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If you enjoy producing images and seeing them come to life on screen in films, commercials, videos, computer games, websites and more, study to become an animator or media artist in the School of Art at one of the largest and most innovative research universities in the United States.
The BFA program in art with a concentration in animation prepares students to excel in the field of animation. Animation students are provided an education that simultaneously sustains tradition and fosters innovation through embracing new visualization methodologies and tools with the potential to advance discoveries and insights across disciplines. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate the technical and artistic abilities to create animations for exhibition in arts venues (galleries, museums, festivals, etc.) and entertainment media-arts industries (cinema, TV, web, video games, virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics and emerging forms), and pursue advanced research in graduate animation programs
The mission of the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is to create works of art, explore the history and traditions of art production, understand more about art's function in society, and promote national and international recognition for research and creative activities while fostering cultural development in the community.
At A Glance
Art (Animation), BFA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Animators work within the realms of fine arts, design, cinema, television, games, online media, augmented and virtual reality, scientific and data visualization, medical illustration, robotics and a range of other emerging fields. Top job titles for those with an education in animation include graphic designer, artist, designer, art director, animator, graphic artist, multimedia designer and creative director. Nationally, since 2017, jobs for multimedia artists, animators, film and video editors are trending upward.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 8.4% | $70,530 |
| Art Directors | 5.4% | $92,500 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 12% | $66,930 |
| Designers, All Other | 5.8% | $55,930 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | 6.6% | $49,520 |
| Graphic Designers | 4.2% | $48,700 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | 4.4% | $65,970 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | 5.5% | $63,540 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 10.3% | $53,090 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation