MFA in Animation

Program Overview

DePaul's Animation MFA is a top-ranked program designed for students aspiring to create original animated films and artwork. It offers a comprehensive curriculum in traditional and digital animation, storyboarding, and filmmaking, equipping students with a strong foundation in the field. The program fosters collaboration, with students working closely with faculty and peers, and has partnerships with industry professionals providing opportunities for internships and networking. DePaul's state-of-the-art facilities and STEM designation enhance the learning experience and support students' career aspirations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The DePaul Animation MFA is a premiere degree designed for students who are interested in creating original animated films and artwork. It is the terminal degree in the animation field. The program is geared towards students with undergraduate degrees in Animation, Film, Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, and other visual arts areas.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Help students develop a personal vision and push the limits of their abilities in animation.
• Provide rigorous training in the history, critical artistic issues, and fundamental principles of animation.
• Offer students a wide range of animation courses in traditional animation (hand-drawn, stop motion, and hybrid), 3D animation and modeling, character design, storyboarding, game art, motion graphics, VFX animation, as well as advanced graduate film and TV courses in screenwriting, editing, sound, and directing.

Teaching:

• The program is centered around a fall-through-spring single project model, with students closely mentored by faculty.
• Students work on a film during their first year under the tutelage of one of the two Animation MFA Co-Chairs, Amy Lockhart and Jacob Ciocci.
• Students also choose MFA Faculty Mentors from the large full-time Animation faculty.
• The program uses the cohort model, so students work alongside their peers throughout their degree.
• The program provides access to the latest in animation software, tools, and technologies, including professional-level animation and effects software, Cintiq labs, 3D printing, stop motion stages and fabrication studios, 3D motion capture, motion control, and sophisticated sound studios.
• Students may collaborate on film projects with talented voice actors and musicians in DePaul’s Theatre School and School of Music.

Other:

• The program is STEM-designated, which can qualify international students to extend their post-graduation stay in the United States.
• The DePaul Animation MFA program is ranked #15 in the US and #1 in the Midwest according to Animation Career Review (2024).
• The DePaul University Cinematic Arts program is ranked #14 in the US by the Hollywood Reporter (2023).
• Students have the opportunity to study and intern in Los Angeles for three months through DePaul’s LA Quarter program.
• The Project Bluelight program provides students with hands-on experience in motion picture production.
• Animation Lodge is a student organization for animation majors and enthusiasts that provides a space for networking and portfolio building.
• The program features state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including two new stop-motion studios and a pro-level Volo Motion Control Crane (used by Laika and Disney) Dragonframe system.