Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a public research university in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with education and production capabilities spanning animation, visual effects and digital media. Founded in 1911, the institution serves more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students across eight undergraduate academic colleges and the College of Graduate Studies. Its animation activities sit within the Department of Media Arts in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.

Animation education

The animation degree program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Students can pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts tracks in Animation, an Animation Minor, and graduate study through the Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television. The university also offers a Motion Design concentration within its Bachelor of Science in Video and Film Production.

Instruction covers 2D and 3D character animation, modeling, rigging, texturing, digital visual effects, motion graphics and Unreal Engine virtual production. The curriculum combines technical production skills with digital storytelling and collaborative filmmaking. A three-semester capstone sequence gives students experience directing and producing animated short films, while internships and portfolio preparation support their transition into professional work.

Applied production

MT IMAGINE Animation Studio is the university's in-house commercial animation and media production unit. Operating within the Department of Media Arts, it connects academic training with client projects through paid, project-based internships for students and recent graduates. Its work includes animated media, visual effects, broadcast graphics and extended reality content for university productions, community organizations and external commercial clients.

The wider animation program prepares graduates for work across film, television, games and interactive entertainment. Alumni have moved into studios including Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks, DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Digital Domain, Titmouse and Pixomondo. Student filmmaking and professional production experience form complementary parts of the university's approach to animation education.