M.A. in Animation & Visual Effects

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 500

1. Academic Qualifications:

• For Postgraduate Programs, international students are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The academic qualifications must be equivalent to U.S. standards.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7 with no individual band score less than 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 82.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum DET score of 110 is required.

3. WES evaluation required.

The Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships to international students, helping to make art and design education more accessible. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition. 

1. International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who are applying for undergraduate programs. The award amount varies, and eligibility criteria may include a strong academic background, portfolio quality, and a passion for art and design.

2. The Spring Show Scholarship: The Spring Show is an annual event showcasing the best works from the Academy's students. This scholarship recognizes students who have participated in this event and demonstrated exceptional talent. It can be a substantial financial aid package.

3. Athletic Scholarship: International students with exceptional athletic skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships. The availability and amount of these scholarships depend on the student's performance and contribution to the university's sports teams.

4. Academic Scholarships: The Academy of Art University offers various academic scholarships based on a student's academic performance. Students who have achieved excellence in their previous studies may qualify for these scholarships.

5. Portfolio Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on the quality of a student's portfolio. These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their artistic skills and creativity.

6. Alumni Scholarships: The Academy values its alumni and offers scholarships to relatives of alumni. This scholarship may be open to international students who have family members who attended the university.

7. Graduate Scholarships: International students pursuing graduate programs can also access scholarships based on their academic achievements and career goals. These scholarships can help offset the costs of a master's or doctoral degree.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria may change over time.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Animation & Visual Effects program at the Academy of Art University is an innovative and comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the competitive animation and visual effects industry. 

1. Animator: Graduates can pursue careers as animators, creating visual content for film, television, video games, and other media. They use their skills to bring characters and objects to life through movement and storytelling.

2. Visual Effects Artist: As visual effects artists, graduates work on film and television productions to create special effects, such as explosions, magical transformations, and fantastical creatures, using computer-generated imagery (CGI).

3. 3D Modeler: 3D modelers specialize in creating three-dimensional models of characters, objects, and environments for various media applications, including video games, movies, and architectural visualization.

4. Character Designer: Character designers focus on developing unique and engaging characters, often for animation, video games, or graphic novels. They are responsible for creating distinctive appearances and personalities.

5. Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists translate scripts into visual sequences, providing a blueprint for filmmakers and animators. They play a pivotal role in pre-production planning.

6. Concept Artist: Concept artists create initial visual concepts and designs for characters, environments, and objects, setting the artistic direction for projects like video games and animation.

7. Technical Director: Technical directors work in the visual effects industry, specializing in the technical aspects of creating visual effects. They bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution.

8. Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated graphics and visual content for various media, including broadcast, web, and social media, to convey information and enhance storytelling.

9. Texture Artist: Texture artists focus on creating textures and surface details for 3D models, adding depth and realism to characters, objects, and environments in video games and animation.

10. Compositing Artist: Compositing artists integrate various visual elements into a cohesive final image. They work in post-production, combining live-action footage with CGI to create seamless visual effects.

11. Rigging Artist: Rigging artists design the skeletal structure (rig) of 3D characters, enabling them to move realistically. They are crucial in character animation.

12. Game Designer: Graduates can enter the gaming industry as game designers, shaping the gameplay, mechanics, and overall player experience in video games.

13. Educator: Some graduates opt for careers in education, becoming instructors in animation and visual effects programs, passing on their knowledge to the next generation of creative talent.

14. Freelance Artist: Freelancing offers graduates the opportunity to work on a project-by-project basis, allowing them to explore various creative opportunities.

15. Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual style and direction of projects, ensuring that they meet artistic and storytelling objectives.

16. VR/AR Developer: Graduates can explore the emerging fields of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by developing immersive experiences and applications.