College of Arts & Sciences
Animation and Visual Effects
College of Arts & Sciences
Animation and Visual Effects
Unleash Your Creativity with
NMSU’s Animation & Visual Effects Program
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40
- Total credit hours: 120
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
Career Pathways
- 2D/3D Animator
- Visual Effects Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Character Designer
- Game Artist
- Motion Graphics Designer
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Bachelor of Creative Media? Fill out our inquiry form.
Master the Art of Motion: From Traditional 2D Animation to Cutting-Edge 3D Visual Effects at NMSU
Specialize in either 2D Production or 3D and Visual Effects Production, while gaining comprehensive knowledge across all facets of digital filmmaking.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to a digital projection screening room, post-production lab, animation lab, and production space, providing a professional environment for your creative projects.
Industry-Recognized Curriculum: Learn from experienced faculty and engage in a curriculum that prepares you for careers in animation, visual effects, storytelling, and digital media production. The Creative Media Institute is recognized as a ToonBoom Center of Excellence.
Top-Ranked Program
Ranked top 20% in the nation for public animation schools, CMI offers a strong foundation for a successful career in the digital arts.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
Students in the CMI (Creative Media Institute) program at New Mexico State University are driven, diverse storytellers who pursue hands‑on education in animation, film production, and visual effects using cutting‑edge, industry-standard tools and studios.
Take courses like:
- FDMA 2311 - History of Animation
- FDMA 2382 - Principles of Story Across the Media
- FDMA 2535 – Digital Illustration Techniques
- FDMA 2381 – Storyboarding
Students drawn to NMSU’s Bachelor of Creative Media in Animation and Visual Effects – 2D Production Studio are creative, story-driven individuals passionate about hand-drawn and digital animation. They value structured, studio-style training in areas like storyboarding, character design, and 2D compositing, and are often motivated by the program’s affordability, supportive faculty, and national recognition. Successful students are self-motivated, technically curious, and committed to developing strong portfolios for careers in animation and media production.
The Bachelor of Creative Media consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all animation and visual effects core courses, and all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Take courses like:
- FDMA 2755 – Drawing for Animation
- FDMA 348 – Acting for Animation
- FDMA 365 – Character Design and Development
- FDMA 433 – Sets and Environments
Students drawn to NMSU’s Bachelor of Creative Media in Animation and Visual Effects – 3D and VFX Production Studio path are technically curious storytellers passionate about crafting immersive cinematic scenes through 3D modeling, rigging, lighting, motion capture, and compositing. They value studio-style, hands-on training in previsualization, VFX techniques, and production pipelines, delivered affordably by faculty with industry experience.
The Bachelor of Creative Media consists of 120 credits. To earn this degree, you need to complete all animation and visual effects core courses, and all university degree requirements, which include General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Take courses like:
- FDMA 2720 – 3D Animation
- FDMA 2725 – Rigging for 3D Animation
- FDMA 2745 – Light, Shade, Render
- FDMA 360 – Previsualization
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu