BFA in Animation

What is Animation?
Animation is a discipline that includes everything from traditional, character-based narrative to experimental work. It is an increasingly malleable and sophisticated art form that is well-positioned to take full advantage of ongoing technological development.

Why study Animation at UArts?
The University of the Arts offers a broad base in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and under-the-camera animation (clay, puppet, cut-out, paint-on-glass, etc). The UArts Animation degree program encourages the development of well-rounded artists in possession of a strong sense of personal vision and solid, technical competencies in all aspects of content creation.

What’s the Animation degree program like?
• Sophomore year: an introduction to the techniques of drawn and under-the-camera animation, 2D and 3D computer animation, and live-action film via a series of exercises and two final projects.
•  Junior year: creation of a short personal piece, as well as client-based and interdisciplinary group projects.
• Senior year: studies culminate in a thesis project that demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a longer, festival-worthy piece.

What Animation facilities are available?
You will have access to excellent facilities for 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and other animation techniques, including:
• State-of-the-art 2D/3D computer animation lab
• Animation classrooms equipped with iMac workstations
• Digital audio sound studios
• Multi-format dub room
• Digital imaging lab
• AVID digital video editing systems
• Master Series Oxberry animation stand

Are the faculty practicing animators?
Yes. They include award-winning artists whose animation work has screened both nationally and abroad, notably at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Hiroshima International Animation Festivals; and many others. Our instructors come from a diverse mix of fine-art and commercial backgrounds, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of personal vision.

Does UArts offer any other animation degree options?
For students interested in animation as it applies to film and video, UArts offers the BFA in Film/Animation, a double major combining elements from the BFA in Animation bachelor's degree program and the Film/Digital Video bachelor's degree program. The UArts Animation Minor may be combined with most other bachelor's degree programs At UArts, and is particularly popular with students studying Graphic Design and Multimedia.