BFA

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts: Animation Major

The BFA in Digital Arts: Animation Major emphasizes an experimental, auteur-driven approach to both 2D and 3D computer animation. Students explore animation as a critical and artistic practice, engaging narrative, identity, and place through digital and time-based forms. The curriculum encourages a balance of conceptual exploration and technical skill, supporting students in developing an artistic animation practice that reflects their chosen tools, methods, and creative visions within contemporary art.

Admissions Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts

All applicants must meet University minimum admission requirements. Candidates for the BFA in Digital Arts will be required to submit electronically a portfolio of their works with a short statement. A departmental committee will review the portfolios. The focus of the review will be on quality work, technical ability, and consistency. This will assist the program to better advise students in a course sequence designed for student success. Portfolios are submitted via SlideRoom.

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 Arts – 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
Career Paths
  • Independent artist (grants, exhibitions)
  • Experimental animator
  • Film festival artist
  • Freelance artist
  • Educator/professor
  • Residency/fellowship roles
  • Artistic solo-preneur roles
  • Game artist
  • Character modeler
  • Prop modeler
  • Character animator
  • Motion graphics designer
  • Technical animator
  • VFX artist
  • Art director
  • Generalist
  • Texture artist

FIU Application and BFA Portfolio Deadlines
Spring 2027 Deadlines

Spring 27 Deadline: October 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Deadlines

Fall 27 Deadline: February 25, 2027

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’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 3.0:

  • ART1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface
  • ART1203C DIMENSIONS: Space
  • ART2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception
  • ART2330C Drawing 01: Gestures

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
Students must complete MAC1105 and either CGS2518 or COP2250 with a minimum GPA of 2.75, ART1201C, ART1203C, and ART2300C with a minimum GPA of 3.0, prior to the completion of 60 credit hours.

  • MAC1105 College Algebra
  • CGS2518 Computer Data Analysis OR COP2047 – Python Programming I
  • ART1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface
  • ART1203C DIMENSIONS: Space
  • ART2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception

Students must also successfully complete ART2608C, ART3820, and ART3822 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • ART2608C DIMENSIONS: Time
  • ART3820 Research + Development
  • ART3822 Creative Practice

Students who do not meet these academic requirements may be redirected to the BA in ART degree.

Due to the sequential, cohort‑based structure of the BFA Digital Art curricula, students are expected to follow the prescribed course progression and complete the degree within the established timeframe. This includes timely enrollment in the following required courses: ART3820, ART3822, ART4952C, and ART4953C, in accordance with the BFA degree plan. Failure to enroll in these courses as scheduled, or to maintain progress toward timely graduation, may result in removal from the BFA program and redirection to the BA in Art.



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 have earned fewer than 75 total credits at the time of application, and completed the all the courses listed below with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher:

  • ART1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface
  • ART1203C DIMENSIONS: Space
  • ART2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception
  • ART2608C DIMENSIONS: Time
  • ART3820 Research + Development

Only students who meet these criteria may submit a portfolio for review by the faculty committee.

Complete the following General Education Courses 6 Credits
MAC 1105 College Algebra 3
CGS 2518 Computer Data Analysis or
COP 2250 Java Programming		 3

 

Common Prerequisite Courses 24 Credits
ARH 2050 Art History Survey I 3
ARH 2051 Art History Survey II 3
ART 1201C DIMENSIONS: Surface 3
ART 1203C DIMENSIONS: Space 3
ART 2300C DIMENSIONS: Perception 3
ART 2330C DRAWING 01: Gestures 3
Studio Electives 6


All courses except ARH2050 and ARH2051 require a “C” or higher.

For a list of all state-approved common prerequisites, including alternatives, visit https://cpm.flvc.org.

DIART:BFA Core Required Courses 18 Credits
ARH 4450 Modern Art 3
ARH 4470 Contemporary Art 3
ART2602C TRANSMEDIA: Alteration + Manipulation 3
ART 2608C DIMENSIONS: Time 3
ART 3820 Research & Development 3
ART 3822 Creative Practice 3

 

ANIMATION
Program Requirements                                 		 21 Credits
ARH4771 History of Digital Art 3
ART2025C ANIMATION 01: Frames 3
ART3022C ANIMATION 02: Shapes 3
ART4023C ANIMATION 03: Sequence 3
ART4615C ANIMATION 04: Effects 3
ART4952C Thesis 01 3
ART4953C Thesis 02 3
ELECTIVES 21 Credits
ART/PGY/GRA/ARH Electives 12
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 Barake

Christopher Rodriguez Barake
Sr. Coordinator of Academic Support Services
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-6648 Email: crodri@fiu.edu

Maida Purdy

Maida Purdy
Academic Advisor III
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: mapurd@fiu.edu

Lauren Gentile

Lauren Gentile
Academic Advisor II
Department of Art + Art History
Office: 305-348-7500 Email: lgentile@fiu.edu

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