The University of Texas at Dallas has expanded the educational pathway for the next generation of artists and scholars seeking careers in animation and game development with three new stand-alone degree programs.
Beginning this fall, students in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology could begin working toward a Bachelor of Arts in animation and games, a Master of Fine Arts in animation or a Master of Fine Arts in game development, in addition to the nearly two dozen other degrees offered through the Bass School.
The programs formalize what previously were concentrations for graduates and undergraduates earning degrees in arts, technology, and emerging communication. The two animation degrees meet STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) designation, a signal to employers that graduates have obtained the analytical skills essential for business success.
“This is yet another example of UT Dallas’ rapid growth and success as a teaching institution,” said Dr. Nils Roemer, Bass School dean; the Arts, Humanities, and Technology Distinguished University Chair; director of the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies; and the Stan and Barbara Rabin Distinguished Professor in Holocaust Studies. “The Bass School remains deeply invested in graduating learners that possess the education and the experience to enjoy productive, fulfilling careers.”
This year, 4% of first-year students chose arts, technology, and emerging communication as their major, making it the eighth-most popular major among UTD freshmen.
The distinction was a natural evolution for what has always been a popular area of study, said Sean McComber MFA’14, program head and associate professor of animation and games.
McComber said there is a path now for the student who wants to focus on the technical side of computer programming or for the one who wants to hone their artistry with pen and paper.
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Discover how the UT Dallas animation and games program shapes the future of aspiring artists on its website.
“Demand from students wanting to study animation and games has grown consistently year over year,” he said. “Formalizing specific degrees for animation and games allows us to really structure the programs we’re offering students. We’re able to tailor a curriculum that more specifically meets their needs and interests.”
Isabella Viggiano is a senior working toward a Bachelor of Arts in arts, technology, and emerging communication with animation and games concentration. She expects to graduate in May and pursue work as a background artist — someone who designs the scenery for animations, films and video games — but in the meantime, she is encouraging her fellow students to take advantage of the new specific degrees.
Viggiano said her “a-ha” moment came while completing an assignment for an animation course.
“The assignment was to design the House of Gandalf from ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ — it’s never explained in the movie or the books where he lives,” she said. “It was the course that helped me decide to pursue background design for my career.”
The animation and games program has become one of the top programs in the country.
The Princeton Review ranked UTD No. 13 among graduate programs and No. 19 among undergraduate programs in the U.S. for game design this year. The University’s animation area of study also ranks high — No. 25 in the U.S. and No. 2 in Texas, according to Animation Career Review.