Animation

About our Animation 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

Duration:	4 Years
Credits:	120
Minoring:	Summer programs available
Core Faculty:	Erik Westlund
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

What our students learn in our Animation Program

Our animation students have not only hone their creative skills but also learn the processes of creating an animation from the ground up. Our students develop their own original stories, master directing and producing techniques, and the complexity of rigging and modelling.

The slideshow below showcases the various steps that our animators create in order to create an original animated video. Artwork by Chi Hubert.

Background concepts
Background elements
Background process
Completed background section
Main character concepts
Hero loop animation
Hero loop final animation

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

First Year Experience
24

General Education Courses
42

Animation Courses
24

Elective Courses
30

Total credits

120

Courses	Credits
First Year Experience	24
General Education Courses	42
Animation Courses	24
Elective Courses	30
Total credits	120

Degree Requirements

First Year Experience Courses	Credits
FYE102 Spatial Dynamics	3
FYE103 Design Solutions	3
FYE104 Drawing I	4
FYE105 The Power of Why	2
FYE152 Creative Thinking	4
FYE153 Narrative Design	4
FYE154 Drawing II	4
Total credits	24

Seminar Courses	Credits
AN215 Animation Seminar I	3
AN215 Animation Seminar II	3
AN215 Animation Seminar III	3
AN215 Animation Seminar IV	3
Total credits	12

Studio Electives	Credits
Course availability varies based on student need
Total credits	15

Advanced Application Electives	Credits
Course availability varies based on student need
Total credits	12

Capstone Courses	Credits
Portfolio
Total credits	3

Core Studio Courses	Credits
AN200 Digital Filmmaking	3
AN201 Basic Animation Skills	3
AN311 Character Design and Movement	3
AN312 Introduction to 3D Modeling	3
Total credits	12

General Education

Lower Level Courses	Credits
GE101 Art History - Paleolithic to Renaissance	3
GE102 Art History - Renaissance to 21st Century	3
GE105 English Composition	3
GE106 Principles of Communication	3
Total credits	12

Upper Level Courses*	Credits
Math	3
Science	3
Social and Behavioral Science	3
Humanities	3
Art History	15
Professional Practices	3
Total credits	30

* Upper level course availability is determined based on student need.

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