michigan at 19.

The report cited Grand Valley’s program for combining “liberal arts with professional studies for those seeking a well-rounded education that prepares them for the life of a versatile animator…Courses in 3D animation, digital post production, scriptwriting and post production are just a few that seek to develop film makers rather than button-pushers. History, theory and criticism are an important component of the curriculum along with student films… The prominence of the department at the university encourages students of all majors to cross-pollinate and provides a healthy integration not often found elsewhere.”