Animation and Visual Effects (BFA)

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology. Students choose one primary area of emphasis between visual effects, 3D modeling, 3D animation, 2D animation and stop motion, and storyboarding.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
Core Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Animation & Visual Effects

ANM 101

Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation Core/3

Explore the different disciplines that collectively contribute to computer graphics production. You'll learn the basic concepts and terminology of computer graphics used in film, visual effects, games, and animation.

ANM 105

Introduction to 3D Production A (Unreal) Core/3

In part one of this two-part course, you'll learn to navigate the complex 3D software and its many tools and workflows as they are used in major animation and VFX studios, preparing you for specialized study in the track of your choice.

ANM 108

Cinematics for Animation & VFX Core/3

Cinematics is the language and techniques of filmmaking. To learn Cinematics Animation and VFX, you'll board, shoot, and edit a film, critically analyzing examples of film content and production to understand why choices in filmmaking are made.

ANM 180

Introduction to Animation Principles & Techniques Core/3

Gain technical skills practicing experimental and stop motion animation. Building a firm foundation for future animation work, you'll gain hands-on experience with media of clay, paper cutouts, found objects, pixilation, and stop motion puppets.

ANM 205

Careers in Animation and VFX Core/3

Step back and survey your body of work. Working with faculty, you'll identify strengths, weaknesses, and interests to determine your emphasis and begin developing your portfolio to meet industry standards.

ANM 241

Fundamentals of Motion Design Core/3

Motion design is essential across media, industries, and visual arts. You will be introduced to basic tools, software, and creative concepts to incorporate motion design into future projects. Topics include opening titles, lower-thirds, moving logos, and 3D motion graphics.

ANM 277

Motion Quick Sketching Core/3

Speak the language of animators, story artists, and game developers. You'll learn the standard professional note taking techniques they use to communicate ideas to coworkers.

ANM 405

Senior Portfolio for Animation and VFX Core/3

Create a reel of your best work to showcase your skills. To professionally market your abilities, you'll hone client/artist relationships, practice presentation techniques, and develop consistent identity, resume, reel packaging, and stationary systems.

FND 110

Analysis of Form Core/3

In-depth study of classical drawing principles on achieving heightened realism in imagery. Learn how to incorporate accurate geometrical construction and use the five-value system to analyze light and shadow on forms. Gaining skills in perspective, composition, and rendering of various textures and materials.

FND 122

Color Fundamentals Core/3

Color is a powerful tool. Discover how color psychology, simultaneous contrast, proportion, desaturation, atmospheric depth, light temperature, composition, and harmony can greatly enhance imagery. You will utilize various color schemes to explore color harmony using digital media.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Core	24
Sophomore Portfolio	3
Senior Portfolio	3
Major	39
Electives	9
Liberal Arts	42
Total	120

BFA ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
4 Art Historical Awareness courses
1 Creative Communication course
1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
1 Historical Awareness course
1 Quantitative Literacy course
1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
1 Employment Communications and Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Visual Communication and Problem Solving

Make effective design choices to support narrative, character, and/or mood
Demonstrate the ability to research for inspiration, reference, accuracy, and incorporate findings into design solutions
Design and generate digital elements or effects that meet the needs of imagery
Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity through sequential imagery
Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters
Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis

Technical Skills

Demonstrate facility and flexibility with animation and/or VFX digital media, technology, and software

Professional Readiness

Assemble a professional digital or portfolio demonstrating an understanding of the target market
Demonstrate an understanding of the production pipeline through successful participation in the collaborative/pipeline process

Specialty Skills: Storyboarding

Create and pitch stories and concepts through the use of sequential imagery
Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic continuity by creating sequential imagery that supports narrative, character, and/or mood
Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters

Specialty Skills: Traditional Animation and Stop Motion

Successfully convey motion and interaction of character and/or object kinesis
Demonstrate proficient drawing and/or modeling skills and concepts appropriate to project parameters

Specialty Skills: Modeling

Model with appropriate use of form, proportion, and anatomy
Create and apply look development consistent with the overall style of the project

Specialty Skills: 3D Animation

Convey motion (biped and quadruped) and interaction of moving objects
Apply principles of animation to effectively communicate character action, emotion, and mood

Specialty Skills: Visual Effects

Exhibit an understanding of how VFX pipeline skills and tools support all the different departments from pre through post-production
Create shots or assets appropriate to the project aesthetic