Animation Media
The Animation Media major is for students who are interested in pursuing careers in animation and immersive media. It offers hands-on learning in 3D content creation, storytelling through animation and multimedia production. The curriculum focuses on collaborative projects and industry standard tools and techniques. The Animation Media majors receive a B.S. in Digital Media and Communication from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media. Students who are interested in majoring in animation may also want to consider the B.F.A. in Digital Art with a major in Animation in the Department of Art and Art History. You can see a comparison of the two programs here.
Transfer Students from MDC Magic
Students from the Miami-Dade College MAGIC program with an A.S. in Animation and Game Art may transfer directly into FIU’s Animation Media major if they meet the following criteria.
Requirements for Transfer from MDC
- GPA of 2.75 or better
- Completion of the A.S. In Animation and Game Art
Applying to FIU
For instructions on how to apply to Game Media and Animation Media programs at FIU, please see the MAGIC Application document.
MDC students who have questions about the admissions process to FIU may e-mail Kevin Mahabir at kmahabir@fiu.edu or Nicole Garay at ngaray@fiu.edu. You may also call OneStop at 305-348-7000. Be sure to tell them you are from the MDC MAGIC program and you want to transfer to the BS in Digital Communication & Media at FIU.
Curriculum for Students Applying from MDC MAGIC
Students in the Animation Media major must satisfy all the following requirements as instructed.
General Education – Up to 18 credits Students transferring from Miami Dade College with an Associate in Science degree may take 18 credits to satisfy missing requirements in General Education.
Core Degree Requirements (15 credits): All students in this degree must complete a degree core that includes five courses:
- MMC3003. Journalism & Media Orientation – 0 credits – A course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of academic policies, procedures and requirements for matriculation and graduation from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.
- MMC3303 Global Media and Society – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning – The course will familiarize students with a multi-cultural global perspective of a multi-media world. The aim of the course is to create a foundation of global media literacy.
- MMC3123 Writing for Media – 3 credits – Writing for Media introduces students to professional media writing in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and social media.
–OR–
DIG3153. Writing for Film – 3 credits -An introductory course covering visual narrative scriptwriting for film. Students learn 3-act dramatic story structure, script elements and industry standards for developing short-form screenplays.
- IDS3309 How We Know What We Know – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning and Gordon Rule Writing –Media literacy for digital natives.
- MMC4200 Media Law and Ethics – 3 credits – An in-depth examination of legal and ethical issues confronting media professionals.
- VIC3400. Visual Design for Globalized Media – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning* The course explores the relationship between images and messages in global media and the primary role that visual design plays in globalized media presentations. * MAGIC transfer students who have taken DIG 1132 Digital Art and Design at MDC will get transfer credit for this course.
Major Specific Requirements (27 Credits):
- DIG3306. Introduction to 3D Content Creation – 3 credits – Students will create game-ready assets, including props and environments, by following the complete asset creation pipeline. They will develop foundational skills in low-poly modeling, high-to-low poly baking, UV mapping, texturing, and basic lighting. Additionally, students will learn rendering techniques and best practices for presenting their finished work in a professional format.
- DIG3001. Intro to Digital Media – 3 credits – The history and cultural, social, economic impact of digital media.
- DIG3376. Animation Lab 1 – 3 credits - Students will work with pre-modeled scenes to apply textures and render environments based on various lighting and mood scenarios. They will develop mood boards for each scene, showcasing their references for lighting, textures, and materials to guide their creative decisions. Additionally, students will set up camera placements to align with three-point lighting layouts, ensuring well-composed and visually compelling final renders.
- DIG4352. Animation Lab 2 – 3 credits –This class introduces the fundamental techniques of digital compositing and visual effects with a focus on VFX for video games and virtual production. Students will learn the design, planning, and production workflows of modern VFX projects within a game engine such as Unreal.
- DIG3922. Animation Workshop 1 – 3 credits – Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of the character creation pipeline, including digital sculpting, retopology, UV mapping, baking maps, texturing, rendering, and lighting. Emphasis will be placed on industry-standard techniques and workflows to develop high-quality, game-ready characters.
- DIG4920. Animation Workshop 2 – 3 credits Students will engage in advanced 3D animation techniques with a focus on character rigging and animation. The course will cover joint placement, deformers, blendshapes, and character movement, emphasizing industry-standard workflows for creating dynamic and expressive animations. Students will also work on pitching practices for their senior capstone.
- DIG4951. Animation Project Development – 3 credits -Students will develop their approved pitch, structure their project using project management tools, and initiate the creation of assets, character models, and rigs. By the end of the term, students will have either completed the first level of their game or blocked out their animation with key poses, demonstrating a solid foundation for further development.
- DIG4800. Digital Theories – 3 credits– This course explores the ideas driving our understanding of digital media
- DIG4552. Advanced Multimedia Production Capstone – 3 credits – Students will continue the development of their approved pitch project, collaborating with peers from the Game Media or Animation Media programs to refine and finalize their work. The project will culminate in a polished presentation for the student premiere at the end of the term.
School of Journalism & Media Electives: Students in the Game Media major who have satisfied all of their General Education, Core Degree and Major-Specific requirements and who are still shy of the 120 credits needed to graduate, may choose any course at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, DIG, JOU, MMC, PUR, RTV, SPC.
Freshmen and Sophomore Students at FIU
Applying to FIU and Admission to the Major
Students who select Animation Media as a major when they apply to FIU from high school must meet the following criteria to be admitted to the major:
- GPA of 2.75 or greater
Beginning Fall 2025, students should take these courses as pre-requisites for the upper-level courses in Animation Media.
- DIG 2321 Intro to 3D Modeling – 3 credits – This course introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D modeling for use in game development and animation. Students will learn essential techniques in creating 3D assets, including modeling, texturing, and optimizing for real-time applications. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to build and prepare game-ready models and animation assets. Prerequisite: Prerequisites: Admission into the Game Media or Animation Media major or permission from the instructor.
- DIG 2461 Conceptual Storytelling – 3 credits – This course introduces students to the fundamentals of conceptual storytelling for animation, focusing on narrative structure, character development, and visual storytelling techniques. Students will learn how to develop compelling stories, create engaging characters, and translate these ideas into visual concepts for animated projects. By the end of the course, students will be able to craft a cohesive story concept, preparing them for the animation pipeline and project development.
- Digital Environments for Animation – 3 credits – This course introduces students to the techniques and tools used in creating detailed and expressive artwork for 3D animation. Focusing on color theory, composition, and brushwork, students will learn how to design backgrounds, characters, and textures that bring animated worlds to life. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create visually compelling digital paintings that support storytelling and enhance the animation production pipeline.
- DIG2370 Dynamic Rigging for Animation – 3 credits – This class introduces students to the foundational concepts and techniques used to create 3D rigs for characters and objects in animation and gaming. Students will learn how to build skeletal structures, apply weights, and set up control systems to prepare models for movement and animation. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create basic rigs, enabling their 3D models to move and function within animated and game environments.
- Editing for Animation – 3 credits – Students learn the fundamentals of editing for animation, focusing on timing, pacing, and the seamless integration of sound and visuals. Students will learn to use editing software to refine animated sequences, ensuring smooth transitions and engaging storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to edit animation projects, enhancing their flow and impact. Pre-requisites: DIG 2321, DIG 24261, DIG 2XXX.
Other Students
The Animation Media major is designed for students transferring from the Miami-Dade College MAGIC program with an A.S. in Animation and Game Art. Other students may be admitted to this major with permission from the School Director. Please contact Nicole Garay ngaray@fiu.edu for more information.
B.S. in Animation Media or B.F.A. in Digital Art Animation Major –
Which Animation Major is Right for Me?
The B.F.A. in Digital Art Animation Major and the B.S. in Digital Communication & Media – Animation Media Major offer distinct pathways. Both programs 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 | See 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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