Animation (BFA)

 “I took Introduction to Computers for Object Makers with Rod McCormick. As an animation student, I found the class uniquely useful, as 3-D printing and laser cutting become more readily available for stop motion in the industry. Learning how to take a 2-D computer animation and convert each frame to physical objects in one day versus several was incredible.  All of the techniques and skills I learned in that class changed my way of attacking future projects.” -Neil Andruski ’20

The Animation degree now offers emphases in 
●    traditional 2-D drawn/digital animation,
●    3-D computer animation and 
●    stop-motion or experimental animation.

About the Curriculum 
UArts’ Animation degree program supports traditional hand-drawn, 3-D computer, stop-motion and any animation techniques you can imagine.

After completing the Animation program, students will be able to 
●   Develop the ability to verbalize and bring to life a strong personal artistic vision, combining informed meaningful content creation with unique visual approaches to produce engaging sound/image work.
●    Master both traditional and digital animation skills and concepts; using motion and time understanding with drawn, stop-motion and computer-generated creative practices.
●    Demonstrate critical and analytical thought based in art history, and be able to communicate this using written, visual, oral, web or hybrid means.
●    Learn to collaborate with artists, peers and professionals to effectively manage time in a working relationship. 

 Sample Courses in the Animation Major

 Explore the full curriculum 

To maintain academic good standing, undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

For more information on degree requirements, visit the university catalogue. 

Featured Students

Featured Faculty

Featured Alumni

Our alumni work on blockbuster special-effects films, animated TV series, commercials, video games and more in a variety of roles, from director to storyboard artist.

Animation students put together their initial portfolio reel at the end of the fall semester of their freshman year and then add to that reel throughout their academic career. As a part of the Professional Practices class in the spring of their senior year, Animation students post their final portfolio reels online.

Professional Practices also visits studios in New York City and Philadelphia to give students the opportunity to meet professionals and tour facilities. Guest speakers and alumni visit on a regular basis to give lectures, advice, and mock interviews give students the confidence to enter the workforce after graduation. Also covered are personal branding, social media/website strategies, business card design and resume optimization.

Students will also have the opportunity to intern at a professional studio. Organizations that have hosted interns include Augenblick Studios, Sesame Workshop and Stretch Films Inc.

Companies in and around Philadelphia that have hired BFA in Animation alumni include Alkemy X, Center City Film & Video and unPOP. 

As the industry continues to grow, graduates find themselves in a variety of roles. Common career options for Animation majors include: 
 
Animator
Art Director
Assistant Animator
Background Artist
Broadcast Graphics
Character Designer
Clay/Puppet Animation
Compositor
Computer Animator
Director
Editor
Effects Animation
Forensic Animator
Graphics/Title Animation
Inbetweener
Layout Artist
Lights
Model and Set Builder
Modeler
Production Assistant
Rigger
Scientific Animator
Storyboard Artist
Texturer
 

Center for Immersive Media 

UArts’ new Center for Immersive Media (CIM) is a 5,600-square-foot facility dedicated to exploring the fields of virtual and mixed reality, performance motion-capture, and human-computer interaction. The space includes
●    Optical motion capture system for full body performance capture and location-based VR applications;
●    A four-channel audio system, multiple video projectors and lighting, as well as a control station; 
●    16-station computing classroom with PCs optimized for real-time graphics rendering; and 
●    Two large project rooms with ceiling grids for development of installations and virtual environments.

Learn more about CIM

Admissions Deadline: There is no set deadline for applications. UArts operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means we will receive and process applications throughout the year as space remains available in each program.

The following materials are required for your application. 

• A completed application for admission
• A nonrefundable $60 application fee
• Official high school transcripts 
  • Official transcripts from the high school(s) you have attended are required. For transfer students, transcripts from each college you have attended are required. They must be mailed directly by your school in a sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions, emailed directly from your school, or sent through a secure electronic transcript delivery service. Transcripts sent or emailed by students are not considered official. They should be sent to the Office of Admissions, University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 or via email to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu.
  • For transcripts from outside the U.S., refer to the instructions for international undergraduate students.
• A writing sample
  • Your writing sample should address one of the following questions, interpreted as you wish. There is no right or wrong answer.
    1. When and how did you discover your creativity?
    2. How will University of the Arts help you achieve your creative and professional goals?
    3. How do you want your creativity to impact the future?
    4. Submit an existing piece of writing, such as an essay or class assignment, on any topic.
  • Pay attention to grammar, spelling and punctuation. There is no required word count, but we recommend a 250-word statement, which is about one double-spaced page. You can upload your sample with your application for admission, or email it to undergradcredentials@uarts.edu.
• Your portfolio 
  • All students applying to visual arts programs—those in the schools of Art, Film and Design—are required to submit 15–20 examples of original artwork. You may choose to include work from a variety of media or select one area of focus you want to highlight. Your portfolio should demonstrate your creativity, showcase your skills, represent the art forms you have studied and highlight your ability to communicate ideas. Get more tips about submitting your portfolio.
• International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency. 
• Optional Materials 
  • You can also submit SAT scores, a resume and/or letters of recommendation. None of these materials are required. Learn more about submitting optional materials.

Visit our first-year application checklist and transfer checklist for more information. 

Visit our Art, Design & Film Portfolio page to see portfolio requirements. 

Apply Now

Scholarships & Financial Aid 

UArts recognizes the extraordinary talent of our students through a range of merit-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered for such scholarships—no special application is necessary.

Nearly 80 percent of UArts’ undergraduate students enrolled on a full-time basis are eligible for some type of need-based aid. Additionally, some scholarship opportunities take need-based criteria into account. All students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and are enrolled in a degree program are encouraged to apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Learn more about financial aid 

Learn more about tuition and fees