The Animation and Computer Graphics BA major is designed for passionate and ambitious individuals who are eager to contribute to the exciting world of visual and interactive experiences. With its unique blend of creativity and technology, this program offers a rewarding path to a fulfilling and innovative career.

This major offers four distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations:

• Traditional Animation: The Traditional Animation Concentration in the Animation and Computer Graphics BA highlights three success areas: a team capstone film, a solo animated short, and courses in critical studies, story, art, and advanced animation skills.
• Computer Animation: The Computer Animation Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA emphasizes (a) a team-created capstone film, (b) a solo animated short, and (c) courses in critical studies, storytelling, classic art, advanced animation, and technical skills for professional readiness.
• Game Art: The Game Art Concentration introduces game-focused computer art and animation to beginners. It covers character/environment visualization, digital sculpting, level design, and animation. Students learn industry workflows, design/model 3D elements, and master modern game engine pipelines.
• VFX: The VFX Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA focuses on success areas in visual effects: (a) a practicum in student films/animated projects, (b) virtual environment production, and (c) courses in critical studies, advanced animation, and technical skills for immediate career entry.

These concentrations work in synergy to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of the entire software development lifecycle, from ideation and design to development and implementation. This holistic approach ensures that graduates possess the versatility to excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

Benefits of the Program:

• Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain in-demand skills in animation, modeling, game art, motion graphics, virtual production, and visual effects, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.
• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of design, technology, and storytelling, allowing for innovative and holistic approaches to interactive media creation.
• Real-World Experience: Engage in hands-on projects, workshops, and studio experiences, developing practical skills and building a strong portfolio.
• Career Flexibility: The program prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the game, animation, and visual effects industries, including modelers, animators, game artists, visual effects artists, and more.

Animation and Computer Graphics BA Core Learning Outcomes: 

• Demonstrate proficiencies in digital and computer-generated software and technology by creating animated or interactive projects. 
• Demonstrate comprehension of history, aesthetics, and the analytical context of animation, computer graphics, and/or visual effects through written, oral, and animated presentations. 
• Employ a professional level of industry practices, standards, and career strategies to market and showcase their work successfully. 
• Create a professional quality portfolio demonstrating original material and a developed artistic voice.

Traditional Animation Concentration Program Description and Learning Outcomes:

The Traditional Animation Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA reflects three areas of success in the traditional animation profession: (a) a capstone animated film created in a collaborative, team-oriented setting, (b) an animated short created as a solo project, and (c) additional courses in critical studies, story, classic art, advanced animation, and the technical facility that seeks to prepare students for immediate entry into the professional world. 

As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to:

• Collaborate on a team project to develop, produce, and present a traditional animated short film. 
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of camera placement, screen movement, timing, and specific terminology as applied to creating storyboards. 
• Communicate character performance by applying the fundamental principles of animation through traditional keyframing. 
• Demonstrate an ability to create final digital content from hand-drawn animated using industry-standard software. 

Computer Animation Concentration Program Description and Learning Outcomes:

The Computer Animation Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA reflects three areas of success in the traditional animation profession: (a) a capstone animated film created in a collaborative, team-oriented setting, (b) an animated short created as a solo project, and (c) additional courses in critical studies, story, classic art, advanced animation, and the technical facility that seeks to prepare students for immediate entry into the professional world. 

As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to: 

• Collaborate on a team project to develop, produce, and present a computer-animated short film. 
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of camera placement, screen movement, timing, and specific terminology when creating storyboards. 
• Create computer-generated polygonal models that display an understanding of industry standards. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of computer-generated keyframing through hand-key character animation exercises. 
• Produce finished computer-generated renders of class models that show industry-standard quality. 

Game Art Concentration Program Description and Learning Outcomes:

The Game Art Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA provides a fundamental introduction to game-oriented computer art and animation concepts to students with little or no previous experience. The curriculum includes character and environment visualization courses, computer-generated character modeling and digital sculpting, environment modeling, level design, and animation for game content. Students emerge with an understanding of the game industry’s workflow techniques, concepts, and strategy for designing and modeling 3D characters and environments and mastering the pipeline of state-of-the-art game engines. 

As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to: 

• Use a variety of workflows and software packages to create sophisticated visual concepts and game/simulation assets, including characters, environments, props, and visual effects, and integrate those assets into a game engine. 
• Implement a variety of workflows and software packages to create sophisticated visual concepts and game/simulation assets, including characters, environments, props, and visual effects, and integrate those assets into a game engine. 
• Incorporate feedback and art direction to improve game and simulation projects.
• Utilize research skills and strategies to conceptualize and produce game art assets for games and simulations. 
• Apply knowledge of contemporary art, design, and media disciplines to generate creative solutions for games and simulations. 

VFX Concentration Program Description and Learning Outcomes:

The VFX Concentration of the Animation and Computer Graphics BA reflects three areas of success in the computer visual effects profession: (a) a capstone/practicum experience in computer visual effects for student films and/or animated projects, (b) a capstone/practicum experience in virtual environment and studio production (c) additional courses in critical studies, story, classic art, advanced animation, and the technical facility that seeks to prepare students for immediate entry into the professional world. This specialized area of study combines analytical and practical applications of technical, creative, and physiological studies in support of creating cinematic stories. 

As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to: 

• Demonstrate proficiency with the software and hardware tools used in the VFX industry.
• Create an accurate visual composite in a professional post-production workflow.
• Develop a working knowledge of fundamental principles of visual image composition and motion-media design. 
• Constructively share ideas and collaborate with peers in studio and post-production teams.