Bachelor of Science Computer Science + Animation

The multidisciplinary Computer Science + Animation (CS+ANI) Bachelor of Science degree program prepares students to span the boundary between computing and its application in animation, providing them with a career path to technical artistic roles in the animation and game development fields. The CS+ANI curriculum combines a solid computer science core customized to fit the specific needs of this discipline, with a foundation in 3D animation designed by animation and game art faculty. There is a heavier emphasis on programming than on art due to the technical demands of this field. CS+ANI students receive valuable interdisciplinary collaborative group project experiences with teams of students majoring in 3D animation, storyboarding and character design, game design, game art, and game programming.

DePaul’s animation program is ranked #16 nationally and #1 in the Midwest by Animation Career Review.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program.

Concentrations

Animation Technical Director

An animation technical director (referred to as a TD in the industry) in the motion picture and television industries serves as a bridge between animators/artists and programmers. TDs manage and develop the production and rendering pipeline, develop features and add-ons to software, develop custom tools, and work with programmers on larger software projects. They’re also assigned to more technical roles in rigging, modeling, lighting and rendering scenes, building shaders, programming FX and particle systems, and working with motion capture.

Game Art Technical Director

An animation technical director in the game industry is sometimes referred to as a technical artist. They serve as a bridge between the artists, designers, and programmers on game projects. TDs manage and develop the art pipeline, develop features, custom tools, and add-ons to software for the artists, and work with programmers on larger software projects. They’re also assigned to more technical roles in rigging, modeling, lighting and rendering scenes, building shaders, programming FX and particle systems, and working with motion capture.

View All Faculty

Ed Keenan
Sr. Professional Lecturer
Riyad Hasan
Professional Lecturer
Brian Ferguson
Animator in Residence
Andre Berthiaume
Associate Professor
Josh Jones
Associate Professor

Game Labs

Game Programming students have access to all CDM labs, but there are several that intersect with the program specifically, including game development and research, gameplay, virtual reality, and playtest and usability labs.

LA Quarter

CS+Ani students have the opportunity to study and intern in Los Angeles for three months through DePaul’s innovative LA Quarter program. Students accepted into the program earn degree credit while living in the center of the animation, film and game development industries. LA Quarter students have interned at many studios including DreamWorks Animation, Bix Pix Entertainment, Duck Animation Studios, and Nickelodeon Animation.

DePaul Originals

DePaul Originals is a game development studio located on our Loop campus. Its focus is the production of high quality game experiences that are delivered on commercial platforms.

The Unreal Academic Partner Program

The Unreal Engine is revolutionizing the use of real-time 3D technology for games, live action film, animation, VR, architecture, live performance and beyond, from the virtual sets of the Mandalorian to the cultural phenomenon Fortnite. The DePaul Unreal Research Group was formed to encourage and coordinate the use of UE by faculty and students in GAM, VFX, and ANI projects and courses, share knowledge, solve problems, invite Unreal guests, and collaborate on grants and support from Epic. We’re proud to be certified by Epic Games as an Unreal Academic Partner, which gives us increased access to content, learning resources, and special Epic events.

students ouside at a booth welcoming guests

Student Organizations

Joining a student organization is a great way to meet people and discuss trends in your area of interest. Two popular student organizations CS+ANI students may consider joining are the Computer Science Society (CSS) and Animation Lodge. Both groups provide the opportunity to network, expand your CS/ani education, and attend events with industry professionals.