Film and Animation BA, Animation MFA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode Online
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

Embark on your creative journey with the Film and Animation BA degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, an undergraduate program designed to equip you with the foundational skills and advanced techniques necessary to excel in the dynamic world of animation. You will explore core principles of storytelling, 3D computer modeling, motion graphics using industry-standard software like After Effects, and character animation. This comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree prepares you for a future where your creative vision can be translated into compelling visual narratives across film, games, and digital media.

This full-time, four-year online program immerses you in a hands-on learning environment, where you will develop your craft through practical projects and specialized concentrations such as 3D Animation, Video Game Animation, or Visual Effects. You will work with faculty who are active professionals in the animation industry, gaining insights into current trends and professional practices. Upon graduation, you will possess a robust portfolio and the technical proficiency to pursue diverse career paths, including roles as a 3D animator, motion graphics designer, or game artist.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive education in animation, covering both theoretical and production aspects. Students will engage in core coursework focusing on storytelling, character design, and various 3D and 2D animation techniques, including motion graphics and digital sculpting. The curriculum also provides opportunities for specialization through major electives and cognate courses, preparing graduates for professional careers in the animation industry.

1 Theory and Production (30 Credits)

Storyboarding
Motion Graphics with After Effects
3D Computer Modeling
ZBrush Digital Sculpting
3D Computer Animation
3D Environment Modeling
Logo and Product Animation
Character Animation using CAT
Thesis I
Thesis II

2 Major Electives (12-15 Credits)

3 Cognates (6 Credits)

Creative Imagery with Photoshop
Professional Practice: Animation

4 Dual Courses Applied to BA and MFA Degree (12 credits)

5 Required Courses (36 Credits)

Storytelling
Character Design
Digital Sculpting
3D Character Texturing
3D Character Animation
Advanced 3D Character Animation
Lip-Syncing
Motion Capture
Thesis I
Thesis II
Thesis III
Animation Career Preparation

6 Major Electives (12 Credits)

7 Required Courses (36 Credits)

Character Design
Digital 2D Animation
Digital Sculpting
3D Animation for Games
Game Creation
Advanced Game Creation
Virtual Reality
Video Game Team Project
Thesis I
Thesis II
Thesis III
Animation Career Preparation

8 Major Electives (12 Credits)

9 Cognates (9 Credits)

Drawing I
Creative Imagery with Photoshop
Professional Practice: Animation

10 Dual Courses Applied to BA and MFA Degree (12 credits)

11 Required Courses (36 Credits)

Character Design
Digital 2D Animation
Digital Sculpting
3D Animation for Games
Game Creation
Advanced Game Creation
Virtual Reality
Video Game Team Project
Thesis I
Thesis II
Thesis III
Animation Career Preparation

12 Other Animation Electives

Drawing for Animation
Advanced After Effects
3D Character Modeling
3D Printing
3D Asset Creation for Video Games
Texturing for 3D Production
Fundamentals of Animation II
2D animation with OpenToonz
Vector Animation II
3D Particle Animation and Effects
Advanced Character Animation
Custom 3D Character Rigging & Animation
2D animation with Toon Boom
Design & Development of Video Games
Internship in Animation I
Internship in Animation II
Independent Study in Animation
Faculty/Student Research
Faculty/Student Research
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
Digital 2D Game Creation
3D Character Animation – Weight, Overlap and Follow through
Character Animation – Emotion and Personality
Animation with Hair/Fur
Animation with Cloth
Internship I
Faculty/Student Research I
Internship II
Faculty/Student Research II

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,500.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,500.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,500.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 41,500.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 166,000.00

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

Animation & Visual EffectsBanking & Financial ServicesBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesCorporate Finance & TreasuryCurriculum & Instructional DesignEconomic Research & PolicyEvent Promotion & ManagementIT Support & Systems AdministrationJournalism & ReportingStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon Web Services

Art Institute of Chicago

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fiserv

HBO

Microsoft

Paramount

T-Mobile

Why Study Film and Animation BA, Animation MFA 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 Film and Animation BA, Animation MFA 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 without needing extra permits. Approval may be required for off-campus work after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English test requirements, including scores from Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For example, a Duolingo overall score of 100 is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as Animators, Motion Capture Artists, Visual Effects Artists, Game Developers, or Film Directors.

What will I actually study in this course?

Our MFA degree is the highest available in Animation and allows students to complete both Bachelor and Master degrees. The program includes a major Thesis, motion capture, and virtual reality technology, ensuring career readiness.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Film and Animation BA and Animation MFA programs accept students in January and August. You can apply during your undergraduate studies until the start of your senior year.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️