The BA in Animation will prepare graduates to secure positions as animators and multimedia artists in the moving image production industry.
- Apply knowledge of artistic principles, conventions, methods, and practices through the creation and production of animated works of art;
- Utilize the core concepts, capabilities, and tools of animation technology;
- Apply critical and creative thinking skills in a variety of contexts;
- Identify ways in which animation can be utilized in both creative and practical contexts;
- Assure high quality production values in the work that they create; and
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, produce projects individually and collaboratively, engage fully in the entire production process, from concept to distribution.
The BA in Animation totals 120 credits, with 57 academic credits in the program - 45 required credits and 12 elective credits. This degree is administered through the Department of Film, Video, Animation and New Genres in the Peck School of the Arts. Applicants entering the program with an AAS degree from the Animation Department in the School of Media and Creative Arts at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) may be granted admission at the third-year level.
Students in the department of Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres are required to have a laptop computer and video editing software.
Requirements
Laptop Requirement
Preparing for a future defined by digital technology is an important step in developing artists. Our digitally integrated curriculum helps you achieve a professional level with leading art-related software and practices.
Laptop ownership is strongly recommended for all undergraduates. However, it’s required for the programs below. For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts admission page.
- Art & Design (BA and BFA Programs)
- Dance (BA and BFA Programs)
- Film, Video, Animation & New Genres (BA and BFA Programs)
- Music (Composition & Technology Program)
- Theatre (BFA Production and BA Theatre Education Programs)
Credit Overview
The BA in Animation Arts is a 120-credit degree that includes 45 credits of university requirements, 18 credits of general electives and 57 credits in Animation and Filmmaking.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | 45 | |
| Animation Requirements | 57 | |
| General Electives | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
University Core
The minimum number of credits required to complete the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Fine Arts is 120. Students who need background preparation courses in math, English, foreign language, and chemistry may need additional credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | ||
| Competencies 1 | ||
| Oral and Written Communication – Part A and Part B 2 | ||
| Quantitative Literacy (QL) – Part A and Part B 2 | ||
| Foreign Language 2 | ||
| Distribution Requirements 1 | ||
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences (Must include one lab) | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Cultural Diversity 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| Additional Electives | 12 | |
| Credits in Peck School of the Arts 3 | 12 | |
| University Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
- 1
Learn more about the General Education Requirements.
- 2
Credits may be utilized in required curriculum areas.
- 3
Up to 12 credits inside the Peck School of the Arts (9 required, the remaining 3 may remain inside FVANG as an elective) in at least 3 of the 4 departments outside the student's discipline (Art and Design, Dance, Music, and Theater).
BA Animation Arts Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Animation Requirements | ||
| FILM 110 | Foundation Topics: (Students are required to complete 2 sections for 6 credits of FILM 110.) | 6 |
| FILM 180 | Foundation Production: Fiction | 6 |
| FILM 181 | Foundation Production: Nonfiction | 6 |
| FILM 222 | Digital Filmmaking | 3 |
| FILM 232 | Animation I | 3 |
| FILM 343 | The Business of Animation | 3 |
| FILM 385 | Experimental Animation (Students may take FILM 347, Introduction to 3D Animation, in place of FILM 385.) | 3 |
| FILM 388 | Stop Motion Animation | 3 |
| FILM 486 | Advanced Animation | 3 |
| FILM 509 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| FILM 510 | Senior Project II | 6 |
| And one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cartoons, Animation, and the Graphic Novel | ||
| The Animated Short | ||
| Miyazaki Shorts and Features | ||
| Foundation Review 1 | ||
| Animation and Film Electives 2 | 9 | |
| General Electives | 18 | |
| May be taken from any university discpline, including Animation and Filmmaking. | ||
| Total Credits | 75 | |
- 1
Foundation Review for admission to major includes completion of Department Foundation courses (FILM 110 @ 6cr, FILM 180, and FILM 181). Review consists of 2 final projects made in Department Foundation courses and a copy of current academic transcript submitted to department faculty for review by advertised deadline in Fall and Spring semesters. Check your emails for Foundation Review deadlines.
- 2
A full list of film and animation electives can be found by viewing the Film Courses in Categories PDF.
Applicants Entering the Program with an AAS degree in Animation from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Core | 18 | |
| Animation/Filmmaking Requirements | ||
| FILM 180 | Foundation Production: Fiction | 6 |
| or FILM 181 | Foundation Production: Nonfiction | |
| FILM 303 | Current Topics in Media Arts Production | 3 |
| FILM 343 | The Business of Animation | 3 |
| FILM 385 | Experimental Animation (Students may take FILM 347, Introduction to 3D Animation, in place of FILM 385.) | 3 |
| FILM 388 | Stop Motion Animation | 3 |
| FILM 486 | Advanced Animation | 3 |
| FILM 509 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| FILM 510 | Senior Project II | 6 |
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 57 | |
BA Animation Recommended Film Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FILM 110 | Foundation Topics: | 3 |
| FILM 180 | Foundation Production: Fiction | 6 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FILM 110 | Foundation Topics: | 3 |
| FILM 181 | Foundation Production: Nonfiction | 6 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Foundation Review | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| FILM 222 | Digital Filmmaking | 3 |
| FILM 232 | Animation I | 3 |
| ARTHIST 205 | History of Film I: Development of an Art (Fulfills GER: Humanities) | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FILM 388 | Stop Motion Animation | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cartoons, Animation, and the Graphic Novel | ||
| The Animated Short | ||
| Miyazaki Shorts and Features | ||
| University Core | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| FILM 385 | Experimental Animation | 3 |
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives and University Core | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FILM 486 | Advanced Animation | 3 |
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| FILM 509 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FILM 343 | The Business of Animation | 3 |
| FILM 510 | Senior Project II | 6 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| University Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Applicants Entering the Program with an AAS degree in Animation from Milwaukee Technical College (MATC)
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FILM 180 or FILM 181 | Foundation Production: Fiction or Foundation Production: Nonfiction | 6 |
| FILM 388 | Stop Motion Animation | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| FILM 303 | Current Topics in Media Arts Production | 3 |
| FILM 385 | Experimental Animation | 3 |
| FILM 486 | Advanced Animation | 3 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| FILM 343 | The Business of Animation | 3 |
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| FILM 509 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| University Core | 3 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Film or Animation Elective | 3 | |
| FILM 510 | Senior Project II | 6 |
| University Core | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Advising
Location: Theatre 120
Hours: M–Th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed on university holidays)
Contact: 414-229-4763 | Contact Form
Academic advising is an important aspect of long-term academic success. At the Peck School of the Arts, we offer professional advising in the undergraduate disciplines of art, dance, film, music and theatre.
Our advisors provide students with individualized appointments to assist them in areas such as: degree requirements, major options, course selection, campus resources, college success strategies, graduation assessment, academic policies and procedures, and more.
For more information please visit the Peck School of the Arts advising and student services page.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a GPA of 3.500 or greater in the major and the academic department's recommendation.
High Honors in the Major is granted to students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or greater and the academic department's recommendation.
Departmental Honors are granted to students recommended by their academic department for Honors excellence in performance not reflected in the GPA.
Dean's Honors are granted to students with major achievements in one or more of the arts.
College of the Arts and Architecture Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.