ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Where Disney Tradition Meets the Future of Animation
At Hollywood Animation Academy, we offer the most advanced, affordable and future-ready animation training in the country. Our cutting-edge curriculum blends the timeless principles of Disney-style 2D animation with today’s most powerful 3D and real-time production tools—like Unreal Engine, Maya, and Toon Boom. Students don’t just learn—they create studio-quality films, game-ready cinematics, and industry-ready portfolios under the guidance of working pros from Disney, DreamWorks, and beyond. Whether you're focused on feature animation, video games, or virtual production, HAA is where the next generation of animation artists launch their careers—with skills that studios are hiring for right now.
Studios in the animation industry do not value degrees; you must prove your skills through your portfolio. This is where most colleges fail their students, as they cannot prepare them for professional levels and lack insight into what studios are looking for. We know from experience that studios hire individuals who fit a very specific group of design styles and software skills. Due to our connections within the industry, we can design assignments for our students that are both relevant and cutting-edge, surpassing what others can offer. We pass that advantage on to our students every day.
Beyond animation skills, we teach our students how to market themselves, how to conduct themselves as professional artists, how to apply for jobs, and how to negotiate their salaries, and how to interview. We have had Pixar recruiters and directors from major studios review our students’ portfolios for consideration and feedback. In every part of our program, we deliver real-world learning that gives our students a significant advantage over comparable programs.
ANIMATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Taught in person at our Kansas City Campus
9:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday
2 YEAR ANIMATION CERTIFICATE
Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Students learn 2D, 3D, Character Design, Storyboarding, Filmmaking and Previsualization. These are the most hired and top paying jobs in the industry. Students can reach professional entry-level skills based on their work ethic while attending our Academy. We strongly recommend our Masters program for 2D animation students who typically need more time to grow to today's industry standards than 3D-focused students. Classroom sizes are held to a maximum of 12 students to provide for the one-on-one attention students need in this competitive field.
3D Animation-only Path
We are now accepting students who want to learn 3D animation only. This is for students with no drawing ability but want to pursue filmmaking and animation in the movie and gaming industries.
MASTERCRAFT ANIMATION PROGRAM
Taught In Person and in Live Classes Online
MASTERCRAFT CERTIFICATE
Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Full-time or Part-time online with live instruction and support daily
In our Mastercraft Program courses, you'll work on film-quality projects, advanced storyboarding, and high-end cinematics tailored by our directors that will make your work shine above the competition. Your final semester will include the opportunity to write your own story and produce in Maya and Unreal Engine for 3D-focused students or as a 2D animatic to showcase yourself as a content creator. With real-world schedules and direct feedback from our experienced directors, you'll gain the tools and confidence to step seamlessly into the professional animation industry.
It's the proving ground you need to safely test your skills, and show the industry you are ready for the major leagues. It's not just the skills you need, it is the projects that prove your skills to the studios that matter in your portfolio. HAA has the insight and experience to train you where other schools can’t. Unlock your full potential with the HAA Mastercraft Program!
ONLINE INTRODUCTORY COURSES
TAUGHT ONLINE ONLY
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
Continuous Enrollment | Contact Us For Upcoming Course Schedule
Online
There is no better way to learn if animation is the career path for you than to try one of our Introduction to Animation courses! We understand that students may need a better understanding of what being an animator involves before they can decide if they want to commit to animation as the career they want to invest in and grow into. We offer a limited number of introductory courses online throughout the year.