Animation

The Bachelor of Arts in Animation at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers students a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to equip them with the technical skills, creative vision, and professional knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of animation. This program combines foundational art and design principles with advanced digital techniques, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for various careers in animation, multimedia, gaming, film, and interactive media industries. Students will engage in hands-on projects spanning traditional 2D and 3D animation, character development, storyboarding, visual effects, and motion graphics, allowing them to craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. The curriculum emphasizes both artistic expression and technical proficiency, including training in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and Blender, among others. Students also gain a solid understanding of the history and theory of animation, as well as the ethical and professional considerations relevant to the industry. The program encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation through team projects, critiques, and workshops led by experienced professionals and faculty members who are active contributors to the animation field. In addition to coursework, students have access to state-of-the-art studios and labs equipped with the latest technologies to facilitate practical learning and experimentation. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including character animator, visual effects artist, storyboard artist, motion graphic designer, and game developer. With a strong focus on building a versatile portfolio, students are guided to showcase their skills in various formats suitable for employment or advanced study. The Bachelor of Arts in Animation at Fairleigh Dickinson University is committed to fostering the creative talents and technical competencies of each student, ensuring they are industry-ready and capable of making significant contributions to the evolving visual storytelling landscape.

3D Character Animation Concentration Requirements

In this concentration, students give personality and emotion to digital 3D characters. Through the use of software techniques and acute observation skills, they show their ability to portray convincing and engaging performances in their animated characters and creatures.

Required Courses (18 Credits)

• ANIM 5300 Storytelling
• ANIM 5400 Character Design
• ANIM 6100 Digital Sculpting
• ANIM 6150 3D Character Texturing
• ANIM 6300 3D Character Animation
• ANIM 7000 Advanced 3D Character Animation

Major Electives (18 Credits)

6 ANIM 5000 or Higher Level Courses

Visual Effects Concentration Requirements

In this concentration, students animate illusions and tricks of the eye to simulate imagined events in stories and computer-generated environments. Along with enhancing and manipulating digital imagery created in a variety of 3D and 2D software programs, they also learn to integrate and composite believable components and visual effects into live action footage.

Required Courses (18 Credits)

• ANIM 5300 Storytelling
• ANIM 5500 Digital 2D Animation
• ANIM 5600 Advanced 3D Layers in After Effects
• ANIM 5700 Dynamic Effects and Particle Systems in After Effects
• ANIM 5800 Compositing in After Effects
• ANIM 6350 3D Particle Systems and Effects

Major Electives (18 Credits)

6 ANIM 5000 or Higher Level Courses

Video Games Concentration Requirements

In this concentration, students design and create animations that are intended to be utilized in video games and interactive media. They learn how to optimize the visual data, bearing in mind the limitations of the platform that will be delivering it, in that the device will be dynamically rendering the incorporated assets in real time.

Required Courses (18 Credits)

• ANIM 5400 Character Design
• ANIM 5500 Digital 2D Animation
• ANIM 6100 Digital Sculpting
• ANIM 6400 3D Animation for Games
• ANIM 6600 Game Creation
• ANIM 7500 Advanced Game Creation

Major Electives (18 Credits)

6 ANIM 5000 or Higher Level Courses

Other Animation Electives

• ANIM 5100 History of Animation & Special Effects
• ANIM 5200 History of Video Games
• ANIM 5600 Advanced 3D Layers in After Effects
• ANIM 5750 3D Character Modeling
• ANIM 5850 Advanced Digital 2D Animation
• ANIM 5900 Expressions and Scripting in After Effects
• ANIM 6700 Animating Fluids
• ANIM 6805 Motion Tracking
• ANIM 6900 Digital 2D Game Creation
• ANIM 7100 3D Character Animation - Weight, Overlap and Follow through
• ANIM 7200 Character Animation - Emotion and Personality
• ANIM 7250 Lip-Syncing
• ANIM 7300 Animation with Hair/Fur
• ANIM 7400 Animation with Cloth
• ANIM 7425 Motion Capture
• ANIM 7525 Virtual Reality
• ANIM 7550 Internship I
• ANIM 7600 Video Game Team Project
• ANIM 7650 Thesis I
• ANIM 7700 Faculty/Student Research I
• ANIM 7750 Thesis II
• ANIM 7775 Internship II
• ANIM 7805 Faculty/Student Research II
• ANIM 7850 Thesis III
• ANIM 7900 Animation Career Preparation

MA in Animation degree applicants must digitally submit a portfolio of 10-15 creative pieces as part of the application process. Acceptance is based on the quality of the work as well as meeting all of the other academic admission requirements of the university. The review committee is looking for work that is original in concept and content and will evaluate the portfolios to determine if the applicant qualifies to enter the program based on their artistic skills. If the submitted work infringes on copyright laws or is copied from other sources the applicant will be denied admission.

Requirements

• Completed FDU graduate admissions application
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) of 2.70 (applicants with a CGPR of less than 2.70 may be admitted on probation)
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Digital portfolio
• Two letters of recommendation (from a professor, employer, or professional in the field familiar with the student's strengths and abilities)
• Personal statement
• Resume or curriculum vitae

The Financing Studies for the Animation program at Fairleigh Dickinson University are designed to provide students with multiple options to fund their education effectively. Tuition fees for this undergraduate program are based on a per-credit-hour rate, which varies slightly depending on residency status. International students and out-of-state residents typically pay higher rates compared to in-state students, aligning with the university's established fee structure. In addition to tuition, students should account for mandatory fees such as registration, technology, and activity fees, which collectively support campus facilities and student services essential for a comprehensive academic experience.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a variety of financial aid options to assist students in managing the costs associated with their Animation studies. Federal and state grants, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are available for eligible students, providing need-based funding that does not require repayment. The university also offers institutional scholarships specific to the Animation program and other related fields, awarded based on academic merit, portfolio presentation, or a combination of criteria. These scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden and are renewable subject to academic performance and continued eligibility.

Additionally, students are encouraged to explore work-study opportunities, part-time employment both on and off-campus, and internships that often provide stipends, which contribute toward tuition and living expenses. Fairleigh Dickinson University provides comprehensive financial counseling services to help students understand their funding options, complete application processes, and develop manageable payment plans. Private loans may also be considered for students requiring additional funding; however, these should be approached cautiously and with thorough understanding of repayment obligations.

International students have access to specific scholarship programs and may also consider private sponsorships or government-sponsored loan schemes available in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office is available to guide students through the application process, ensuring they meet all deadlines and requirements to maximize their potential funding sources.

Overall, the university’s approach to financing Animation studies combines institutional support, external funding opportunities, and personal financial planning, aiming to make a high-quality education accessible to all qualified students. The university encourages early planning and proactive engagement with financial resources to ensure a successful and financially manageable academic journey.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Media at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers students a comprehensive education in the field of digital arts, focusing on animation, video production, interactive media, and digital design. This program is designed to equip students with both technical skills and creative abilities necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving digital arts industry. Throughout the course of study, students have the opportunity to develop proficiency in industry-standard software and tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and other animation and editing platforms. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to work on real-world projects that prepare them for professional careers.

The program combines rigorous coursework with practical experience, often involving internships, collaborative projects, and portfolio development. Students are encouraged to explore various aspects of digital media, such as 2D and 3D animation, character design, visual effects, and storytelling techniques. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars who mentor students through both theoretical understanding and practical application. The university's facilities include modern computer labs, animation studios, and editing suites, providing students with the tools necessary to produce high-quality digital content.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes the importance of artistic expression, narrative skills, and understanding of industry trends. Graduates of the BFA in Digital Media program often find employment in diverse fields such as animation studios, advertising agencies, video game companies, film production houses, and digital content creation firms. The program also prepares students for advanced studies or graduate programs in related fields. Overall, the program aims to foster creativity, technical expertise, and professional readiness to meet the demands of the digital media industry.