Webster University (Webster) is home to the School of Communications (SOC). Housed in a 66,000-square foot state-of-the-art media production and education facility known as the Sverdrup Complex, the SOC (as part of Webster) has been designated a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence by Toon Boom Animation. The school provides access to sound stages; animation, game design, and video post-production labs; workshop and teaching spaces; audio and video production suites; the Kooyumjian Gallery and Media Center; a recording suite and photography studio; Winnifred Moore Auditorium.
The Complex is also home to the Webster Film Series and Kinemafest, which hosts more than 100 film screenings, special series and outside sponsors, filmmaking workshops, over 20 visiting performers and speakers, and 6,800+ viewers.
The School of Communications at Webster University houses three departments including Media Arts; Audio Aesthetics and Technology; and Communications and Journalism. The Media Arts Department, has a STEM-designated Animation program with two options: the BA and Animation Production minor. Students in both programs benefit from small classes; collaboration across SOC disciplines and the University; and hands-on experience through experiential learning experiences.
The Animation BA at Webster University explores animation, storytelling, production, and performance. The major consists of 57 credit hours, with required courses such as Animation I-II; Character Design; 3D Modeling; Graphics and Effects; Storyboarding; Voicing Your Creation; Writing the Short Script; and Professional Development for Media Careers. Students can develop additional skills in a specific area through required electives. Examples include Game Art; Writing Screenplays for Film; Cartooning; Visual Effects; and Comic Book Creation.
The 18 credit hour Animation Production minor explores the theory, principles, and practice of animation. Courses include Animation I-II and Writing Screenplays for Film. Students will also complete nine hours of animation electives. Examples include 3D Animated Short Film; Special Topics in Animation; Character Design; Photorealistic 3D Animation; Experimental Animation; Storyboarding; Animation Production; Cartooning; and Visual Storytelling.
Students in all Webster SOC programs may add the Entrepreneurship Certificate to enhance the degree and participate in Careers Week. This department-focused event highlights industry professional-led career panels; interactive career videos; and the annual Internship Expo where students can network, meet with a variety of professionals, and secure an internship.
SOC students have interned at companies and studios in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Orlando, and New York City. Examples include MTV Networks, Plymptoons, Titmouse, ESPN, Genius Games, Bad Dog Pictures, and Vidzu Media.
Housed in the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology/Management Department, the Entrepreneurship Certificate is an 18 credit hour program that explores small business management, marketing, and financial management for Animation, Media Arts, Film/Television and Video Production, Music, and Graphic Design.
Graduates of the Animation programs at Webster University are prepared to pursue positions in the entertainment industry and many others. Program alumni have been hired at major studios such as DreamWorks, Disney, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Digital Domain. Alumni credits include Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Lord of the Rings (2001, 2002, 2003), and King Kong.
Webster University was founded in 1915 as Loretto College by the Sisters of Loretto. When it opened, the school became the first senior Catholic college for women in Missouri, and one of the first Catholic women’s colleges west of the Mississippi River. Today, Webster serves a diverse population of approximately 13,450 students enrolled in more than 160 programs across five colleges and schools. Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).