Program Description

Whether it is information or entertainment, the wide appeal of electronic media has created a growing need for people skilled in media, animation and game arts. The Media Arts & Animation program and Game Art concentration at The New England Institute of Art is designed to provide training in the skills necessary to work in this fast-paced, creative field. Media Arts & Animation graduates are prepared to market their new skills, uniting their creative ability and technical expertise to fulfill the demands of employers who have a need for computer animation, media design, and game art production.

Media Arts & Animation skills are used in various industries including architecture, television, advertising, education, forensics and gaming. The skills students can acquire through the program include design, illustration, compositing, and 3-D computer modeling and animation. Students are taught other aspects of Media Arts & Animation, such as story development, background design, scenic layout, and special effects. Students learn in a hands-on environment, using industry-related technology and software. They also assemble a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge to show potential employers. Armed with their knowledge of Media Arts and Animation, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level jobs such as animator, 3-D modeler, and computer artist.

The Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation degree program seeks to refine and synthesize students' competencies in the field of computer animation. Students will have the opportunity to apply advanced techniques in drawing characterization; animation in both 2D and 3D computerized environments, and interactive technologies. Students will develop a senior project which represents a unique style and demonstrates conceptual abilities. Students' creativity and critical thinking will be nurtured within the General Education component of the program. By fostering intellectual and aesthetic growth, these courses are designed to help students develop a perspective about the interaction of their own discipline with other forms of creativity.

Media Arts & Animation students have the option to specialize with the concentration in Game Art. This unique concentration is for students who want to apply their art and design skills to the gaming field. Game Art concentration students have the opportunity to learn hands on, using industry-related software and technology. Students in this concentration are taught to combine their artistic and digital skills with their passion for gaming. The Game Art concentration first teaches basics like drawing, color theory, and 2-D design. Students then progress to modeling and animation. The most advanced coursework in the Game Art concentration includes scriptwriting, storyboarding, character animation, and production. Before they graduate, students develop a portfolio of their work from game design to show potential employers. Graduates of this concentration can pursue entry-level jobs such as character animator, modeler, game tester, and game designer.

The Media Arts & Animation degree program is designed to prepare graduates to seek entry-level positions as 2D animators, 3D animators, 3D modelers, special effects animators, broadcast graphic artists, game artists or other animation and art specialties.

Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods at The New England Institute of Art include lectures, demonstrations, labs, one-on-one tutorials and periodic examinations. With the exception of Internet-based classes offered through Plus Learning, internships and field trips, all instruction is conducted in a classroom setting.

Degree Requirements
Students may elect a concentration in Game Art to fulfill their degree requirements. Students who wish to take advantage of the Game Art concentration should discuss this option with the Department Chair or their program advisor. Students who do not elect the concentration in Game Art specialize in Animation Production.

Students must complete a minimum of 180 credit hours with 60 credit hours in general education courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also, students must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work, meet portfolio or other requirements, complete a 120-hour internship or capstone project, and satisfy all financial obligations to The New England Institute of Art.