3-Year Program
In the MFA Experimental Animation Program, students are provided with a comprehensive foundational background and are encouraged to seek out poetic, lyrical, structural and other modes of experimentation with the materials and forms of the moving image. Students are trained to not only become makers—but also critically minded contributors to the advancement of animation history and theory.
In addition to coursework in technique and theory, the EA curriculum includes training in professionalization. Students are expected to become familiar with film festivals and submission processes, attend professional gatherings and events, and become members of related organizations. Accordingly, graduates become creative leaders in the field, establishing careers in studio production, teaching and personal practice, often forming creative partnerships with fellow CalArts students.
All MFA Experimental Animation students are required to complete a first-year project, complete a thesis proposal in the second year and finally pass a Thesis Review in order to complete the Program.
Full Curriculum
Detailed curriculum and academic requirements can be found in the online course catalog.
View Curriculum Requirements