Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation (BFA)

Animation Major Overview

The BFA in Animation program provides the flexibility to specialize in narrative storytelling, technical animation, or visual effects, aligning your academic path with your career aspirations. Starting with foundational courses in 2D and 3D digital design and story development, you’ll progress into specialized training covering advanced 3D animation techniques, pipelines, and principles.

Our rigorous curriculum integrates essential career preparation elements, including professional internships and a portfolio refinement. With a total of 125 credits, the BFA in Animation program delivers robust artistic and technical skill-building, preparing you to lead creatively in the competitive animation field.

Degree Plan

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Animation Program Courses

Our BFA in Animation program merges core artistic fundamentals with advanced digital technology, incorporating faith-based and culturally reflective coursework. Courses are designed to keep pace with industry trends, featuring:

• Principles of Cinema & Animation
• Art Foundations for Digital Artists
• 3D Digital Art & Design
• Animation Production
• Art of Storytelling
• Collaboration & Communication
• Portfolio, Pitching, & Networking

Graduates of HCU’s BFA in Animation find diverse career opportunities across entertainment, marketing, education, and technological innovation. Whether you dream of animating films for major studios, crafting immersive game environments, or developing cutting-edge visual effects, your skill set will prepare you for exciting roles that blend storytelling with advanced technical artistry.

Potential career paths include:

• Animator (Film, TV, Gaming)
• Visual Effects Artist
• Storyboard Artist
• 3D Modeler
• Technical Director
• Character Designer

Animation careers offer rewarding experiences and competitive salaries, with opportunities to specialize and advance as you build your professional portfolio.

Facilities and Opportunities

From day one, students have free access to…

• Cutting edge computer lab with high-powered 3D graphics systems
• High-end professional cameras and media production equipment
• Multi-use production studio with chroma key backdrops
• Advanced editing and audio studios for sound, music, and podcasts
• Virtual reality, performance capture systems, and 3D printers
• Industry-specific internships and job opportunities
• Constantly growing network of alumni and mentors
• Annual trips to the South by Southwest Festival & Conference
• Faculty who are highly-accomplished industry professionals

Develop a Compelling Animation Portfolio

Throughout your animation studies at HCU, you’ll create an impressive portfolio demonstrating your versatility in animation techniques, storytelling prowess, and artistic innovation. Projects can include short films, character animations, interactive media, visual effects sequences, and collaborative works designed to showcase your capabilities to industry professionals.

Real-World Experience and Internships

Gain valuable industry experience through HCU’s integrated internship program. Collaborate on real-world projects under the mentorship of animation industry veterans, boosting your résumé, refining your professional skill set, and giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.

Learn about internships at HCU.

Personal, Spiritual, and Career Support

From fine arts events and programming to the vibrant spiritual life on campus, as an Animation major, you’ll find numerous avenues to connect and engage with your peers, faculty experts, and the broader Houston community. Your life at HCU embodies personal growth and development, but support from many offices and departments dedicated to your academic and career success ensures you graduate empowered to make impactful decisions and steer your career path with confidence.

Explore Student Services and check out Student Success support programs.