Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects (STEM)

at Academy of Art University USA

The MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in any one of the many areas of expertise within the animation and visual effects industry. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

The Visual Development MA program provides professional development with advanced coursework in still life painting, figure drawing, character design, concept painting, layout design for animation, and other core skills of professional visual developers.

Entertainment Art
Entertainment Art emphasis students will develop professional skills needed to provide intelligent and informative visuals for new market areas of web publishing, app building, e-publishing, and VR experiences. Students will create unique portfolios incorporating data driven visual problem solving as well as fluency in time based media. Beyond distinct style and problem solving skills, students will develop professional portfolios emphasizing conceptual skills, current digital tools, appropriate motion based imaging skills, and the ability to work individually and in teams for online applications and digital publications. Professional skills needed to enter and sustain a career in the online marketplace for both contract and staff work will be emphasized.

The Masters of Fine Art in Fashion Merchandising and Management program provides the in-depth knowledge and specialized skill set required for today’s fashion merchandising and management environment. Graduates will be capable of performing the major functions necessary to run a successful operation including planning, managing, and selling fashion products.

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology.

3D Animation
The 3D Animation emphasis BFA is designed for students interested in acquiring skills in computer animation. Course works covers elements of movement, performance, and timing as well as  training in the software and hardware needed to achieve their goals.

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology.

2D animation and Stop Motion
The 2D animation and Stop Motion emphasis BFA is designed for students interested in acquiring basic to advanced skills in either hand-drawn or stop motion animation. 2D animation focuses on digitally hand drawn and computer generated movement. Stop motion animation involves both digitally captured and generated work as well as a significant amount of hand crafted art.

The MA in Advertising & Branded Media Technology provides students with an opportunity to learn the technical skills that will support their future careers in the art of advertising. It prepares students to solve tomorrow’s problems today. Learning from accomplished advertising professionals, students are prepared for the real world of advertising.

The MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in any one of the many areas of expertise within the animation and visual effects industry. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

2D Animation and Stop Motion
This MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in 2D animation and stop motion. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

The MA in Sound Design provides students with focused studio training in sound design, digital audio workstations, and industry standard practices in creating sonic worlds for visual media. Emphasis is placed on creative sound design techniques, and editorial practices in layering sounds in synchronization with visual media.

The BFA program provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles of modern web design and new media. Taught by a faculty that works in the San Francisco Bay Area creative industry, our students are provided a unique opportunity to learn from teachers immersed in the field. The curriculum focuses on visual design, user experience, design strategies, web design, and motion graphics.

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology.