Animation and Visual Effects
Purdue University in Indianapolis, Purdue University in West Lafayette
Computer animation is used in gaming, advertising, television and movies, human resources training, medical and health care, education, and building and infrastructure construction, with new applications being developed each day. Students majoring in animation and visual effects study rendering, 3D modeling, lighting, motion, character rigging and texturing. You’ll create animated graphics and effects using Autodesk Maya, the same software used in TV, film and video games.
Alumni work primarily in the animated film and video game industries.
The Purdue Polytechnic Institute is one of 10 academic colleges at Purdue University. The Polytechnic specializes in team-based labs where you’ll test ideas, take things apart and put them back together — only better. You’ll learn side-by-side with professors who have worked in the industry and thrive on combining theory, imagination and real-world application. In this innovative environment, you'll learn by doing - gaining deep technical knowledge and applied skills in your chosen discipline coupled with problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication and leadership skills employers desire.
From outsider to director: alumna talks Disney animation, lifelong learning, conquering imposter syndrome
It was computer graphics or nothing at all for Kaileen Kraemer, who grew up transfixed by animated films and cinematic video games.
When she first found Purdue’s Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) program, Kraemer’s high school had no computer science courses; the work of software engineers and technical directors was a mystery. A Twin Cities native, Kraemer said enrolling in Purdue’s CGT program was simply a “huge hunch” and hoped it would become a gateway to careers in animation.
“Creating digital artwork was my hobby growing up and was constantly on my mind during high school. But I had no idea how to make that a job, and choosing to study CGT was all or nothing,” Kraemer said.
She didn’t fully realize that the rigor of the undergraduate CGT program had given her the ingredients for success until she started a career at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Plan of Study
Animation and Visual Effects WebpageTransfer to Animation and Visual Effects
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Contact Information
Director of Recruiting, Polytechnic
765-494-4935
techrecruit@purdue.edu
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Careers in Animation and Visual Effects
- 3-D modeler
- Technical director
- Texture artist
- Pre-production artist
- Character designer