B.A. in Animation
Bring Your Ideas to Life with an Animation Degree
You’re passionate about bringing art to life. Regent’s Bachelor of Arts in Animation degree program can equip you to create, innovate, and collaborate in visual storytelling. And you can learn at one of the most technologically advanced communication facilities on the East Coast.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Access cutting-edge computer animation software and design studios. The facilities at Regent allow students in the animation degree program to get hands-on experience and education from some of the most respected professionals in the field. These award-winning educators work to provide a firm foundation to help students develop animation skills including:
- Conceptualization, modeling and construction, texturing, animation, digital cinematography, and postproduction.
- Compositing and sound, writing for animation, storyboard creation, and advanced 3D computer generated techniques for creating digital special effects.
- Budgeting, creating business plans, pitching concepts and marketing your animation capabilities.
FUEL YOUR PASSION WITH AN ANIMATION DEGREE
Combine your talent for technology with your passion for the arts. Students participating in the B.A. in Animation degree program have the chance to engage in immersive courses and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment located at our campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
Jumpstart your career with a professional portfolio (i.e., reel) to show potential employers. Potential career opportunities include:
- Game & Character Design
- Illustration
- Graphic Design
- Concept Artistry
- 3D Modeling
- 2D Traditional/Digital Cel Animation
- Stop Motion Animation
Presented from a Christian worldview, this in-demand B.A. in Animation degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Meet the faculty.
Explore Scholarships
Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships.
ACCESS A COMBINATION OF EXCELLENCE & AFFORDABILITY
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). We were recognized among the Top 5% Most Affordable Private Christian Universities during in a 2018 CCCU Tuition Survey and U.S. News & World Report, 2024-25, noted that our annual tuition is nearly $24,000 less than that of other private institutions. In addition, our financial aid team works with you to provide a customized aid package.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the B.A. in ANIMATION Degree, you can:
- Write, storyboard, and create digital special effects using advanced 3-D computer generated techniques.
- Understand the animation process from conceptualization and modeling to digital cinematography and postproduction.
- Budget, create business plans, pitch concepts, and market your animation capabilities.
Career Opportunities
- Animator
- Graphic designer
- Game developer
- Creative director
| ANIM 100 | Fundamentals of Animation | 3 | Introduction to the principles of animation and sequential art techniques
that make up the visual communication art of storytelling through animation. |
| ANIM 103 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 | Creation of digital art as needed for animation using industry-standard software through the medium of digital photography and its application to individual expression. |
| ANIM 112 | Intro to 2D Animation I | 3 | Students explore and practice 2-D traditional techniques in animation. |
| ANIM 115 | Intro to Sound & Motion Graphics | 3 | Fundamentals of motion graphics including basic motion graphics principles and elements, design and composition, timing and effects, storyboarding and planning, sound and music synchronization. Industry-standard computer applications introduced and applied. |
| ANIM 203 | Intro to 3D Modeling | 3 | Study of 3-D animation principles using Autodesk's Maya. Prerequisites: ANIM 100 and ANIM 103. |
| ANIM 210 | Writing for Animation | 2 | Study of the unique opportunities and challenges found in writing for animation in a variety of formats: the short subject, half-hour program, and feature length film, with an emphasis on integrating visual elements such as sketches and storyboards into the writing process from the very beginning in order to maximize creative discovery. Prerequisite: ENGL 101. |
| ANIM 213 | Fundamentals of 3D Animation | 3 | Students will familiarize you with the basics of using Maya, including how to navigate the interface and 3D space, as well as the tools used for animation. After learning Maya, you’ll be so familiar with this fundamental software that you’ll be ready to jump right into learning character animation. Prerequisite: ANIM 203. |
| ANIM 222 | The Art of the Storyboard | 3 | Study techniques to develop professional storyboards for animation and film. Addresses styles of storyboards and their specific target audiences for utility and value. Prerequisite: ARTA 120. |
| ANIM 310 | Business Planning for Media | 3 | Explores the roles of the various people and positions involved in the production of animation. Pitching, budgeting, and business plans are covered. Each student submits a budget and a business plan for a project. Students also present a pitch for their final project. Prerequisite: Junior standing. |
| ANIM 314 | Lighting & Texturing for Animation | 3 | Students will gain skills in lighting theory and practices for both 2D & 3D animation. Along with lighting skills students will be introduced to creating and applying textures in both 2D & 3D animation software. Prerequisite: ANIM 112 & ANIM 203. |
| ANIM 340 | History of Animation | 2 | A critical look at the development of animation styles, both American and international. Students view animation and analyze the social, technological, financial, and political factors that helped shape the development of this art form from its beginnings to how television, computers and the Internet have affected the form. |
| ANIM 400 | Portfolio Preparation | 2 | Designed to help students build a compelling, well-rounded artistic portfolio to best represent their work to potential clients. Students evaluate and develop presentations of their own artistic work and address deficiencies in their portfolios. Both hard-copy and digital portfolios will be covered. Prerequisite: Senior Standing. |
| ANIM 415 | Acting for Animators | 3 | Students will gain fundamental acting skills within the context of animation. Prerequisite: ANIM 100 & ANIM 213. |
| ANIM 450 | Digital Special Effects for Animation | 3 | The process by which digital special effects are applied to film and video productions, using advanced 3-D computer-generated techniques. Prerequisite: ANIM 314 or Permission of Instructor. |
| ANIM 460 | Animation Studio I | 3 | This production-based course is the first half of a two-course sequence that provides the student with an Animation capstone experience. These courses connect the student's Animation coursework with their overall Liberal Studies coursework through three components: class lectures and discussions, independent analysis and reflection, and the creation of a significant animation project. Students will employ the knowledge they have learned and the skills they have acquired in all their Animation courses to date to produce a significant animation project. The course sequence is designed to be taken in two consecutive quarters. Prerequisites: ANIM 112, ANIM 203, ARTA 120, ARTA 201. |
| ANIM 470 | Animation Studio II | 3 | This production-based course is the second half of a two-course sequence that provides the student with an Animation capstone experience. These courses connect the student's Animation coursework with their overall Liberal Studies coursework through three components: class lectures and discussions, independent analysis and reflection, and the creation of a significant animation project. Students will employ the knowledge they have learned and the skills they have acquired in all their Animation courses to date to produce a significant animation project. The course sequence is designed to be taken in two consecutive quarters. Prerequisites: ANIM 112, ANIM 203, ANIM 314, ANIM 460, ANIM 415. |
| ANIM 496 | Culminating Project | 3 | Under the supervision of the instructor, students work independently to develop a 5-minute animation project, meeting weekly to discuss their progress. Permission of advisor and instructor. Prerequisite: ANIM 310. |
| ARTA 120 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 | Students will learn observational skills and drawing techniques to enhance technical abilities and creative responses to materials and subject matter. In-depth investigation of line, perspective, space, atmosphere, erasure, and other key components of animation in a wide range of drawing media will be covered. Weekly group critiques and sketchbook assignments are integrated. |
| ARTA 201 | Comparative Anatomy & Figure Drawing | 3 | Intensive practice in correct rendering of the human and animal forms through skeletal and muscular studies looking at stationary poses as well as figures in motion and basic gesturing. Prerequisite: ARTA 120. |
| ARTA 246 | Concept Art & Character Design | 3 | This course stresses individual direction and achievement in
illustration/character design. At this advanced level the student is expected to be self-motivated in the pursuit of illustration/character design and working toward that end. Students are also expected to research the work of other artists who work in a similar manner for inspiration and to aid in their skill development. Prerequisites: ARTA 120, ARTA 201. |
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,975 | 12 - 18 | $19,950 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $665 | Under 12 | $7,980 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $665 | Over 18 | $11,970 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $665 | N/A | $1,995+ |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|
Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
|---|
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,493 | 12 - 18 | $18,986 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Under 12 | $7,560 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Over 18 | $11,340 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $630 | N/A | $1,890+ |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|
Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
|---|
Requirements
All students are required to have a laptop that is powerful enough to run Autodesk’s Maya and their own copies of required software. See hardware requirements and necessary software.
Computer animation is the process of animating using entirely digital means. While it is possible to recreate the look and feel of 2D animation digitally, computer animation usually refers to the process by which 3D models are made on computers and animated in a digital, three-dimensional space. This leads to a unique look. Computer animation was brought into the mainstream by Pixar’s Toy Story and is used in making dozens of feature-length films and TV shows every year.1
The median wage for special effects artists and animators is$77,700 per year where “the lowest 10% earned less than $42,390 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $142,750.”2 The industry you choose to enter can also affect your pay. As there are a variety of different fields and jobs within the animation industry, this number can be lower and higher depending on your specific job and experience level.
An animation degree can equip you to work in a wide variety of fields. There are openings for you within the fields of game and character design, illustration, graphic design, concept art, 3D modeling, 2D traditional animation, 3D animation, and stop motion animation. While going through an animation degree program, you will develop a portfolio that will showcase your talent and growth. A portfolio will also help you gain experience with a variety of different animation styles that you can use to market yourself to future employers. An animation degree will help you determine what kinds of animation you enjoy creating and where you can use your gifts in the real world.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the top industries in which special effects artists and animators work are motion picture and video industries, software publishers, and computer systems design.3 This means that animators can work anywhere from game studios to software companies. The Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon even showed that animators can create quality work from the comfort of their homes.4
“An animator produces multiple images, called frames, which when sequenced together create an illusion of movement.” 5 Animators have a wide variety of individual tasks, including creating storyboards, designing models, matching the movements of a character or object to a soundtrack, and working with the production team to meet deadlines. A typical day for an animator might begin with a morning meeting where team members show what they are working on to the director and other animators who offer feedback. Throughout the day, an animator would then work according to the provided feedback.6 Overall, a career in animation is demanding but very fulfilling!
Getting into any field can be difficult especially in highly creative ones like animation. However, there are things you can do to set yourself apart from others. Other than experience, employers are also looking for aptitude with certain tools and skills such as Adobe After Effects, a 3D package like Cinema 4D, character rigging, and more.7 Talent in graphic design and traditional illustration is a must for a career in animation.
An animation degree will help you become familiar with these tools. Regent’s B.A. in Animation equips you with knowledge and practice with the tools and skills necessary to become an animator. Regent can offer you hands-on experience and lessons from respected and fully qualified professionals. With hard work and persistence, you can rise from a lowly position to the animation job of your dreams.
1 Messer, L. “‘Toy Story’ Turns 20: How It Changed Animated Films Forever.” ABC News, November 22, 2015.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, April 9). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Special Effects Artists and Animators: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
3 Ibid.
4 Crow, D. (2021, January 27). How Raya and the last dragon became the first Disney movie made at home. Den of Geek.
5 AGCAS editors. (2021). Animator. Prospects.
6 Hutcheson, S. (2018, June 5). How I became an animator at Pixar: Kureha Yokoo talks starting out, projects and Brad bird. USA TODAY.
7 Stormy Studio. (2021, May 29). Interview with an animator, carving out a corporate animation career.