BFA in Animation and Illustration, San Jose State University

48 Months

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About this course

The Animation & Illustration BFA program at San José State University is designed to prepare students for careers in media such as feature film animation, games, and television, where storytelling and animation are key communication tools. This award-winning program combines traditional and innovative teaching methods, including rigorous drawing classes, color theory, design, perspective, and both traditional and digital painting. Students explore principles of animation, physics of motion, modeling, storyboarding, character design, and visual development. The curriculum offers opportunities for specialization in upper-division classes, enabling students to focus on areas like animation production or visual development and modeling.

Why this course is highly recommended

The program is highly regarded by industry professionals and peers, ranking among the best nationwide. Its comprehensive curriculum covers both traditional and digital techniques, equipping students with a broad set of skills in animation and illustration. Rigorous coursework, including portfolio reviews, prepares students for industry entry, making it an excellent choice for aspiring media artists and storytellers.

Specialisation

Students can specialize in Animation and Story or Visual Development and Modeling within the program. These specializations are clusters of courses tailored for advising purposes, allowing students to concentrate on their preferred area of animation or visual storytelling. Although these specializations do not appear on transcripts or diplomas, they provide focused training aligned with career goals.

Course fees

Application fees

15.38L

1st year tuition fees

15.38L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To complete the BFA in Animation & Illustration, students must earn 120 units, including university graduation requirements, major preparation, core courses, specialization courses, and a capstone project. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major courses. Students must pass a portfolio review to stay in the program; those who do not will be transitioned to a BA in Design Studies with a specialization in Animation & Illustration if applicable.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

120

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the San Jose State University admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in feature film animation, gaming, television, and other media that rely on animation and storytelling. The program also offers a foundation for entry-level roles in the entertainment industry and the potential to pursue graduate studies in animation, illustration, or related fields.

FAQs

What are the core skills taught in the program?

Students learn traditional and digital drawing, color theory, design, perspective, animation principles, modeling, storyboarding, and character design.

Is passing a portfolio review required to stay in the program?

Yes, all students must pass a milestone portfolio review to remain enrolled in the BFA program.