Academy of Art University
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation & Visual Effects

DURATION

6 Semesters

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Request application deadline

EARLIEST START DATE

Jun 2025

TUITION FEES

USD 1,615 *

STUDY FORMAT

Distance Learning, On-Campus

* per unit for international students / USD 1,407 per unit for domestic students

Key Summary

About: The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation & Visual Effects offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on advanced techniques in animation, visual storytelling, and post-production. The program encourages creative exploration through hands-on projects and collaboration with industry professionals. Students will master tools used in the animation industry while developing unique narratives that enhance their artistic expressions.

Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various roles in the creative sector, including animator, visual effects artist, art director, or multimedia designer. This program equips students with the skills needed to thrive in film, television, and gaming industries.

Introduction

The MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in any one of the many areas of expertise within the animation and visual effects industry. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post-production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

Unit Requirements

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Degree Requirements

MFA Animation & Visual Effects Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the Final Thesis Project
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course

Program Outcome

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree
Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project
Produce a professional-standard project, with topical content for the industry, showcasing a technical and artistic ability

Technical Skills

Demonstrate facility with animation technology and software

Presentation Skills

Clearly discuss work and workflow process with a review committee, using industry terminology
Effectively pitch ideas to the review committee
Create visually compelling, professional-quality presentation materials

Preproduction Skills (Project Development)

Execute projects that demonstrate attention to research, analytical thinking, detail, flexibility in problem-solving, and revision

Collaboration

Collaborate effectively to produce creative projects

Professional Readiness

Present a comprehensive demo reel/portfolio demonstrating professional-level achievement of specialty skills
Demonstrate accountability for planning complex projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting project milestones
Document project workflow

Specialty Skills: Traditional Animation

Demonstrate strong drawing skills and facility with anatomy, proportion, figure, animals, perspective, color and design, and composition
Develop visual stories that support comedic or dramatic situations
Stage stories through effective camera placement choices
Draw convincing characters, layouts, storyboards, and animatics
Apply the principles of animation to create animated movement and performances

Specialty Skills: Storyboarding

Demonstrate strong drawing skills and facility with composition, and color and design
Create value studies that set the mood for each scene, applying an understanding of the light source
Demonstrate continuity in visual storytelling through effective camera placement choices

Specialty Skills: 3D Animation

Apply the major principles of animation
Create pieces that showcase expression and emotion
Stage stories through effective camera placement choices

Specialty Skills: Modeling

Convincingly model forms in 3-dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of anatomy and sculptural form
Display a range of modeling skill sets including hard surfaces and organic
Create textures that will be applied to the surface of models
Produce industry-standard turnarounds and wireframes

Specialty Skills: Visual Effects

Design digital effects that meet the needs of the imagery
Create believable images by combining elements from different sources
Compose shots for narrative power

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

Curriculum

Program Tuition Fee

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English Language Requirements

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