Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Digital Animation

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Animation program offers aspiring animators the opportunity to create their own movie magic by fusing cinematic storytelling with digital technology and finding their own creative voice with close guidance and encouragement from experienced faculty and guest speakers.

Program Overview

This program is designed to teach students everything they need to know about animation principles, current techniques, and industry standards. Students will be primed to make their mark in this exciting field, producing work in professional, creative, and stimulating environments.

Facilities

The digital design and drawing studios are fully equipped to allow learners to develop 2D and 3D work through both traditional and modern means. Students have access to a range of state-of-the-art digital design programs and facilities.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in digital animation concepts and processes.
2. Use and integrate knowledge and relevant technologies, methodologies, and professional skills into meaningful animation and time-based solutions.
3. Apply critical thinking and analytical skills per animation industry standards.
4. Produce a satisfactory body of animation work, appropriate for a professional position in the industry.
5. Appraise digital animation practices, ethical and social responsibilities in regional and global contexts.

Admission Requirements

For further information on admission requirements, please refer to the university's admission policies.

Graduation Requirements

For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
• Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
• The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
• Transfer students must successfully earn a minimum of 50% of the course credits for the program at AUE.

Accreditation

The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education Commission for Academic Accreditation.

Program Structure

The program consists of the following components:

• General Education Courses: 10 courses, 30 credit hours
• Core Courses: 11 courses, 33 credit hours
• Specialization Courses: 16 courses, 60 credit hours
• Free Electives: 1 course, 3 credit hours

General Education Courses

The general education courses are designed to provide students with a broad-based education. The courses include:

• University Core Requirements: 6 credit hours
  • University Life
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Languages and Communication Studies: 9 credit hours
  • Academic Writing
  • Introduction to Research
  • Arabic Composition or Arabic for Non-Arab or Communication Skills in Arabic
• The Natural Sciences or Mathematics: 6 credit hours
  • Natural Science
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Environmental Science
  • General Mathematics
• The Social or Behavioral Sciences: 3 credit hours
  • General Psychology
  • Introduction to Social Science
  • Introduction to Political Science
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Anthropology
  • Introduction to Geography
• The Humanities or Arts: 3 credit hours
  • Contemporary Arab Art
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • Middle East History
  • World History
  • English Literature
  • History of Islamic Art
• Islamic Studies: 3 credit hours
  • Islamic Culture
  • Islamic Civilization
• UAE Studies: 3 credit hours
  • UAE and GCC Society

Core Courses

The core courses are designed to provide students with a foundation in digital animation. The courses include:

1. Color Theory and Practice
2. Basic Design
3. Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging
4. Drawing I
5. Drawing II
6. Design Thinking
7. Art History I
8. Art History II
9. 3D Design
10. Collaborative Design Studio
11. Internship

Specialization Courses

The specialization courses are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge in digital animation. The courses include:

1. Introduction to Animation
2. 2D Animation
3. History of Animation
4. Surface Modeling
5. Fundamentals of 3D Animation
6. Storyboarding
7. Introduction to Digital Video Production
8. Character Modeling
9. Motion Graphic
10. Character Rigging and Setup
11. Character Animation
12. Capstone I Pre-Production Team
13. Capstone II Production Team
14. Special Topics in Digital Animation
15. Typography I
16. Figure Drawing

Free Electives

Students must choose 3 credit hours from any other college or specialization, provided the prerequisites are met.

Tuition Fees

The yearly tuition fees are AED 58,000/USD 15,793, inclusive of 5% VAT, excluding service fees. Note that yearly fees will vary depending on the number of courses enrolled.

Scholarships

For scholarship details, please contact the Office of Student Life & Community Engagement.

Preparatory Courses

Prior to enrollment in the program, students must sit for the placement test related to the program. Failure to pass the placement test requires enrollment in the following courses:

1. Computer Preparatory (CIT 90)
2. Drawing Preparatory (DES 90)
3. Academic Writing (ENG 99)

Duration

The program duration is 4 years.

Department Chair

The Department Chair is Dr. Toufic Haidamous, Assistant Professor and Acting Department Chair - Fashion Design.