Digital Animation BFA Emphasis

The Digital Animation Center is committed to providing quality instruction in 3D theory and techniques intended to prepare its students to succeed. Students will be prepared to excel in a multitude of industries including feature film, broadcast, scientific visualization, medical imaging and engineering.

The DAC's precisely focused curriculum prepares students for careers within a urban, 4-year university experience that is a well-rounded liberal arts education with the traditional components of a fine arts education, in state-of-the-art facilities and acquiring high-tech skills needed for this demanding curriculum.

University of Colorado Denver, Downtown Denver Campus' College of Arts and Media 3D Graphics and Digital Animation program will strive to provide the highest level of university-level undergraduate instruction in the theory, practice and application of digital 3D media. The goal of the CU-Digital Animation Center is to bring together diverse scholars and practitioners who seek creative imaging and visualization solutions for evolving research and to set them in partnerships with artists of digital media. Such collaborations will provide the visual solutions for explaining and defining complex technical data.

The UC Denver DAC, is dedicated to producing productive competent animators that are problem solvers, critical thinkers and are prepared to enter the workforce as leaders and managers. As a Fine Art major at one of the nation's top Universities, you will receive a well rounded, quality University education and upon successful completion of all requirements will be awarded a Bachelor of Fine Art with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation.

Why be a button pusher when you can be an artist, a problem solver and a leader!

Education for Future Professionals…

Classes cover all areas of 3D graphics and animation. The program use Alias MAYA as the primary software application for training. In addition to the 12 required classes for a BFA, Visual Arts with an emphasis in Digital Animation (this degree) students will take a standard range of core academic and foundational art classes such as drawing foundations, 2 and 3-dimensional design, color theory, art seminar, art history survey—and are taught by veterans in the fine arts. Whether you’re looking to set up your painting or drawing studio, work as a graphic artist or illustrator, or are interested in product design or advertiing, the College of Arts & Media combines a thorough academic curriculum with internship and extracurricular opportunities.

To learn more about the opportunities awaiting you in the 3D Graphics and animation program, please contact a College of Arts & Media advisor.

Taught by Professionals...

Our faculty is committed to helping each student at the Digital Animation Center strive to attain their full potential. This goal is achieved through the enthusiasm of our staff, industry standard software, and state of the art computer workstations.

The UC Denver DAC faculty are experienced professionals with many years of real, practical work experience in a wide variety of animation expertise from broadcast, film, museum, scientific visualization, simulation and the gaming industries. Members of our staff have worked as both fine artist and commercial artist giving them a unique perspective on the application of animation techniques. Working as Technical Directors, Creative Directors, Art Directors, Producers and Directors as independent artist and in prestigious studios like Paramount, LucasFilms LTD., Universal, and with unique experience with high-end, fully immersive presentation technology, our staff will deliver to you a sound foundation of knowledge that will lead to a rich and rewarding experience as a top-notch animator.

Both in and out of the classroom, faculty members provide you with the solid support and motivation you will need to succeed in the enthralling business of animation. To learn more about your future mentors, select their name to visit their web pages, or visit the faculty home page.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts Degree...

Students pursuing careers in 3D Grahics and Animation receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts from the Department of Visual Arts in the College of Arts & Media, a degree awarded by the University of Colorado Denver.

For more information on admission procedures for this degree program please visit www.cu3d.org/admissions.html or contact a CAM advisor at CAMAdvising@cudenver.edu.

Going Places...

As a 3D Grahics and Animation graduate from the Visual Arts program, the career opportunities available to you are as limitless as your motivation and imagination. Here are just a few of the options available to this program’s graduates.

Computer Animation
Graphic Design
Biometrics/Forensics
Computer Art
Digital Arts/Multimedia Design
Advertising
Communications
Package Technology
Product Design
Film/Video Animator

Admissions...

All students pursuing a BFA in Fine Arts must complete the 34 credits of Visual Arts Foundation Courses and then select an emphasis area, consisting of 39 credits. Students interested in pursuing a double emphasis (e.g., emphasis in drawing and painting) are encourage to consult a CAM advisor to discuss required courses.

Twelve courses of the dergree emphasis area are offered through Extended Studies and have a higher tuition rate. For the 2005-2006 academic year, each 3-credit course costs $4,050. Please consult CAMadvising@cudenver.edu for the current course cost. Students must meet with the program faculty prior to declaring their major. Please contact Paul Conner (Paul.Conner@cudenver.edu) or Howard Cook (Howard.Cook@cudenver.edu) prior to applying to UCD.

Students who wish to transfer to the College of Arts & Media from another college or school at the University of Colorado Denver must formally apply to the College of Arts & Media. Students will be considered for admission on either their overall GPA in applicable coursework from CU and all previous institutions, or on their last 15 credit hours. Applicants with less than a 2.0 GPA in related courses (from CU or other institutions) and an overall CU GPA of less than 2.0 will be denied admission even though they may meet other requirements for consideration.

Explore this emphasis or contact a CAM advisor for further information.