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Illustration and Animation B.F.A.

The illustration and animation bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree focuses both on developing your individual artistic skills and vision and helping you find your place in the dynamic industries served by the deeply connected disciplines of illustration and animation.

In wide-ranging courses from the fundamentals of figure drawing to investigation of high-end visual effects workflows and the emerging techniques of artificial intelligence, we take a hands-on, studio-based approach. You will have many opportunities to work on both individual and ambitious group projects to help you develop the skills to improve as an artist and to start your career.

There are multiple opportunities to study off campus, including a recommended abroad semester in junior year, and a dedicated semester program at our Los Angeles campus in senior year where you will engage with supportive alumni and work as an intern at a relevant company. Our course offerings and faculty give you the rigor and freedom to discover your unique skills and passions and to turn those into a rewarding career.

Admission and portfolio requirements
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Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 121-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as studio and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
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Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Illustration and animation majors may choose to study at the Syracuse University center in Florence, Italy, in the spring semester of their third year, and/or in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester program in the fall semester of their fourth year. Your advisor can discuss your options with you.

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Career Exploration

All illustration and animation majors have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking opportunities, mentors and more.

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Program Faculty