While earning a BFA in Animation at Otis College, students bring characters and stories to life through an immersive and rigorous studio program.
The interdisciplinary BFA in Animation program at Otis College develops innovative and adaptive storytellers. By helping students synergize creative skills, soft skills, and production techniques, we equip graduates for inspiring work as 3D modelers, animators, creative directors, visual effects artists, and more. Additionally, this degree is STEM-designated, offering a unique blend of technical and creative training that enhances career prospects in both artistic and technology-driven fields.
Why Study Animation at Otis?
For more than 25 years, Otis College’s Digital Media education has grown to meet the evolving needs and opportunities of the animation industry. We now offer two distinct programs: Animation and Game and Entertainment Design. Animation focuses on specific tools and applications while delivering a core curriculum that includes rendering, modeling, mathematics, character design, and complex graphics. The result is an incredibly well-rounded education that prepares students to work in fields as varied as entertainment, education, and the military.
Otis College Named a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence
Otis College of Art and Design has been recognized as a Toon Boom Centre of Excellence, highlighting our commitment to industry-standard animation education and creative innovation. As part of this designation, Otis students and faculty receive access to Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, including complimentary annual desktop subscriptions available through graduation. These professional tools are widely used across film, television, and digital media production.
This accreditation ensures Otis students are learning with the same software trusted by leading animation studios worldwide, preparing them for success in today’s animation industry.
Areas of Emphasis
Animation includes multiple creative paths. 2D uses hand-drawn or digital imagery for stylized, frame-by-frame motion, while 3D uses computer-generated models for depth and realism. Storytelling drives narrative and emotion, and motion design uses animated graphics like typography and branding to communicate ideas.
Minors & Electives
You can add courses outside of the regular Animation curriculum to support your craft and career goals. For example, minoring in Creative Writing gives students additional skills in storytelling, a key component in animation.How We Rank
Career Possibilities
Animation graduates apply their craft to a wide variety of roles and disciplines. Otis’s Los Angeles location provides ample opportunity to explore careers in entertainment and beyond.
- Character Animator
- 3D Animator
- Visual Designer
- Storyboard Artist
- Digital Matte Painter
- 3D Generalist
- Cinematic Animator
- 2D/ 3D CG Artist
- Animation / Game Designer
- Production Coordinator
- Layout Artist
Animation News and Blogs
Highlights from Otis College’s Animation Program
January 22, 2026
Animation Faculty
Our team of experienced animation instructors help you build core skills in an energized, hands-on learning environment.
Department Chair, Animation Associate Professor Lecturer
Ron Bernard
Chris Eckardt
Joon Kim
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Keep Exploring
Otis prepares artists and designers for successful careers, empowering you to make a living—and make an impact—across established and emerging creative fields. Take the next step to create your future at Otis College of Art and Design.
Explore upcoming admission deadlines as well as next steps to submitting a successful application and portfolio.
Financial aid opportunities at Otis include academic scholarships, need-based grants, loans, and work study opportunities.
Follow your talents to a satisfying career with an education from Otis College of Art and Design.