Animation MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Animation MA at Fairleigh Dickinson University is designed for aspiring animators seeking to master advanced techniques in 3D character animation, visual effects, or video game animation. You will delve into the intricacies of bringing digital characters to life, crafting compelling visual illusions, or designing immersive interactive experiences. This postgraduate degree is ideal for individuals with a strong undergraduate foundation in art or animation who are eager to refine their skills, expand their creative toolkit, and prepare for a dynamic career in the animation industry.

This Master of Arts degree is studied full-time on campus over two years, offering a flexible hybrid learning mode that allows you to tailor your attendance. You will engage in intensive coursework, including specialized concentrations with required courses like Storytelling, Character Design, and Digital Sculpting, alongside major electives. Throughout your studies, you will develop practical expertise through projects and potentially internships, culminating in a portfolio that showcases your advanced capabilities. You will graduate ready to pursue professional roles in film, television, gaming, and interactive media.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Animation MA program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with advanced skills in animation. Core courses delve into essential aspects such as storytelling, character design, digital sculpting, and various 3D animation techniques. Students can further specialize through concentrations in Visual Effects or Video Games, exploring areas like dynamic effects, compositing, and game creation. A wide array of elective courses allows for exploration of specialized software, historical contexts, and practical career preparation.

1 Required Courses (18 Credits)

Storytelling
Character Design
Digital Sculpting
3D Character Texturing
3D Character Animation
Advanced 3D Character Animation

2 Major Electives (18 Credits)

3 Visual Effects Concentration

Storytelling
Digital 2D Animation
3D Layers in After Effects
Dynamic Effects and Particle Systems in After Effects
Compositing in After Effects
3D Particle Systems and Effects

4 Major Electives (18 Credits)

5 Video Games Concentration

Character Design
Digital 2D Animation
Digital Sculpting
3D Animation for Games
Game Creation
Advanced Game Creation

6 Major Electives (18 Credits)

7 Other Animation Electives

History of Animation & Special Effects
History of Video Games
3D Modeling
3D Character Modeling
Advanced Digital 2D Animation
Expressions and Scripting in After Effects
Animation with Houdini
Animating Fluids
Motion Tracking
Digital 2D Game Creation
3D Character Animation – Weight, Overlap and Follow through
Character Animation – Emotion and Personality
Lip-Syncing
Animation with Hair/Fur
Animation with Cloth
Motion Capture
Virtual Reality
Internship I
Video Game Team Project
Faculty/Student Research I
Internship II
Faculty/Student Research II
Animation Career Preparation

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,000.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,000.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 54,000.00

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

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesCloud Computing & InfrastructureConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEconomic Research & PolicyFinancial Technology (Fintech)Live Events & ConcertsLuxury Goods & AccessoriesMedia Production & EditingRoad Transport & Logistics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon Web Services

Art Institute of Chicago

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fiserv

HBO

Microsoft

Paramount

T-Mobile

Why Study Animation MA at Fairleigh Dickinson University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Moderate Application response time

Fairleigh Dickinson University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Canada

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 MA at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work doesn’t require a separate permit, while off-campus work requires university approval.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English proficiency requirements based on their test scores, such as a Duolingo overall score of 100 or a TOEFL overall score of 70. Ensure your scores meet the standards before applying.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Animation Artist, Visual Effects Supervisor, Game Designer, 3D Modeler, and Character Animator.

What will I actually study in this course?

Our Animation MA offers three concentrations: 3D Character Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Games. This 36-credit program is designed for those looking to enhance their animation skills in a flexible hybrid learning format.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Animation MA program has two intake months: January and August. Ensure you apply before these months to secure your place.
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