Animation & Games
About Animation and Games
You might recognize the work of our faculty and alums in some of the world’s most popular games and animated feature films. That’s because our Animation and Games (A&G) students work in a studio environment alongside industry trendsetters with award-winning portfolios. Our faculty remains connected to the leading studios, developers, and tech companies who visit our campus to share their expertise with our students.
Undergraduates studying the BA in Animation & Games explore visual narrative, game mechanics, experimental animation, and project development and management practices. Before graduating, they work in a simulated studio environment as part of a crew that writes, designs, and produces an animated short/game.
Graduate students enrolled in the MFA in Animation explore the history and cultural contexts of animation and produce animated content for storytelling, aesthetic, problem-solving, or experimental purposes.
Students taking courses in the MFA in Game Development study the structure, content, and design of games and engage in game design practices suitable for academic, experimental, independent, and commercial applications.
Careers
3D artist, animator, art director, concept artist, environment artist, game developer, graphic designer, illustrator, project manager, VFX artist
Student Work
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate Scholarships & Awards
- The Greater Texas Foundation – Tech Titans Removing Educational Barriers Scholarship
- The Marjorie Duckworth Endowment Award
- The Anthony (Tony) Cross Memorial Student Support Fund
Graduate Programs
Graduate Scholarships & Awards
Classes
To obtain specific information about classes at The University of Texas at Dallas, visit the UT Dallas Coursebook, or for more general information, the UT Dallas Catalog.
Program Highlights
All undergraduates begin their study in the general degree plan to receive a BA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication with a curriculum based in the foundations of computer animation, game studies, UX/UI design, motion graphics, digital fabrication, and media histories. Beginning their third year of study, students may elect to continue the general degree plan or select a concentration in Animation and Games, Critical Media Studies, or Emerging Media Arts.
Animation & Games provides a thorough grounding in developing and creating digital animation and games, including 3D computer animation, motion graphics, motion capture, educational games, real-time entertainment, and social gaming. Our undergraduate A&G 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. This concentration examines the potential of animation and games in diverse areas such as entertainment, education, and visualization. Close consultation with academic advisors is recommended.
Students choosing to further their education beyond a bachelor’s degree may do so in one of our ATEC graduate programs. The MA in ATEC offers advanced studies in digital media studies, interactive media, and computer-based arts that emphasize the fusion of creative with critical thinking and theory with practice. The MFA in ATEC, with pathways in Animation or Creative Practice, offers training in emerging artistic practices through the creative use and critical investigation of technology and artistic practices. And the PhD in ATEC trains students in academic disciplines and research traditions related to technology and media.
Faculty
ATEC Faculty include world-renowned artists, scholars, and creative practitioners. Our professors publish with the nation’s leading academic presses, work with top animation studios, hold patents in design, and are recognized as pioneers by peers in their field. Our faculty bring to the program different areas of expertise, including in games studies, arts education, global media studies, science and technology studies, critical media studies, and animation studies. No matter their field of expertise, they all share a focus on media, arts, and technology.
Research Labs and Creative Practice Studios
We believe if you can imagine it, we can make it. Our lab and studio culture blends art, technology, design, engineering, science, and the humanities to create an incubative environment rich with possibilities. Collaboration is the heart of the Bass School. Learn how faculty, students, art-based research, and creative practice are connected.
Learn about Bass School Research Labs and creative practice studios.
Contact Information
Sean McComber
Assistant Professor and Area Head
Phone: 972-883-7505
Email: sxm129130@utdallas.edu
Office: ATC 3.101P
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-2759 or 972-883-2980
Advising
Undergraduate Advising: ahtUGadvising@utdallas.edu
Graduate Advising: ahtGRadvising@utdallas.edu