COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts in Animation at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers advanced professional training through three specialized concentrations: 3D Character Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Games. Each concentration requires 36 credits of core coursework and 24 credits of graduate-level animation electives, creating a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum focused on artistic development, technical mastery, and industry preparation. The 3D Character Animation concentration emphasizes the complete process of creating believable animated characters and creatures using advanced software, observation techniques, and motion capture technology. Students study Storytelling, Character Design, Digital Sculpting, Character Texturing, 3D Character Animation, Advanced Animation, Lip-Syncing, and Motion Capture while completing a three-part thesis sequence and Animation Career Preparation course. The Visual Effects concentration focuses on creating cinematic illusions, compositing, fluid simulations, particle systems, and integrating computer-generated imagery into live-action footage. Students learn Digital 2D Animation, After Effects workflows, Dynamic Effects, Motion Tracking, Animating Fluids, and advanced visual compositing techniques before completing thesis projects and professional preparation coursework. The Video Games concentration prepares students for careers in gaming, virtual reality, and interactive media by teaching real-time animation production, game optimization, digital sculpting, VR development, advanced game creation, and collaborative game team projects. Students also complete a thesis sequence designed to showcase professional-level production skills. Across all concentrations, students can select advanced electives in areas such as Animation with Houdini, Hair and Fur Animation, Cloth Simulation, 3D Modeling, Character Modeling, Expressions and Scripting in After Effects, Video Game History, Faculty-Student Research, and professional internships. The curriculum combines creative storytelling, technical production, research, collaboration, and portfolio development while preparing graduates for careers in animation studios, gaming companies, film production, virtual reality development, multimedia design, and visual effects industries. The inclusion of thesis courses, internships, and career preparation classes ensures students graduate with advanced technical expertise, professional portfolios, and industry-ready experience for leadership roles in digital entertainment and animation fields.