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| advising informationFrequently Asked Questions about Computer Animation @ Missouri State | |
| Q: I am interested in computer animation - what does the university offer? Q: What are the similarities / difference between the BFA and the BS degrees? Q: These degrees ARE so similar how do I decide? Q: I am interested in Electronic Arts, but I am nervous about the odds of acceptance. Q: If I want to graduate as soon as possible, what do I need to watch out for? Q: What is a candidacy review? Q: How do I qualify for candidacy review? Q: What does the candidacy review application look like? Q: What is required for the portfolio? Q: What happens if I miss a review? Q: What happens if I fail a review? Q. Are students successful? Q. What do students do after graduation? Q. What is the percentage of students who receive jobs after graduation? Q. The prerequisite for Med365 says I need Med120, but some students told me that's not a big deal - is that true? Q. The guidelines are confusing for the BS in Electronic Arts review - do I put in 3 pieces - one from each area? |
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| Q: I am interested in computer animation - what does the university offer? A: The Art & Design Department offers 2 degrees: BFA in Art, Computer Animation emphasis and the BS in Electronic Arts, Computer Animation Studies. Check out the description of classes and see examples of student work. top of page |
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| Q: What are the similarities / differences between these 2 degrees? A: Both degrees prepare students equally well for graduate school or employment. The breakdown of differences is: |
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| BFA in Art, Computer Animation emphasis • accepts up to 12 students yearly • 18 hours in Computer Animation • "Professional" Degree • 75 hour, comprehensive degree • contextual courses include: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, metals, photography, video, art history • collaborate with composers and sound design majors to create original work for senior exhibition |
BS in Electronic Arts, Computer Animation studies • accepts up to 3 students yearly • 18 hours in Computer Animation • "Hybrid" degree • 37 hour, non-comprehensive degree • requires a minor (ART is HIGHLY recommended) • contextual courses include: audio, video, multimedia • collaborate with composers, video, sound designers and multimedia students to create original work for senior project |
| Basically, the BS degree focuses on the pragmatics of working as a team in a professional setting. Since computer animation as it is applied in the commercial setting is most always integrated with sound and video production, knowing what is possible within the related areas, knowing the language and technical jargon allows animators to communicate and work more effectively in some commercial environments. This is not to say that the BFA in Art does not, but it's emphasis is giving a rich visual background to the student by exposing him/her to many, many possibilities of expressive forms and their appropriate application. The small group communication skills can be learned in other ways. And depending on the student's interests, he/she can work collaboratively while a student in the BFA program with Music Composition and Sound Design majors to create original animations with original soundtracks/sound effects. The BFA degree is considered the "professional" degree because it is a known entity in the industry. Having attained a BFA "means" that a student has a broad background in media and a strong ability to communicate visually with a focused strength in one media - in this case - animation. The BS degree is a "hybrid" - faculty at MSU created it - know one outside the university know what it "means". But the proof lies in the portfolio. Students from both degree programs go on to work in identical work experiences / identical grad schools. The difference really comes down to "temperament" - how do you work best - how can you develop the best portfolio? That is the biggest indicator that will decide your fate after graduation. Read on . . . top of page |
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| Q: These degrees ARE so similar how do I decide? A: Ask yourself these questions: • Do you like to work alone or in groups? Which way do you learn best? • If you work in groups, EVERYTHING - including what idea you work on will be decided by the group - how would that feel to you? In summary, the BFA is about working MOSTLY by yourself - but you'll still have a bunch of students in the program who will give you their opinions and suggestions about your work; the BS degree is about working MOSTLY collaboratively. If you still cannot decide or are unsure - you can take classes towards both until candidacy review. By that time, you'll have a better idea what feels right. If you still cannot decide, you can apply for both - you can double major. Perhaps the review will decide your fate - selecting you for one degree over another. These are all options. top of page |
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| Q: I am interested in Electronic Arts, but I am nervous about the odds of acceptance. A: The numbers that actually apply for the 3 places in the EA program in animation vary widely. Sometimes 7 apply, sometimes only one person. But that doesn't mean that if only one applies that he/she is automatically accepted. We accept only the most qualified - those that can be a strong asset to a collaborative project. Strong communication skills, ability to work with others, leadership potential are all qualities that are examined. Don't be deterred from applying. But it also doesn't hurt to have a back-up plan. For those interested in the EA degree, because of the odds, an alternate plan of action would be a good idea. Since the BFA in Art, Computer Animation emphasis prepares students for the same types of experience after graduation, why not use that as a backup plan? There is only one class in the sequence prior to candidacy review that won't apply to the BFA degree. top of page |
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| Q: If I want to graduate as soon as possible, what do I need to watch out for? A: Plan your classes so that you qualify for the earliest possible candidacy review. See the requirements below on how to qualify, then be aware of the following: • Animation candidacy reviews are only offered in the spring - for both degrees; • Art330 is only taught in the spring; • Mus216 (Electronic Arts) is taught only in the summer and fall. TIP - BFA students To graduate in four years taking 15 hours per semester, follow this formula: • First year - each semester take 2 studio classes and the rest Gen Ed, paying particular attention to completing the University-Wide Admission to Degree Program Requirements • Second year - Take 3 studio classes each semester and during the second semester, begin Art History. The remaining classes should be Gen Ed. • Third and Fourth years - Take 3 studio classes and 1 Art History each semester, the remaining class each semester should be Gen Ed. Even at this rate, you will need to take a class during a summer semester. Check out the recommended schedule. top of page |
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| Q: What is a candidacy review? A: You may already be admitted to the university, but you must be admitted to the major as well. Every major has some sort of "application for candidacy". For animation a portfolio review is administered. A panel of faculty will review all applicants to the major and rank the portfolios based on the degree criteria. The Electronic Arts criteria is different, since the major has an emphasis in collaboration - more than just your conceptual and technical mastery in animation is evaluated - your communication skills and ability to work within a group are evaluated as well. top of page |
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| Q: How do I qualify for candidacy review? A: |
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BFA in Art, Computer Animation emphasis Have completed the following classes: • Foundations -- ART100, 101, 115, 215 • Animation -- ART230, (in progress with) 330 • Additional Studio Core or Elective Classes -- 3-12 hours The department recommends between 21-27 hours in studio classes. • Cumulative GPA 2.0 You must also have completed the University-Wide Admission to Degree Program Requirements: • CIS/CSC101 or CSC111 ; COM115 ; ENG110; MTH130 or above; PED100 |
BS in Electronic Arts, Computer Animation studies Have completed 3 of the following classes: • ART100 or 110; MED365, MED290; MUS216 maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA in these classes. • Animation students must have already completed Art230 and be in progress with Art330. • Cumulative GPA 2.0 You must also have completed the University-Wide Admission to Degree Program Requirements: • CIS/CSC101 or CSC111 ; COM115 ; ENG110; MTH130 or above; PED100 |
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| Q: What does the candidacy review application look like? A: See examples of guidelines and applications for each of the degrees: |
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BFA in Art - Computer Animation emphasis |
BS in Electronic Arts - Computer Animation Studies |
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| Q: What is required for the portfolio? A: |
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| BFA in Art, Computer Animation emphasis 10-20 pieces total • a minimum of 5 pieces from Art230 and/or Art330, • the remaining work must be from at least 2 other studio art or design areas • There are some specifics for the organization and labeling of this work so consult with the most current application guidelines. Your advisor will be happy to look over your work and give you feedback about selection. |
BS in Electronic Arts, Computer Animation Studies Minimum of 2, maximum of 3 examples of work focusing on your area of emphasis • These examples should be your finest work, illustrating your highest technical accomplishments and creative abilities. • There are some specifics for the organization and labeling of this work so consult with the most current application guidelines. Your advisor will be happy to look over your work and give you feedback about selection. |
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| Q: What happens if I miss a review? A: You will likely be behind an entire year. It is easy to miss a review – if you aren't careful to take the classes which qualifies you for it. Reviews in animation are only offered once a year. So if you miss one, it is a whole other year before you can try again. And you won't be able to take any classes in animation beyond Art330 until you pass the review. top of page |
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| Q: What happens if I fail a review? A: If a student does not pass the review for either review, the faculty committee explicitly describes the strengths and weaknesses and suggests additional classes to help improve the portfolio for future consideration. Students are not limited to how many times they apply for candidacy, though they will not be able to reapply until the next year's review. Therefore, students who do not pass candidacy review will not be able to advance into higher levels of animation classes, which are requirements for the degrees and therefore will not be able to complete the requirements without at least an additional year of study. top of page |
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| Q. Are students successful? A. In 5 years, student work has won over 50 national and international awards or honors. Missouri State animation students have had work from their senior exhibitions included in the International Student Film and Video Festival in Beijing China, the Asolo Film Festival in Italy, the Oxford Film festival, the Zoom In Awards Festival, the Best Animation on Campus MTV Competition, the St. Louis International Film Festival, the Fort Myer Beach Film Festival, and many others. top of page |
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| Q. What is the percentage of students who receive jobs after graduation? A. This is an extremely difficult thing to track statistically. Nonetheless it is a question often asked. Anecdotal evidence supports the opinion that our students in the BFA and BS degrees are trained as well or better than any other institution's in the country. Why do the faculty think that? Because that's what alumni working in the field tell us. Their comments most often address not just what the animation program has taught them but how all the curriculum folded together makes them sought-after intelligent visual communicators. top of page |
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| Q. What do students do after graduation? A. A vast number of our successful graduates are working in animation fields that include: advertising, video gaming, education, software development, special effects, architectural and product visualization and television. Our alumni have gone on to work for many major networks (ESPN, TNT, CBS, SCIFI), and companies such as Disney, Industrial Light and Magic, LucasArts, Midway, Hasbro, Alias, Electronic Arts, Sprint - to name just a few. top of page |
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| Q. The prerequisite for Med365 says I need Med120, but some students told me that's not a big deal - is that true? A.The Media Journalism and Film department allows animation students whether in the BFA or EA programs to enroll in Med365 without having had the prereq. At this time, you do not need special permission, proving you are a major to enroll. top of page |
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| Q. The guidelines are confusing for the BS in Electronic Arts review - do I put in 3 pieces - one from each area? A. No, you should put in a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 3 examples of work focusing on your area of emphasis. Sometimes animation students put a video project in their review portfolio because the work they contributed to that project supports their application to be admitted to the animation area. Remember, the examples submitted should be a student's finest work, illustrating her/his highest technical accomplishments and creative abilities. top of page |
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