hand-drawn animation on computer

School of DesignAnimation Bachelor's Degree

  • BA

About the Animation Major

Animate your future and develop the skills to create work that showcases your talents. While earning your Animation BA degree, you will learn about screen play, character and background design, storyboarding, and recording voice talent. And you’ll have opportunities to take classes in stop motion and visual effects. You’ll learn how to translate an idea into a finished product and leave with a body of work to show employers and graduate schools. Columbia also offers BFA degrees in Computer Animation and Traditional Animation.

Examples of Animation Careers 

  • 3D modeler
  • Animation director
  • Animator (including character animator)
  • Art director
  • Compositing supervisor
  • Layout artist
  • Lighting technician
  • Storyboard artist
  • Video game designer

The Student Experience

Explore multiple animation techniques while earning your BA degree in Animation, including hand-drawn and computer animation, stop motion, and visual effects, or focus in one area with a concentration.

  • Work on projects that simulate a production environmentYou and your classmates will collaborate on a project in a setting that looks very much like what you’d find in real-world production environment, with each participant assigned a particular role and the instructor acting as your executive producer.
  • Create believable animated charactersAcquire an understanding of figurative human emotions and movements to help you create characters that connect with audiences.
  • Use 3D software to create imaginary worldsLearn how to design and build environments, set dressing, and vehicles, key elements to animated projects.
  • Participate in Columbia’s Semester in LA programLearn more about the entertainment industry and career opportunities in LA, where you will participate in an internship and network with leaders in the entertainment industry.
  • Join clubs that match your interestsMeet and be inspired by your fellow creatives in clubs such as the Columbia College Chicago Animation Association and JAM (Japanese Anime and Manga)

Career Readiness

From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening reels to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.
  • Real-world experience

    Columbia students benefit from classroom projects that mirror how actual companies work.

  • Internships that jumpstart your career

    Our full-time internship coordinators and faculty help you find opportunities and professional environments that complement your coursework.

Alumni Spotlight

Jacquelyn Karambelas ’04

Jacquelyn Karambelas ’04

Served as associate editor for DreamWorks' Oscar-nominated “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

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