Animation and Visual Effects
Source: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/animation-and-visual-effects/ Parent: https://admissions.purdue.edu/academics/majors/
Home / Academics / Majors / Animation and Visual Effects
Animation and Visual Effects
Bring stories to life through Purdue’s animation and visual effects major. Learn industry-standard tools and techniques in 3D modeling, animation and VFX while building a creative portfolio that’s ready for film, games and more.
Jump to:
Choose a link:
Jump to:
Careers
Connect
Transfer
Program Summary
Computer animation is used in gaming, advertising, television and movies, human resources training, medical and health care, education, and building and infrastructure construction — with new applications being developed each day. As an animation and visual effects major, study rendering, 3D modeling, lighting, motion, character rigging and texturing. You’ll also create animated graphics and effects using Autodesk Maya, the same software used in TV, film and video games.
Embark on a learning journey where each course is tailored to build your expertise and ensure you are ready to meet the challenges of the industry head-on. Some of the core courses you’ll take include sketching for visualization and communication, geometric modeling for visualization and communication, animation foundations, visual effects introduction and production for computer animation.
Quick Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Location(s): Indianapolis, West Lafayette
-
College/School: Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Why Purdue?
5
Bachelor of Science animation program in the U.S.
Animation Career Review, 2025
oscar
award-winning alumni
Possible Careers
With a degree in animation and visual effects from Purdue, you will be well-prepared to step into various critical roles within the animation and film industry. Careers in this field are diverse and include:
- 3-D modeler
- Technical director
- Texture artist
- Pre-production artist
- Character designer
Internships and Graduate Hires
Our graduates thrive across various high-impact roles, contributing to the success of some of the most prestigious organizations in the animation sector, including:
- Disney
- Dreamworks
- Animation Mentor
- Xbox
High School Course Recommendations
You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.
Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):
- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years
Connect
Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Discover our 30-plus majors and learn how our students become uniquely qualified for technology-driven careers.
Contact
Polytechnic Recruiting \ 765-494-4935 \ techrecruit@purdue.edu
Visit
Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.
Apply
Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in the animation and visual effects program.
Meet Our Students
Kaileen Kraemer
When Kaileen Kraemer first found Purdue’s computer graphics technology program, the work of CGT was a mystery, and enrolling in the program was simply a hope that it would become a gateway to animation. “Creating digital artwork was my hobby growing up and was constantly on my mind during high school. But I had no idea how to make that a job,” Kaileen said. She didn’t realize that the program rigor had given her the ingredients for success — until she started a career at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
prevnext
**Transfer to**** Animation and Visual Effects
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
-
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Related Majors
[Aeronautical Engineering Technology
Take flight with Purdue’s aeronautical engineering technology program. Gain hands-on skills in design, maintenance and propulsion systems while preparing for FAA certification and a high-tech aerospace career. Program Summary In the aeronautical engineering technology (AET) program, you learn to design,...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/aeronautical-engineering-technology/)
[Building Information Modeling
Purdue’s building information modeling major prepares you to transform construction with advanced 3D modeling tools and real-world building knowledge. Learn to support every phase of a project by integrating graphics expertise with construction systems and industry software. Program Summary By...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/building-information-modeling/)
[Computer and Information Technology
Purdue’s computer and information technology program prepares you to design, manage and secure computer networks while supporting the data and systems businesses rely on. Gain both technical and communication skills to solve problems, support users and lead in any industry....
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/computer-and-information-technology/)
[Computer Engineering Technology
Purdue’s computer engineering technology major prepares you to design the systems that power everything from cars to medical devices. Learn how computers interact with the physical world as you build skills in hardware design, programming and electrical systems. Program Summary ...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/computer-engineering-technology/)
[Computing Systems Analysis and Design
Purdue’s computing systems analysis and design major blends information technology with business strategy to improve how organizations operate. Learn to design efficient systems, analyze data and collaborate across industries while building a strong foundation in computing and communication. Program Summary ...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/computing-systems-analysis-and-design/)
[Construction Management Technology
Prepare to lead complex building projects from planning to completion. Through hands-on teamwork, site visits and real-world tools, gain the skills to manage budgets, schedules, safety and on-site operations. Program Summary From the world’s tallest skyscrapers to local home builds,...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/construction-management-technology/)
[Cybersecurity
Purdue’s cybersecurity program prepares you to protect digital systems through secure coding, forensics and threat analysis. Build a strong IT foundation while gaining hands-on experience designing secure systems and tracking vulnerabilities in a fast-moving field. Program Summary Cybersecurity professionals are...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/cybersecurity/)
[Data Analytics, Technologies and Applications
Purdue’s data analytics, technologies and applications major prepares you to turn information into insight. Learn to collect, analyze and interpret data while building a strong foundation in statistics, machine learning and real-world decision-making. Program Summary In the data analytics, technologies...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/data-analytics-technologies-and-applications/)
[Design and Construction Integration
Purdue’s design and construction integration major prepares you to connect clients, designers and builders throughout the construction process. Build skills in project management, design understanding and communication to keep complex projects on track and aligned. Program Summary In design and...
Learn More](https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/design-and-construction-integration/)
prevnext