Animation

About the program

In SUVA’s Bachelor of Arts in Animation program, students learn how to create the illusion of life and motion. The program provides a comprehensive study into the mechanics and applications of animation. SUVA teaches students how to bring ideas to life by creating movement and special effects for animated stories, motion pictures, video games and commercials. Students begin with foundation courses in design and computers, then advance to editing pictures and sound, production techniques, 2D and 3D modeling and animation. Graduates from this program are prepared to work as a storyboard artist, production artist/animator, computer animator, web designer/animator and a 2D or 3D animator.

Take a look at some of our animation students past work by visiting our Vimeo page.

Cover image: Jon Reis

Location:	Tucson or Albuquerque
Duration:	4 Years
Minoring:	Summer programs available
Core Faculty:	Erik Westlund Desi Garcia
Support Faculty:	John Cummins
Contact:	800.825.8753 (toll free) or email us

Apply for this program

Unlike other schools, at SUVA I received a lot of individualized attention and hands on learning which motivates me to create. Nothing seems impossible.

Joseph Tenebruso

Overview

As as an Animator, you create visual experiences that impact how people think, act and feel. Imagine what it feels like working with a team of people to create characters and action scenes for video games. Think of what its like working for the defense industry making training videos that save lives. Imagine working for some fo the biggest names in the movie industry making full featured films that wow audiences throughout the world. As a professional Animator, you use your imagination and education from Southwest University of Visual Arts to tell stories through the creation of moving characters, life forms and special effects. If you want a better idea of what you will be learning, watch this video.

Courses

Credits

Universal Foundation Courses
39

General Education Courses
27

Animation Courses
53

Elective Courses
6

Total credits

125

Courses	Credits
Universal Foundation Courses	39
General Education Courses	27
Animation Courses	53
Elective Courses	6
Total credits	125

Year 1

Academic calendar for first year students:

Freshman Modules	Credits
A/D101 Concepts through History I Students learn how light, color, perspective, space, sight, sound, touch, etc. reflect culture and ideas.	3
A/D102 Spatial Dynamics Students learn how space can be manipulated to develop impactful designs.	4
A/D103 Design Solutions I Students complete a variety of projects that demonstrate the principles and elements in 2D and 3D formats.	3
A/D104 Drawing I Students begin to develop eye, mind and hand coordination in order to accurately depict light, form and space to create art and design.	4
A/D105 The Power of Why I Students learn to use the power of their decisions to create meaningful art. This course includes inspiring discussions, research and inquiry.	1
A/D115 Concepts through History II Students continue learning how artists and designers throughout history use concepts to make art.	3
A/D116 Narrative Design Students learn how to connect parts of a story to create a purposeful experience.	3
A/D117 Design Solutions II Students continue learning the principles and elements of design with the addition of color, light and time. Prereq. A/D-U 103.	3
A/D118 Drawing II The students practice eye, mind and hand coordination in order to accurately depict light, form and space to create art and design. Prereq: A/D-U104	4
A/D119 The Power of Why II Students learn to use the power of their decisions to create meaningful art. This course includes inspiring discussions, research and inquiry.	1
Total credits	29

After the Freshman year, students enhance their learning by taking 6 credits of elective courses to explore and develop understanding in subjects of conceptual, or technical interest.

Year 2

Academic calendar for second year students:

Sophomore Modules	Credits
A/D203 Creative Thinking Students learn to analyze contemporary artist’s and designer’s work to understand the universal creative process.	4
ANS200 - Into the Studio: Basic Animation Skills/Digital Tools for Animation Students study the concept and idea development process required for creating traditional and digital animation that communicates meaning for the viewer.	5
A/D201 Voice and Vision Students learn how simplicity, metaphors and analogies keep their message clear and concise.	3
A/D202 English Composition Students learn to compose an essay and organize a thesis to use in academic environments.	3
ANC210 - Story Development I: Settings, Dramatic Sequences and Story Elements Students demonstrate an understanding of the interdependent relationship between story, animation, human experience and the artist’s responsibility to create an experience for the viewer.	4
ANS210 - Animation Studio I: Creating Characters, Character Movement and Digital 2D Animation Students complete a variety of engaging individual and collaborative projects at the introductory level to create the illusion of life and motion.	5
General Education (Elective)*	3
General Education (Elective)*	3
Total credits	29

* General Education Electives:

Art/Humanitites (12 cr./6 cr. AH/3 cr. HM min.)
Social/Behavioral Science (6 cr.)
Math/Science (3 cr.)
Diversity/Global Studies (3 cr.)

Year 3

Academic calendar for third year students:

Junior Modules	Credits
ANC300 - Story Development II: Dramatic Sequences II, Visual Designs and Story Themes Students build on concepts to create original multi-character stories that engage audiences with sophisticated acting performances.	4
ANS300 - Animation Studio II: Story Visualization, Animating Performances and 3D Animation I Students learn through different challenges and hands-on experience new ways of creating the illusion of life and motion.	5
General Education (Elective)*	3
General Education (Elective)*	3
ANC310 - Story Development III: Dramatic Sequences III, Visual Designs and Universal Archetypes Students create original, effective multi-character stories that engage audiences with sophisticated acting performances, a rich integration of art direction and scene design.	4
ANS310 - Animation Studio III: 3D Animation II and Animation Post-Production I Students challenge themselves and are challenged by their peers and instructors to and learn advanced animation skills.	5
General Education (Elective)*	3
General Education (Elective)*	3
Total credits	30

* General Education Electives:

Art/Humanitites (12 cr./6 cr. AH/3 cr. HM min.)
Social/Behavioral Science (6 cr.)
Math/Science (3 cr.)
Diversity/Global Studies (3 cr.)

Year 4

Academic calendar for final year students:

Senior Modules	Credits
ANC400 - Senior Seminar I: Advanced Story Development I Students develop an original and independent animated story that engages viewers at a deep, experiential level.	4
ANS400 - Senior Studio I: 3D Animation III and Animation Post-Production II Students learn to research concepts and advanced techniques to generate an internal reaction in the viewer.	5
General Education (Elective)*	3
General Education (Elective)*	3
ANC410 - Senior Seminar II: Advanced Story Development II Students continue to develop an original and independent animated story that engages viewers.	4
ANS410 - Senior Studio II: Portfolio Creation Students use animation processes and techniques to develop a cohesive body of work.	5
GE329 Professional Practices	3
Total credits	30

* General Education Electives:

Art/Humanitites (12 cr./6 cr. AH/3 cr. HM min.)
Social/Behavioral Science (6 cr.)
Math/Science (3 cr.)
Diversity/Global Studies (3 cr.)

Minoring

Study the mechanics and applications of animation. Students learn storytelling, character development, flash animation, motion graphics and basic animation skills to complete a short animation.

Courses

Credits

ANM101 Animation Minor (Summer 1)
8

ANM102 Animation Minor (Summer 2)
8

Total credits

16