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Animation and Visual Effects Major

Study Animation at Azusa Pacific University

Study with experienced, working animation professionals who’ve created art for major studios including Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Wild Canary, Bento Box, Netflix, and have drawn characters including Winnie the Pooh, Phineas and Ferb, Ultraman, Stitch, Genie, Hercules, Larry Boy, xJ9, and more. You’ll benefit from having a clear focus, proximity to the industry, and develop a solid foundation in animation storytelling. We’ll help you graduate with a professional portfolio, and you’ll create a capstone 2D or 3D film presented in a showcase attended by industry executives. As you bring your ideas to life with access to APU’s state-of-the-art animation, gaming lab, green screen, and soundstage, you’ll also build industry connections as you study near the entertainment hub of Los Angeles.

Program at a Glance

The School of Visual and Performing Arts develops students’ talents through rich artistic experiences and comprehensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • March 8, 2024

Application Deadline

  • February 15, 2024 (priority)

College of the Arts requires a secondary application via GetAcceptd.

Learn How to Apply

Program Units
63

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)

 

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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Create animated 2D or 3D films with original sound and content.
  • Develop your skills in animation, drawing, storytelling, and cinematic arts.
  • Network to help you land an animation position after graduation.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
#8 on the 2023 Most Well Attended Bible Majors in California ranking

 

Get Started

College of the Arts requires a secondary application via GetAcceptd.

Kendall drawing on tablet

Kendall Hood ’25 wanted to pursue a career in animation at a Christian university with notably experienced professors—Azusa Pacific University fit that bill perfectly.

Program Details

Azusa Pacific University's Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Visual Effects will prepare you to make a difference in a creative and growing industry. Learn to bring characters, creatures, and objects to life in stories you create in this animation degree program with classes covering animation’s many facets, and cultivate your narrative techniques with a comprehensive cinematic arts curriculum.

 

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

How to Apply

  1. Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
  2. Select Cinematic Arts: Animation and Visual Effects, BA as your major
  3. When prompted, complete your Animation and Visual Effects Application via Get Acceptd

Priority Deadlines

Fall 2024 Applicants

February 15, 2024, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2024 B.A. in Animation and Visual Effects Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application and their Get Acceptd application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

This program will not admit students for the spring semester.

Program Admission Requirements

  • APU Undergraduate Application
  • Animation and Visual Effects Application via Get Acceptd, including a portfolio of 12-15 samples of original artwork. Work may include, but is not limited to, the following traditional and digital artwork:
  • 3-5 life drawings/figure poses (quick poses or longer studies)
  • Sequential art sample
  • Animal drawings
  • Gesture poses or drawings of figures or animals
  • Original character designs (could include expressions, poses, or attitudes of original characters)
  • Composition studies that demonstrate knowledge of principles (film background designs, still life, environment, or architectural drawings)
  • Animation examples (short reel of traditional or CG animation tests). Work created in digital programs, such as Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
  • Samples of portrait painting or illustrations, color work, perspective drawings, prop designs, costume studies, caricatures of people, and landscape studies may be included

Plan a Visit

Applicants are encouraged to visit a class or meet with one of our professors. Just fill out a COTA Visitation Form to visit us virtually! We look forward to meeting you.

Questions

For questions about the application process, contact the Department of Cinematic Arts at [email protected].

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

College of the Arts Cinematic Arts Scholarship

The Cinematic Arts Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

Learn more about the Cinematic Arts Scholarship and how to apply.

 

Although a private college education may seem out of reach for many, recent research from Kiplinger reveals that the actual value of some private universities may prove this assumption wrong. In 2010, Kiplinger selected Azusa Pacific University for its Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges rankings. Read more about APU’s ranking in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges.

APU students may take advantage of three types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.


Net Price Calculator
 

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Chuck Grieb

Chuck Grieb

Director, BA in Animation and Visual Effects, and Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

Matt Schoepf

Matt Schoepf

Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

Leigh Rens

Leigh Rens

Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

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College of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios

APU’s College of the Arts (COTA) hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

 

Related Programs

Cinematic Arts Major

  • Azusa

Available Concentrations:

Entertainment Executive, Production and Post, Screen Studies

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