ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
HAA is a certified Proprietary School with the State of Missouri.
Where Disney Tradition Meets the Future of Animation.
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 Toonboom. 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 hire based on traditional college degree completion; you must prove your skills through your portfolio. This is where most colleges fail their students, as they lack insight into what studios are looking for and are unable to guide their student’s work adequately. We know from experience that studios hire individuals who fit a very specific group of design styles and software skills. With our connections in 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 professionals, how to apply for jobs and interview, and how to negotiate their salaries. 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 traditional college programs.
ANIMATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Taught in person at our Kansas City Campus
9:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday
Two YEAR ANIMATION CERTIFICATE
Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Our two-year program is the core of Hollywood Animation Academy. It is an intensive, studio-focused course of study designed to help students build real production skills through sustained practice and professional feedback.
The curriculum combines foundational 2D animation principles with modern 3D workflows and Unreal Engine–based filmmaking. Rather than brief exposure to many disciplines, students spend most of their time developing and refining work toward portfolio standards.
Students also receive instruction in character design, storyboarding, filmmaking, and previsualization — skill areas commonly hired for across animation, film, and game production.
By the end of the program, students leave with a body of work that reflects their effort, growth, and readiness for entry-level professional roles. Skill development is directly tied to consistency and work ethic, with clear expectations throughout the program.
Because students progress at different rates, we strongly encourage many 2D-focused students to continue into our Mastercraft Certificate program. Developing competitive 2D animation portfolios often requires more time and repetition than 3D-focused paths.
Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 students to ensure individual feedback, accountability, and meaningful mentorship. Many times our students have 3 teachers per semester for their full-time curriculum and guest appearances from artists currently working at major studios via Zoom.
3D Animation-only Path
We are now accepting students who want to learn 3D animation only. This is for students with lesser drawing skills who want to pursue filmmaking and animation in the movie and gaming industries.
MASTERCRAFT ANIMATION PROGRAM
Taught Live Online
MASTERCRAFT CERTIFICATE
Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Mastercraft Program
Advanced Portfolio Development
Online | Live Instruction | Core or Complete Track
For students ready to move beyond foundational training, Mastercraft provides advanced, studio-level portfolio development through structured production courses and professional critique.
Students may enroll in the Core Track or continue through the Complete Track, based on their level of commitment and desired pace. Both tracks follow the same professional standards and are taught live by working industry artists.
Mastercraft courses focus on producing advanced portfolio pieces designed to meet current professional studio expectations, with clear specialization paths in 3D Character Animation or 2D Storyboarding & Visual Storytelling.
The Complete Track includes additional production time and Career Launchpad, supporting portfolio presentation and job application readiness.
ONLINE INTRODUCTORY COURSES
TAUGHT ONLINE ONLY | LIVE 8-WEEK CLASSES
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
Continuous Enrollment | Check the Current Schedule
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 taught live online in 8-week classes taught two nights a week throughout the year.
The courses are fun and motivational for students looking to grow their skills and learn how the animation industry works.