About the Program
The Animation and Visual Effects major prepares students to design, produce, and deliver compelling animated content for film, television, games, immersive media, and interactive platforms. The program integrates artistic development, technical expertise, production workflow, and professional practice to prepare graduates for high-impact roles in digital media industries.
Students begin with courses in animation foundations that introduce the history and evolution of animation, the 12 Principles of Animation, as well as stop motion, 2D digital animation, and 3D computer animation, establishing a strong base in believable movement and narrative structure. They also integrate foundational coursework in visual communication, sketching, CG modeling, and digital imaging. Studio experiences emphasize creativity, aesthetics, color theory, composition, narrative and visual storytelling, and the development of digital craft skills.
As students progress, they develop technical depth in 3D computer animation, modeling, lighting, compositing, materials, rendering, and visual effects, as they attain mastery of industry-standard software that includes AI tools. Students gain expert-level knowledge of the 3D production pipeline, from pre-production and storyboarding through modeling, animation, compositing, and final output.
Professional development is embedded throughout the program. Students build and refine a public-facing website and portfolio, establish a professional identity, engage with industry mentors and guest speakers, and complete a two-course capstone sequence in applied computer animation. The senior capstone emphasizes industry collaboration, as well as project development, execution, evaluation, and formal presentation.
Graduates are prepared to pursue animation-related careers in film, games, immersive media, visual effects, game development, and digital content production. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptability to emerging technologies, and lifelong professional growth-ensuring graduates are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
Animation and Visual Effects Major Change (CODO) Requirements
Critical Course
The ♦ course is considered critical.
In alignment with the Degree Map Guidance for Indiana’s Public Colleges and Universities, published by the Commission for Higher Education (pursuant to HEA 1348-2013), a Critical Course is identified as “one that a student must be able to pass to persist and succeed in a particular major. Students who want to be nurses, for example, should know that they are expected to be proficient in courses like biology in order to be successful. These would be identified by the institutions for each degree program.”
Return to: