Welcome!
The Digital Animation Center (DAC) is committed to providing quality instruction in 3D theory and techniques intended to prepare its students to succeed as an animator. Students will be prepared to excel in a multitude of industries including feature film, broadcast, scientific visualization, medical imaging and engineering.
The DAC's precisely focused curriculum prepares students for animation careers within an urban, 4-year university experience that is a well-rounded liberal arts education with the traditional components of a fine arts education, in state-of-the-art facilities and acquiring high-tech skills needed for this demanding curriculum. University of Colorado Denver, Downtown Denver Campus' College of Arts & Media 3D Graphics and Digital Animation program will strive to provide the highest level of university-level undergraduate instruction in the theory, practice and application of digital 3D media. The goal of the CU-Digital Animation Center is to bring together diverse scholars and practitioners who seek creative imaging and visualization solutions for evolving research and to set them in partnerships with artists of digital media. Such collaborations will provide the visual solutions for explaining and defining complex technical data.
The University of Colorado Denver DAC, is dedicated to producing productive competent animators that are problem solvers, critical thinkers and are prepared to enter the workforce as leaders and managers. As a Fine Art major at one of the nation's top Universities, you will receive a well-rounded, quality University education and upon successful completion of all requirements earns a Bachelor of Fine Art with an emphasis in 3D Graphics and Animation.
Why be a button pusher when you can be an artist, a problem solver and a leader!
Classes cover all areas of 3D graphics and animation. The program use Alias MAYA as the primary software application for training. In addition to the 12 required classes for a BFA, Visual Arts with an emphasis in Digital Animation (this degree) students will take a standard range of core academic and foundational art classes such as drawing foundations, 2 and 3-dimensional design, color theory, art seminar, art history survey—and are taught by veterans in the fine arts. Whether you’re looking to set up your painting or drawing studio, work as a graphic artist or illustrator, or are interested in product design or advertising, the College of Arts & Media combines a thorough academic curriculum with internship and extracurricular opportunities.
Students pursuing careers in 3D Graphics and Animation receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts from the Department of Visual Arts in the College of Arts & Media, a degree awarded by the University of Colorado Denver.
Why this program?
The UCD DAC is one of the premier professional animation programs housed within a liberal arts university and grounded in both digital and the traditional arts in the nation. Graduates who have studied the DAC make a huge impact on the animation industry in special effects and 3D computer graphics. Our former students have had a hand in creating hit games, feature films, and work at major studios. You'll also find our students in premiere design firms, universities, research groups and government agencies across America.
Program Requirements
Acceptance into the DAC is by competitive selection at the end of the student’s year one and after the completion of FA1420 and FA1425. Selection of the 28 member DAC animation cadre will be by review of individual candidates conducted by the UCD Visual Arts and DAC faculty. The review will consist of a personal interview, portfolio review of the students 1st year work academic merit. The requirements for consideration for acceptance to the DAC are:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
- Successful completion of FA 1420 and FA1425
What about after I graduate?
The DAC graduate, upon successful completion of the program, is well prepared to meet the challenges of creation of high-production value 3D animation content. Our graduates, as artist-designers are prepared to enter the animation production environment in a wide range of industries working on diverse animation projects from feature films and game design to scientific visualization, engineering animation, medical animation and forensic animation.
How does it work?
As a full 4-year professional degree, the DAC student must be fully accepted to UCD, meeting the minimum requirements for acceptance to the University. DAC candidates are required to complete the two DAC introductory courses, FA1420 and FA1425 and maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.8 for all UCD courses. 28 students per academic year are accepted to the DAC. Selection is competitive and takes place after meeting the minimum requirements (above) and submitting for review to the DAC.
Want more?
For more information please contact:
Howard Cook
Assistant Professor/Area Head
Digital Animation Center
UCD
Campus Box 177, P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
howard.cook@cudenver.edu
303-556-6217