Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation

Be a powerhouse in an industry that spans film, TV, video games, AR/VR, and more Illuminate fantastical realms and characters that launch careers, bring joy to fans, and take the world by storm. Named a top animation program in the U.S. year after year by Animation Career Review, SCAD provides every resource to help you develop your signature style in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, digital modeling, rigging, lighting, and look development. As you work with top companies and peers, you’ll become a pro at collaboration — just like in the real world.

Survey of Animation: Professional Pathways

Unlocking the pathways of animation, students begin their journeys toward a professional career. Immersed in the animation process, students gain an overview of both 2D and 3D production workflows, resulting in the creation of their first film. Prerequisite(s): None.

Historical Adventures in Cinematic Animation

From the first cartoons to blockbuster films, students focus on the history and aesthetics of animation with references to related arts. In this course, students explore a wide range of commercial and experimental works produced throughout the world, such as live-action cinema, puppetry and comics. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 190.

Animation Business and Professional Practices

Through topics such as studio hierarchy, production bidding, media distribution and professional growth, students explore important aspects of the animation business. Students prepare for professional situations through the creation of individual demo reels, résumés, websites and portfolios in relation to their career goals. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 313 or ANIM 325 or ANIM 335 or ANIM 349 or ANIM 359 or ANIM 372.

Collaborative Experiences in Animation

From 2D animation to revolutionary 3D films, every animated project requires large teams of artists to produce amazing visuals. Students experience the dynamic workflow of a collaborative project to produce an appealing and finished animated film. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 289 or ANIM 313 or ANIM 315 or ANIM 372. Students may take this course up to three times for credi

Animated Capstone Film: Preproduction

From the creation of a production schedule to previsualization, students complete the preproduction phase of their animated films. Students establish milestones and deadlines, character posing and shot blocking to prepare for the production stage of a short film. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 395.

Animated Capstone Film: Production

From final character animation to an assembly edit, animators synthesize technical and aesthetic skills to bring stories to life. Through an exploration of the production process, students continue to develop content delivery, story and technical mastery. Emphasis is placed on the identification and utilization of individual strengths in the context of a production environment. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 390 and ANIM 408.

Animated Capstone Film: Postproduction

That's a wrap. Through the exploration of the postproduction process, students focus on their senior short including final edit and rendering, updating reel and self-promotional support items and researching self-promotional opportunities. This course represents the third phase of the senior project and the final phase of animation career preparation. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 448.