»Welcome to Animation and Visual Effects

Named one of FIVE PROGRAMS TO WATCH! by The Hollywood Reporter (2025)

A vibrant and vital part of Dodge College, Animation and Visual Effects (AVE) offers one-on-one mentorship with animation legends and unparalleled access to industry expertise and opportunity in three areas of major study: 2D animation, 3D animation and visual effects. Animation students collaborate with film students on virtual production workshops utilizing our LED wall and motion capture systems; supervise VFX on live-action projects; and work with screenwriters, voice actors and producers to direct their own animation projects.

2025 Showcases

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Animation Greats Inspiring our Students in Spring 2026

Dana Terrace

Dana Terrace is an Emmy-nominated animator, writer, and director best known for creating the Disney Channel series The Owl House. A CalArts graduate, she previously worked on Gravity Falls and the DuckTales reboot, earning acclaim for imaginative storytelling, inclusive characters, and distinctive, expressive animation style.

John Musker

Two-time Academy Award nominee John Musker is an animator, writer, and director best known for co-directing Disney animated classics including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Moana, and The Princess and the Frog. A key figure in the Disney Renaissance, he is celebrated for his dynamic storytelling and memorable characters.

Lauren Faust

Emmy winner Lauren Faust is an animator, writer, and producer known for developing My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Her other cresits include The Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, earning acclaim for character-driven storytelling, humor, and championing strong, nuanced female protagonists in animation.

At Dodge, animation and VFX students work with...

Gobelins Summer Travel Program

Beginning in 2024, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts entered a partnership with Gobelins, the world-renowned visual arts institution in Paris consistently ranked as the #1 animation school in the world. Gobelins alumni work at leading studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Illumination, and its student films regularly earn top international honors. Each summer, Dodge College sends students to the heart of Paris for a two-and-a-half-week immersive program at Gobelins, expanding their artistic perspective and global understanding of animation. We are deeply grateful to Gobelins for welcoming our students into their vibrant creative community for this truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Read more about Gobelins.

Internships

We’re located between Orange County’s dynamic gaming industry and Hollywood’s vibrant creative community. Between the two of them and with the help of our excellent Career Center, incredible internship opportunities can be found at Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Pixar and beyond.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Animation and effects are everywhere. That’s why we offer opportunities to take your studies around the world with our travel programs. Check out Dodge Study Abroad Opportunities to find out how you can expand your passion for animation abroad and visit our Center for Global Educationfor even more options to take your education worldwide.

Admission and Tours

All applicants are required to submit the Common Application and a Creative Supplement. Visit our How to Apply to Dodge College page to learn more. While you consider Chapman, we hope you’ll come visit Dodge College in person. Our 45-minute tours are given by current students and cover all academic programs, give an inside look at our facilities and provide opportunities to ask questions.

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