The College of Art and Design at Lesley University has several pathways to study animation: the Animation & Motion Media BFA, Minor, and Certificate and the Visual Effects (VFX) BFA. Program highlights for the 123 credit hour Animation & Motion Media BFA include small class sizes, access to state-of-the-art visual effects facilities, required internships and apprenticeships that provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience at major studios such as Nickelodeon and Warner Bros., among others., and the opportunity to pursue a second major.
Lesley Animation & Motion Media students have also interned at Adult Swim, Mind and Machine VFX, SideFX, Northern Light Productions, MassDiGI, and many others. Examples of second major combinations include Animation & Motion Media + Biology (Medical Animator) and Animation & Motion Media + Creative Writing (Independent Cartoonist).
The Animation and Motion Media Minor requires 15 credit hours, including six credit hours of electives. Required courses include Principles of Animation 1 and 2, and Storyboarding for Time-Based Media. Elective examples include Character Animation, Compositing & Visual Effects, Experimental Animation, Audio Production & Design, Digital Animation: 2D, and Stop Motion Animation.
The Animation and Motion Media Certificate is a professional, post-baccalaureate program consisting of 60 credit hours. The program provides hands-on experience through internal and external Animation + VFX internships, and courses taught by faculty members who have worked at major studios such as Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, and Fox. Course examples include Storyboarding for Time Based Media, Digital Animation: 2D, Audio Production & Design, Community Animation Studio, and Business of Animation.
The Lesley University VFX BFA integrates animation, design, film, and photography. Students in this 120 credit hour program will learn the 12 Principles of Animation, and select an area of specialization such as Animation, 3D Modeling, Compositing, or Rendering. Course examples include Principles of Animation 1 and 2, Animation Seminar, Digital Animation: 2D, 3D Character Animation, Business of Animation, Advanced Stop Motion Animation, and History of Animation.
Other program highlights include access to the state-of-the art Visual Effects (VFX) studio (the only one of its kind in New England), and opportunities to intern or complete an apprenticeship at places such as Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and Hero4Hire Animation + Motion Design Studio.
Graduates of the Animation Programs at Lesley University work in animation, film and TV, and game design in positions such as Animator, VFX Artist, Game Designer, Art Director, Filmmaker, 3D Designer, Content Producer, Storyboard Artist, Medical Visualization Modeler, and Advertising Artist.
Lesley University alumni have worked on projects for companies and studios such as Fox, DreamWorks, and White Snake Projects. Some alumni have gone on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses, while others have enrolled in graduate programs at top universities.
Founded in 1909, Lesley University serves more than 6,000 students enrolled 100+ programs housed across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Art & Design, the Graduate School of Education, and the Graduate School of Arts & Social Sciences. Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).