University degrees: Postgraduate
Course length: 3 years full-time
Course city: Los Angeles
forms, the program strongly encourages innovation and experimentation, and emphasizes imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Graduate students have their own mini studios within the Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Center for Animation where they work on thesis.
The Master of Fine Arts degree in Animation and Digital Arts is a three-year (six semester) graduate program designed for students who have clearly identified animation and digital art as their primary interest in cinema. The program focuses on animation production, including a wide range of techniques and aesthetic approaches, from hand-drawn character animation to state-of-the-art interactive digital animation. While embracing traditional forms, the program strongly encourages innovation and experimentation, and emphasizes imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Students should graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of animation from conception through realization; an understanding of the history of the medium and its aesthetics; in-depth knowledge of computer animation software and the most important elements of digital and interactive media.
The program requires a minimum of 50 units: 32 units are in prescribed, sequential courses in the School of Cinematic Arts. The other 18 units are cinematic arts electives, 4 of which must be taken in the Division of Critical Studies. A thesis is required for the MFA degree. Ongoing workshops in new technologies, traditional and digital media provide additional educational opportunities for students.
Admission is granted once a year in the fall; there are no spring admissions. Approximately 14 students will be enrolled in each incoming class. In addition to practical production, the program also provides opportunities for fieldwork experience and internships to facilitate the student’s transition into the profession. Prior knowledge of fundamental digital animation concepts and techniques is recommended.
Applicants for the MFA in Animation and Digital Arts must apply online. For specific instructions, including deadline information, please visit cinema.usc.edu.
