MA in Animation

Program Overview

Led by renowned faculty from the industry, the program prepares students for careers in animation, game development, and visual effects. Graduates have gained employment at leading studios such as DreamWorks Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and international students benefit from a STEM designation that extends their post-graduation stay in the United States.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Animation program offers a blend of artistic and technical training preparing students for careers in 3D character animation, traditional animation, storyboarding, computer game art, motion graphics, and visual effects animation. The program provides a wide range of courses in traditional animation (hand-drawn, stop motion, and hybrid), 3D animation and modeling, character design, storyboarding, game art, motion graphics, VFX animation, as well as courses in screenwriting, editing, sound, directing, and game development. Students can choose from five concentrations: Motion Graphics, Storyboarding and Character Design, Technical Artist, Traditional Animation, and 3D Animation.

Teaching:

DePaul University boasts one of the largest full-time Animation faculties in the country. The faculty comes from diverse backgrounds in feature and TV animation, commercial production, game development, motion graphics, CGI, and art exhibition. They have worked at major animation and game studios including: Disney Feature Animation, Fox TV, Fox Kids, JibJab, Will Vinton, Sesame Street, NBC Studios, Nickelodeon, Calabash, Rough Draft, WMS, RoboModo, Wideload, and Day 1, and have exhibited internationally at galleries and film festivals.

Careers:

Alumni of the program have been hired in animation roles at a variety of companies, including DreamWorks Animation, LAIKA Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Bioware, Iron Galaxy Studios, The Mill, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, ShadowMachine, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts, and Cartoon Network.

Other:

The MA in Animation is a STEM-designated program for international students, allowing them to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States. Students have access to the latest in animation software, tools, and technologies including professional-level animation and effects software, Cintiq labs, 3D printing, stop motion stages and fabrication studios, 3D motion capture, motion control, and sophisticated sound studios. Students can also take advantage of DePaul's LA Quarter program, which allows them to study and intern in Los Angeles for three months. The program also offers a Visiting Artists Series that brings innovative practitioners and industry leaders to the campus for film screenings, on-stage conversations, and professional panels. The annual Premiere Film Festival showcases the best of student work in cinema and animation with awards covering all facets of filmmaking, from screenwriting to post production.