Utah Valley University

What you'll study

Coursework combines artistic foundations with industry-standard software and production methods. Typical study areas include character and creature animation, environment and prop creation, lighting and rendering, VFX compositing, game-asset optimization, and real-time implementation in game engines. Project-based courses require teamwork, version control and portfolio-ready deliverables demonstrating technical skill and creative problem solving.

Entry requirements

Entry normally requires completion of secondary education or equivalent, and meeting the university's general admission standards. Program-specific expectations commonly include a creative portfolio or sample work demonstrating drawing or digital-art ability, and readiness to learn industry tools. Transfer applicants should check requirements for prerequisite studio or computing courses. International applicants must satisfy English proficiency rules.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles such as 3D generalist, character animator, VFX artist, technical artist, game artist, texture/lighting artist, or compositor. The curriculum prepares students for work in game studios, post-production houses, VR/AR developers, advertising agencies and independent media production. Building a strong demo reel and collaborative project experience is crucial to securing entry-level studio positions or freelance contracts.

Scholarships & funding angle

Prospective students should pursue university-wide scholarships, departmental awards for arts and media, and external grants aimed at animation and game production. Work-study, internships with local studios, and paid project contracts can offset costs while building portfolio work. Research funding opportunities tied to experiential learning, competitions and industry-sponsored scholarships that value demonstrable creative work.