Animation
Bachelor of Arts
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Programs of Interest
0The BA in Animation emphasizes animation principles and animation production within a broad liberal arts context. Students in the Animation BA will be able to produce creatively innovative connections between animation and other subjects of inspiration. This is an extremely flexible degree with an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and self-directed exploration, and is especially valuable for students bringing transfer credits from another school or interested in a double major. This program emphasizes the art of animation, creativity, and critical thinking. Students are introduced to the foundation skills of animating, and utilize these in the production sequence, in which they are expected to bring a broad intellectual and creative viewpoint, influenced by their liberal studies courses and electives, to their work. Students can experiment with the latest in animation software, tools, and technologies including professional-level animation and effects software, Cintiq labs, 3D printing, stop motion stages and fabrication studios, 3D motion capture, motion control, and sophisticated sound studios.
Alumni of our program have been hired in animation roles at a wide variety of companies, including DreamWorks Animation, LAIKA Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, Bioware, Iron Galaxy Studios, The Mill, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, ShadowMachine, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts, and Cartoon Network, to name just a few.
Learn more about the
portfolio requirements for applying to this program.
For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.
Nationally Recognized Programs
- A Top American Animation School (The Hollywood Reporter, 2025)
- #13 animation program in the US and #1 in the Midwest (Animation Career Review, 2025)
- #11 film school in the US (The Hollywood Reporter, 2025)
- Spotlighted in Variety’s Education Impact Report (Variety, 2025)
Faculty
Animation Faculty
DePaul has one of the largest full-time Animation faculties in the country. Their filmography includes Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, The Simpsons, Futurama, and Rugrats. Our instructors come from diverse backgrounds in feature and TV animation, commercial production, game development, motion graphics, CGI, and art exhibition. They have worked at major animation and game studios including: Disney Feature Animation, Fox TV, Fox Kids, JibJab, Will Vinton, Sesame Street, NBC Studios, Nickelodeon, Calabash, Rough Draft, WMS, RoboModo, Wideload, and Day 1, and have exhibited internationally at galleries and film festivals.