Animation & Visual Effects (MA)

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

2D Animation & Stop Motion - Traditional Animation

• Demonstrate strong draftsmanship skills
• Create pieces that showcase expression and emotion
• Stage stories through effective camera placement choices
• Apply the major principles of animation
• Technical Skills - Demonstrate facility with animation technology and software
• Presentation Skills - Clearly demonstrate project and workflow plan
• Presentation Skills - Create a compellingly designed and well-composed review materials
• Professional Readiness - Curate a cohesive portfolio or demo reel tailored to reflect industry standards for a desired position

3D Animation

• Apply the major principles of animation
• Create pieces that showcase expression and emotion
• Stage stories through effective camera placement choices
• Technical Skills - Demonstrate facility with animation technology and software
• Presentation Skills - Create a compellingly designed and well-composed review materials
• Professional Readiness - Curate a cohesive portfolio or demo reel tailored to reflect industry standards for a desired position

3D Modeling – Modeling

• Convincingly model forms in 3-dimensions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of anatomy and sculptural form
• Display a range of modeling skill sets including hard surfaces and organic
• Create textures that will be applied to the surface of models
• Produce industry-standard turnarounds and wireframes
• Technical Skills - Demonstrate facility with animation technology and software
• Professional Readiness - Curate a cohesive portfolio or demo reel tailored to reflect industry standards for a desired position

Visual Effects

• Create shots or assets appropriate to the project aesthetic
• Develop shots or assets for narrative power
• Technical Skills - Demonstrate facility with visual effects technology and software
• Presentation Skills - Clearly demonstrate project and workflow plan
• Professional Readiness - Curate a cohesive portfolio or demo reel tailored to reflect industry standards for a desired position

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.