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For students entering in 2023-24

» Animation and Visual Effects - Computer Graphics Area of Study (B.F.A.): Suggested 4-year Plan for 2023-24

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 120 - Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects (3 credits)
AVE 247 - History and Aesthetics of Animation and Visual Effects (3 credits)
SW 127 - Writing for Film and TV I (3 credits)

Spring Semester (12 credits for major)

FTV 130 - Introduction to Visual Storytelling (3 credits)
AVE 206 - Mechanics of Motion (3 credits)
AVE 209 - Fundamental Graphics II for Animation and Visual Effects (3 credits)
FTV 140 - Introduction to Film and Media Aesthetics, Lecture and Laboratory (3 credits)

Year 2

Fall Semester (12 credits for major)

AVE 202B - 3D Computer Graphics I (3 credits)
AVE 249 - Storytelling in Animation and Visual Effects (3 credits)
AVE 256B - Beginning Character Animation for CG (3 credits)
AVE 357 - Writing for Animation (3 credits)

Spring Semester (12 credits for major)

AVE 302B - 3D Computer Graphics II (3 credits)
AVE 310 - Animation and Visual Effects Industry Insiders (3 credits)
AVE 354 - Storyboarding and Story Reels (3 credits)
AVE 356B - Intermediate Character Animation for CG (3 credits)

Year 3

Fall Semester (9 credits for major)

AVE 323 - Color and Design: Principles and Practice (3 credits)
AVE 385 - Character Design (3 credits)
AVE 456B - Advanced Character Animation for CG (3 credits)

Spring Semester (9 credits for major)

AVE 355 - Production Design for Animation and Visual Effects (3 credits)
AVE 392 - Advanced Pre-visualization for Motion Pictures (3 credits)
AVE 496 - Senior Thesis I: Concept Development (3 credits)

Year 4

Fall Semester (3 credits for major)

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

Spring Semester (3 credits for major)

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

Recommended Additional Courses

Please be aware that courses in other departments may have additional prerequisites and restrictions.

FP 133 - Audio Techniques (3 credits)
SW 155 - Short Film Analysis (3 credits)
CPSC 230 - Computer Science I (3 credits)
FP 237 - Cinematography I (3 credits)
CPSC 242 - Introduction to the Game Industry (3 credits)
FP 293 - Production Design I (3 credits)
FP 333 - Audio Design (3 credits)
AVE 329 - Experimental Course (1-3 credits)
CPSC 340 - Game Development (3 credits)
HON 373 - Pinocchio & Co: The Puppet Across Media (3 credits)
FP 481 - Set Decoration (3 credits)
FP 486 - Costume Design (3 credits)