Animation and Visual Effects BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 120
Co-op Option(s): Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 10.0304
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-1014
About the Program
The Animation and Visual Effects program prepares students with the technological, interpersonal, design, critical thinking, and practical skills needed to succeed as animators and visual effects artists across a wide range of professional contexts.
While animation and visual effects are central to film, television, and games, the program recognizes the expanding role of three-dimensional graphics and visual effects in fields such as engineering, scientific and medical visualization, immersive and virtual media, education, and communications. Students are encouraged to explore these applications while developing adaptable skills that support evolving technologies and production practices.
The curriculum is structured around project-based learning that reflects professional production environments. Students develop a strong foundation in animation principles, visual design, and digital production workflows, and apply these fundamentals across the full creative pipeline, from concept development and previsualization through modeling, animation, visual effects, lighting, compositing, and final presentation. Required coursework is complemented by advanced electives that allow students to pursue deeper specialization.
Through studio-based instruction, collaborative work environments, and participation in Drexel’s experiential learning program, students learn to evaluate creative and technical challenges, make informed decisions, and apply animation and visual effects techniques to support clear visual communication. Graduates are prepared to enter professional roles that demand visual literacy, technical competence, collaborative production skills, and the ability to engage with current and emerging technologies.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Admission Requirements
Same as University admissions requirements; required Portfolio and optional supplemental essay.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Math Requirement | ||
| Select a minimum of three (3) credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Tools and Techniques | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Linear Algebra I | ||
| Science Requirement | ||
| Select a minimum of three (3) credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Any BIO (Bioscience & Biotechnology) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Any CHEM (Chemistry) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Any PHYS (Physics) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Studio Arts Requirement | ||
| ARST 1015 | Design Foundations for Media | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Color Theory | ||
| Figure Drawing I | ||
| Painting I | ||
| Sculpture: Molding and Casting | ||
| Studies in Art & Media | ||
| ANIM 1010 | History of Animation | 3.0 |
| DIGM 1010 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3.0 |
| Any ARTH 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Studies in Art & Media Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Appreciation of Architecture | ||
| Critical Media Studies | ||
Select any ARTH 1000-4999 level oourse | ||
| Media Production | ||
| ANIM 2410 | Digital Compositing | 3.0 |
| DMVP 3010 | Introduction to Virtual Production | 3.0 |
| SCRP 1000 | Foundational Storytelling | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Film and TV Production | ||
| Visual Storytelling | ||
| Audio Production and Post-Production | ||
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| ANFX Level I Courses | ||
| ANIM 1110 | Computer Graphics Imagery I | 3.0 |
| ANIM 1210 | Animation Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ANIM 1310 | Tool Building for Animation and VFX | 3.0 |
| ANFX Level II Courses | ||
| ANIM 2110 | Computer Graphics Imagery II | 3.0 |
| ANIM 2230 | Character Rigging | 3.0 |
| ANIM 2710 | Previsualization | 3.0 |
| ANFX Level III Courses | ||
| ANIM 3050 | Professional Practices | 3.0 |
| ANIM 3210 | Character Animation | 3.0 |
| ANIM 3998 | Capstone Preproduction | 3.0 |
| ANFX Level IV Courses | ||
| ANIM 4998 | Animation Capstone I | 3.0 |
| ANIM 4999 | Animation Capstone II | 3.0 |
| Animation Electives 2 | ||
| Select three of the following | 9.0 | |
| Technical Directing for Animation and VFX | ||
| Procedural Animation | ||
| Explorations in Surfacing | ||
| Explorations in Lighting | ||
| 3D World Building | ||
| Organic Modeling | ||
| Advanced Character Animation | ||
| Advanced Compositing | ||
| Advanced Visual Effects | ||
| Performance Capture | ||
| In-Camera Virtual Production | ||
| Advanced Virtual Production | ||
| Digital Tools for Immersive Media | ||
| Digital Imaging for Immersive Media | ||
| User Interface Design for Immersive Media | ||
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
- 1
A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here..
- 2
A minimum of one elective course must be a 4000 level course.
Program Learning Outcomes
- 1. Upon graduation, students will be able to understand and apply core principles and techniques within an animation and visual effects production.
- 2. Upon graduation, students will be able to collaborate effectively in team-based productions and clearly communicate ideas and work to technical and non-technical audiences.
- 3. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate visual literacy through design choices that enhance visual communication.
- 4. Upon graduation, students will be able to integrate critical thinking and creative problem-solving for complex challenges.
- 5. Upon graduation, students will be able to recognize and embrace current and emerging technologies to enhance creative and technical practice.