The Animation/Illustration Program at San José State University attracts students nationally and internationally. Located in the center of Silicon Valley, the program has developed tight bonds with industry partners over the last 25 years. Guest speakers from industry leaders such as Bento Box, Blizzard, Blue Sky Studios, Cartoon Network, Disney, DreamWorks, Hallmark, Industrial Light & Magic, Nickelodeon, Pixar, SONY Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, and many more, provide students with insights into the latest trends and shifting demands of the industry.

The program’s accomplished faculty prepares students for life after graduation by holding them to professional standards. From working on projects they might encounter in the professional world to pursuing their personal artistic interests, students are emboldened by the idea that there is great power in what they can create through the skills they have gained from the program. Our graduates complete the program with a sense of pride in their work and a sense of place within a global framework. Together, our community of faculty, students, and alumni work as a team to build a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

The award-winning Animation & Illustration BFA program is committed to providing a world-class education at an affordable price, preparing students for careers in feature film animation, games, television and any other media that uses animation and storytelling as a core communication tool. Industry professionals and peer educators rank SJSU Animation & Illustration among the best in the nation. The core curriculum combines both traditional and innovative educational strategies. Rigorous drawing classes and intensive study of color theory, design, perspective, and conventional and digital painting are required, as well as the study of the principles of both traditional and 3-D animation, physics of motion, modeling, storyboarding, character design, and visual development. Upper-division classes further define these disciplines offering students an opportunity to specialize in their area of choice.

A specialization in Animation/Illustration provides instruction in A & I foundation skills, supplemented by studies in design, film, photography, and theater arts. Students receive basic preparation for entry-level jobs in the entertainment industry; optionally, they can later apply to a graduate program in Animation, Illustration or similar fields of study.