Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Games

The bachelor of arts in animation and games (a&g) is focused on using both animation and games to educate, inspire, and entertain. Our collaborative curriculum is designed to prepare students to be creative problem solvers, training future artists and technicians across many disciplines to handle whatever challenges the future may bring. 

• Animation and Games students have the opportunity to work in a studio environment, explore visual narrative, game mechanics and experimental animation, and learn project development and management practices. The A&G degree program examines the potential of animation and games in diverse areas such as entertainment, education, and visualization.

Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Games

• Learn to create and develop digital animations and games via courses in 3D computer animation, motion graphics, motion capture, educational games, real-time entertainment, social gaming and more.

Career Paths with a Degree in Animation and Games
Upon completion of their degree, graduates typically find employment in studios dedicated to 2D and 3D digital animation or video gaming.

Animation and Games Careers

• 2D background artist, 3D artist, 3D animator, 3D modeler, animator, art director, cartoonist, character artist, character designer, cinematic animator, cinematographer, colorist, concept artist, effects artist, environment artist, game developer, graphic designer, illustrator, lead artist, matte painter, mechanical mesh modeler, mechanical mesh animator or rigger, motion capture artist, project manager, sound designer, storyboard artist, technical artist, texture artist, user interface artist, VFX artist, video game level designer, world or environment artist

Facts About UTD Animation and Games

• Undergraduate Game Design ranks No. 1 in Texas (Princeton Review 2024)
• Graduate Game Design ranks No. 2 in Texas (Princeton Review 2024)
• Animation ranks No. 2 in Texas (Animation Career Review 2024)
• Game Design ranks No. 3 in Texas (Animation Career Review 2024)

Undergraduate Animation and Games Courses

Highlighted Animation and Games Courses
Animation Lab I (ANGM 4316) and Animation Lab II (ANGM 4317):

• These advanced courses mimic an animation studio environment wherein a crew of approximately 40 students create their own CG animated short over a period of two sequential semesters. All major areas of production are represented and work together to create a fully realized 3D animated short. These courses utilize various aspects of all areas of computer animation including story development, layout, modeling, texturing, rigging, animation and lighting, rendering/compositing, sound design, and project planning and management.

Game Production Lab I (ANGM 4376) and Game Production Lab II (ANGM 4377):

• These courses function as simulations of the game development industry and are intended for students who have completed substantial coursework in game development and design. Students in these courses develop selected original, playable game concepts through multiple iterations and milestones, culminating in a professional-level release.

Student Organizations

• The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) UTD presents career-development workshops and networking opportunities for those entering the design industry. The Animation Guild provides a collaborative environment for students interested in animation production. Likewise, the Student Game Developer Association is a community of students and industry professionals interested in game development. And the UX Club increases awareness and community around user-centered design.

The Animation Lab’s Studio Process

• The Bass School’s Animation Lab provides an opportunity for students to take part in a simulated animation studio experience, where a crew of 40 students work for two semesters in assigned roles to write, design and produce a short CG animated short film. Although faculty provides the schedule and pipeline structure, students drive the content and daily production. By working in this innovative environment, students gain a wealth of experience in creative problem-solving, people management and collaboration.