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Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Games

BA in Animation and Games Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Games (A&G) is focused on using both animation and games to educate, inspire, and entertain. Our collaborative curriculum is designed to prepare students to be creative problem solvers, training future artists and technicians across many disciplines to handle whatever challenges the future may bring.

Animation and Games students have the opportunity to work in a studio environment, explore visual narrative, game mechanics and experimental animation, and learn project development and management practices. The A&G degree program examines the potential of animation and games in diverse areas such as entertainment, education, and visualization.

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Career Paths with a Degree in Animation and Games

Upon completion of their degree, graduates typically find employment in studios dedicated to 2D and 3D digital animation or video gaming.

Animation and Games Careers

2D background artist, 3D artist, 3D animator, 3D modeler, animator, art director, cartoonist, character artist, character designer, cinematic animator, cinematographer, colorist, concept artist, effects artist, environment artist, game developer, graphic designer, illustrator, lead artist, matte painter, mechanical mesh modeler, mechanical mesh animator or rigger, motion capture artist, project manager, sound designer, storyboard artist, technical artist, texture artist, user interface artist, VFX artist, video game level designer, world or environment artist

Facts About UTD Animation and Games

Houdini Certification

The Bass School is a Certified Partner of SideFX, the developers of the procedural 3D art software Houdini. Certification means that our students have demonstrated exceptional skill using the industry-leading tool favored by professional technical artists working in the film, television, and games industries.

•• Multiple Houdini Courses | • Single Houdini Course | ☼ Houdini available for Project/Studio Use

Houdini Certified

Undergraduate Animation and Games Courses

Highlighted Animation and Games Courses

Animation Lab I (ANGM 4316) and Animation Lab II (ANGM 4317):

These advanced courses mimic an animation studio environment wherein a crew of approximately 40 students create their own CG animated short over a period of two sequential semesters. All major areas of production are represented and work together to create a fully realized 3D animated short. These courses utilize various aspects of all areas of computer animation including story development, layout, modeling, texturing, rigging, animation and lighting, rendering/compositing, sound design, and project planning and management.

Game Production Lab I (ANGM 4376) and Game Production Lab II (ANGM 4377):

These courses function as simulations of the game development industry and are intended for students who have completed substantial coursework in game development and design. Students in these courses develop selected original, playable game concepts through multiple iterations and milestones, culminating in a professional-level release.

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Student Organizations

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) UTD presents career-development workshops and networking opportunities for those entering the design industry. The Animation Guild provides a collaborative environment for students interested in animation production. Likewise, the Student Game Developer Association is a community of students and industry professionals interested in game development. And the UX Club increases awareness and community around user-centered design.

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The Animation Lab’s Studio Process

The Bass School’s Animation Lab provides an opportunity for students to take part in a simulated animation studio experience, where a crew of 40 students work for two semesters in assigned roles to write, design and produce a short CG animated short film. Although faculty provides the schedule and pipeline structure, students drive the content and daily production. By working in this innovative environment, students gain a wealth of experience in creative problem-solving, people management and collaboration.

The Animated Short

Octo Ninja” is a ridiculous comedy that follows our eight-legged hero as he battles his way to the final confrontation with his “squidy” arch-nemesis.

The Making of Octo Ninja

Hear from directors, producers and team leads what it took to take “Octo Ninja” from concept to production. See more about the process from concept to production.

Meet The Crew

Meet the crew of “Octo Ninja” and the roles they played to bring this animated short to life.

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Animation and Games Alumni Spotlight

Pixar animator and alum Sean Muriithi shares his story about his experience at the Bass School, starting out as a Pixar intern, and the advice he would give to students beginning their studies in Animation and Games.

Learn more about Muriithi’s most recent work in Pixar’s feature film “Soul” and what it was like working in their internal “Circle of Trust.”

Animation and Games News

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Animation and Games Faculty

Bryon Caldwell
Associate Professor of Instruction
Bryon.Caldwell@UTDallas.edu

Adam Chandler
Associate Professor of Instruction
awc051000@utdallas.edu

Timothy Christopher
Clinical Professor
khimbar@utdallas.edu

Monica Evans
Associate Professor
mevans@utdallas.edu

Eric Farrar
Associate Professor
etf091000@utdallas.edu

Todd Fechter
Senior Associate Dean
todd.fechter@utdallas.edu

Frederick Gardner
Assistant Professor of Practice
Frederick.Gardner@UTDallas.edu

Amy Grieshaber
Assistant Professor of Instruction — Animation and Games
Amy.Grieshaber@UTDallas.edu

Troy Griffin
Associate Professor of Instruction
Troy.Griffin@UTDallas.edu

Casey Johnson
Assistant Professor
cjohnson@utdallas.edu

Singkham Khamnouane
Assistant Professor of Practice – Animation & Games
Singkham.Khamnouane@UTDallas.edu

Timothy Lewis
Senior Lecturer I
tml062000@utdallas.edu

Nelson Lim
Associate Professor of Practice
Nelson.Lim@UTDallas.edu

Sean McComber
Associate Professor of Animation & Games
sean.mccomber@utdallas.edu

Peter McCord
Associate Professor of Instruction
pam062000@utdallas.edu

Jack Anthony Murray
Assistant Professor — Game Design
Jack.Murray2@UTDallas.edu

Jeff Price
Associate Professor — Game Development and Virtual Reality
Jeff.Price@UTDallas.edu

Monika Salter
Assoc. Prof. of Instruction
Monika.Salter@utdallas.edu

Christine Veras, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Christine.Veras@UTDallas.edu

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Upcoming Animation and Games Events

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Whether you’d like to visit, apply, or need more information, we are ready to help you make a decision that could change your life.