M.A. in Animation

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for postgraduate programs are required to have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The minimum academic requirement is often a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is equivalent to 60% or above.

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher, with no individual band score below 6.
   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 with no band less than 17.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A score of 53 or higher.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115.

DePaul University is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make education more accessible. 

1. International Student Scholarships: DePaul University provides merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships consider academic achievements, test scores, and other criteria.

2. Global Gateway Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for undergraduate international students who transfer from specific partner institutions to DePaul. They help facilitate a smooth transition.

3. Dean's Merit-Based Scholarships: DePaul's colleges and schools offer dean's merit-based scholarships to international students within their respective programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions.

4. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships may be available to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships offer a stipend and sometimes a tuition waiver in exchange for research or teaching assistance.

5. International Experience Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate students planning to participate in study abroad programs. It provides financial support to students seeking to gain global perspectives.

6. Vincent G. Rinn Family Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students with financial need. It helps cover tuition costs and promote diversity within the DePaul community.

7. Donor-Funded Scholarships: DePaul University administers a range of donor-funded scholarships, some of which are available to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.

8. Athletic Scholarships: DePaul offers athletic scholarships for international student-athletes who excel in various sports. These scholarships may cover tuition and related expenses.

9. External Scholarships: DePaul encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and in the United States.

10. Fellowship Programs: Some academic departments and schools offer fellowship programs that provide financial support to international graduate students pursuing specific areas of study.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can vary among programs and departments at DePaul University.

DePaul University offers an outstanding Master of Arts (M.A.) in Animation program. This program is designed to empower aspiring animators with the skills, creativity, and technical knowledge to succeed in the dynamic field of animation. 

1. Animator: Graduates of the M.A. in Animation program are well-prepared to embark on careers as animators. They create captivating and dynamic visual content for a wide range of media, including films, television shows, video games, and online platforms.

2. Character Designer: Character designers specialize in creating unique and memorable characters for animated projects. They focus on developing character appearances, personalities, and backstories.

3. Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists play a crucial role in animation and filmmaking. They visualize and plan the sequences of a project, helping directors and animators understand the flow of scenes.

4. 3D Modeler: 3D modelers bring characters, objects, and environments to life in three-dimensional space. They use specialized software to sculpt and render 3D models for various applications.

5. Visual Effects Artist: Visual effects (VFX) artists create stunning visual effects to enhance the storytelling in films, TV shows, and advertisements. They work on elements like explosions, magical effects, and fantastical creatures.

6. Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers craft animated graphics for television, film, online videos, and presentations. They blend graphic design with animation to convey information and captivate audiences.

7. Video Game Animator: The gaming industry relies heavily on animators to create lifelike characters, animations, and interactive experiences. Graduates can pursue careers as video game animators, contributing to the creation of immersive gaming worlds.

8. Stop-Motion Animator: Stop-motion animators bring inanimate objects to life through a painstaking frame-by-frame animation process. This unique and tactile form of animation is used in commercials, films, and TV shows.

9. Visual Development Artist: Visual development artists work on the initial concept and design stages of an animation project. They create the visual style, including backgrounds, settings, and color schemes.

10. Rigging Artist: Rigging artists focus on creating the skeleton or structure that enables characters to move realistically in 3D animation. They play a pivotal role in character animation.

11. Animation Director: Experienced animators may advance to the role of an animation director. They oversee the animation process, ensuring that the project's creative vision is realized effectively.

12. Educator: For those passionate about teaching and mentoring, pursuing a career in animation education is a rewarding option. Graduates can teach at educational institutions, inspiring the next generation of animators.

13. Freelance Animator: Many animators choose the path of a freelance career, allowing them to work on a variety of projects and collaborate with diverse clients and studios.

14. Special Effects Technician: Special effects technicians create practical and visual effects for live-action films and TV productions. They use a combination of technical and creative skills to achieve stunning effects.

15. Augmented and Virtual Reality Animator: With the growing interest in augmented and virtual reality, animators can specialize in creating immersive experiences for these emerging technologies.

16. Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual style and artistic elements of an animation project, ensuring that it aligns with the creative vision and goals.