Alum, 2023 Nohl Fellow, and filmmaker Janelle VanderKelen (MA 2014, MFA 2016) will return to campus on Nov. 7 for “Green Imaginaries,” a free event showcasing some of her recent work. This event, which is presented by Union Cinema and co-sponsored by the Mary L. Nohl Fund Individual Artist Fellowship Program, …
Animation Arts, Major (BFA) BFA
Push your imagination and curiosity to the next level with the Animation Arts BFA. Develop advanced technical and creative skills with hands-on training, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to craft your own animated films from concept to completion.
The Animation Arts BFA offers a deeper, more production-intensive study compared to our BA program, making the BFA ideal for aspiring animators and multimedia artists. With growing demand across film, television, gaming, and virtual reality experiences, our animation program prepares you to meet industry needs with a robust portfolio and professional experience. You’ll gain the technical mastery and creative insight to thrive in the evolving world of animation backed by our nationally recognized Film, Video, Animation & New Genres department.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What’s it like to be an animation degree student at Peck School of the Arts
When you study animation arts at UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you’ll have access to professional equipment and specialized labs, including the new 3D Animation Lab in Kenilworth Square East. Starting in your first year, you’ll explore a range of animation techniques from experimental to commercial while developing your storytelling voice. You’ll create animated shorts, reels, and a yearlong senior film. Hands-on experiences through projects, internships, and collaborative opportunities strengthen your professional portfolio while helping you make connections in the industry. Plus, you can showcase it all in our annual Animation Showcase.
But don’t take our word for it. Experience for yourself what it is like to be an animation degree student here by scheduling a personalized tour and info session.
Animation Arts Program Details
The Animation Arts BFA is designed for students seeking professional-level training in animation and moving image production. The program expands on the BA’s strong foundation by adding production-focused credits and offering a tightly woven sequence of courses dedicated to creative and technical study. The BFA provides deeper, earlier, and more continuous animation training than the BA.
You’ll combine core filmmaking principles with animation coursework such as Experimental Animation, Stop Motion, and Intro to 3D Animation. The curriculum also integrates courses in professional practice, storyboarding, and digital production tools like Maya, After Effects, and Unreal Engine.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop advanced artistic, conceptual, and collaborative skills applicable across film, television, gaming, and immersive media. With mentorship from experienced faculty and visiting professionals, you’ll gain the confidence and portfolio needed to launch your creative career.
The BFA culminates in a two-semester senior project, where you’ll produce an original animated film that reflects your technical excellence, creative depth, and readiness to enter the animation industry.
Explore the Animation Arts, BFA requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Equipment Room
We believe that a solid foundation in technical expertise, coupled with your unique artistic vision, will pave the way for success in your creative endeavors. Our equipment room provides you with the tools necessary to bring your ideas to life.
Film Archives & Collections
You’ll have access to unique film archives like the Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film Archive & Research Center, which honors the legacy of internationally celebrated filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Or the UWM Libraries Cinema Arts Archive, which contains over 200 essential works from the history of experimental cinema. Learn more and explore the Film Archive Library.
Scholarships & Aid
UWM and Peck School of the Arts offer a diverse financial aid package for students, including Midwest residence savings, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and student loans.
Living Learning Communities
Live in campus housing on the same floor or wing as other students in your major or program. The Peck School of the Arts offers three Living Learning Communities where you can be a part of a “community within a community.” You’ll make friends, form study groups and do social activities together. And, best of all, there is no additional cost to be a part of a Living Learning Community.
Cinemas, Film Festivals & Screenings
Film and video screenings, festivals and exhibitions offer students the opportunity to see and experience both contemporary and historical works by American independent filmmakers as well as by international artists. Learn more about our cinemas, festivals and screenings.
Documentary Media
Documentary films preserve culture and tradition and help create the social, political and economic realities we would like to see in the world and in our communities. Explore how you can express your voice through documentary media.
Film Internships & Opportunities
Students work and intern professionally with big and small production companies, film festivals and creative agencies throughout Milwaukee, Chicago and beyond. See where your education can take you. Learn more about film internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Film & Animation Alumni Stories
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Alum and Nohl Fellow returns to campus for film screening
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Film and Animation alumni, faculty, and staff represented in screenings around the worldFrom current graduate students to esteemed alumni and faculty members, the Peck School of the Arts Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres was well represented on the international film festival circuit this Fall. We’re excited to showcase the achievements of some of our very own who are currently …
Film & Animation Careers
- 3D Modeler
- ADR Editor
- Advertising Producer
- Aerial Cinematographer
- Animator / Stop-motion Animator
- Art Director
- Artist
- Assistant Director
- Best Boy
- Boom Operator
- Camera Operator
- Casting Director
- Character Rigger
- Cinematographer
- Colorist
- Compositing Artist
- Copywriter / Content Developer
- Creature Designer
- Curator / Programmer
- Development Executive
- Digital Imaging Technician
- Digital Media Product Developer
- Director
- Distributor
- Dolly Grip
- Drone Operator
- Dubbing Mixer
- Editor
- Educational Video Director / Producer
- Educator / University Administrator
- Electrician
- Electronics & Sensor Designer
- Entertainment / Studio Executive
- Festival Director / Programmer
- Film Archivist / Processor / Writer
- Filmmaker
- Fixer
- Foley Specialist
- Forensic Animator
- Gaffer
- Image Librarian / Archivist
- Interaction Designer
- Jimmy Jib Operator
- Key Grip
- Lighting Designer / Technician
- Line Producer
- Location Manager / Scout
- Marketing Executive
- Medical Animator
- Motion Capture Engineer
- Motion Graphics Designer / Producer
- Multimedia Artist / Journalist / Producer
- Photo Asset Manager / Instructor / Editor
- Photographic Labs / Image Producer
- Photojournalist
- Post-Production Supervisor
- Press Agent
- Producer (Film, TV, Web)
- Production Designer / Manager
- Prop Maker / Producer
- Public Relations / Publicist / Publisher
- Puppet Fabricator
- Recording & Mastering Engineer
- Researcher
- Rights & Clearances Manager
- Rotoscope Artist
- Screenwriter
- Script Editor / Supervisor / Writer
- Set Constructor / Designer / Director
- Sound Designer / Editor / Mixer
- Steadicam Operator
- Still Photographer
- Storyboard Artist
- Talent Producer
- Visual Effects Specialist / Supervisor
- Wardrobe Supervisor
Animation Arts Program Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Film, Video, Animation & New Genres faculty and staff please click the button below.
- Assistant Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
- Area Head, Animation
- benjamij@uwm.edu
- Kenilworth Square East 587
- Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
- klatte@uwm.edu
- 818-640-3800
- Kenilworth Square East 492
- Senior Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
- swelstad@uwm.edu
- Kenilworth Square East 471
- Teaching Faculty I, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
- rumali@uwm.edu
- Mitchell Hall B83A
