Animation and Visual Effects Major

How to Apply

1. Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
2. Select Cinematic Arts: Animation and Visual Effects, BA as your major

Priority Deadlines

Fall 2025 Applicants

February 15, 2025, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2025 B.A. in Animation and Visual Effects Application. Students must complete their APU Undergraduate Application by the deadline to ensure consideration.

This program will not admit students for the spring semester.

Program Admission Requirements

• APU Undergraduate Application
• A portfolio of 12-15 samples of original artwork. Work may include, but is not limited to, the following traditional and digital artwork:
  • 3-5 life drawings/figure poses (quick poses or longer studies)
  • Sequential art sample
  • Animal drawings
  • Gesture poses or drawings of figures or animals
  • Original character designs (could include expressions, poses, or attitudes of original characters)
  • Composition studies that demonstrate knowledge of principles (film background designs, still life, environment, or architectural drawings)
  • Animation examples (short reel of traditional or CG animation tests). Work created in digital programs, such as Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
  • Samples of portrait painting or illustrations, color work, perspective drawings, prop designs, costume studies, caricatures of people, and landscape studies may be included

Plan a Visit

Applicants are encouraged to visit a class or meet with one of our professors. Just fill out a COTA Visitation Form to visit us virtually! We look forward to meeting you.

Questions

For questions about the application process, contact the Department of Cinematic Arts at cinema@apu.edu.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

• First-time Freshman
• Transfer
• International

School of the Arts Cinematic Arts Scholarship

The Cinematic Arts Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

• BA in Animation and Visual Effects
• BA in Cinematic Arts
• BFA in Cinematic Arts Production
• BA in Games and Interactive Media
• BA in Screenwriting

Learn more about the Cinematic Arts Scholarship and how to apply.

 

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Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

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Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

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Program Requirements

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).