B.F.A. Degree in Animation
Description
The Animation major concentrates on the creation of traditional stop-motion animation, 2D animation, 3D animation, technical graphics, 3D modeling, and additional techniques used in the animation industry, including game graphics and 3D simulations. Classes also include film, animation, and media arts studies, as well as video and audio production. Graduates may find employment with animation studios, video production houses, television stations, music industry, multimedia, web, and advertising agencies.
To receive the B.F.A. Degree in Animation, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will utilize and demonstrate proficiency in the three phases of animation production (pre-production, production, and post-production) in the creation of short animated projects in studio classes.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of animation history, animation theory, and animation aesthetics.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of animation principles, practices and techniques. These include: specialized use of animation lexicon, traditional stop motion animation techniques (including mise-en-scene, cinematography principles, lighting and sound design, directing, producing and editing concepts), motion graphics, 2D computer animation, 3D modeling and 3D computer animation.
- Students will be able to examine and analyze animation texts, articulate conclusions as to their historical and critical values, and integrate critical research into creative practice.
- Students will integrate theory and research skills in the creation of a capstone project for academic public presentation, as well as demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively on a creative team of animators.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 54 credits )
The core is required of all students majoring in Animation. A grade of "C" or higher in ANIM 492B is required for graduation.
ANIM 116 Foundations in Animation (4)
ANIM 216 3D Modeling (4)
ANIM 316 3D Animation (4)
ANIM 416 Animation Studio (4)
ANIM 366 2D Animation & Motion Graphics (4)
ANIM 375 Stop-Motion Animation (4)
ANIM 492A Capstone Research (1)
ANIM 492B Capstone Project (3)
ENGL 285 Scriptwriting (3)
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
FILM 275 Film Appreciation (4)
FILM 285 History of Motion Pictures (4)
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)
GID 230 Introduction to Digital Design (4)
PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (4)
Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following:
- Completion of Foundational Portfolio Review
- Completion of Thesis Portfolio Review
- Completion of Capstone Portfolio Review
Computer and Software Requirements:
The Animation program suggests using a Windows PC. Your laptop/desktop needs to meet the requirements for the software taught (Maya, Adobe CC) and Maya needs to be installed prior to the first week of classes to ensure continuity.
Suggested Specifications:
- 10th gen Intel Core i7 / 3rd gen AMD Ryzen 7 or higher
- NVIDIA GTX 2060 equivalent or higher
- 16 GB of RAM or higher
- Three-button mouse
Models we currently recommend:
- $1250 approximate cost. HP Omen Gaming Notebook
- $1350 approximate cost. Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
- $1700 approximate cost. Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Notebook
Software:
Microsoft Office - available for student rates and to download at https://www2.mnstate.edu/it/office365/
A free student license for all Autodesk products (3dsMax, Mudbox, Maya) can be requested here: https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured. The Adobe CC is provided to all SOMAD students enrolled in SOMAD classes.
Restricted Electives
( 16 credits )
ANIM 290 Topics in Animation (1-3)
ANIM 390 Topics in Animation (1-3)
ANIM 469 Internship (1-12)
ANIM 490 Topics in Animation (1-3)
ANIM 494 Undergraduate Research in Animation (1-5)
ANIM 497 Independent Study in Animation (1-3)
ART 101 Foundation Drawing I (4)
ART 170 Art Appreciation: Content and Form (3)
COMM 230 Photography (3)
COMM 352 Social Media Campaigns (3)
COMM 400 Mass Media Ethics & Issues (3)
AEM 161 Introduction to Copyright and Trademark Law (3)
AEM 261 Legal and Ethical Issues in Entertainment (3)
AEM 281 Studio and Live Productions (3)
AEM 383 Sound for Film and Video (3)
ENGL 286 Writing for the Workplace (3)
ENGL 288 Introduction to Creative Writing (3)
ENGL 388 Creating Writing (3)
FILM 232 Principles of Make-up for Stage & Film (2)
FILM 265 16 mm Production (4)
FILM 290 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 302 Practicum (1)
FILM 365 International Cinemas (4)
FILM 371 History of LGBT Representation in Film (4)
FILM 372 Editing Techniques (4)
FILM 378 Techniques of Producing (4)
FILM 383 Adaptations to Film (4)
FILM 384 Techniques of Film Directing (4)
FILM 386 Film and Media Arts Genres(4)
FILM 387 Authorship in Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 388 Research Methods in Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 390 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 460 Curating and Programming Media Arts (4)
FILM 472 Community Video Project (4)
FILM 465 Advanced 16 mm Production (4)
FILM 490 Topics in Film (1-3)
GID 230 Introduction to Digital Design (4)
GID 330 Intermediate Digital Design (4)
GID 430 Advanced Digital Design (4)
GID 434 Digital Prepress & Production (4)
GID 350 Intermediate Interactive Media (4)
GID 450 Advanced Interactive Media (4)
PHIL 320/ART 320 Philosophy of the Arts (3)
THTR 230 Acting I: Principles (3)
THTR 232 Principles of Makeup for Stage and Film (2)
THTR 234 Theatrical Design Principles (3)
THTR 235 Directing I: Principles (3)
THTR 255 Stagecraft (3)
THTR 356 Lighting Studio (3)
PHO 201 Intro to Film Based Photography (4)
WS 415 Media and Diverse Identities (3)