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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Visual Communication, Digital and Media Arts (VCDMA) Animation & Motion Graphics Concentration (ANMG), BS
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The Animation & Motion Graphics (AMGR) concentration focuses on coursework in animation, motion graphics, and production, as well as film studies and screenwriting. The concentration provides students with an overview of the business of animation and motion graphics design. The concentration under the Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts, (BS) Major, allows students the opportunity to focus on a highly competitive and successful career option. The objectives of the concentration are to prepare graduates to enter a career in animation (2D, 3D, and Stop-motion) motion graphics, compositing, special effects, and new media.
They will also be empowered to continue their success and studies at the graduate level and beyond. Students will focus primarily on animation, sequential and time-based art, including the integration of video and film production. The Animation & Motion Graphics concentration prepares students for careers in (but not limited to): 2D/3D animation, compositing, special effects, broadcast, and motion graphics industry. Students also merge skills in illustration, art/design, new media, and digital video/film production.
Student learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of coursework, portfolio reviews, exhibitions/screenings, internships, and senior thesis projects, graduates will be able to:
- Apply advanced visual language and design principles to create conceptually and aesthetically sound animated works in both 2D and 3D environments.
- Demonstrate proficiency in organizing and manipulating space, motion, timing, and composition in time-based media, including character animation, kinetic typography, and motion graphics.
- Exhibit command of industry-standard animation, video, audio, and compositing software tools integrating technical skill with creative problem-solving.
- Utilize animation principles-including squash and stretch, anticipation, follow-through, arcs, and secondary action-to convey physical realism and expressive storytelling.
- Design and implement storyboards, animatics, treatments, and scripts to effectively communicate narrative, pacing, and production intent.
- Analyze and articulate animation techniques and concepts using appropriate terminology, critique methods, and industry vocabulary.
- Develop original concepts and visual narratives that demonstrate cultural awareness, creative innovation, and storytelling proficiency across diverse genres and audiences.
- Produce a professional portfolio and/or demo reel that showcases a range of animated works, motion graphics, and time-based projects suitable for entry-level employment or graduate study.
- Plan and execute visual communication campaigns using animation and motion graphics for commercial, entertainment, or public interest media.
- Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary, studio-based, or production team environments, demonstrating project management, leadership, and peer critique skills
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General Education and Institutional Requirements
See the full list of University General Education and Institutional Requirements and BSU website/catalog for all options and any updates. English Composition (6 semester hours)
Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 semester hours)
Science (7-8 semester hours; at least one of which shall be a laboratory course)
• ____ ___ Science Elective 3/4 Credits • ____ ___ Science Elective w/laboratory course 4 Credits Mathematics (3 semester hours)
Technology (3 semester hours)
Institutional Requirements (6 semester hours)
Free General Education Electives (9 Semester Hours)
Selected courses chosen from any category within the General Education Course List. See advisor and refer to catalog for approved courses. Total General Education Requirements: 46 - 48 semester hours
All Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and VCDMA majors in the DFPA must pass all major courses (ART, ENGL, VCDM, THEA, COMM, MGMT, MKTG, MUSC & THEA as applicable) w/grade of “C” or better; maintain a 2.0 GPA in major *Transfer students bringing in 12 credits or more can substitute the Freshman Seminar requirement with another (3) credit course not being used DPFA Requirements
See the full list of University General Education and Institutional Requirements for all options. Note:
All VCDMA majors must pass all major courses (ART, ENGL, VCDM, THEA, MGMT, MKTG, MUSC & THEA) w/grade of “C” or better; maintain a 2.0 GPA in majorVCDMA Foundation Requirements
VCDMA Portfolio Reviews, Internship and Senior Thesis Requirements
ART/VCDM History Requirements
Choose any (4) four courses, see where indicated for concentration; 12 credits total ENGL (3rd) required course from LLC (200/300 level), 3 credits needed:
Suggested Additional Coursework (Not Required)
ANIMATION & MOTION GRAPHICS CONCENTRATION (ANMG)
Total: 16
** VCDM 219 PORTFOLIO REVIEW & ASSESSMENT (1st Review): Students must submit a portfolio and successfully pass the 1st and 2nd portfolio review/assessment. In addition, they must submit a senior thesis proposal, min. 2 pages, typed with sketches, references, storyboards, etc. (as applicable to concentration/focus). See Advisor or Program Coordinator for details and the portfolio review form. Must be reviewed by min. of (3) full-time, VCDMA faculty. First Semester
- VCDM 360 - Digital Cinematography I: Digital Video Production 3 Credits or
- VCDM 392 - Motion Graphics I 3 Credits
- VCDM 340 - Visual Communication 3 Credits
- VCDM 396 - 2D Digital Animation I: Animation and Motion Graphics 3 Credits
- ____ ____ Science Elect (BIOL 101) 3 Credits
- MGMT 101 - Introduction to Business 3 Credits
- COMM 242 - Survey of Emerging Media 3 Credits Media - choose one, 3 Credits
IMPORTANT: Students must begin their senior thesis body of work (film, animation, fashion collection, installation, project, etc.) in their junior year and after approval of senior thesis proposal and successfully passing the portfolio review (VCDM 219) and other courses in concentration and major. This work is due the semester before graduation and must be successfully completed, reviewed, and approved by faculty a min. of (1) one semester before a student will be allowed to take the VCDM 498 Senior Thesis Exhibition. Consult with advisor, coordinator, and faculty.
Note:
**VCDM 498 requires prior approval. Students must begin their senior thesis body of work in their junior year and after approval of senior thesis proposal (VCDM 219) and completion of other required courses in concentration as well as all foundation courses. This work is due the semester before graduation and must be successfully completed, reviewed, and approved by faculty a min. of (1) one semester before a student will be allowed to take VCDM 498 Senior Thesis Exhibition. See Senior Thesis requirements. *** Students must maintain and submit a final portfolio and successfully pass both the 1st and 2nd portfolio review/assessment (VCDM 219 & 419) in the VCDMA major. In addition, they must submit a senior thesis proposal, min. 2 pages, typed with sketches, references, storyboards, etc. See Advisor or Program Coordinator for details and portfolio review form. Must be reviewed and approved by VCDMA coordinator and FT faculty (3 min.) A successful portfolio is a requirement for graduation. *** VCDM 419 Portfolio Review & Assessment II: This required review is based on a student’s area of concentration and should demonstrated an advanced area of skill and advanced work from 300/400 upper-level studio courses and more. 10-20 works minimum with a focus in a concentration under VCDMA is required. A successful portfolio is a requirement for graduation. Graduation checklist Students should check off and complete for all concentrations (all must be completed) including courses and requirements above and/or successfully passed and approved by a faculty advisor and/or Program Coordinator. ____ Completion of all foundation and lower-level ART/VCDM courses ____ Passing all major/concentration courses in sequence, with a “C” (2.0) GPA or better; last 30 credits at BSU ____ 1st Required Faculty Portfolio Review (VCDM 219 passed); Y | N When: ____ Senior thesis proposal and sketches, storyboards, etc. (typed and approved) Y | N ____ Senior thesis proposal exhibition; passing of VCDM 498 Senior Thesis Exhibition course ____ 2nd Required Faculty Portfolio Review (VCDM 419 passed); Y | N When: ____ Internship/Apprenticeship (s) and VCDM 491 Internship course. Where/When: Total: 121 Credits |
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