Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production (BFA) with a concentration in Computer Animation and Special Effects

Media production has long been a popular choice for those who wish to exercise both their creativity and technical skills. Today, with the rapid growth of the Internet as an outlet for entertainment and information, the demand for skilled professionals in this industry is becoming even greater. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment in the motion picture and video industries will grow 17 percent between 2004 and 2014, which is faster than the 14 percent growth projected for wage and salary employment in all industries combined.

The AIU Media Production program strives to provide students with both a solid academic foundation as well as industry-current skills in a variety of fields, including audio and sound recording, editing, digital design, computer animation, lighting, scriptwriting, and even directing. Graduates can be well-positioned to compete for entry-level jobs in this exciting industry.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production with a concentration in Computer Animation and Special Effects is a great choice for students who want to create the "magic" behind the movies. This career-focused concentration allows students to focus on the digital effects and drawing that are so popular in today's media.

Career Opportunities

The BFA in Media Production with a concentration in Computer Animation and Special Effects can help prepare students interested in developing and advancing a career as a:

Multimedia Animator
HTML or Flash Programmer
3D Modeler or Animator
Production Artist
Audio-Visual Specialist

Challenging, Relevant Coursework

The BFA in Media Production with a concentration in Computer Animation and Special Effects features industry-relevant coursework taught by faculty members with real-world experience in the field. Starting with the basics of 2D animation, the program culminates in the creation of a fully animated 3D environment set in a narrative environment. Along the way, students can learn about digital design and illustration and post-production techniques for digital animation.

Students who successfully complete the program should be able to:

Create documents for media production such as proposals, treatments, scripts, storyboards, budgets, shot lists, and production schedules.
Apply basic skills in directing, shooting, and audio recording.
Use editing software to perform tasks such as organize bins, digitize, and add color bars, slates, titles, graphics, and special effects.
Mix all audio levels for a media production.
Discuss the responsibilities and roles of different positions within the media production field.
Evaluate the technical proficiency of media productions.