Animation and Digital Arts

The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Digital Arts designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and creative vision necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of digital media. This interdisciplinary program combines rigorous coursework in traditional animation techniques, digital technology, storytelling, and visual effects, providing a solid foundation for a versatile career in entertainment, gaming, advertising, and interactive media. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics including 2D and 3D animation, character design, storyboarding, digital imaging, virtual production, and motion graphics. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, fostering technical proficiency alongside artistic expression. Students engage with state-of-the-art software and hardware, participate in collaborative projects, and gain real-world experience through internships and industry partnerships. The program also encourages experimentation with emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, preparing graduates to be innovative leaders in digital arts. Faculty comprises accomplished professionals and experts committed to mentoring students and supporting their individual artistic development. The program culminates in a capstone project where students demonstrate their mastery by creating a compelling animated piece, digital installation, or interactive experience. Graduates of the Animation and Digital Arts program are well-equipped to pursue careers as animation artists, digital designers, visual effects specialists, game developers, or entrepreneurs in the digital entertainment industry. With its blend of artistic rigor, technical training, and industry engagement, the program aims to cultivate creative problem solvers who can push the boundaries of digital storytelling and graphical innovation.

The school requires 50 units minimum to graduate from the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts program, and two-thirds must be at the 500 level, not including 4 units of CTAN 594a Master's Thesis  CTAN 594b Master's Thesis.

Year One, First Semester

• CTAN 451 History of Animation Units: 2
• CTAN 522 Animation Department Seminar Units: 1
• CTAN 544 Introduction to the Art of Animation Units: 3
• CTAN 577a Fundamentals of Animation Units: 2
• CTAN 579 Expanded Animation Units: 2

Year One, Second Semester

• CTAN 522 Animation Department Seminar Units: 1
• CTAN 536 Storytelling for Animation Units: 2
• CTAN 547 Animation Production I Units: 3
• CTAN 577b Fundamentals of Animation Units: 2
• Elective*

Year Two, First Semester

• CTAN 522 Animation Department Seminar Units: 1
• CTAN 555 Animation Design and Production Units: 4
• Elective*

Year Two, Second Semester

• CTAN 505 The Business of Animation Units: 2
• CTAN 522 Animation Department Seminar Units: 1
• CTAN 591 Animation Pre-Thesis Seminar Units: 2
• Elective*

Year Three, First Semester

• CTAN 594a Master's Thesis Units: 2

Year Three, Second Semester

• CTAN 594b Master's Thesis Units: 2

Total required units: 32

*A minimum total of 18 elective units must be taken.

Cinematic Arts Electives

To complete the 50 units required for the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts, students are required to take a minimum of 18 School of Cinematic Arts elective units. Four of those units must be taken from the following Critical Studies courses:

Electives

• CTCS 501 World Cinema Before 1945 Units: 2
• CTCS 502 World Cinema After 1945 Units: 2
• CTCS 503 Survey History of the United States Sound Film Units: 2
• CTCS 504 Survey of Television History Units: 2
• CTCS 505 Survey of Interactive Media Units: 2
• CTCS 510 Case Studies in National Media and/or Regional Media Units: 4 max 12
• CTCS 511 Seminar: Non-Fiction Film/Video Units: 4
• CTCS 517 Introductory Concepts in Cultural Studies Units: 4
• CTCS 518 Seminar: Avant-Garde Film/Video Units: 4
• CTCS 564 Seminar in Film and Television Genres Units: 4
• CTCS 569 Seminar in Film and Television Authors Units: 4
• CTCS 585 Seminar in Film/Television Critical Theory and Production Units: 4
• CTCS 587 Seminar in Television Theory Units: 4
• CTCS 673 Topics in Theory Units: 4
• CTCS 678 Seminar in Film Theory and Medium Specificity Units: 4 max 8
• CTCS 679 Seminar in Genre and/or Narrative Theory Units: 4

Additional Requirements

Thesis Project

In order to begin work on the thesis project, students must first successfully propose their project to a committee of MFA animation and digital arts program faculty. Their proposal is prepared during the spring semester of their second year as part of their pre-thesis class CTAN 591.

In order to pass the pre-thesis class, the thesis proposal must be presented and approved by the thesis committee at the end of the fourth semester. Students cannot change their approved thesis project after the completion of CTAN 591. Throughout the pre-thesis and thesis years of study, students will meet regularly with an MFA animation and digital arts faculty adviser(s) and thesis committee to develop and refine the proposal and discuss the progress of their work. The adviser(s) will be a member of the thesis committee.

The proposal itself will include a written treatment of the project with a discussion of similar work in the field and its relationship to the proposed project. It will describe aesthetic issues to be explored and specific techniques to be employed in its realization. It will also include a storyboard or visualization, budget and schedule, in addition to supporting materials created by the student demonstrating his/her ability to pursue the project. The thesis committee will make comments and decide whether the student may go forward with his/her project. Upon acceptance, the student will begin work on the project, otherwise revising the proposal and meeting again with the committee.

A mid-residency review of the thesis project will take place in the first semester of the final year of study. The student must show that deadlines set in the proposal have been met and that progress consistent with the proposal has been made. The committee may, if necessary, suggest modifications to the project, which the student is then obligated to implement.

In the final year, students concentrate on their thesis projects, completing production and post-production. The student's thesis will be presented to the committee upon completion.

Completion is defined as a fully rendered, animated piece with a completed sound track (guide mix acceptable). In the case of live action and visual effects projects, at least 70 percent of the final film must be animated. In the case of installation work, the piece must be mounted in a suitable space with all sound and animated components completed and functional. In the case of an interactive work the piece must be fully functional with completed animation, sound and interactivity.

In addition to completion of the thesis project, the student must provide the thesis committee with written and visual documentation of the research. This will be documented as a Website or interactive DVD. The documentation comprises the following and should include a publishable research paper: synopsis; artist's statement and research paper; learning objectives — focus of research; type of project — animation, installation, interactive, etc.; research presentation in the format/medium in which the project is to be seen; script and storyboard or conceptual drawings if applicable; style approach, including source references for image shot structure, etc.; sound design and references; collaborators — if any; audience — who it is intended for and who will benefit from the research; budget; marketing and distribution plan.

Criteria for successful completion include: 40 percent originality, 40 percent quality of execution and 20 percent quality of research documentation.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master's degree. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree. Courses below a C must be repeated.

Time Limit

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The time limit to complete all requirements is three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.

• Official academic certificate(s)/ attachment(s) to the diploma in Russian from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Official diploma(s)/diploma booklet(s) in Russian
• English translations of both academic certificate(s)/attachment(s) to the diploma and diploma(s)/diploma booklet(s)
• Test scores for English language proficiency
• The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175). We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover card payments.
• Resumé/Curriculum Vitae: There is no ‘right’ approach to structuring your resumé/CV when updating it to apply for graduate school. However, it is a good idea to take some time to identify the skills and achievements you would like to highlight for your graduate program and structure the document accordingly. Please note, you will be required to upload a copy of your resumé/CV as part of your application.
• Recommendation Letters: Identify potential recommenders and let them know that you would like them to write a recommendation for you. The minimum number of recommendation letters required varies by program. Additionally, recommendations may be optional for some programs at USC.
• GRE/GMAT and Other Tests: Schedule the GRE or GMAT as per your program requirement. Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years prior if applying for the fall term).

Funding for the Animation and Digital Arts program at the University of Southern California is primarily available through a combination of scholarships, financial aid packages, graduate assistantships, and external fellowships. Undergraduate students can apply for USC merit-based scholarships that recognize academic achievement, talents, and leadership qualities. Additionally, need-based financial aid is distributed based on family income and financial circumstances, which can significantly offset tuition costs. For graduate students, the university offers intended departmental scholarships, which may include teaching or research assistantships, providing a tuition waiver and a stipend to support students during their studies. These assistantships involve a commitment to assist faculty with teaching, research projects, or administrative duties within the program. External funding options include fellowships from arts and technology foundations, industry sponsorships, and competitive grants aimed at supporting emerging artists and digital creators. Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek internships and industry partnerships that can offer stipends, mentoring, and hands-on experience, often integrated with the curriculum. USC also provides information on private loans and alternative financing methods for students who require additional funding sources. The availability and eligibility for these financial supports depend on various factors such as academic performance, financial need, and program-specific criteria. International students have access to federal and institutional scholarships, though their options may be more limited compared to domestic students. The university’s Financial Aid Office and the School of Cinematic Arts’ dedicated resources provide comprehensive guidance to prospective and current students seeking financial support. Overall, the Financing studies landscape for the Animation and Digital Arts program aims to make world-class education accessible to talented students through multiple funding avenues, minimizing financial barriers while fostering creative and technical excellence in animation and digital arts.

The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Digital Arts, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the art and technology of digital animation, visual effects, and interactive media. The program combines rigorous coursework in traditional animation techniques, digital tools, storytelling, and emerging technologies to prepare students for careers in the dynamic fields of entertainment, gaming, advertising, and multimedia production. Students engage with a wide range of skills including character design, storyboarding, 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and digital post-production. The curriculum emphasizes both technical proficiency and creative expression, fostering innovative approaches to visual storytelling.

In addition to core courses, students have opportunities for hands-on projects, collaborations with peers and industry professionals, and exposure to the latest software and hardware used in the industry. The program benefits from USC’s strong network of alumni and industry partnerships, providing internship opportunities and pathways to employment upon graduation. Students are encouraged to develop a unique artistic voice while mastering the technical skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. The facility infrastructure includes state-of-the-art computer labs, motion capture studios, and rendering farm resources, ensuring students gain real-world experience in production environments.

The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering innovation in animation and digital media. The program also offers options for interdisciplinary projects, enabling students to explore related fields such as game design, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as animators, visual effects artists, character designers, digital producers, and multimedia content creators in entertainment companies, advertising firms, and tech startups. The University of Southern California’s location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled access to the entertainment industry, facilitating industry engagement and career development opportunities for students throughout their studies and post-graduation.