Online Master of Design in Animation
Lead the Next Generation of Visual Storytelling
Ranked among the top animation schools in the nation by The Hollywood Reporter, the Master of Design in Animation (MDes) prepares you to lead the future of feature films, AAA gaming, television and VR/AR.
Develop your unique creative voice and master in-demand skills such as 3D animation, storytelling, rendering and sound design, while building your professional portfolio.
Learn from industry-leading faculty, connect with premier studios through exclusive mentorship and networking opportunities and gain the edge employers look for.
Program Information
Modality
Hybrid
Program Length
2 years · 60 units
Cost Per Unit
$1,109* for Fall 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
August 1 – March 1 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
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Minimum GPA 2.5
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Official transcripts
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A personal statement
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Two letters of recommendation
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A resumé
Program-Specific Requirements
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An academic background and portfolio in one or more of these fields is required: Animation, Architecture, Illustration, Fine Arts, Design, Computer Graphics and/or related fields.
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A “pre-proposal” with an indication of the type of project you want to develop while in the MDes program
Out-of-State Eligibility
If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency
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Application opens August 1; deadline of February 1 for Fall admission.
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Apply through Cal State Apply and submit the required documents.
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Submit an online portfolio of work and additional documents to the Department of Design via SlideRoom portal.
Valuable Learning Experiences
Develop your creative voice while building advanced technical and storytelling skills through a rigorous, studio-focused learning environment. This hands-on learning environment offers production experience, industry mentors and team projects. It helps you create professional-quality work and prepare for leadership roles in animation and digital media.
- Develop a major creative project through individual or collaborative production work
- Build skills in storytelling, 3D animation, lighting, rendering, sound design and digital production
- Connect with industry mentors, animation studios and game studios through professional networking opportunities
- Gain experience from faculty and industry professionals actively working in the field
Featured Courses
What can you do with a design degree specializing in Animation?
A design degree in animation lets you create original work, build technical skills and prepare for leadership roles. It supports careers in animation, film, television, games and emerging media.
- In-Demand Skills: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth in multimedia artists and animators is expected to be much faster than the average for all jobs.
- Bay Area Salaries: Animation majors in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $46,000 and an upper range of $84,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- 3D modeler
- Animator
- Art director
- Concept artist
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Producer
- VFX artist
- Video game designer
- Video editor
Top Companies
- Apple
- Blizzard Entertainment
- DreamWorks Animation
- Electronic Arts
- Industrial Light & Magic
- Netflix
- Pixar Animation Studios
- Sony Pictures Imageworks
- Warner Bros Discovery
Top Sectors
- Advertising, marketing and brand media
- Corporate, industrial and scientific visualization
- Digital streaming and content creation
- Education and e-learning
- Entertainment, film and television
- Experiential and immersive design
- Gaming and interactive media
- Healthcare and medical visualization
- Technology and software development
- Virtual, augmented and mixed reality (XR)
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support, and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education, or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
See Cost and Aid
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