New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a Bachelor of Creative Media (BCM) degree with an emphasis in Animation and Visual Effects through its Creative Media Institute (CMI). Below are ten reasons to consider NMSU's animation program, followed by ten considerations that might influence your decision.
National Recognition – NMSU's animation program has been consistently ranked among the top animation programs nationwide, reflecting its quality and reputation.
Affordable Tuition – NMSU offers competitive tuition rates, making quality education in animation more accessible to a diverse student body.
Comprehensive Curriculum – The BCM in Animation and Visual Effects provides two distinct pathways: 2D Production Studio and 3D & VFX Production Studio, allowing students to specialize according to their interests.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – CMI houses advanced facilities, including digital projection screening rooms, post-production labs, animation labs, and production spaces, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools.
Experienced Faculty – The program is led by faculty members with extensive industry experience, offering valuable insights and mentorship to students.
Creative Freedom – NMSU emphasizes storytelling and encourages students to develop their unique voices, allowing them to create original characters and narratives in their projects.
Growing Program – Since 2018, the animation program has experienced significant growth, with a 40% increase in majors and a 50% increase in degrees awarded, indicating a thriving and dynamic academic environment.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities – Students have the opportunity to collaborate across various disciplines within the Creative Media Institute, enhancing their learning experience and broadening their skill sets.
Industry Partnerships – NMSU's program is recognized as a Toon Boom Center of Excellence, providing students with exposure to industry-standard animation software and techniques.
Supportive Learning Environment – With smaller class sizes, students can benefit from more personalized attention and mentorship from faculty members.
Limited Geographic Proximity to Major Industry Hubs – Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, NMSU is distant from major animation industry centers, which may affect internship and employment opportunities.
Competitive Admission – Entry into the Animation and Visual Effects program requires a separate application and a minimum GPA of 2.5, making admission competitive.
Program Intensity – The curriculum is rigorous, demanding significant time and effort, which may be challenging for students balancing other commitments.
Resource Availability – High demand for facilities and equipment may lead to limited access during peak times, requiring students to plan their projects accordingly.
Limited Online Course Options – For students seeking flexible learning modalities, the predominantly on-campus course offerings might be a limitation.
Class Size Variability – While smaller classes offer personalized attention, they may also limit the diversity of perspectives and peer collaboration opportunities.
Weather Conditions – Las Cruces experiences a desert climate with hot summers, which might be a consideration for those unaccustomed to such conditions.
Limited Focus on Emerging Technologies – While the program covers traditional and some digital techniques, there may be limited emphasis on emerging areas such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Limited Alumni Network in Major Studios – While the program is growing and gaining recognition, its alumni presence in large, global animation or VFX studios may still be relatively limited. This could affect networking opportunities and insider referrals when trying to break into competitive industry roles after graduation.
Scholarship Opportunities – While tuition is affordable, there may be limited scholarship options specifically for animation students, necessitating external funding searches.
New Mexico State University's animation program offers a comprehensive education with opportunities to specialize in 2D or 3D animation. Prospective students should weigh factors such as location, program intensity, and resource availability when making their decision. It's advisable to visit the campus, speak with faculty and current students, and assess how well the program aligns with personal and professional goals.
High-Quality Education at an Affordable Price. NMSU offers a respected animation and visual effects program through its Creative Media Institute with a strong focus on storytelling, hands-on training, and student creativity — all at a significantly lower cost than many other schools. It’s one of the rare places where you can get a solid, industry-relevant education in animation without taking on heavy student debt.
Limited Proximity to Major Animation Hubs. NMSU is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which means students have fewer local internship and studio networking opportunities compared to schools situated directly in major industry cities. Graduates may need to relocate post-degree to fully tap into the animation job market.
Other Schools to Consider:
