BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts: Animation Major
The BFA in Digital Arts: Animation Major emphasizes an experimental, auteur-driven approach to 2D and 3D animation and new media art, nurturing creative exploration and critical discourse. Animation is engaged as a dynamic medium for conceptual inquiry within contemporary culture, integrating digital and material processes to encourage a diverse range of artistic expression from experimentation to narrative forms, and highlighting its potential for innovative artistic production.
FIU offers two distinct pathways to study animation – which is right for me?
The BFA in Digital Art Animation Major and the BS in Digital Communication & Media – Animation Media Major both equip students with valuable skills for creative and professional success but emphasize different approaches, methodologies, and career outcomes.
| Degree | BFA in Digital Art – Animation Major | BS in Digital Communication & Media – Animation Media Major |
|---|---|---|
| Campus & Dept/School | Modesto Maidique Campus, Department of Art + Art History | Biscayne Bay Campus, Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media |
| Admission | Portfolio review required for all applicants. Transfer applicants must have completed ART foundation courses with min. 2.75 GPA. Link to Admission Guidelines | Transfer students: Completion of A.S. in Animation & Game Art from Miami-Dade College MAGIC with 2.75 GPA Freshmen and Sophomores: 2.75 GPA Other Students: Permission from the Director. |
| Foundation Courses | 2D/3D Design, Drawing, Figure Drawing, Art History Surveys, Java or Data Analysis, Algebra. | 3D Modeling Game Assets, Character Modeling, Compositing for Games, Character Animation, Character Rigging, Digital Sculpting, Lighting and Shading in Maya. |
| Program Focus | This fine arts program emphasizes an experimental, auteur-driven approach to 2D and 3D animation and new media art, nurturing creative exploration and critical discourse. Animation is engaged as a dynamic medium for conceptual inquiry within contemporary culture, integrating digital and material processes to encourage a diverse range of artistic expression, from experimentation to narrative forms, and highlighting its potential for innovative artistic production. | Includes comprehensive technical training in 3D modeling, covering the entire game art pipeline for props, environments, and characters. Students will gain hands-on experience in modeling, texturing, rigging, and animating assets for game engines. The course emphasizes collaborative projects, multimedia production, and media law while integrating industry-standard software. Additional focus areas include pitching, branding, and storytelling through animation and animation production pipelines. |
| Curriculum & Credit Hours | Link to Curriculum | Please see description of Animation Media courses available on website. |
| Capstone Project | Students present their artwork in professional exhibitions and film screenings through a two-semester thesis course, supported by analytical writing to contextualize their art within historical and contemporary contexts. Faculty mentorship and reviews by curators and art professionals often lead to inclusion in international festivals and exhibitions. | Students will engage in a two-semester capstone project during their senior year, collaborating with peers from the Game Media and Animation Media programs. The process begins with a Pitch Day in the spring of their junior year, where students present their project ideas, including top-down level designs, concept art, UI design, and user experience development for games. Throughout the year, students refine their pitch decks, establish a comprehensive project scope spanning both semesters, and work collaboratively to bring their vision to life. Industry professionals provide ongoing feedback and project evaluations, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices. |
| Academic Partners | Locust Projects, Laundromat Artspace | Miami Dade MAGIC |
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FIU Application and BFA Portfolio Deadlines
Spring 2026 Deadlines
Spring 26 Deadline: November 1, 2025
Fall 2026 Deadlines
Fall 26 Deadline: February 25, 2026
Applicants seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts: Animation must submit a portfolio along with their FIU Admissions application. Portfolios are submitted via SlideRoom (fiuart.slideroom.com).
Degree Program Hours: 120
- FIU Undergraduate Admissions: – Apply Online
- SlideRoom Portfolio Submissions: fiuart.slideroom.com
- Prerequisite info FIU Transfer and Transition Services :Transfer Guides
- Degree requirements and courses:DIART:BFA
FIU’s Art + Art History Department is a member of the National Portfolio Day Association. Students wishing to learn how to create their best portfolio may find more information Click Here
SlideRoom Portfolio Submissions: fiuart.slideroom.com
Portfolio submission fee $30 charged by SlideRoom
20 Artworks uploaded to SlideRoom
- Images must be .jpg at the highest available quality (must be under 8MB each)
- Videos: excerpts or preferably complete works (max. 3 minutes total runtime).
- Videos hosted on YouTube or Vimeo can be shared through url link.
- Audio: excerpts or preferably complete works submitted as .mp3 (max. 3 minutes total runtime).
- Each individual file should be less than 30 MB.
- Audio files hosted on SoundCloud can be shared via url link.
- The following label information must be entered in SlideRoom for each artwork uploaded.
- Title
- Dimensions / Duration (video/audio files)
- Medium
- Date Produced
- Additional notes in the “Description” textbox.
Artist’s Statement
Your statement should be approximately 500 words maximum. Write with attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Your statement should tell us about the work you have submitted. Why did you make it and what inspired you? How and with what? Describe your artistic process. Share why you’ve chosen to work using certain materials and processes. Have you participated in exhibitions or other art-related events? How have specific experiences contributed to the way you make art?
Incoming Transfer applicants are required to upload a copy of their unofficial transcripts.
The Department will review your unofficial transcripts to determine whether you have completed the following Common Prerequisite Courses with a minimum combined GPA of 2.75:
- ART1201C – DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design)
- ART1203C – DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design)
- ART2300C – DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing)
- ART2330C – Beginning Figure Drawing
Applicants who have not completed these prerequisite courses, or who do not meet the GPA requirement, will be considered ineligible for the BFA. All portfolios are reviewed by a committee of faculty members. Decision notifications are typically sent within one month of the portfolio deadline.
BFA Academic Progression Requirements
To remain in good standing within the BFA program, students must complete the following five foundational studio courses (15 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.75, in no more than two attempts per course:
- ART1201C – DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design)
- ART1203C – DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design)
- ART2300C – DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing)
- ART2608C – DIMENSIONS: Time (Digital Media Foundation)
- ART3820 – Research + Development – GL
Important Notes:
- Withdrawals after the add/drop period (DR grades) are considered unsuccessful attempts.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required across all studio courses (designated with a “C” in the course number).
- Students who do not meet these standards will be advised to pursue other academic paths, such as the BA in Art History or the BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Eligibility to Apply to the BFA as a Current FIU Student
FIU students currently enrolled in a different major who wish to apply to the BFA must:
- Meet all Academic Progression Requirements listed above (completion of the five foundational courses with the required GPA and attempt limits)
- Have earned fewer than 75 total credits at the time of application.
Only students who meet these criteria may submit a portfolio for review by the faculty committee.
| Common Prerequisite Courses | 24 Credits |
|---|---|
| MAC 1105 College Algebra | 3 |
| ARH 2050 Art History Survey I | 3 |
| ARH 2051 Art History Survey II | 3 |
| ART 1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface (2D Design) | 3 |
| ART 1203C DIMENSIONS: Space (3D Design) | 3 |
| ART 2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception (Beginning Drawing) | 3 |
| ART 2330C Beginning Figure Drawing | 3 |
| CGS 2518 Computer Data Analysis or COP 2250 Java Programming | 3 |
| Upper Division Requirements | 60 Credits |
|---|---|
| ARH 4450 Modern Art | 3 |
| ARH 4470 Contemporary Art – GL | 3 |
| ARH 4771 History of Digital Art | 3 |
| ART 2021C ANIMATION 02: Shapes (Introduction 3D Animation) | 3 |
| ART 2025C ANIMATION 01: Frames (Introduction 2D Animation) | 3 |
| ART 3820 Research & Development | 3 |
| ART 3822 Creative Practice | 3 |
| ART 2602C TECHNOLOGY: Alteration (Digital Imaging) | 3 |
| ART 2608C DIMENSIONS: Time (Digital Media Foundation) | 3 |
| ART 2622C VIDEO 01: Gestures (Introduction to Experimental Video Art) | 3 |
| ART 3023C ANIMATION 03: Sequence (Intermediate Animation) | 3 |
| ART 3617C VIDEO 02: Systems (Intermediate Experimental Video) | 3 |
| ART 3666C ANIMATION: Narrative (Story Telling and Character Development) | 3 |
| ART 3820 Research & Development | 3 |
| ART 3822 Creative Practice | 3 |
| ART 4615C ANIMATION 04: Effects (Advanced Animation) | 3 |
| ART 4636C VIDEO 03: Synthesis (Advanced Experimental Video Art) | 3 |
| ART 4952C Thesis I | 3 |
| ART 4953C Thesis II | 3 |
| Advisor Approved Electives | 9 |
FIU is committed to excellence in student success, research and teaching, regardless of the challenges.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Art + Art History
Department of Art + Art History
Florida International University
VH 216, Modesto A. Maidique Campus – Miami, Florida 33199
Tel: (305)-348-2897
Christopher Rodriguez Barake
Sr. Coordinator of Academic Support Services
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-6648 Email: crodri@fiu.edu
Maida Purdy
Academic Advisor III
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: mapurd@fiu.edu
Lauren Gentile
Academic Advisor II
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: lgentile@fiu.edu
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