Animation is everywhere. Industries that utilize animation range from film and TV to marketing, advertising, gaming, motion graphics, scientific visualization, and so much more. Students in George Fox's animation concentration within the cinematic arts major use industry-standard software to bring their animated stories to life.
Get Practical, Hands-on Experience
In addition to our theory and production core, our students take several animation classes ranging from pre-production to post-production. These courses include storyboarding and concept design, 2D computer animation, 3D computer animation 1 and 2, motion graphics and visual effects, and more. Students will also get a chance to create their own short animated films in our advanced production workshops.
We take a hands-on approach, allowing you to create animation right away, and you have 24/7 access to our state-of-the-art labs.
Access to Industry-Standard Software
Using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom, the Adobe Creative Suite and Dragonframe, we teach you the tools to bring your stories to life in a variety of animated mediums, from 3D and 2D computer animation to traditional hand-drawn and stop-motion techniques.
Among the resources we offer is the new Wacom Cintiq Pro, a pen-on-screen device that gives professional-quality precision for digital creation, from drawing to 3D sculpting. We also feature a brand new traditional animation studio fit with animation light tables, down shooters and professional stop-motion armatures.
Work with Experienced Faculty
Our experienced faculty are award-winning independent filmmakers who have worked in the industry for companies including Laika Studios, House Special, Bent Image Lab, Fisher-Price, the Buffalo Bills and American Greetings.
Our faculty has helped students win national awards, including a BEA Best of Festival honor in 2017. Graduates of our program have gone on to work at Laika Studios, NBC Sports, Refuge VFX, Guidespark and SOMA Games and have interned at companies that include Supergenius Studio and Dreamworks.
Positive Job Outlook
The employment trend for animation and multimedia artists in Oregon, Washington and California is expected to grow over 25 percent over the next 10 years. That is over 15 percent more nationwide for selected occupations and 10 percent more than the total labor market. California is the top state by far with 7,425 job postings – more than double the next state (New York). The state of Washington is ranked fifth.
George Fox is uniquely positioned, in that there are only a handful of other Council for Christian Colleges & Universities schools that offer an animation degree/concentration. George Fox is the only CCCU school with this type of degree in the states of Oregon and Washington.
The most common career paths for the animation concentration include ...
- Animation director or supervisor
- Animator (2D/3D computer animation and stop motion animation)
- CG Artist/Generalist
- 3D modeler
- Compositor
- Roto artist
- Matte painter
- Layout artist
- Production assistant
- Render wrangler
- Storyboard artist
- Concept artist/illustrator
- Visual development artist
Request more information about the animation concentration at George Fox University or schedule a visit to begin your education at Oregon's Christian university, ranked as one of the top Christian colleges in the nation by Forbes.
Jobs and Internships
Graduates face diverse career pathways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 11 percent in the next decade.
- Video Producer, Luis Palau Association
- Producer, Blazers Broadcasting
- Morning Edition Producer, KTUU-TV Channel2
- Production Assistant, Grimm, NBC
- Audiovisual Technician, Nike
- Production Assistant, Oregon Public Broadcasting
- Post Production Supervisor, CBS
- Video Editor/Videographer, Joni and Friends
- Senior Business Affairs Manager, Talent Direct
- Film & Special Projects Manager, Visit Anchorage
- Production Artist, GoPro
- Lead Video Editor, Encoder, Echelon Studios
- Portlandia – IFC, Portland, Oregon
- R2C Group, Portland, Oregon
- Supergenius Studio, Oregon City, Oregon
- @Large Films, Portland, Oregon
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California
- Riveting Entertainment, Los Angeles, California
- Funnelbox, Oregon City, Oregon
- Black Lake Bible Camp, Olympia, Washington
- Sovrn, Boise, Idaho
- Transitions Global, Castle Rock, Colorado
- Act One, Hollywood, California
Student Experiences
“When I was at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC) talking with friends from other programs, I found out we get our hands on the gear way before anyone else does. In the classroom we get the theory and basic knowledge, but then we get to go out with the gear and experiment and learn. That’s a huge component of learning.”
- Sam Read (’14)
“The CMCO department has been amazing in teaching me the skills I need for film production. The people in this program have given me the confidence I need to take risks and be creative while staying true to myself and my vision as a filmmaker. I couldn’t imagine a better place to have these skills cultivated.”
- Jenna Holmes (’16)
Points of Distinction
- Outstanding faculty with a Christian worldview
- One-on-one mentoring
- Small class sizes
- Application learning environment beginning freshman year
- Access to professional industry-standard equipment
- Immersion in a highly team-oriented learning environment
Why George Fox?
Christ-centered community
Our faith influences everything we do here, from the way our professors teach to the way we relate to one another and serve in the community.
Global opportunities
More than half of George Fox undergraduate students study abroad, ranking George Fox among the nation's leaders in study abroad participation (U.S. News & World Report).
Small classes
Our 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors on a personal level.
National recognition
George Fox University is a Christian university classified by U.S. News & World Report as a first-tier regional university, and Forbes ranks George Fox among the highest Christian colleges in the country.
