200,000+
Alumni from our Global Campuses
Hone Your Craft with a BA in Animation
An animator is both a storyteller and an artist. Learn to exercise your skills to make images move on the screen — and in the hearts and minds of your audience.
Webster's Animation degree gives you a strong foundation in the techniques of hand-drawn and computer animation, the technology that powers today's cutting-edge animated content and the theoretical knowledge that will grow your artistic perspective. Our students synthesize theory and practice to create vibrant animated content with a global viewpoint. You will gain insight and mentorship from our practitioner faculty.
Our Animation major prepares you for a career in independent and commercial animation. You will develop a broad range of expertise in animation arts, including 2D and 3D character animation, game art, comics, concept art and character design.
“It’s a thrill to win awards for animation, experimentation and humor in a competition that yearly draws thousands of entries and in the past included Academy Award-winning filmmakers.”
Michael Long, Assistant Professor, Animation
(pictured left is a still shot from Long's animated short film)
Awards Announcement for "Gorilla Tactics"
Animation Student Reel
Transcript
[Electric pop music plays.]
[Cartoon image of a deer and a person standing in the clearing near a wooded area. Deer jumps and runs into the woods.]
[A cartoon gondola is shown with two cartoon creatures sitting in it and one steering with a pole as they pass lollipop candy trees, gum drops and candy cane sticks along the shoreline.]
[A furry cartoon creature is shown falling and rolling in space with a stripe underneath the feet and then it crashes.]
[A cartoon creature mouse walks by a park past a bench, lamp post and trees. The mouse is pulling a wagon with a duck in it.]
[A cartoon face of a person is shown with kaleidoscope rolling eyes and then it switches to an asteroid or a moon image that is swallowed by some gooey liquid that then turns into a red eyeball.]
[A cartoon umpire person is shown sleeping on a park bench with a light pole and waste can nearby. A shoe comes out of nowhere and goes into the trash can and the umpire sits up and signals a touchdown with both hands in the air and whistle blowing in mouth.]
[A screen full of cartoon clouds appears. A person floats into the picture sitting on a ladybug cartoon image. A furry cartoon creature is shown spinning and rolling in space with a moon or asteroid under it and then lightning flashes everywhere.]
[A cartoon mouse is shown looking at a large bin of iced cream on a truck being driven by a cartoon person. Then iced cream start to tip out.]
[A cartoon person is shown with hair over their face and lighting flashing all around. A cartoon mouse runs by.]
[Various glasses are shown being filled up with liquid. Mouse stands still.]
[Cartoon person runs with hands in air. Anther cartoon person is shown in a puffy jacket with hands raised, then is flying in a circle toward the ground which is far away where something little stands. A different cartoon person is shown holding a fist up.]
[The deer is shown eating and then looking up in the clearing by the woods. Then the cartoon person in the puffy jacket lands on top of the deer and they both splat out flat on the ground.]
Webster University logo appears.
BA Degree Highly Ranked
Webster University’s bachelor’s degree in Animation was ranked 21 in the Midwest and 2 in Missouri in 2024 by the Animation Career Review, an online resource dedicated to providing aspiring animation students with information on the best schools in the field. Webster’s Animation program is also one of only 18 schools in the nation to become a Toon Boom Center of Excellence.
“There is such a strong community amongst all of the animators (at Webster). Instead of a competitive and judgmental environment, everyone is supportive and encouraging.”
Hannah Harms
BA in Animation, ’22
Animation Reel: Rainy Day, Villain, Pixilation, Heavy Steps
Hannah Harms Animation Reel
Transcript
[Beepbop music plays with some singing.]
[Graphic design images of a person with hair over the face and a worm wiggling around appear. The person sings and then talks to audience.
Words from song sung: Your death is unfortunate, but necessary to save the world. You do see that, don’t you?
The back of a person is shown sitting at a desk with monitor and keyboard and windows and lights glowing. An image of a person eating pieces of candy, then an orange, then a playing card, more candy, then a purple jar, then another orange being eaten are shown. All these things are then turned into little squares that are transparent in video and slide down the throat and start sitting and stacking up in the chest cavity. Then a choking signal around the neck is shown and then the image disappears.]
[Wind sounds are heard.]
[A person in a big coat and hood appears to be walking across a snowy, cold wasteland. Then the person falls to the ground behind the snowbanks and drifts.]
Utilize Leading Industry Software and Equipment
The School of Communications complex houses a state-of-the-art media production and education facility that meets industry standards and includes unique, first-in-the-region technologies and capabilities. Studio facilities include an audio and video production and recording suite, soundstage, workshop space, photography studio, gallery, animation, game design and video post-production labs, as well as flexible teaching spaces.
In addition, Webster University has been designated a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence school. Toon Boom Animation is a leading animation and storyboarding software used by many prominent studios — including Disney and DreamWorks — for developing animation and new content.
Personalize Your Learning Experience
Develop Your Portfolio
Over the course of your Animation major studies, you will make and distribute your own animations, develop an individual style and voice, work in a welcoming and creative studio environment and graduate with a comprehensive portfolio of independent artistic work.
Details of Webster's Animation Programs
Since 2007, the Kinematifest film festival has been a student initiative created for and by Webster University students. Our mission is to inspire Webster University students to grow as artists through motion pictures, to draw attention to rising filmmakers and animators, to give students a chance to present their work and to encourage dialogue with the community.
Kinematifest is a festival designed to promote student work. We want to allow students and the greater community to enjoy art in an all-encompassing virtual event. With independent films and animation, professional speakers and local companies, we will provide a day full of exploration and entertainment in the world of film. The three core outcomes of the festival are competitive success, inspiring creativity and creating a strong community network.
Webster graduates work in the animation, video games and comics industries with companies, such as Disney, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Digital Domain, Industrial Light and Magic, Riot Games, Image Comics, Motion Picture Company, Insomniac Games, IDW, Double Negative, Titmouse, Bento Box Entertainment, Dark Horse, Stoopid Buddy, Oni and Joe Murray Studio.
Webster alumni have worked on films, television, video games and animations, such as "Frozen," "The Avengers," "Raya and the Last Dragon," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "Moana," "Doctor Strange," "Zootopia," "Game of Thrones," "Dune," "Hotel Transylvania," "The Wolverine," "Godzilla: King of the Monsters," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "How to Train Your Dragon," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Kung Fu Panda 3," "King Kong," "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," "The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," "Pacific Rim," "Apollo 13," "Beowulf" and all three installments of "The Lord of the Rings."
Past visiting animation artists and historians include Floyd Norman, Rich Moore, Byron Howard, Bill Plympton, Emily Hubley, Faith Hubley, Brad Schiff, John Canemaker, Jerry Beck, Will Vinton, Ray Harryhausen, Kathy Rose, Deanna Morse, Ari Grabb, Chuck Jones, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.
Webster University provides access to industry-level software and hardware, including cintiq workstations and motion-capture technology.
“I enjoyed how relatable and knowledgeable all [Webster] students and faculty are. I also liked the easy access to programs and lab facilities.”
Jeffrey Pope
BA in Animation, '20
Senior Project: Ninja Strike Force (Transcript coming soon)BA in Animation
Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more.
Animation Degree Student Spotlight
Transcript
In progress.
What Can You Do with a Bachelor's in Animation?
Salaries for BA in Animation Graduates
Jobs related to animation and special effects are expected to grow 8% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the positive job outlook, you can also earn a high salary. The BLS reports the median salary for animators is nearly $100,000.
Other Degrees Related to the Animation Major
Get Started on Your Bachelor's Degree in Animation
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Contact the Office of Admissions
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.