Develop your unique voice and style through hands-on learning. Build your skills in animation principles and creative ideation through our animation degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major, Minor
121
4 Years
PNCA Campus
Students explore different facets of animation, turning their life drawings and artwork into frames that create movement. Take a peek at some of the work PNCA students have created.
After graduating as an animation major, PNCA alumni have pursued careers in top animation studios. Some graduates have used their animation degrees to benefit them in other career paths.
Animated Arts major wins grand prize in national art competition
John Summerson '15 was awarded the $5000 Grand Prize in LG’s Art of the Pixel competition. His film Road Trip (2013) was honored with an Audience Choice Award at PNCA REC Fest, as well being screened at the 2014 Northwest Animation Festival and Portland’s Experimental Film Festival.
PNCA grad lands paid internship at New York design firm
Pamela Guest is an illustrator, animator, and emerging director. During her time at PNCA, she received a Princess Grace Film Scholarship for her film Small. Using her strong online platform, she landed a paid internship at a New York design firm over the summer of 2016.
Learn from professors and creators who are leaders in the animation field. Gain hands on experience by working directly with faculty members to hone your skills, voice, and tone.
Adam DiTerlizzi, a faculty member in PNCA's Foundation and Animated Arts departments. Having worked with major studios like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Warner Brothers, Adam leverages his extensive professional background to inspire and equip students for success.
Yer Za Vue, Assisting Professor and Chair of the Animated Arts Department at PNCA brings extensive teaching and industry experience including over a decade at Disney, contributing to classics like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch. With a passion for teaching, she nurtures artistic talents and fosters community.
Adina Cohen is an acclaimed animator known for her work on the Emmy-winning Robot Chicken and other major projects like Anomalisa and MODOK. She inspires students through her professional expertise and a passion for storytelling.
PNCA provides a holistic approach to animated arts. Our animation courses cover a variety of topics that combine real world experience with artistry. Dive into puppet fabrication, take a course on animated short films, or learn more about animated installations. Choose between a variety of animation courses to tailor your education to your interests.
Dive into industry standard software like After Effects, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D to develop your unique artistic voice. Learn advanced compositing and image polishing to further your understanding of animation work.
Apply your creative practice with practical work experience. Students will collaborate to enhance concept development skills, understand target audiences, and pitch strategies. All while learning about art direction and time management.
Our Animated Arts major requires 121 credits to complete the degree. This includes: 76 in studio, 30 in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 15 in Art History. Of the studio credits, 16 are required courses in the Foundation program, at least 36 are the required courses in the studio major, and the remainder are available for studio electives. A minimum two-year residency at the College is required.
Our Animated Arts program is open to first-year students, transfer students, and international students. Learn more about PNCA’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University