Animation, B.S.
Media Arts
615-898-5628
Kevin McNulty, program coordinator
Kevin.Mcnulty@mtsu.edu
The Animation major is designed for those who wish to work professionally in animation, including character animation, video games, motion graphics, visual effects, visualization, and virtual production. This program blends theoretical and hands-on approaches to traditional and digital animation. Students are encouraged to complete their education with internships in professional settings.
In addition to supplemental classes, students take a seven-semester sequence of animation courses (fall and spring). The final year culminates in a two-semester capstone experience in which each student creates a project of their own design or with a team to serve as a primary item in their creative portfolios.
Notice to Transfer Students: MTSU's Animation degree program is designed as a four-year, eight-semester program. Most of the courses must be taken in a strict sequence. To graduate in four years, students must follow the prescribed sequence of classes described below. ART 1620 - Drawing I, ANIM 1090 - Image and Video Foundations, and ANIM 1350 - Bodies in Motion must be completed in the Freshman year. Even with transferring credits, the student may be excessively burdened with animation classes the first semester sophomore year. ANIM 2300 - Introduction to 3D Animation must be taken no later than the first semester of the sophomore year. Transferring to MTSU's Animation program later than the first semester of the Sophomore year will definitely require extra semesters to complete the program. Contact an MTSU academic advisor for more information.
NOTE: Majors must complete all major course requirements with a grade of C (2.00) or better.
Admission to Candidacy
To be admitted to candidacy in Animation, the student must meet the following requirements:
- 36 hours completed before applying for candidacy
- Passing grade in EMC 1010
- Grade of C (2.00) or better in each of the following pre-candidacy courses:
ANIM 1090
ART 1620
ANIM 1350
ANIM 2040/VFP 2040
ANIM 2300
ANIM 2350
Minimum overall GPA in pre-candidacy coursework of 2.75.
- In addition to the above requirements, candidacy will be granted to students earning a score of 90 or better on the Animation Candidacy Evaluation. A limited number of additional students may be granted candidacy based upon candidacy score and available resources.
- Animation Candidacy Evaluation uses a 100-point scale composed of 60 percent portfolio review and 40 percent grade point average (GPA) on required pre-candidacy courses.
- The student's portfolio should be composed of work from classes and personal projects. Portfolios will be scored on a 60-point scale. Suggested work samples include, but are not limited to
- traditional art such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, etc.,
- still digital art,
- animation and video of any form or format,
- other creative work to demonstrate the student's creative and aesthetic competency as it applies to the fields of Animation.
- The student's GPA for required pre-candidacy courses will be multiplied by 10 for a maximum score of 40 points.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Animation, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 76 hours |
| College Core Requirements | 9 hours* |
| Major Requirements | 67 hours |
| Computer Literacy Requirement | 3 hours |
| Electives | 0-3 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (76 hours)
College Core (9 hours)
EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
(May be counted in General Education)
VFP 2020 - Scripts for Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Media Arts majors only; ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Examines the conventions and practices of effective writing for screen-based media, developing understanding and awareness of and writing ability with various script formats for media production. Alongside the study of other's produced work, students will practice writing and rewriting their own material, gaining a fundamental capability with conceiving, developing, and completing different kinds of scripts to entertain, educate, inform, influence, and/or inspire viewers.
EMC 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3650/RIM 3650.)
A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
PHOT 4190 - Ethics and Law for Visual Communicators
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; junior status with declared major.
Background in ethics and law for the visual communicator. Focus on ethical philosophies, ethics case studies, and solutions to ethical dilemmas; copyright, privacy, and libel law.
Normally offered Spring only
Animation Requirements (67 hours)
ANIM 1090 - Image and Video Foundations
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Focuses on the basics of aesthetics and techniques for shooting, lighting, composing, and editing of digital photography and video as it applies to the production of animation and motion graphics. Students will get hands-on experience using DSLR cameras to understand camera anatomy, operations, and handling. Digital editing techniques and image manipulation explored in-depth to give specific foundations that apply to the animation field.
ANIM 1350 - Bodies in Motion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ART 1620 with minimum grade of C (2.0).
Introduces students to the concept of drawing shapes and volumes for animation. Students work from simple objects to sophisticated anatomical figures. Covers principles of animation applicable to the drawing of movement. Requires use of digital tools in preparation for the creation of digital animation.
Six hour studio course
ANIM 2300 - Introduction to 3D Animation
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1090 with C or better and ANIM 1350 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, animating, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Includes a broad survey of the process and techniques involved with creating digital media quality three-dimensional animations and techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of animations for contrast and comparison.
Must be taken no later than first semester of the sophomore year.
Six-hour studio course
*Must be taken no later than first semester of the sophomore year
ANIM 2350 - 2D Animation I
3 to 4 credit hours
(4 credit hours)(4 credit hours)
dotslash:(4 credit hours)
title:(4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours)
ANIM 2350 - 2D Animation I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1350 with C or better and ANIM 1090 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others, permission of instructor.
Introduces traditional techniques and history of animation. Explores production from planning to execution. Topics include history, story, storyboarding, timing, 2D animation techniques, and stop-motion animation techniques.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3000 - History of Animation
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only or permission of instructor.
Covers the historic evolution of animation and the animation industry. Explores the origins of cinema and animation, the individual artists, and the studios and organizations that shaped the animation field today. Familiarizes students with the technological developments that allowed the rise of the field. Covers the history of animation following lectures, videos research, readings, quizzes, and written tests.
ANIM 3310 - Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
3 credit hours
All candidacy courses with grade of C or better; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation of ANIM 2300 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Introduces the creation and modification of customized lighting models and techniques involved in the compositing of live-action, sound, and computer-generated images.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 3330 - Character Modeling and Rigging
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with C or better; admission to candidacy or permission of instructor.
The development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for organic modeling, rigging, and animation. Offers greater understanding of complete animation production, principles, and methods.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3340 - Animation Mechanics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with a C or better and admission to candidacy; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Corequisite: ANIM 3330.
The basics and principles of 3D character animation. Using pre-rigged 3D characters and industry standard software, students will gain a better understanding of body mechanics to create more believable and appropriate movement. Emphasizes the 12 principles of animation, weight, and balance. No character modeling, character rigging, or rendering.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3350 - 2D Animation II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2350 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with C or better and admission to candidacy. Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation from ANIM 2350 for the development of two-dimensional digital animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques of rigging and compositing 2D animation and furthering understanding of drawing, designing, and animating, using the principles of animation. Focuses on the pipelines involved in creating industry quality cut-out animations.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 4040 - Motion Graphics II
3 credit hours
(Same as VFP 4040.) Prerequisites: ANIM 2040/VFP 2040 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, advanced principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4310 - Animation and Performance
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 and ANIM 3330 with C or better; admission to candidacy
Continuation of ANIM 3330 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for creating animation for film, television, games, motion graphics, and VFX. Serves as additional preparation for the required senior capstone courses and offers greater understanding of advanced character animation production, organic modeling, and rigging.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4350 - Animation Preproduction
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3000, ANIM 3330, ANIM 3340, ANIM 3350; EMC 3001. Animation majors only or permission of instructor; C or better required.
Introduces students to working in the preproduction aspects of an animated project. Topics cover story design, character story design, visual design of characters, and environments. Other topics include storyboarding for animation, audio, and animatics. Offers preparation to students in the creation and planning of projects produced in the capstone courses ANIM 4400 and ANIM 4410.
ANIM 4400 - Animation Capstone I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing; ANIM 2040, ANIM 3320, and ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4405.
Part one of two senior capstone courses for animation students. Students will create an original animated short film from concept to production. Emphasis placed on story.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4405 - Professional Practices in Animation
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4400.
Focuses on preparing Animation majors for the real world job market. Students create marketing materials to help sell themselves to prospective employers. Additional lectures and discussions on soft skills, career planning, and job hunting also included.
ANIM 4410 - Animation Capstone II
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4400. Part two of two capstone courses for animation students. Students continue work on original animated short film and see it through to completion. At the end of the course, students submit completed films to various film and animation festivals around the world.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ART 1620 - Drawing I
3 credit hours
Develops observational drawing skills and a formal drawing vocabulary; introduces various drawing materials. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1045
EMC 1010 - Orientation to Media Arts
1 credit hour
Introduces Media Arts majors to its degree programs, degree requirements, descriptions of curriculum, student resources and opportunities, career options, and critical goals for graduating seniors. Meetings may include lectures, guest lecturers, and site visits. Freshmen should enroll in this course no later than their second semester. Transfer students should enroll in this course during their first semester at MTSU. This course or a pre-approved substitute is required for candidacy in all majors in the Department of Media Arts.
EMC 3001 - Success in Media Arts
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: EMC 1010; junior status
Introduces students who have just achieved candidacy in Media Arts to best practices for success in Media Arts. Project management key topic. Emphasizes the value and importance of portfolio-quality work samples, experience points for resumes, and extracurricular experiences.
- Media and Entertainment upper-division elective 3 credit hours
ANIM 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(Same as VFP 2040.) Prerequisite: ANIM 1090 or VCOM 2950 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or permission of instructor. Animation majors only; others - permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Six-hour studio course.
VFP 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(4 credit hours)(4 credit hours)
dotslash:(4 credit hours)
title:(4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours)
VFP 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(Same as ANIM 2040.) Prerequisite: PHOT 1050 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3320 - Visual Effects
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2040 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or better and admission to candidacy.
(Same as VFP 3320.) History, techniques, and applications of compositing in the areas of film, video, and multimedia production. Broad survey of process and techniques involved with creating composites. Techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of compositing for contrast and comparison. Frequent review and discussion of current work from industry will occur in the form of media presentations.
Six-hour studio course.
VFP 3320 - Visual Effects
3 credit hours
(Same as VFP 2040.) Prerequisite: ANIM 2040 with minimum grade of C (2.0) and admission to candidacy.
(Same as ANIM 3320.) History, techniques, and applications of compositing in the areas of film, video, and multimedia production. Broad survey of process and techniques involved with creating composites. Techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of compositing for contrast and comparison. Frequent review and discussion of current work from industry will occur in the form of media presentations.
Six-hour studio course.
ART 1030 - Art Appreciation
3 credit hours
An introduction to art structure and styles of art; relationships between past ideas and current trends. TBR Common Course: ART 1035
ART 1920 - Survey of Western Art I
3 credit hours
Survey of the arts of the Western tradition from the Paleolithic era through the Gothic period.
ENGL 3870 - Film History
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. History of world film from its inception through the 1990s.
ENGL 3885 - Topics in Gender and Film
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A selected subject or focus within gender and film studies. Topic will vary each time course is taught. Possible topics include representation of women in film, history of gender representation in film, women directors; Hollywood and gender; queer film studies; gender and international cinema; gender, race, and Hollywood, etc. May be repeated up to four times with different topics.
ENGL 4855 - Film Theory and Criticism
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A survey of the major theoretical approaches to film, including montage, mise-en-scene, and structuralist theory.
JOUR 4240 - Television, Culture, and History
3 credit hours
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
JOUR 4510 - Media History and Culture
3 credit hours
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
PHOT 2000 - History of Photography
3 credit hours
Investigates intersections between photography and artistic, cultural, political, and societal concerns prior to and since the introduction of photography. Photographers, photographic processes, and movements within photography framed through ideas and topics as they relate to broader concepts of how photography has shaped and been shaped by outside forces.
Normally offered Fall only
VCOM 3810 - History of Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Explores various creative and critical dialogues between principles and practices, movements and paradigms, art, science, and technology relating specifically to journalism and visual media from the printed to the digital.
VFP 2510 - History of American Cinema
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major.
The development and role of motion pictures in America, including the history of films and filmmakers, the development of film technique and genres, and the role of films in culture and society.
Computer Literacy Requirement (3 hours)
CSCI 1150 - Computer Orientation
3 credit hours
A general introduction to computers with an emphasis on personal computing, database, word processing, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and Internet tools. Does not count for Computer Science major or minor.
Electives (0-3 hours)
Curriculum: Animation
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman Fall
ANIM 1090 - Image and Video Foundations
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Focuses on the basics of aesthetics and techniques for shooting, lighting, composing, and editing of digital photography and video as it applies to the production of animation and motion graphics. Students will get hands-on experience using DSLR cameras to understand camera anatomy, operations, and handling. Digital editing techniques and image manipulation explored in-depth to give specific foundations that apply to the animation field.
ART 1620 - Drawing I
3 credit hours
Develops observational drawing skills and a formal drawing vocabulary; introduces various drawing materials. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1045
EMC 1010 - Orientation to Media Arts
1 credit hour
Introduces Media Arts majors to its degree programs, degree requirements, descriptions of curriculum, student resources and opportunities, career options, and critical goals for graduating seniors. Meetings may include lectures, guest lecturers, and site visits. Freshmen should enroll in this course no later than their second semester. Transfer students should enroll in this course during their first semester at MTSU. This course or a pre-approved substitute is required for candidacy in all majors in the Department of Media Arts.
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
EMC 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
RIM 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
May count as a Social/Behavioral Sciences requirement
Subtotal: 14 Hours
Freshman Spring
ANIM 1350 - Bodies in Motion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ART 1620 with minimum grade of C (2.0).
Introduces students to the concept of drawing shapes and volumes for animation. Students work from simple objects to sophisticated anatomical figures. Covers principles of animation applicable to the drawing of movement. Requires use of digital tools in preparation for the creation of digital animation.
Six hour studio course
ANIM 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(4 credit hours)(4 credit hours required)
dotslash:(4 credit hours required)
title:(4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours required)
ANIM 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(Same as VFP 2040.) Prerequisite: ANIM 1090 or VCOM 2950 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or permission of instructor. Animation majors only; others - permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Six-hour studio course.
CSCI 1150 - Computer Orientation
3 credit hours
A general introduction to computers with an emphasis on personal computing, database, word processing, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and Internet tools. Does not count for Computer Science major or minor.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Sophomore Fall
ANIM 2300 - Introduction to 3D Animation
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1090 with C or better and ANIM 1350 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, animating, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Includes a broad survey of the process and techniques involved with creating digital media quality three-dimensional animations and techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of animations for contrast and comparison.
Must be taken no later than first semester of the sophomore year.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 2350 - 2D Animation I
3 to 4 credit hours
(4 credit hours)(4 credit hours required)
dotslash:(4 credit hours required)
title:(4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours required)
ANIM 2350 - 2D Animation I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1350 with C or better and ANIM 1090 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others, permission of instructor.
Introduces traditional techniques and history of animation. Explores production from planning to execution. Topics include history, story, storyboarding, timing, 2D animation techniques, and stop-motion animation techniques.
Six-hour studio course
VFP 2020 - Scripts for Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Media Arts majors only; ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Examines the conventions and practices of effective writing for screen-based media, developing understanding and awareness of and writing ability with various script formats for media production. Alongside the study of other's produced work, students will practice writing and rewriting their own material, gaining a fundamental capability with conceiving, developing, and completing different kinds of scripts to entertain, educate, inform, influence, and/or inspire viewers.
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Sophomore Spring
ANIM 3000 - History of Animation
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only or permission of instructor.
Covers the historic evolution of animation and the animation industry. Explores the origins of cinema and animation, the individual artists, and the studios and organizations that shaped the animation field today. Familiarizes students with the technological developments that allowed the rise of the field. Covers the history of animation following lectures, videos research, readings, quizzes, and written tests.
ANIM 3310 - Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
3 credit hours
All candidacy courses with grade of C or better; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation of ANIM 2300 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Introduces the creation and modification of customized lighting models and techniques involved in the compositing of live-action, sound, and computer-generated images.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 3320 - Visual Effects
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2040 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or better and admission to candidacy.
(Same as VFP 3320.) History, techniques, and applications of compositing in the areas of film, video, and multimedia production. Broad survey of process and techniques involved with creating composites. Techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of compositing for contrast and comparison. Frequent review and discussion of current work from industry will occur in the form of media presentations.
Six-hour studio course.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Junior Fall
EMC 3001 - Success in Media Arts
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: EMC 1010; junior status
Introduces students who have just achieved candidacy in Media Arts to best practices for success in Media Arts. Project management key topic. Emphasizes the value and importance of portfolio-quality work samples, experience points for resumes, and extracurricular experiences.
EMC 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3650/RIM 3650.)
A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
PHOT 4190 - Ethics and Law for Visual Communicators
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; junior status with declared major.
Background in ethics and law for the visual communicator. Focus on ethical philosophies, ethics case studies, and solutions to ethical dilemmas; copyright, privacy, and libel law.
Normally offered Spring only
ANIM 3330 - Character Modeling and Rigging
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with C or better; admission to candidacy or permission of instructor.
The development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for organic modeling, rigging, and animation. Offers greater understanding of complete animation production, principles, and methods.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3340 - Animation Mechanics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with a C or better and admission to candidacy; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Corequisite: ANIM 3330.
The basics and principles of 3D character animation. Using pre-rigged 3D characters and industry standard software, students will gain a better understanding of body mechanics to create more believable and appropriate movement. Emphasizes the 12 principles of animation, weight, and balance. No character modeling, character rigging, or rendering.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3350 - 2D Animation II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2350 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with C or better and admission to candidacy. Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation from ANIM 2350 for the development of two-dimensional digital animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques of rigging and compositing 2D animation and furthering understanding of drawing, designing, and animating, using the principles of animation. Focuses on the pipelines involved in creating industry quality cut-out animations.
Six-hour studio course
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 16 Hours
Junior Spring
ANIM 4040 - Motion Graphics II
3 credit hours
(Same as VFP 4040.) Prerequisites: ANIM 2040/VFP 2040 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, advanced principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4310 - Animation and Performance
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 and ANIM 3330 with C or better; admission to candidacy
Continuation of ANIM 3330 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for creating animation for film, television, games, motion graphics, and VFX. Serves as additional preparation for the required senior capstone courses and offers greater understanding of advanced character animation production, organic modeling, and rigging.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4350 - Animation Preproduction
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3000, ANIM 3330, ANIM 3340, ANIM 3350; EMC 3001. Animation majors only or permission of instructor; C or better required.
Introduces students to working in the preproduction aspects of an animated project. Topics cover story design, character story design, visual design of characters, and environments. Other topics include storyboarding for animation, audio, and animatics. Offers preparation to students in the creation and planning of projects produced in the capstone courses ANIM 4400 and ANIM 4410.
ART 1030 - Art Appreciation
3 credit hours
An introduction to art structure and styles of art; relationships between past ideas and current trends. TBR Common Course: ART 1035
ART 1920 - Survey of Western Art I
3 credit hours
Survey of the arts of the Western tradition from the Paleolithic era through the Gothic period.
ENGL 3870 - Film History
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. History of world film from its inception through the 1990s.
ENGL 3885 - Topics in Gender and Film
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A selected subject or focus within gender and film studies. Topic will vary each time course is taught. Possible topics include representation of women in film, history of gender representation in film, women directors; Hollywood and gender; queer film studies; gender and international cinema; gender, race, and Hollywood, etc. May be repeated up to four times with different topics.
ENGL 4855 - Film Theory and Criticism
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of 1000- and 2000-level English requirements with a grade of C- or better. A survey of the major theoretical approaches to film, including montage, mise-en-scene, and structuralist theory.
JOUR 4240 - Television, Culture, and History
3 credit hours
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
JOUR 4510 - Media History and Culture
3 credit hours
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
PHOT 2000 - History of Photography
3 credit hours
Investigates intersections between photography and artistic, cultural, political, and societal concerns prior to and since the introduction of photography. Photographers, photographic processes, and movements within photography framed through ideas and topics as they relate to broader concepts of how photography has shaped and been shaped by outside forces.
Normally offered Fall only
VCOM 3810 - History of Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Explores various creative and critical dialogues between principles and practices, movements and paradigms, art, science, and technology relating specifically to journalism and visual media from the printed to the digital.
VFP 2510 - History of American Cinema
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major.
The development and role of motion pictures in America, including the history of films and filmmakers, the development of film technique and genres, and the role of films in culture and society.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Fall
ANIM 4400 - Animation Capstone I
3 to 4 credit hours
(4 credit hours)(4 credit hours required)
dotslash:(4 credit hours required)
title:(4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours required)
ANIM 4400 - Animation Capstone I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing; ANIM 2040, ANIM 3320, and ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4405.
Part one of two senior capstone courses for animation students. Students will create an original animated short film from concept to production. Emphasis placed on story.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4405 - Professional Practices in Animation
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4400.
Focuses on preparing Animation majors for the real world job market. Students create marketing materials to help sell themselves to prospective employers. Additional lectures and discussions on soft skills, career planning, and job hunting also included.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 15 Hours
Senior Spring
ANIM 4410 - Animation Capstone II
3 to 4 credit hours
(take 4 credit hours)(4 credit hours required)
dotslash:(4 credit hours required)
title:(take 4 credit hours)
(4 credit hours required)
ANIM 4410 - Animation Capstone II
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4400. Part two of two capstone courses for animation students. Students continue work on original animated short film and see it through to completion. At the end of the course, students submit completed films to various film and animation festivals around the world.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- CME UD elective 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 14 Hours
Animation
ANIM 1090 - Image and Video Foundations
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Focuses on the basics of aesthetics and techniques for shooting, lighting, composing, and editing of digital photography and video as it applies to the production of animation and motion graphics. Students will get hands-on experience using DSLR cameras to understand camera anatomy, operations, and handling. Digital editing techniques and image manipulation explored in-depth to give specific foundations that apply to the animation field.
ANIM 1350 - Bodies in Motion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ART 1620 with minimum grade of C (2.0).
Introduces students to the concept of drawing shapes and volumes for animation. Students work from simple objects to sophisticated anatomical figures. Covers principles of animation applicable to the drawing of movement. Requires use of digital tools in preparation for the creation of digital animation.
Six hour studio course
ANIM 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(Same as VFP 2040.) Prerequisite: ANIM 1090 or VCOM 2950 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or permission of instructor. Animation majors only; others - permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Six-hour studio course.
ANIM 2300 - Introduction to 3D Animation
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1090 with C or better and ANIM 1350 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, animating, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Includes a broad survey of the process and techniques involved with creating digital media quality three-dimensional animations and techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of animations for contrast and comparison.
Must be taken no later than first semester of the sophomore year.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 2350 - 2D Animation I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 1350 with C or better and ANIM 1090 (can be taken concurrently). Animation majors only; others, permission of instructor.
Introduces traditional techniques and history of animation. Explores production from planning to execution. Topics include history, story, storyboarding, timing, 2D animation techniques, and stop-motion animation techniques.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3000 - History of Animation
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Animation majors only or permission of instructor.
Covers the historic evolution of animation and the animation industry. Explores the origins of cinema and animation, the individual artists, and the studios and organizations that shaped the animation field today. Familiarizes students with the technological developments that allowed the rise of the field. Covers the history of animation following lectures, videos research, readings, quizzes, and written tests.
ANIM 3310 - Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
3 credit hours
All candidacy courses with grade of C or better; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation of ANIM 2300 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of aesthetics and techniques for building, lighting, texturing, and rendering of three-dimensional models to be used in designing and producing three-dimensional computer-generated animations. Introduces the creation and modification of customized lighting models and techniques involved in the compositing of live-action, sound, and computer-generated images.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 3320 - Visual Effects
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2040 with minimum grade of C (2.0) or better and admission to candidacy.
(Same as VFP 3320.) History, techniques, and applications of compositing in the areas of film, video, and multimedia production. Broad survey of process and techniques involved with creating composites. Techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of compositing for contrast and comparison. Frequent review and discussion of current work from industry will occur in the form of media presentations.
Six-hour studio course.
ANIM 3330 - Character Modeling and Rigging
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with C or better; admission to candidacy or permission of instructor.
The development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for organic modeling, rigging, and animation. Offers greater understanding of complete animation production, principles, and methods.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3340 - Animation Mechanics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 with a C or better and admission to candidacy; Animation majors only; others permission of instructor. Corequisite: ANIM 3330.
The basics and principles of 3D character animation. Using pre-rigged 3D characters and industry standard software, students will gain a better understanding of body mechanics to create more believable and appropriate movement. Emphasizes the 12 principles of animation, weight, and balance. No character modeling, character rigging, or rendering.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3350 - 2D Animation II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 2350 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with C or better and admission to candidacy. Animation majors only; others permission of instructor.
Continuation from ANIM 2350 for the development of two-dimensional digital animation. Emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques of rigging and compositing 2D animation and furthering understanding of drawing, designing, and animating, using the principles of animation. Focuses on the pipelines involved in creating industry quality cut-out animations.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 3360 - Unreal Engine for Virtual Production
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 3310 with C or better.
Focuses on the process of creating 3D environments and other assets used in real-time game engines. Use of Unreal Engine in conjunction with XR (extended reality) for virtual productions.
Six-hour studio course
ANIM 4040 - Motion Graphics II
3 credit hours
(Same as VFP 4040.) Prerequisites: ANIM 2040/VFP 2040 and ANIM 3320/VFP 3320 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, advanced principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4310 - Animation and Performance
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3310 and ANIM 3330 with C or better; admission to candidacy
Continuation of ANIM 3330 for the development of three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Further understanding of the aesthetics and techniques for creating animation for film, television, games, motion graphics, and VFX. Serves as additional preparation for the required senior capstone courses and offers greater understanding of advanced character animation production, organic modeling, and rigging.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4350 - Animation Preproduction
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ANIM 3000, ANIM 3330, ANIM 3340, ANIM 3350; EMC 3001. Animation majors only or permission of instructor; C or better required.
Introduces students to working in the preproduction aspects of an animated project. Topics cover story design, character story design, visual design of characters, and environments. Other topics include storyboarding for animation, audio, and animatics. Offers preparation to students in the creation and planning of projects produced in the capstone courses ANIM 4400 and ANIM 4410.
ANIM 4400 - Animation Capstone I
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing; ANIM 2040, ANIM 3320, and ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4405.
Part one of two senior capstone courses for animation students. Students will create an original animated short film from concept to production. Emphasis placed on story.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4405 - Professional Practices in Animation
2 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4310 with C or better; corequisite: ANIM 4400.
Focuses on preparing Animation majors for the real world job market. Students create marketing materials to help sell themselves to prospective employers. Additional lectures and discussions on soft skills, career planning, and job hunting also included.
ANIM 4410 - Animation Capstone II
3 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 4400. Part two of two capstone courses for animation students. Students continue work on original animated short film and see it through to completion. At the end of the course, students submit completed films to various film and animation festivals around the world.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
ANIM 4910 - Advanced Seminar - Animation
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; permission of department only. Practical experience in the conceptualization, pre-production preparation, and production of animation and digital imaging materials. Integration of theory and skills from other ANIM courses. Advanced compositing techniques, particle generation, and advanced modeling techniques probable topics. Can be repeated with different topics; topics will vary by semester offering.
Six-hour studio course
Student Organizations for Animation majors
Student organizations can play a critical role in every student’s success. They go
beyond formal curriculum to provide students with opportunities to gain relevant experience,
develop résumé points, build portfolio items, and socialize with like-minded peers.
Anyone enrolled at MTSU can join any official student organization regardless of major
or grade. The most successful students often use student organizations to get a jump
on their careers. Besides that – it can also be a lot of fun!
MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter
The MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter is an official chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH, the world’s largest organization for computer graphics and interactivity. The chapter
is for those with interests and passion in animation, video games, computer graphics,
films, visual effects, television, web, anime and all related things. Weekly meeting
include guest speakers, workshops, contests, portfolio work, group film trips, lots of networking opportunities and much more. This is the student organization for Animation majors serious about their future careers.
For more information, email Kevin McNulty, MTSU ACM SIGGRAPH Student Chapter Advisor
MTSU Esports
Gaming has become less of a pastime and more of a lifestyle! MTSU Esports offers students
and faculty the opportunity to join a community fit for gamers and geeks alike. While
we enjoy playing recreationally, we also provide our members the opportunity to play
their favorite video games competitively against other universities. Some of the popular
games that we play include League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League,
Rainbow Six, and many more. Regardless of the game, we encourage all gamers to join,
as we all have a passion and love for gaming.
For more information, email Richard Lewis, MTSU Esports Advisor
VR-AR Club 
The VR-AR Club strives to create a learning space driven by students focused on the
development of technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality. The club offers
a range of activities including speakers, software and hardware demonstrations, networking,
social events, and project development to encourage independent and group learning.
The club meets once a week in a friendly space to promote fun and inspiration.
For more information, email Paul Griswold, VR-AR Club Advisor
