Animation and Visual Effects, B.F.A., visual effects area of study Suggested 4-year Plan

How to use your 4-Year Plan

• This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major and not meant to replace regular academic advising.
• The plan is flexible and can be changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
• You should work with an academic advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
• You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 72 major-specific credits to earn a B.F.A. in Animation and Visual Effects.
• Transfer students should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
• If you have any questions, please contact dodgeacademicsupport@chapman.edu.

Suggested 4-Year Plan

• We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
• To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
• In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.
• As you select your electives, please review the list of Recommended Additional Courses at the bottom of the page.

Year 1

• Fall Semester (12 credits for major)

• AVE 109 - Fundamental Graphics I for Animation and Visual Effects 3 credits
• AVE 206 - Mechanics of Motion 3 credits
• SW 127 - Writing for Film and TV I 3 credits
• AVE 247 - History and Aesthetics of Animation and Visual Effects 3 credits

•  

• Spring Semester (12 credits for major)

• FTV 130 - Introduction to Visual Storytelling, Lecture and Laboratory 3 credits
• AVE 120 - Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects 3 credits
• FTV 140 - Introduction to Film and Media Aesthetics, Lecture and Laboratory 3 credits
• AVE 209 - Fundamental Graphics II for Animation and Visual Effects 3 credits

Year 2

• Fall Semester (12 credits for major)

• AVE 202B - 3D Computer Graphics I 3 credits
• AVE 323 - Color and Design: Principles and Practice 3 credits
• AVE 372 - Unreal Engine for Filmmakers 3 credits
• AVE 242 - Compositing for Visual Effects 3 credits

•  

• Spring Semester (9 credits for major)

• AVE 310 - Animation and Visual Effects: Evenings with the Experts 3 credits
• AVE 369 - Visual Effects: Fundamental Techniques and Technologies 3 credits
• AVE 382 - Advanced Unreal Engine 3 credits

Year 3

• Fall Semester (9 credits for major)

• AVE 323 - Color and Design: Principles and Practice 3 credits
• AVE 379 - Advanced Visual Effects Production and Workflow 3 credits
• AVE 402 - Advanced 3D Computer Graphics for Visual Effects 3 credits

•  

• Spring Semester (9 credits for major)

• AVE 469 - On-Set and Post-Production Visual Effects Supervision 3 credits
• AVE 496 - Senior Thesis I: Concept Development 3 credits
• AVE 392 - Advanced Pre-visualization for Motion Pictures 3 credits

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• Interterm (3 credits for major)

• AVE 342 - Virtual Production Workshop for Animation and Visual Effects 3 credits

Year 4

• Fall Semester (3 credits for major)

• AVE 497 - Senior Thesis II: Pre-Production and Production I 3 credits

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• Spring Semester (3 credits for major)

• AVE 498 - Senior Thesis III: Production II and Post-Production 3 credits

Suggested Electives

as available

• FP 133 - Audio Techniques 3 credits
• CPSC 230 - Computer Science I 3 credits
• FP 237 - Cinematography I 3 credits
• FP 293 - Production Design I 3 credits
• AVE 329 - Experimental Course 1-3 credits
• FP 333 - Audio Design 3 credits
• FP 481 - Set Decoration 3 credits
• FP 486 - Costume Design 3 credits
• SW 155 - Short-Form Film and TV Analysis 3 credits
• HON 373 - Pinocchio & Co: The Puppet Across Media 3 credits