MFA Animation + Digital Arts

• In depth knowledge of the theory and history as it pertains to animation, digital art and visual effects across industry, academia and the arts. Understanding of the perceptual and cognitive processes associated with the evolution of the human mind and its essential relationship to animation as an art form.
• Ability to critique, write, design, develop and execute innovative research projects in this ever evolving field. Community awareness, artistic and collaborative research engagements encouraged and supported.
• Core production knowledge of animation techniques and design with experience of the traditional practice and digital literacy in contemporary 2D and 3D computer animation. Proficiency and understanding of creative ideation processes such as story art development, structuring through images, storyboarding, script development, life drawing, gesture movement and kinetic performance for 2D and 3D animation with live action integration
• Proficiency in layout and cinematography for physical and virtual sets/immersive worlds including the development and creation of character design and concept art, assets for 2D and 3D virtual sets or actors. Fundamental knowledge of visual effects processes including basic compositing, green screen with live action integration, motion capture, digital effects animation, digital lighting and rendering
• Proficiency in sound design, direction, layout, editing and final mix with knowledge and experience in ADR (automated dialog recording), foley and composition /music direction or collaboration
• Competency with production budget and production pipeline planning, submission and execution. Creation of marketing materials, pitch bibles, demo reels and websites for promotion and professional development. This extends to grant writing, research proposals, planning for exhibition installation, projection or distribution of media on the web or in non-traditional venues
• Application of this research through the production, direction and execution of a masters thesis project with supporting documentation https://animation.usc.edu/program/ this work should advance the field and strive for originality, creativity and innovation.

BFA in Animation + Digital Arts

• In depth knowledge of the theory and history as it pertains to animation, digital art and visual effects across industry, academia and the arts. Understanding of the perceptual and cognitive processes associated with the evolution of the human mind and its essential relationship to animation as an art form.
• Areas of concentration might include character animation, experimental animation, 3D immersive animation, visualizing science, interactive games and visual effects. Students work in consultation with the undergraduate coordinator and faculty to help them decide their course of study while at USC.
• Core production knowledge of animation techniques and design with experience of the traditional practice and digital literacy in contemporary 2D and 3D computer animation. Proficiency and understanding of creative ideation processes such as story art development, structuring through images, storyboarding, script development, life drawing, gesture movement and kinetic performance for 2D and 3D animation with live action integration.
• Proficiency in layout and cinematography for physical and virtual sets/immersive worlds including the development and creation of character design and concept art, assets for 2D and 3D virtual sets or actors. Fundamental knowledge of visual effects processes including basic compositing, green screen with live action integration, motion capture, digital effects animation, digital lighting and rendering
• Proficiency in sound design, direction, layout, editing and final mix with knowledge and experience in ADR (automated dialog recording), foley and composition /music direction or collaboration
• Competency with production budget and production pipeline planning, submission and execution. Creation of marketing materials, pitch bibles, demo reels and websites for promotion and professional development. Ability to critique, write, design, collaborate and execute innovative research projects in this ever evolving field.
• Application of this research through the production, direction and execution of a senior project with supporting documentation https://animation.usc.edu/program// this work should advance the field and strive for originality, creativity and innovation.