Art and Design
Animation Degree
Master the art of storytelling and transform your ideas from sketch to screen.
OFFERED AS:
Major
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS
120
Your possibilities are endless with an animation degree from Kutztown University. Whether you’re interested in pre-production, 3D digital assets or animation, our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animated Arts will transform you into an industry-ready artist.
If you’re looking for a career where you can flex your creativity in a rapidly expanding field, a BFA in animation is the right choice for you.
Tell stories. Create new worlds. Inspire minds.
Why Choose KU for an Animation Degree
Kutztown University is known for having a strong animation program in Pennsylvania because it is designed to equip you with the hands-on experience needed to work in this industry.
Our animation major allows you to immerse yourself in all of your courses. We believe it is important to provide you with an environment where you can grow as an artist and flex your creativity.
Here’s why you should choose KU for a BFA in animation:
- Earn an affordable degree with financial aid options
- Learn from professional artists and animators
- Enjoy our beautiful campus with classes close to residence halls
- Meet like-minded artists in our Sharadin Arts Building
- Feel at-home within KU’s diverse student body
Welcome to one of our on-campus animation degree computer labs, where you can turn your creative ideas into reality!
Animation Degree Highlights
Get started in the studio from day one with a BFA in animation at Kutztown University. You can become specialized in a specific area of art while gaining all the foundational skills needed to be truly career-ready.
Program Highlights:
- Access labs dedicated to the animated arts program
- Learn to use software such as Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Toon Boom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Maya, Blender, ZBrush
- Complete a capstone project in your area of specialization
- Take electives geared toward your specialization
- Participate in Designathon an annual 12-hour animation contest
- Attend lectures and panels featuring industry professionals
Student Learning Outcomes
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Animated Arts (BFA)
- Engage the elements and principles of the animated arts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the tools and techniques used to create artworks in the animation industry.
- Develop knowledge of the history and critical theory of animation and digital art.
- Execute the stages of the animation production process in professional-level work.
- Engage the elements and principles of the animated arts.
While I originally decided on Kutztown’s Animated Arts program for its excellent technology resources, I believe the best quality of the program is the faculty’s passion for helping students succeed. With excellent mentoring and critique from professors and peers alike, the Animated Arts program provided a motivating and engaging studio environment that allowed me to develop my animation skills and portfolio to a professional level.
Abby Foreman '23, Freelance AnimatorAnimated Arts Degree FAQ
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What can I do with an animation major?
An animation major at KU gives you the skills needed to pursue a variety of careers.
Here is a list of the top job titles targeted by graduates and their average annual salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022):
- Filmmaker: $32,571
- Animator: $99,060
- Fabricator/Prop Artist: $129,541
- Character Artist: $120,531
- Background Artist: $51,263
- Virtual reality designer: $81,968
- VFX Editor: $105,989
- Motion Graphics Designer: $77,700
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What are the specialization tracks in the animation program?
As an animation major, you must specialize in either concept art, 3D modeling and rendering, or animation. You are required to complete 12 credits for your primary discipline and 3 credits for your secondary.
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Is a portfolio required for an animation degree?
Yes, the animation program requires you to submit a portfolio for review in addition to the application to the university.
For more information, you can check out the portfolio review requirements.