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Electronic Arts - Computer Animation

The Computer Animation option in the Electronic Arts program focuses on computer aided structured drawing and three dimensional animation. Electronic Arts students in all degree options work collaboratively across specilizations on a number of projects.

The below schedule is only one example of a four year plan for a student in the Computer Animation option of the Electronic Arts program. This example plan should not be used as a strict guide to completion of the program. Please see your advisor early in your first semester to discuss possible variations of your own degree plan. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.

First Semester (Fall)

  • ART 100/110 - Two-Dimensional Design (3)
  • ART 115 - Drawing I (3)
  • IDS 110 - Intro to University Life (1)
  • CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning (2-3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)

Total hours = 15-16

Second Semester (Spring)

  • Art 101 - Three-Dimensional Design (3)
  • ART 215 - Drawing II (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)

Total hours = 15

Third Semester (Fall)

  • ART 230 - Computer Animation I (3)
  • ART 210 - Introduction to Digital Arts (3)
  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • MED 290 - Intro to Multimedia Design (3)
  • -OR-
  • MUS 216 - Intro to Audio Techniques (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)

Total hours = 15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

  • ART 330 - Computer Animation II (3) Minor elective (3)
  • MUS 216 - Intro to Audio Techniques (3)
  • -OR-
  • MED 290 - Intro to Multimedia Design (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World [with lab] (4)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  •  
  • Create portfolio Application to EA Program

Total hours = 16

Fifth Semester (Fall)

  • ART 430 - Computer Animation III (3)
  • MED 465 - Principles of Cinematography and Editing (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • Minor course [Selct minor with advisor] (3)

Total hours = 18

Sixth Semester (Spring)

  • ART 430 - Computer Animation III (3)
  • ART 300 - Fundamentals of Collaboration in Electronic Arts (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • General Electives [125 hr graduaction requirement - may be taken in MED/ART] (3)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 15

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • MED/ART 498 - Senior Thesis Project in Electronic Arts (2)
  • ART 431 - Professional Practices in Computer Animation (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Minor courses (6)
  • General Electives (3)

Total hours = 17

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • MED/ART 498 - Senior Thesis Project in Electronic Arts (2)
  • Minor courses [at 300+ level] (6)
  • General Electives (6)

Total hours = 14

Entrance to the EA program is selective. Students must complete at least 3 of the 4 pre-core required classes (ART 100/110, MED 290, MED 390, MUS 216), including the course in the discipline to which they will apply, before making a portfolio application. A portfolio consists of 2-3 examples of the student’s best work in the discipline to which they are applying, a short essay, and a current audit.

Because of the structure of the EA program it would be very difficult to complete this degree in three years. Students would have to be accepted into the program in the fall semester of the second year, and this would be extremely difficult to accomplish given course periodicity and the requirement to have completed the pre-core classes before making a formal portfolio application to the program.

The EA (Animation Studies) major requires a minor. Only 6 hours may count for both the major and the minor. The minor should be selected in consultation with the advisor.

Students need a minimum of 125 hours with 40 hours of coursework at a 300+ course level in order to graduate.

Students pursuing animation studies must choose 12 hours of ART electives from: ART 330, 430 (3-9hrs.), 431, or 399 (3-6 hrs.).

Periodicity of many classes is important, with many scheduled as F (fall) or S (spring) only classes.  Check catalog.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change.