Film and Animation Master of Fine Arts Degree
Graduates of RIT’s Film and Animation MFA program work as educators, filmmakers, storytellers, and artists at some of the top animation studios in the world.
#7
Among Schools Offering An Animation MFA
#25
Best Film Schools in the U.S.
#29
Top Film Schools in the U.S.
Overview for Film and Animation MFA
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Master industry-ready skills in 2D, 3D, and Stop-Motion animation
Full access to 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and a dedicated graduate lab equipped with industry-level software
Gain hands-on teaching experience as a Graduate Assistant or collaborate on high-level creative projects through MAGIC Spell Studios
Acquire a competitive edge with a semester in LA, where you’ll connect with industry leaders and accomplished alumni
The Film and Animation MFA is supported by highly specialized faculty. The program is offered through the College of Art and Design and is closely connected to MAGIC Spell Studios, which houses state-of-the-art facilities and a full production studio for you to gain hands-on experience.
RIT's Film and Animation Master’s Degree
The MFA in film and animation has two options to choose from:
- 2D/Stop-Motion Animation: Concentrate on both traditional or digital animation as well as stop-motion animation. Courses focus on teaching the fundamentals of animation, 2D mechanics, all aspects of pre-production, and stop-motion fabrication techniques.
- 3D Animation: Learn all aspects of the 3D animation pipeline. Courses focus on 3D animation, modeling, lighting, texturing, and rendering. You may also explore working in VR or with virtual production techniques.
No matter which option you choose, you will gain comprehensive training across the entire animation pipeline with two years of coursework and a third year focused on creating a thesis film. Each year, students produce and screen a completed animated film, helping you build real-world experience and a strong portfolio.
Electives: Choose from a wide range of electives including Experimental Animation, Advanced Sound Design, 3D Modeling Mastery, Virtual Production, Particles and Dynamics, Alternative Frame by Frame, Screenwriting, Art History, and more to customize your journey and build your professional toolset.
Thesis: In your third year, students will bring their creative vision to life with a thesis film and detailed paper reflecting on your process. Supported by advisors and a thesis committee, you will showcase your work with a public screening in Wegman’s Theater, concluding with an artist statement and defense.
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Join us for Fall 2026
Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Character Animator | 3D Technical Artist | Screenwriter |
| Fabricator | 3D Modeler | Production Manager |
| Character Designer | Effects Animator | Editor |
| Storyboard Artist | Sound Mixer or Editor | Educator |
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Co-op in the College of Art and Design provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in film and animation.
Creative Industry Days
Connect with Design Industry Leaders
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Days, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. Creative Industry Days are a series of events that allow you to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and full-time employment positions.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Turning life experiences into festival-worthy films
Louisa Duchin '26 has been a nurse, clown, psychic, librarian, comic, and worked in theater. To her, none compare to being a filmmaker.
Read More about Turning life experiences into festival-worthy films -
RIT project increases representation in animated films
The Character Mosaic Project, led by School of Film and Animation faculty and students, is providing animators more pathways for creative storytelling by developing a library of free characters rigs....
Read More about RIT project increases representation in animated films -
The Snowman
Diane Catsburrow Linnet The snowman's head came out too small. Time to fix it.
Read More about The Snowman -
Emmy Award-nominated series
Amy Adrion, Meghdad Asadilari, Don Casper Assistant Professor Amy Adrion, with the help of RIT students, alumni and faculty, has directed and produced many episodes of Storyline Online. The series was nominated for a Children’s and Family...
Read More about Emmy Award-nominated series -
Launching an educational series
Chelsea DeMott Wildey Film and animation MFA student Chelsea DeMott Wildey led an animation team in the creation of the series ScienceLore through the MAGIC Maker Program.
Read More about Launching an educational series -
Student films a hit at festivals
2D-animated works by Diane Lee '24 are making waves on the film festival circuit around the world.
Read More about Student films a hit at festivals
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Film and Animation MFA
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall | February 1 priority deadline, rolling thereafter | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Film and Animation MFA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Submit a portfolio. View portfolio requirements.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 130
IELTS: 6.5
LanguageCert Academic: 74
PTE Academic: 60
TOEFL: 88/4.5
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Related News
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July 23, 2026
‘The Hollywood Reporter’ names RIT as one of the top film schools in the nation
Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Film and Animation is among the top 25 film schools in the United States, according to the most recent list published by The Hollywood Reporter. RIT was ranked number 21 this year, marking a continued rise in rank from previous years.
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May 5, 2026
From nursing to clown school, student turns life experiences into award-winning films
Louisa Duchin '26 MFA (film and animation) has been a licensed practical nurse, worked in theater production management, and tried her hand at being a psychic, librarian, clown, and standup comic. But to her, nothing compares to being a filmmaker, a title she is using to blend her life experiences into stories that have been recognized at film festivals around the country.
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April 24, 2026
‘Variety’ recognizes RIT as one of the top innovative film schools in the country
RIT’s School of Film and Animation has been continuously recognized as being among the best film and animation schools in the country. The latest recognition comes from Variety magazine’s 2026 Education Impact Report.
