Animation
Unleash your creativity and learn skills for a rewarding career in film, series, games, and more.
Animation, B.S.
Are you ready to bring your wildest ideas to life on the screen through animation classes? MTSU's Animation degree program empowers students to fulfill their dreams of becoming top creative artists in the animation industry of tomorrow.
Our animation degree provides students with extensive knowledge of both new and foundational skills. Students will use cutting-edge tools to build strong careers in film, series, games, visualization, commercials, and more. Hands-on opportunities begin in their first semester with traditional art and animation techniques and progress through a seven-semester sequence learning advanced digital tools, pipelines, and equipment used by major animation, VFX, and game studios, like our state-of-the-art XR Stage. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action - join MTSU's Animation degree program and unleash your creativity!
If you live in one of these states: AL AR KY MS OK SC ; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
Twins, others at recruiting event in Alabama gravitate to variety of MTSU programs
Identical twins Elisabeth “BiBi” and Maxine Beasley do virtually everything — education at Renaissance Virtual (4.2 GPAs) in Athens, Alabama, showing Tennessee walking horses at The Celebration and personal appearance (fashion statement clothes, earrings, glasses, etc.) — together.[ Read More ]
MTSU animation students network, volunteer at SIGGRAPH conference in Colorado
Nearly 20 students in Middle Tennessee State University’s AMC SIGGRAPH organization attended a nearly weeklong conference in Denver, Colorado, where they had the opportunity to network, volunteer and participate in special sessions with companies like Pixar and Disney.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
Twins, others at recruiting event in Alabama gravitate to variety of MTSU programs
Identical twins Elisabeth “BiBi” and Maxine Beasley do virtually everything — education at Renaissance Virtual (4.2 GPAs) in Athens, Alabama, showing Tennessee walking horses at The Celebration and personal appearance (fashion statement clothes, earrings, glasses, etc.) — together.[ Read More ]
MTSU animation students network, volunteer at SIGGRAPH conference in Colorado
Nearly 20 students in Middle Tennessee State University’s AMC SIGGRAPH organization attended a nearly weeklong conference in Denver, Colorado, where they had the opportunity to network, volunteer and participate in special sessions with companies like Pixar and Disney.[ Read More ]
Animation, B.S.
Careers in animation cover a wide array of specializations that one can see in the long list of credits at the end of any animated or visual effects heavy film. Major categories for animated content include film, series, games, visualization, commercials, and VR/AR/MR/XR.
Possibilities for prospective careers include:
- 3D modeler
- 3D projection mapper
- Animated filmmaker
- Animator for film, series, and video games
- Architectural visualization artist
- Compositor
- Concept Artist
- Forensic re-creation artist
- Lighting and rendering artist
- Medical visualization artist
- Motion graphics artist
- Motion Performance Artist
- Product design artist
- Rigger
- Script writer
- Storyboard Artist
- Technical director
- Texture Artist
- Video game production artist
- Virtual Environments and Set Designer
- Visual effects artist for film and video
Employers of MTSU animation degree alumni include
- ActionVFX
- Baby Giant
- Big Idea Entertainment
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Blue Sky Studios
- Cinesite Studios
- CMT
- Digital Domain
- DreamWorks Animation
- DWP Live
- Gamma Blast Studios
- Gibson
- Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
- Innovative Learning Solutions
- Magnetic Dreams
- Millennium Studios
- Nitrogen Studios
- North Star Studios
- Pixel Magic
- Pixomondo
- ReelFX Animation Studios
- Rhythm & Hues
- Shadowmachine
- Sony Pictures Imageworks
- Tippett Studios
- Titmouse
- Waterproof Studios
- WB Games
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Degrees
Students may choose from five Bachelor's degrees in the Department of Media Arts.
- B.S. in Animation
- B.S. in Interactive Media
- B.S. in Media Management
- B.F.A. in Photography
- B.S. in Video and Film Production
For complete curriculum details, click on REQUIREMENTS.
Students may minor in any program that is not under the same degree as their major.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is available in Media and Communication.
Recommended Computer Requirements
Windows PC desktops are recommended for cost efficiency and high performance. PC laptops and Mac desktops/laptops are discouraged. Minimum requirements and certified hardware to run the latest version of Autodesk Maya, but it is recommended to go higher for longevity. Pressure-sensitive drawing tablets are also highly encouraged.
Accreditation
The B.S. in Animation is accredited by NASAD, National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In the spirit of sharing information related to the program's performance with the public, the following data is provided here.
Student Orgs
Student Organizations for Animation majors
Student organizations can play a critical role in every student’s success. They go beyond formal curriculum to provide students with opportunities to gain relevant experience, develop résumé points, build portfolio items, and socialize with like-minded peers. Anyone enrolled at MTSU can join any official student organization regardless of major or grade. The most successful students often use student organizations to get a jump on their careers. Besides that – it can also be a lot of fun!
MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter
The MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter is an official chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH, the world’s largest organization for computer graphics and interactivity. The chapter is for those with interests and passion in animation, video games, computer graphics, films, visual effects, television, web, anime and all related things. Weekly meeting include guest speakers, workshops, contests, portfolio work, group film trips, lots of networking opportunities and much more. This is the student organization for Animation majors serious about their future careers.
For more information, email Kevin McNulty, MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter Advisor
MTSU Esports
Gaming has become less of a pastime and more of a lifestyle! MTSU Esports offers students and faculty the opportunity to join a community fit for gamers and geeks alike. While we enjoy playing recreationally, we also provide our members the opportunity to play their favorite video games competitively against other universities. Some of the popular games that we play include League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six, and many more. Regardless of the game, we encourage all gamers to join, as we all have a passion and love for gaming.
For more information, email Richard Lewis, MTSU Esports Advisor
VR-AR Club
The VR-AR Club strives to create a learning space driven by students focused on the development of technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality. The club offers a range of activities including speakers, software and hardware demonstrations, networking, social events, and project development to encourage independent and group learning. The club meets once a week in a friendly space to promote fun and inspiration.
For more information, email Paul Griswold, VR-AR Club Advisor
Discover other Media Arts related student organizations!
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