Design & Animation
Westchester Campus, United States
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design & Animation
Mercy University
Design & Animation
Program Overview: BFA in Design & Animation
The Design and Animation program at Mercy University prepares students to shape the digital landscape and pursue careers in animation, gaming, and communication design. Housed at Mercy's main campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, just twenty miles from midtown Manhattan, the program investigates the creative capacity of digital technology to improve communication, develop creative self-expression, and explore perception and interaction among people, objects, and ideas.
This comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is supported by dedicated digital design and animation studios equipped with Cintiq Interactive Pen Displays, offering both Macintosh and Windows platforms with two- and three-dimensional animation, digital video, color printing, and scanning capabilities. Software is updated yearly to ensure students work with current industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and Cinema 4D.
Students benefit from proximity to New York City's thriving creative industries and have secured internships at notable companies such as Blue Sky Studios, Atlantic Records, Harper's Bazaar, NBC News, and New York Magazine. The program also features visiting speakers from leading studios including Pixar, Disney, and Blue Sky Studios, giving students direct exposure to industry professionals.
Key Program Highlights
- Dedicated digital studios equipped with Wacom Cintiq Interactive Pen Displays and industry-standard software updated annually
- Located just 20 miles from Manhattan, providing access to New York City's creative industry hub
- Up to 9 credits of internship experience with top studios and agencies in animation, gaming, and design
- Guest lectures from industry leaders including professionals from Pixar, Disney, and Blue Sky Studios
Curriculum & Modules
The BFA in Design and Animation requires 120 credits, including 78 credits in the Design and Animation major concentration, 36 credits of General Education requirements, and 6 credits of open electives. Students begin taking major courses from their first semester, with at least three major classes each semester, building a progressive portfolio of creative work.
Foundations of Design and Drawing
12 CreditsCovers fundamental principles of visual design, color theory, typography, and traditional drawing techniques that form the foundation for all digital and animation work.
2D Animation and Motion Graphics
12 CreditsExplores classical and digital two-dimensional animation techniques, motion graphics for film and television, rotoscoping, and storyboarding and scripting fundamentals.
3D Animation and CGI Modeling
15 CreditsFocuses on three-dimensional animation, CGI modeling, character animation, and special effects using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and Cinema 4D.
Graphic and Communication Design
15 CreditsCovers graphic design, interaction design, interface design, information design, web design, and package design with emphasis on professional production tools and techniques.
Digital Video and Post-Production
12 CreditsIntroduces filming with digital video, post-production editing, digital photography, digital imaging, and art direction for multimedia projects.
Senior Portfolio and Capstone
12 CreditsStudents create a sophisticated body of work demonstrating proficiency in both design and animation, preparing a professional portfolio for career entry or graduate study.
Elective Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Mercy University welcomes applications from domestic and international students for the BFA in Design and Animation program. The university operates a test-blind admissions policy, meaning standardized test scores are not required. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu to streamline the process for prospective students.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaOfficial final high school transcript including all secondary school grades, class rank, and date of graduation, or a High School Equivalency Diploma with corresponding score sheet
- GPA RequirementStudents must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in all major courses once enrolled in the program
- PortfolioNo portfolio is required to apply to the Design and Animation program; students build their portfolio during the program
- Standardized TestsMercy University has a test-blind admissions policy; SAT and ACT scores are not required
- Residency RequirementA 21-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Design and Animation must be completed at Mercy University
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- Duolingo English TestAccepted; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Mercy University is committed to making education accessible and offers International Undergraduate Academic Merit Scholarships to qualified international students. All incoming international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards once all application materials are received, with no separate application required. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on available funding.
Presidential Excellence Scholarship
USD 8,000 per yearAwarded to international undergraduate freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence and student leadership. This merit-based scholarship is renewable yearly based on satisfactory academic achievement and good standing at Mercy University.
Presidential Transfer Scholarship
USD 7,000 per yearAvailable to international transfer students with a minimum of 12 transfer credits who demonstrate academic excellence. Renewable annually based on satisfactory academic performance and good standing.
Donor Scholarships
Varies by awardMercy University offers donor-funded scholarships in a number of academic disciplines. These awards vary in amount and criteria established by the donor. Students should contact Uni4Edu for details on available donor scholarships.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Design and Animation BFA program are prepared for diverse roles across the creative industries. The program's location near New York City provides unparalleled access to animation studios, advertising agencies, gaming companies, and media organizations. Within one year of graduation, 97% of Mercy graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school.
Potential Career Roles
Notable Internship and Employer Partners
Rankings & Recognition
Mercy University is a private institution founded in 1950, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university has earned consistent recognition as a top performer in social mobility by U.S. News and World Report for five consecutive years, reflecting its mission to provide accessible and transformative education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Universities North | U.S. News & World Report | #116 |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | Top 17% |
| Best Online Business Programs | U.S. News & World Report | #156 |
| Salary Outcomes (All Alumni) | PayScale | #915 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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