BFA in Character Animation from California Institute of the Arts Overview
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Character Animation is a 4-year, 120-unit program in Santa Clarita, California. Ranked #1 by Animation Career Review, the program provides thorough training in traditional and computer graphic (CG) animation with emphasis on life drawing, storytelling, and character performance. Students produce a short film each year, developing a professional portfolio. The program, under the School of Film/Video, is instructed by professional artists from studios such as Disney and Pixar. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it's extremely selective. Graduates have a 90% placement rate in six months, with an average starting salary of USD $72,000 (INR 61,47,360), finding positions such as animator, storyboard artist, and character designer. CalArts' lively visiting artist series and multidisciplinary setting foster creative development.
BFA in Character Animation from California Institute of the Arts Fees
The annual cost of pursuing BFA in Character Animation from California Institute of the Arts is approximately $75,740 which includes $58,740 in tuition fees and an estimated cost of ~$17,000 for living expenses inclusive of housing, food. and other living expenses.
BFA in Character Animation from California Institute of the Arts Dates
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) only accepts applications for the Fall semester. It is strongly advised to submit applications well in advance before the deadline.
| Application Stage |
Deadline Date |
| Application Opens for Fall 2026 |
September 1, 2025 |
| Portfolio & Application Deadline for Fall 2026 |
January 5, 2026 |
(Early application is strongly encouraged for scholarship consideration and visa processing.)
BFA in Character Animation from California Institute of the Arts Module
The BFA requires 120 units, including 46 Critical Studies units and 74 program-specific units.
| Year |
Semester |
Course Code & Title |
| 1 |
Fall |
FVCA‑100 2D Character Animation I; FVCA‑110 Life Drawing I; FVCA‑132 Design I; FVCA‑150 Story I; FVCA‑160 Digital Methods I; FVCA‑180 CG Foundation I (catalog.calarts.edu) |
|
Winter Session |
FVCA‑151W Story I (workshop) |
|
Spring |
FVCA‑101 2D Character Animation I; FVCA‑111 Life Drawing I; FVCA‑140 Perspective I; FVCA‑151 Story I; FVCA‑161 Digital Methods I; FVCA‑181 CG Foundation I |
| 2 |
Fall |
FVCA‑200 2D Character Animation II; FVCA‑210 Life Drawing II; FVCA‑220 Film Workshop II; FVCA‑240 Animation Layout; FVCA‑252 Story II: Storyboarding; FVCA‑280 CG Foundation II |
|
Winter Session |
FVCA‑221W Film Workshop II |
|
Spring |
FVCA‑201 2D Character Animation II; FVCA‑211 Life Drawing II; FVCA‑221 Film Workshop II; FVCA‑260 Digital Methods II: Sound |
| 3 |
Fall |
FVCA‑300 2D Character Animation III; FVCA‑311–316 Advanced Life Drawing (1.5 units); FVCA‑320 Film Workshop III; FVCA‑334 Professional Preparation III |
|
Winter Session |
FVCA‑321W Film Workshop III |
|
Spring |
FVCA‑301 2D Character Animation III; FVCA‑311–316 Advanced Life Drawing (1.5 units); FVCA‑321 Film Workshop III |
| 4 |
Fall |
FVCA‑400 Character Animation IV; FVCA‑311–316 Advanced Life Drawing (1.5 units); FVCA‑420 Film Workshop IV |
|
Winter Session |
FVCA‑421W Film Workshop IV |
|
Spring |
FVCA‑401 Character Animation IV; FVCA‑421 Film Workshop IV |
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