Montclair State University United States

Animation and Visual Effects (B.F.A.)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Animation and Visual Effects at Montclair State University is your gateway to mastering the professional tools, creative skills, and collaborative workflows essential for modern entertainment and commercial media. You will dive deep into creating professional-quality 3D characters, environments, animations, and visual effects for film, television, video games, and interactive media. This intensive, hands-on undergraduate program is designed for students eager to enter a rewarding career, providing an immersive experience within the innovative School of Communication and Media.

This full-time, on-campus B.F.A. program, studied over four years, will see you strengthening your 3D animation and visual effects principles through a curriculum rich in practical application and industry-standard software. You will engage with core requirements including digital color and light concepts, 2D and 3D animation techniques, visual effects compositing, and industry preparation. Your journey will culminate in a significant thesis project, preparing you to graduate with a robust portfolio and the skills to excel in roles across the animation and visual effects industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Animation and Visual Effects B.F.A. program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a career in the animation and visual effects industries. Core coursework includes foundational drawing, digital color and light concepts, and introductions to both 2D and 3D animation techniques. Students will explore visual effects compositing, 3D modeling, animation rigging, and interactive game development, alongside the history of animation and VFX. The program culminates in industry preparation and thesis projects, ensuring graduates are ready for professional challenges.

1 Major Requirements

Introduction to Communication and Media
Theorizing Communication and Media
Drawing Anatomy for Animation
Digital Color and Light Concepts
Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects
Figure Drawing: Animation
2D Animation and VFX I
3D Modeling I
Visual Effects Compositing I
History of Animation and VFX
3D Animation and Rigging I
Interactive Game Development I
VFX, Lighting, and Rendering
VFX for Film
Industry Preparation
Thesis I
Thesis II
2D Animation and VFX II
3D Modeling II
Visual Effects Compositing II
Experimental Animation
Animated Illustration
Animated Development and Pitch Bible
Immersive Storytelling
Visual Effects Compositing III
3D Animation and Rigging II
Interactive Game Development II
Collaborative Production

2 General Education Requirements

3 World Languages and Cultures Requirements

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,394.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,394.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,394.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,394.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 105,576.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 800.00 - USD 3,500.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on West Palm Beach Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Banking & Financial ServicesBroadcasting & TelevisionCorporate Training & DevelopmentCurriculum & Instructional DesignDigital Media & Online PublishingEducational Support ServicesHigher Education & UniversitiesMuseums & Cultural HeritageSoftware Development & EngineeringTax & Legal Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Accenture

FOX Corporation

Microsoft

SAG-AFTRA

Southern New Hampshire University

Why Study Animation and Visual Effects (B.F.A.) at Montclair State University

What makes this program stand out

Very Fast Application response time

Montclair State University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Montclair State University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Animation and Visual Effects (B.F.A.) at Montclair State University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet specific English test requirements, such as a Duolingo overall score of 95 or a TOEFL overall score of 70. Other accepted tests include IELTS and PTE with respective minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as 3D Animators, Visual Effects Artists, Game Designers, and Animation Directors.

What will I actually study in this course?

The BFA in Animation and Visual Effects focuses on creating professional quality 3D characters and environments. Students engage in an intensive curriculum to master animation principles and collaborate within an innovative communication setting.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The program has a September intake, welcoming students eager to dive into the world of Animation and Visual Effects.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️