Carnegie Mellon University
IDeATe

Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology

Still from "Blinded" by students Ashley Kim, Nina Duan, Justin Lee, Magda Gourinchas

Animation & Special Effects

Animation & Special Effects comprise a rich field of inquiry at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Students in the IDeATe Animation & Special Effects minor will gain experience and competency across a wide range of techniques, while learning about the diverse histories, theories, and practices of animation from renowned faculty experts and visiting artists. Coursework cultivates development of unique aesthetics and individual voice through opportunities for group critique, iteration, public screening and exhibition. Through the minor, students will: have opportunities to collaborate and connect with peers in other fields of research; develop relevant practical skills and abilities that can be applied across a variety of independent studio and industry contexts; deepen cultural sensitivities while expanding their own creative practices; and develop a compelling animation portfolio. In particular, students will gain skills and competencies in the following areas:

  • Storytelling through animation
  • Digital 2D and 3D animation techniques
  • Expanded and experimental animation methods
  • Real-time animation systems
  • Motion-capture technologies
  • Visual effects and procedural animation
  • Rendering and compositing

 Animation & Special Effects Minor - Minimum of 45 Units

one computing course - Minimum of 9 units

  • 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice
  • 15-110 Principles of Computing
  • 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • 60-212 Intermediate Studio: Creative Coding

One ideate Portal course - minimum of 9 units

  • 60-125 Introduction to 3D Animation Pipeline

Ideate animation & Special effects Courses - minimum of 27 units

  • 15-463 Computational Photography
  • 53-325 IDeATe Special Topics in Animation: Bipedal Rigging for Animation Production
  • 53-362 Advanced Look Development: The Two Worlds of Texture
  • 60-218 Intermediate Studio: Real-Time Animation
  • 60-220 IDeATe: Technical Character Animation
  • 60-222 Intermediate Studio: 3D Animation
  • 60-224 Intermediate Studio: Expanded Cinema
  • 60-413 Advanced ETB: Real-Time Animation
  • 60-414 Advanced ETB: Hand-Drawn Animation
  • 60-415 Advanced ETB: Animation Studio
  • Additional courses as available. Please check IDeATe Courses for the options for the current and upcoming semester.

 Double-counting: Students may double-count up to two of their IDeATe minor courses for other requirements.

Animation & Special Effects Faculty

The Animation & Special Effects minor is offered through a collaboration between IDeATe and the Robotics Institute, bringing together expertise from across the university.

Learn more about participating faculty here.