The College of Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) at Syracuse University (SU) houses the Department of Film and Media Arts, which has several pathways to study animation. Options include a Computer Art and Animation BFA, a Computer Art MFA, and an Animation and Visual Effects Minor.
The Minor allows students to focus in Animation, Visual Effects, or both. Consisting of 21 credit hours, the minor includes course options such as Advanced 3D Animation and Visual Effects, Animation Workshop I-II, Previz and Character Development for Animation, Visual Effects Workshop I-II, Drawing II: Representation to Conceptualization, Film Scriptwriting, and Drawing for Illustration.
Upon completion of the SU Animation and Visual Effects Program, students may pursue further study in the VPA (or other SU college) or pursue an entry-level position in the entertainment industry.
The Computer Art and Animation BFA at Syracuse University provides the opportunity to observe the production processes at studios in the U.S. and around the world. Examples include Method Studios (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Vancouver and Montreal, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, and Pune, India) and Filmworks/FX (Brooklyn, New York, Los Angeles, and Woodland Hills, California). All BFA students also have the opportunity to participate in the VPA LA Semester. This immersive professional development program allows students to work as interns in Los Angeles, while taking courses taught by professionals working in LA’s entertainment industry.
Graduates of the SU Computer Art and Animation Program have been hired at Cartoon Network, Pixar, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Tippett Studio, and Filmworks/FX.
The Computer Art MFA Program at Syracuse University launched in 1980. Consisting of 60 credit hours, completed over three years, the program allows students to focus in a specific area through studio electives (12) and free electives (Six). Focus areas may include Computer Animation, Gaming, Visual Effects, or Sonic Art, among others.
Graduate students in all areas have 24/7 access to all computer art facilities, video post-production, audio production, and recording studios, dedicated Apple MacPro workstations, video camcorders, field audio recorders, and a range of physical computing gear.
The Computer Art MFA Program at Syracuse University culminates with an oral examination and final project with presentation. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in all areas of entertainment. Program alumni work at major studios and networks such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, MPC Film, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Blizzard Entertainment, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Filmworks/FX, and Tippett Studios.
Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is an R1 research institution that serves approximately 21,320 students from all 50 states and 126 countries. Students can choose from more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs across SU’s 13 colleges and schools. In addition to campuses in Syracuse, and Manhattan, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, SU operates overseas centers in London, Italy, Spain, Chile, France, and Poland. Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).