The School of Film at University of the Arts (UArts) has three paths to study animation. Options include the Animation BFA, a BFA in Film & Animation, and an Animation minor. The School of Film encourages collaboration between schools, so all students have opportunities to study design, photography, acting, and other disciplines.
The Animation BFA allows students to focus in 2D, 3D, or Stop Motion Animation. Students may also create a hybrid focus path. The Film & Animation BFA explores styles and genres across animation and filmmaking. Examples include experimental, computer-generated animation, documentary, traditional animation, stop motion, and narrative. Across programs, students have opportunities to work with professionals and faculty associated with major studios and networks such as Nickelodeon, HBO, Comedy Central, Netflix, IFC, Disney Animation Studios, and Cartoon Network.
The BFA curriculum combines hands-on teaching with internships at studios such as Augenblick, Stretch Films Inc., and Sesame Workshop; study away experiences in places such as France and South Korea; and formal critiquing sessions designed to evaluate the students’ progress and work. BFA students also have opportunities to interact with guest speakers and alumni; collaborate on projects with peers; and participate in lectures and screenings.
A major component of the Animation programs at University of the Arts is the Professional Practices requirement. During this multifaceted course, which takes place in the third year of the programs, provides the opportunity for students to post their reels to their branded portfolio websites; participate in mock interviews; design business cards, resumes, and other materials; and develop social media strategies.
The Animation programs at UArts also provide access to a 5,600-square-foot space known as the Center for Immersive Media (CIM). Within the CIM, students can explore other areas such as human-computer interaction (HCI), VR/AR, and performance motion-capture. In addition to CIM, animation students have unlimited access to computer labs and state-of-the-art animation, film, and stop-motion studios.
The Animation and Film BFA at UArts culminates with the Animation Thesis or Film Thesis completed across two courses. The culminating experience for the Animation BFA is the Animation Thesis, completed across two courses. For Animation BFA students who would like to complete an additional project, the program provides the option to complete the Client Animation Project course instead of an internship.
University of the Arts Animation graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Character Animator, Storyboard Artist, Effects Animator, Computer Animator, Art Director, Cinematographer, Clay/Puppet Animator, Director, Motion Graphics Designer, Producer, Animatic Editor, Scientific Animator, Forensic Animator, and Background Artist.
UArts graduates have been hired local companies and studios such as Center City Film & Video, Alkemy X, and unPOP. UArts alumni also work at major companies, studios, and networks such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, HBO, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Google, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Nickelodeon, Google, Augenblick, Titmouse, and Bento Box Entertainment.
Founded in 1876 as part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, University of the Arts serves approximately 1,315 students enrolled in more than 40 degree programs in fine arts, design, media arts, dance, music, theater, and crafts. More than 20 minors are available and open to all students. UArts programs are offered in the Schools of Art, Dance, Design, Film, Music, Theater Arts, and Graduate and Professional Studies. University of the Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).