FAQ

• Is a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required to apply to the MDes prorgram?

  • No, a GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required.

• What background and experience should I have in order to apply for the Animation MDes program?

  • Prospective students should have a demonstrable academic and/or professional background in one or more of the following areas: animation, concept design or visual development for animation, computer graphics (lighting, modeling, rendering, etc.), game design and development, or related disciplines.

• I am an international student. How can I apply and earn a student visa?

  • See SJSU’s International Student and Scholar Services website for more information.

• Why should I choose SJSU over other Animation graduate programs in the USA?
  • • We are located in beautiful and sunny California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, and close to several studios and companies
    • We have a strong, engaged community of creative artists, of not only current students but also alumni. The support, camaraderie, friendship, and networking opportunities our community offers are unparalleled.
    • We offer tremendous opportunities for networking with industry professionals and recruiters.
    • Our carefully designed curriculum offers ample opportunities for you to develop your own creative content and ideas while also furthering your digital technology skills.
    • Our cost-benefit relationship is the best in the country. Our classes are top quality, our teachers are experienced and know what they are talking about, you will get tons of events and real opportunities for networking with industry professionals and studios for a fraction of the price of other comparable animation programs.
• What kinds of jobs can I get after finishing the Animatiion MDes?

  • Animation MDes graduates can go on to find jobs in the animation industry and academia. Please check our list of some of the studios that have hired our students in Outcomes.

• Do you accept applications on a rolling basis?

  • No, the MDes program accepts applications once a year for fall semester admission only.

• When is the application due? Where do I submit my portfolio?

  • See admissions details for deadlines.

• What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement?

  • Applicants must have a 2.5 minimum GPA to qualify for the MDes program.

• I am an international student. Should I submit an English language proficiency test such as GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS?

  • A GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency. One of the following is required (all test scores must be less than two years old): (1) A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 590 (paper based), 243 (computer based), or 96 (internet based), with a score of 5 in the Writing Section. (2) PTE (Pearson Test of English) score of at least 68. (3) International English Language Testing System (IELTS -  institution code 4687) score of at least 7.0.

• What kind of financial support is offered to admitted students?

  • See the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office website for more information.

• Why is the program not fully online?

  • We believe in the magic that happens when different artists are together in the same place, collaborating and creating new experiences together. There’s really no substitute for that! Also, there’s a host of artists and studios that come often to campus for presentations, portfolio reviews, and even interviews for possible internships or jobs, and the best way to benefit from this amazing networking opportunity is to be on campus, in-person. Our program has a great culture and community, and being here you will benefit greatly from it. Still, some of our classes may be offered online, mostly for classes taught by artists that do not live in the bay area. But most of our classes will be on campus, in-person.

• Can I speak with an admission counselor about my application to the program?

  • You may contact the Program Coordinator at raquel.coelho@sjsu.edu

Useful Links:

• The SHM Film Collective (alumni organization)
• The SHM Club (undergraduate student club)
• SJSU Graduate Program
• SJSU Catalog  
• SJSU Financial Aid 
• SJSU Office of Registrar 
• SJSU International Student and Scholar Services 
• SJSU Housing