Bring imagination to life
There are big ideas moving in your mind. Learn how you can bring them to life with our online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts & Animation degree. Our online platform makes learning convenient—and allows you to focus on working toward your degree.*
The program presents the technical and creative skills needed to pursue a career in animation. Here, you’ll become a member of our online creative community where instructors** train students to explore and experiment with new ideas. You’ll study industry techniques and emerging technologies.
Start with hand drawing and exploring the fundamentals of composition, color, and design—then move onto storytelling, 2D and 3D animation, virtual reality technologies, and modeling. Throughout the process, you’ll share experiences with students and instructors to gain valuable feedback and tips. You’ll also have opportunities to work on production teams and professional-level projects—a great way to build experience and boost your resumé.
What Will I Study?
Our curriculum is designed to help develop the tools and skills to pursue employment in the industry. Students will be mentored by faculty – many of whom are working or have worked in the industry and obtain invaluable guidance to create a standout portfolio.
Learn to render & draw a figure properly—the basis of animation. You’ll break a figure down stylistically to understand anatomical form and movement.
Human Anatomy
Gain insight into perspective, a crucial element in understanding and developing spatial relationships within an environment.
Perspective Drawing
Study concept art, the ability to convert a written description into a visual representation that conveys narrative, style, and aesthetic.
Concept Art
Learn the process of creating and developing meaningful yet relatable characters and character designs.
Character Development
Study the 12 principles behind bringing life to animated characters. Understanding these principles brings realism to your animation.
12 Principles of Animation
Learn how to craft fantastical, functional animated worlds for use in 2D and 3D spaces—with an emphasis on supporting a theme, aesthetic and story.
Form, Function and Topology
Technology Fee
Each degree offered includes an Introductory Technology Fee designed to provide you with the technology you need to get started with your program. The fee covers the cost of an iPad, Apple Pencil and a smart keyboard. In addition, each program includes a Technology Fee that provides the industry-relevant tools and specialized software you’ll need as you move through coursework and assignments. The items included as part of this fee will support your collaboration with other students and assist you in creating a portfolio to present to potential future employers.
• Students have the option to opt out of the Introductory Technology Fee and/or Technology Fee and purchase necessary technology on their own. Tuition includes required eBooks and basic software for all courses within the student's program of study. Students are responsible for procuring and/or replenishing any other equipment or materials as required. Please contact your enrollment counselor for a full list of items that make up the technology fee. Technology specifications are subject to change and/or be replaced with a comparable item due to vendor availability. Some technology fee components are distributed over the course of a student’s program; some technology fee components are downloadable items.
- Laptop and external hard drive
- Creative Pen Tablet
- Professional headphones
- VR Headset & Accessories (XR concentration track)
- Program specific software, including the Adobe Suite.
Upcoming Start Dates
Prospective students may apply for admission at any time. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible prior to their intended start date. Admitted students may begin their program of study at the start of any quarter (i.e., October, January, April, or July) or mid-quarter (i.e., February, May, August, or November).
Apr
3
Apr
17
May
11
Program Requirements
Application Requirements
If you’re ready to apply, please follow these simple steps: Complete an online application form. Then, within 10 days of applying, send us your high school transcript or high school equivalency certification (or exam, depending on the context) (such as the GED®), and any other college or military transcripts you may have. In the meantime, we’ll work with you to arrange a virtual interview where we can get to know you and your interests in attending college.
GED® is a registered mark of American Council on Education.
Technical Requirements
To successfully participate in online learning, students must have a computer and stable internet connection. Additional software and hardware differs by program of study. Have questions about whether you’re set up to start online learning? Talk to one of our Admissions Representatives.