Bachelor in Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects (Bachelor's)

At Columbus College of Art & Design, tuition is Tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $38,500 per year for full-time undergraduate students., and applications for the Jan 2027 intake close on Nov 1, 2026.

This programme is designed for students interested in motion-based storytelling and visual effects. You will study 2D, 3D, and experimental animation techniques using industry-standard tools. The curriculum includes motion graphics, digital modeling, and virtual reality production. Students create work in dedicated labs with professional equipment and faculty mentorship.

Focus areas include 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Experimental Animation, Motion Graphics, Digital Modeling, Virtual Reality.

The programme requires 120 credits, distributed across core animation courses, technical electives, and studio projects. Students complete a capstone project in their final year.

Graduates pursue roles such as 3D Architectural Animator, Augmented Reality Designer, Effect House Animator, Game Artist, Live Theater Effects Designer, Theme Park Animator, Visual Development Artist, and Visual Effects Animator.

Applicants must submit a high school transcript or equivalent. A portfolio of creative work is required. SAT or ACT scores are optional. International students must provide English proficiency test results.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 72% of applicants.

Columbus College of Art & Design has developed its educational model around studio exploration, academic support, and preparation for creative careers. Its undergraduate programs include animation, comics and narrative practice, fashion design, film and video, fine art, game art and design, graphic design, illustration, interior architecture and design, photography, and product design. Students can also pursue minors and concentrations, while graduate students can study User Experience Design through a flexible online Master of Professional Studies program.

Studio work begins in the first year and is supported by courses in writing, philosophy, business math, and other areas. A built-in Business Concentration and entrepreneurship courses help students learn how to sell their work, find employment, and operate in the creative economy. All faculty members are practicing artists or designers, and the college reports a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Projects connect students with companies and community partners, while career services, internships, galleries, makerspaces, and Packard Library support professional development and campus life.

CCAD is located beside the Columbus Museum of Art, which is free to students, and students can use their college ID as a COTA bus pass. Columbus offers galleries, neighborhoods, cafés, music venues, internships, and creative careers. International undergraduate applicants whose countries do not use English as their sole official language must provide approved English-proficiency scores and have secondary or college transcripts evaluated through WES, ECE, or One Earth. Undergraduate portfolios should contain 8 to 15 pieces.