M.S. in Computer Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems at NEC is a 36-credit program that can typical...
B.F.A. in Animation
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that prepares students for a highly competitive industry by focusing on a wide range of tools and practices. The program emphasizes both 2D and 3D animation, alongside game design principles, to equip students with the versatility needed in the evolving digital media landscape. Students learn to effectively communicate with an audience through all facets of production, from development and pre-production through design, asset creation, animation, and post-production. The program aims to empower students with the critical and technical skills necessary for successful careers in animation, game art, and digital content creation.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design curriculum at NEC includes a comprehensive Art Core (44+ credits), specialized Animation and Game Design Concentration courses (28 credits), and a Liberal Arts & Sciences Core. The Art Core provides foundational knowledge in areas such as "Introduction to 2D Design," "Drawing I," "Introduction to 3D Design," "Imaging with Digital Tools," and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art." Concentration courses delve into specific animation and game design techniques, including "2D Animation I," "2D Animation II," "3D Modeling for Game and Animation," "3D Animation," and "Character Modeling for Game and Animation." The curriculum also includes "History of Digital Media," "Professional Practice," and culminates in "Senior Studio I" and "Senior Studio II" with a "Senior Exhibition."
Research Focus: The B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design at New England College incorporates a multi-faceted research focus. Students are expected to "Research art historical sources to write critically and creatively about the Art and Design in terms of formal analysis, iconography, and cultural context." This ensures an understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of animation and digital media. Beyond historical context, the program emphasizes practical research through the process of "developing a cohesive, competent body of work," and learning to "Analyze, interpret, and evaluate their own and others' art works." This involves continuous experimentation, problem-solving, and conceptual exploration within animation and game design, effectively turning the creative process into a form of applied research.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design demonstrates robust industry engagement through its practical curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The program's design, which emphasizes "critical and technical skills that produce sustainable art careers and industry professionals," inherently aligns with industry demands. While not explicitly detailed as an in-house agency, the program fosters "experiential opportunities" for students to "engage with the professional world of art and design, applying the principles of the field to new situations." The "Professional Practice" course and the development of a "professional level portfolio" are key components that directly prepare students for entering the industry. Faculty, often with expertise in game design, 3D modeling, and animation, bring real-world insights into the classroom.
Global Perspective: The B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design at New England College cultivates a global perspective by engaging with the universal language of visual storytelling and the international nature of the animation and gaming industries. The curriculum includes "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art," broadening students' understanding of diverse artistic traditions and their global impact. By learning to "tell stories" and "build worlds" through animation, students are implicitly encouraged to consider diverse audiences and cultural narratives. The global reach of animated films, video games, and digital content necessitates an understanding of diverse perspectives. The broader Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum at NEC also includes a "Global Perspectives" course, further enhancing students' international awareness and preparing them for a globalized creative field.
Location
Henniker, New Hampshire
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40178
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
New England College (NEC) is supporting talented international students by offering a range of merit-based scholarships designed to make quality education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to NEC are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process. Awards vary based on the student’s academic record, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
Presidential Scholarship: One of the most prestigious awards, the Presidential Scholarship, is granted to exceptional international students with outstanding academic credentials.
Athletic Scholarships: NEC offers athletic scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment in NCAA Division III sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, team needs, and coach recommendations, providing support while balancing academics and athletics.
Specialized Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments at NEC may offer scholarships targeting high-achieving students pursuing degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Creative Writing, and Health Sciences. These targeted awards help attract top talent and support focused areas of study.
Graduates of New England College's B.F.A. in Animation and Game Design are exceptionally well-equipped for a competitive and evolving digital media industry. Their comprehensive training in both 2D and 3D animation, coupled with an understanding of game design principles and a strong portfolio, makes them highly versatile.
Animator (2D/3D): Creates a sequence of images or models that give the illusion of movement for films, television shows, video games, commercials, or web content. Specializations can include character animation, effects animation, or technical animation.
Game Artist: Focuses on the visual elements of video games, including character design, environment art, props, textures, and user interface (UI) elements, bringing the game's world to life.
Concept Artist: Develops initial visual ideas and designs for characters, creatures, environments, and props to establish the overall look and mood for animated productions or video games during the pre-production phase.
Storyboard Artist: Translates scripts and narratives into sequential visual panels, outlining camera angles, character actions, and scene compositions, serving as a visual blueprint for animation and film projects.
3D Modeler: Builds three-dimensional digital models of characters, objects, and environments for use in animation, video games, virtual reality, or visual effects.
Rigging Artist: Creates the "skeleton" and controls for 3D characters and objects, allowing animators to manipulate and pose them realistically.
VFX Artist (Visual Effects Artist): Designs and creates digital visual effects, such as explosions, fire, water, or magical spells, to enhance live-action footage or fully animated scenes.
Motion Graphics Designer: Creates animated graphic elements, text, and photographic visuals for commercials, film titles, promotional videos, web content, or educational materials, often involving a blend of graphic design and animation.
Technical Artist: Acts as a bridge between artists and programmers, troubleshooting software issues, optimizing assets, and developing tools or workflows to improve the efficiency of the animation and game development pipeline.
Previsualization (Pre-Viz) Artist: Creates rough animated versions of scenes to help directors visualize camera angles, pacing, and staging before full production, particularly in film and animation.
