program paths
HAA is a certified Proprietary School with the State of Missouri.
Where Animation Tradition Meets the Future of Animation.
Our cutting-edge curriculum blends the timeless principles of traditional 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.
We offer three paths for aspiring animators, designed to provide instruction levels ranging rank beginner to the highest level skill and polish.
exploratory path:
INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMS
INTRODUCTORY online COURSES
Live Instruction | Online Only | Eight-Week Classes
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 deciding to commit to animation as the career they want to invest in and grow into. We offer a limited number of introductory courses throughout the year that are taught live online, two nights a week for eight weeks each.
The courses are fun and motivational, and provide a hands-on opportunity to work with industry software. Perfect for students looking to grow their skills and learn how the animation industry works.
professional skill-building path:
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMs
One YEAR ANIMATION CERTIFICATE
Taught in person with limited online seats | 9:30 to 5:30 Monday - Friday Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Scholarship Information
HAA's One Year Animation Certificate gives you 1,050 hours of hands-on studio training across the core disciplines of professional animation production. You'll graduate with a foundational credential that stands on its own. One that qualifies you to pursue internships and entry level positions at smaller studios. And if you're ready to go further, year two of the program is right there waiting. The one year program is the first half of HAA's full two-year track, which means nothing is wasted and everything carries forward. Start here. See what you're capable of. Then decide.
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.
Two YEAR ANIMATION CERTIFICATE
Taught in person with limited online seats | 9:30 to 5:30 Monday - Friday Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Enroll by June 1
Early Commitment Scholarship Information
Our Two Year Animation Certificate program is the core of Hollywood Animation Academy. It is an intensive, studio-focused course of study designed to help students build real design and production skills through sustained practice and professional feedback.
The curriculum includes the foundational one year certificate course work, and goes beyond to give an in-depth understanding of 2D animation principles, current 3D workflows and Unreal Engine–based filmmaking. Students also receive instruction in character design, storyboarding, filmmaking, and previsualization, which are 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 a portfolio that demonstrates readiness for entry level professional roles within a range of studio types. Skill development is directly tied to consistency and work ethic, with clear expectations throughout the program.
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 | Advanced Portfolio Development
MASTERCRAFT program
Taught online with live instruction | 3:30 to 5:30 Monday + Wednesday Now enrolling for Fall 2026 | Core or Complete Track | Enroll by June 1
Advanced Portfolio Development
For students ready to move beyond foundational training, Mastercraft provides advanced, studio-level portfolio development. Work us focused on the areas of greatest interest to the student, with enrollment in either the 3D Character Animation Track or the 2D Storyboard & Visual Storytelling Track.
Mastercraft is designed to be flexible to accommodate professionals who want to change career tracks, graduates of traditional four year university programs who need to acquire professional portfolio work and polish, and third year HAA students. Students may enroll in the Core Track (one day a week) or continue through the Complete Track (two days a week), based on their level of commitment and desired pace. Both tracks follow the same professional standards and are taught live by working industry artists.
The Complete Track includes additional production time and Career Launchpad, supporting portfolio presentation and job application readiness.