Prerequisite Phase
The goal of the prerequisite phase is to give students the background necessary for starting the graduate program. These prerequisite phase requirements can be fulfilled in one of two ways:
- The student takes the course and earns a grade of B- or higher
- The faculty advisor waives the course because of equivalent academic background or work experience.
All students are blocked from enrolling in graduate courses prior to completing their prerequisites. Students should contact their advisor to enroll in graduate courses until their Prerequisite Phase is completed. Students must submit an online Change of Status request (through myCDM) when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed.
*Students in the MFA program aren't required to work in the medium of 3D animation, but we believe that it is important for 21st century animators and animation educators to be familiar with 3D modeling and animation tools and concepts. Students who are required to take ANI 230 and ANI 231 during their first two quarters must make up the elective courses later in the program. These courses may also be completed during the preceding Spring or Summer terms.
First Year
| Fall Quarter |
| ANI 460 |
| ANI 421 |
| 1 Animation Elective* |
| Winter Quarter |
| ANI 425 |
| ANI 422 |
| 1 Animation Elective* |
| Spring Quarter |
| ANI 440 |
| ANI 466 |
| 1 Animation Elective |
*Students who are required to take ANI 230 and ANI 231 during their first two quarters must make up the elective courses later in the program.
Second Year
| Fall Quarter |
| ANI 540 (2 credit hours) |
| ANI 415 |
| 1 Animation Elective |
| Winter Quarter |
| ANI 541 (2 credit hours) |
| ANI 560 |
| 1 Animation Elective |
| Spring Quarter |
| ANI 639 |
| 2 Animation Electives |
Third Year
| Fall Quarter |
| ANI 640 (1 credit hour) |
| 1 Animation Elective |
| Winter Quarter |
| ANI 640 (1 credit hour) |
| 1 Animation Elective |
| Spring Quarter |
| ANI 640 (1 credit hour) |
*ANI 640 must be taken at least 3 times.
Animation Electives
Animation electives include any graduate level
ANI, DC, GAM, GD, GPH, HCI or VFX courses.
MFA Thesis
The
MFA Thesis Animation is the culmination of graduate study in the MFA. Students work on an animated film for the three quarters of their third year, and meet periodically for critiques with peers and faculty. Students also produce a written analysis of their work. Students must complete their thesis project and the degree within a total of five years from their first quarter in the program.
Student's MFA Advisor Committee and Thesis Timeline
During the Fall quarter of their second year, all MFA students must form an MFA Advisor Committee. The committee is comprised of three full-time DePaul faculty members, and at least two of the three must be members of the Animation MFA Committee. Students must consult with their Advisor Committee throughout the Thesis project, including during ANI 639 MFA Pre-Thesis. During the final quarter of their Thesis project, the MFA candidate must schedule a meeting with their Advisor Committee to screen the work, and defend the project and thesis paper before the committee. The MFA Advisor Committee decides whether the MFA candidate should be awarded the degree, and if not, what must be done in order for them to receive it.
MFA Thesis Screening
At the end of the third year students present their thesis exhibition in an appropriate venue (a theater or gallery).
MFA Thesis Defense
In order to receive their MFA degree, students must defend the thesis project and the written analysis of their work before their MFA Advisor Committee.