The award-winning Animation/Illustration program, offered by the Department of Design , is committed to providing a world-class education at an affordable price, preparing students for careers in feature film animation, games, television and any other media that uses animation and storytelling as a core communication tool. Industry professionals and peer educators rank SJSU Animation/Illustration among the best in the nation. The core curriculum combines both traditional and innovative educational strategies. Rigorous drawing classes and intensive study of color theory, design, perspective, and conventional and digital painting are required, as well as the study of the principles of both traditional and 3-D animation, physics of motion, modeling, storyboarding, character design, and visual development. Upper-division classes further define these disciplines offering students an opportunity to specialize in their area of choice.
All students must pass a milestone portfolio review to remain in the BFA program. Students who were admitted as BFA Animation/Illustration and do not pass portfolio review will be changed to BA - Design Studies majors with a specialization in Animation/Illustration. This specialization provides instruction in A/I foundation skills, supplemented by studies in design, film, photography, and theater arts. Students receive basic preparation for entry-level jobs in the entertainment industry; optionally, they can later apply to a graduate program in Animation, Illustration or similar fields of study.
The BFA in Animation/Illustration is a highly impacted major. This means that the number of applications from fully eligible students far exceeds the number of spaces available in the program. Students interested in an impacted major must apply for admission during the initial filing period for admission in the fall. Applications for admission to impacted majors are not accepted after the initial filing period.
Summary of Degree Units
| University Graduation Requirements |
36 |
| Major Preparation |
36 |
| Major Core Requirements |
27 |
| Specialization Area |
21 |
| Total |
120 |
University Requirements for Graduation
Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements section of the Policies and Procedures .
Program Roadmaps
The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.
Major Exceptions
This degree program meets certain University Requirements through approved major modifications. Please see the Major Exceptions area in the General Education (GE) section to identify the specific adjustments for this degree program or contact your major advisor for more detail
General Education/American Institution Requirements
Courses that meet General Education/American Institution requirements are noted with area designation for required area. For legend please see General Education Attributes .
