Art Degrees Online

Requirements

Applicants are required to hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. A research emphasis in visual studies is recommended. Applicants with degrees outside the visual arts or non-traditional backgrounds may be eligible if their application shows promise and relevance to the current research environment, which includes digital media interdisciplinary laboratories. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

The selection of candidates is based on their potential for growth and deeper development indicated by the strength of their submitted materials, which can reflect a wide range of practices. The overall assessment of the individual candidate is based on their complete profile, an aptitude for intensive investigation and suitability to the interdisciplinary focus of this particular program. Qualification is determined on a case-by-case basis. Finalists will be interviewed by a committee of faculty to gain a more thorough understanding of the candidate and their research interests.

Following their first year of study, graduate students are required to formulate their graduate thesis committee, comprised of 3 to 5 members from the Department of Art and university faculty. This committee oversees the completion of the final graduate thesis project as well as the written thesis, which is a required document for each student as part of his or her fulfillment of an MFA degree.

The body of research within the program may reflect a wide range of creative practices, including writing, theory/criticism, art history, film studies, digital media, performance, design, architecture and media studies.

It is advised that anyone interested in graduate studies in the Department of Art should investigate the program thoroughly before applying. Communication by e-mail to the graduate advisors and individual faculty prior to the application process is recommended. The department welcomes any potential candidates to tour those facilities and campus resources that may be an integral part of their graduate experience at UCSB.

What is Animation?
Animation is a discipline that includes everything from traditional, character-based narrative to experimental work. It is an increasingly malleable and sophisticated art form that is well-positioned to take full advantage of ongoing technological development.

Why study Animation at UArts?
The University of the Arts offers a broad base in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and under-the-camera animation (clay, puppet, cut-out, paint-on-glass, etc). The UArts Animation degree program encourages the development of well-rounded artists in possession of a strong sense of personal vision and solid, technical competencies in all aspects of content creation.

What’s the Animation degree program like?
• Sophomore year: an introduction to the techniques of drawn and under-the-camera animation, 2D and 3D computer animation, and live-action film via a series of exercises and two final projects.
• Junior year: creation of a short personal piece, as well as client-based and interdisciplinary group projects.
• Senior year: studies culminate in a thesis project that demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a longer, festival-worthy piece.

What Animation facilities are available?
You will have access to excellent facilities for 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and other animation techniques, including:
• State-of-the-art 2D/3D computer animation lab
• Animation classrooms equipped with iMac workstations
• Digital audio sound studios
• Multi-format dub room
• Digital imaging lab
• AVID digital video editing systems
• Master Series Oxberry animation stand

Are the faculty practicing animators?
Yes. They include award-winning artists whose animation work has screened both nationally and abroad, notably at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Hiroshima International Animation Festivals; and many others. Our instructors come from a diverse mix of fine-art and commercial backgrounds, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of personal vision.

What is Animation?
Animation is a discipline that includes everything from traditional, character-based narrative to experimental work. It is an increasingly malleable and sophisticated art form that is well-positioned to take full advantage of ongoing technological development.

Why study Animation at UArts?
The University of the Arts offers a broad base in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and under-the-camera animation (clay, puppet, cut-out, paint-on-glass, etc). The UArts Animation degree program encourages the development of well-rounded artists in possession of a strong sense of personal vision and solid, technical competencies in all aspects of content creation.

What’s the Animation degree program like?
• Sophomore year: an introduction to the techniques of drawn and under-the-camera animation, 2D and 3D computer animation, and live-action film via a series of exercises and two final projects.
• Junior year: creation of a short personal piece, as well as client-based and interdisciplinary group projects.
• Senior year: studies culminate in a thesis project that demonstrates the ability to successfully complete a longer, festival-worthy piece.

What Animation facilities are available?
You will have access to excellent facilities for 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and other animation techniques, including:
• State-of-the-art 2D/3D computer animation lab
• Animation classrooms equipped with iMac workstations
• Digital audio sound studios
• Multi-format dub room
• Digital imaging lab
• AVID digital video editing systems
• Master Series Oxberry animation stand

Are the faculty practicing animators?
Yes. They include award-winning artists whose animation work has screened both nationally and abroad, notably at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Hiroshima International Animation Festivals; and many others. Our instructors come from a diverse mix of fine-art and commercial backgrounds, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of personal vision