With a visual arts foundation and in-depth instruction in upper-level courses, you will be prepared for a flexible career in animation and entertainment media and arts.
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, graduates are able to demonstrate the technical and artistic abilities to create animations for exhibition in arts venues (galleries, museums, festivals, etc.) and in entertainment media-arts industries. They also are prepared to 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 and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- 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
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
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, video 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:
- animator
- art director
- artist
- designer
- graphic artist
- graphic designer
- multimedia designer
- creative director
For the last several years, jobs for multimedia artists, animators, film and video editors are continuing to trend upward nationally.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 4.1% | $77,700 |
| Art Directors | -1.8% | $97,270 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 5.6% | $69,690 |
| Designers, All Other | -1.9% | $63,750 |
| Film and Video Editors | 21.6% | $67,250 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | 1% | $52,340 |
| Graphic Designers | -3.8% | $53,380 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | -3.5% | $71,640 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | -0.2% | $65,800 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 1.2% | $58,180 |
* 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