Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Animation, Digital Filmmaking, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration
Tuition Information: Undergraduate $30,762 for the 2011 – 2012 school year
Contact Information:
4415 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111
800.522.5224
www.kcai.edu
Scope of Program:
The Kansas City Art Institute has been a center for art and design education since 1885. Robert Rauschenberg, Thomas Hart Benton and Walt Disney studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. All current students begin their degree programs in the School of the Foundation Year, taking courses in western art, western thought, writing and foundation studio. Animation students continue their studies with coursework in digital motion, advanced animation, history of animation, 3D animation, Maya, Flash, digital methods and motion graphics. All students complete a graduation animation project. Digital Filmmaking students concentrate on still and moving image, alternative digital processes, video editing, compositing, sound and professional practices. All students complete a senior thesis. Digital Media majors choose one of four concentrations: 3D Design and Modeling, Game Design Art, Motion Graphics or Visual Effects. All Digital Media students complete a senior thesis.
Graphic Design students complete coursework in typography, image making and communication design theories and complete a four-course graphic design project. Graphic Design students must select one of three concentrations: Branding and Identity Systems, Information and Interaction Systems or Communication Design Systems. Illustration students focus on drawing, narrative images, color and space, media and form exploration, digital media and visual storytelling. Illustration students also complete an image thesis during their senior year.
Animation, Digital Media, Graphic Design and Illustration majors must purchase a laptop computer, typically a MacBook Pro. Applicants must submit a portfolio with their application; this portfolio also becomes part of the scholarship application. Need-based and merit scholarships are available. Residents of Missouri are strongly encouraged to apply for state scholarships and grants.