Minor Available
125 credits
125 credits
required for program
Minor Available
Department of Art & Design
Animation & Illustration
Department of Art & Design
Animation & Illustration
- Bachelor of Science
- Undergraduate
Explore your creative passion for design and storytelling while working with artistic Christian faculty. The animation and illustration program equips you with a breadth of knowledge in computer animation, illustration, visual arts, design, 3D multimedia, effective communication, and storytelling.
93%
of Northwestern’s Art and Design graduates felt professionally prepared by their education
95%
%}
of seniors view faculty as available and accessible
91%
%}
of seniors would advise a friend to attend UNW
Why study animation and illustration at Northwestern?
We have a design lab with professional grade tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, Mudbox, and Motionbuilder as well as Adobe After Effects, Flash, Illustrator, Premiere, and Photoshop. Our animation program was created with the help of experts from PIXAR and other major film professionals.
You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of aesthetic concepts, use visual and audio technology to create animated designs, and develop yourself as a creative professional.
With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving art and business industries. Students also get to take part in field trips to major art and design centers, like the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Swedish Institute to view others’ work and be inspired.
If you have a passion for art and design, enjoy working with technology, and want the flexibility to work in different industries, this might be the right degree for you.
What will you learn?
You will develop critical thinking skills, learn to analyze, and become focused on technical production.
Some classes include:
- Drawing
- Design Concepts
- Character Design
- Digital Illustration
- Figure Drawing
I have one student that’s working with Nickelodeon, another one that’s working with DreamWorks; there’s quite a bit out there. My students are pretty creative, so they have a way of getting into the industry.
Careers in animation & illustration
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in animation and illustration.
Discover CareersRelated Programs
Meet your professors
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
Meet the entire department
John Printy, MFA
Internal Chair, Department of Art & Design
Prior to coming to Northwestern, Professor Printy was employed with several design and advertising firms in...
Contact Information
Department of Art & Design
Totino Fine Arts Center, F3380
3003 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113