Ringling College of Art and Design is launching a 2D Character Animation major, expanding what the Sarasota college offers at a time when indie animation is booming.

The college announced the program on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The new major joins the existing 3D Character Animation degree inside Ringling's Computer Animation department, which until now has focused on 3D work. The college's press release describes the 2D program as a new addition, not a revival of a previous offering.

Rankings claims outpace more recent data

The college claims the department has been ranked No. 1 in the world for consecutive years. The Rookies Global School Rankings named Ringling the top school in the world for 3D animation in 2022, and its Motion Design program held the No. 1 worldwide spot for motion graphics in 2023 and 2024, according to the college's awards page. More recent Rookies data tells a different story: the October 2025 rankings placed Ringling 13th globally in 3D animation, fourth in production excellence for 3D animation and second in motion graphics. Animation Career Review's 2026 list ranks Ringling fourth nationally, first in Florida and second in the South.

Computer Animation Department Head Paul Downs said the expansion responds to demand from students drawn to hand-drawn and indie animation.

"With the indie animation market growing and providing new ways for artists to build their own audiences, the timing couldn't be better," Downs said in the announcement. "We want to help our students create opportunities — not wait for them."

Curriculum pairs traditional drawing with entrepreneurship

The program blends traditional drawing skills with modern production tools. Students will learn to create animated content for film, television, streaming, games and emerging media. A Creative Entrepreneurship Certificate is built into the curriculum, teaching students to develop and market their own projects. Graduates could pursue jobs at major studios, freelance work or their own independent projects, the college said.

Six labs will serve the program, each outfitted with industry-standard software and a Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet at every workstation. Students will also work at animation desks donated by Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. Those desks were used to animate "Mulan," "Tarzan," "Lilo & Stitch" and "Brother Bear."

Alumni track record includes Emmys, Oscar nods

The department's track record backs up the investment. In 2026, Computer Animation alumni earned multiple Emmy Awards as writers, directors, storyboard artists and character designers. Another 66 graduates contributed to Oscar-nominated films "KPop Demon Hunters," "Elio" and "Zootopia 2."

Enrollment timeline still unclear

The college has not announced when the first cohort will enroll. A July 2026 Ringling webpage already listed the 2D program among 14 undergraduate degrees, suggesting planning has been underway for months. Prospective students can apply through Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision, with deadlines listed at ringling.edu/admissions/apply/important-dates/.