MDes in Animation Admissions | SJSU

Level Up Your Art: MDes in Animation Admissions Guide

Apply to the Master of Design (MDes) in Animation at San José State University. We welcome motivated artists who are ready to expand their creative practice, technical skills, and professional perspective. The program admits students for the Fall term only.

Postcard design by Pranitha Andra

Admissions Timeline

  • October 1: Applications Open
  • February 1: Application Deadline
  • February: Admission Decisions Made
  • March 1: Acceptance Letters Mailed

Register for our Info Sessions

Info sessions are on Zoom only.
*registration required! Please use the links below to register

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Degree: A completed Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Background: An academic background and portfolio in animation or a related field, such as illustration, fine arts, design, computer graphics, film, or graphic design.
  • Language: International students must demonstrate English language proficiency.
  • Testing: GRE is not required.

The 3-Step Application Process

1. Cal State Apply

The official CSU system portal. Create an account and search for SJSU Extension or Design. Select the Master in Design program at San José State to register.

2. SlideRoom Portal

Head over to our SlideRoom Portal. Submit your program-specific materials through the SJSU SlideRoom portal. Select the Animation specialization, not Experience Design, and upload your resumé, transcripts, written statements, and portfolio. See “SlideRoom Breakdown” below for details.

3. Letters of Recommendation

You need two letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or directors who know your work and creative aptitude. We do not use official forms.

  • Submission: Recommenders must email letters directly to mdesani@sjsu.edu with the subject line "MDes-ANI Recommendation Letter - [Applicant Name]."

The SlideRoom Breakdown

Create your SlideRoom account and prepare the following materials:

  • Resumé (1-2 pages, PDF): Highlight your education, experience, projects, skills, and awards.
  • Unofficial Transcripts (PDF): Provide transcripts for your bachelor's degree. If you are still in school, upload your current progress.
  • Personal Statement (1-2 pages): Tell us your story. Discuss your aesthetic influences, professional goals, and why you want this degree. Specify your desired concentration (e.g., games, TV, film).
  • Master Project Pre-Proposal (1-2 pages): What kind of project do you want to work on while in our program? Pitch us your dream project (a short film, game, TV pilot, etc.). Include an outline and sketches if they help convey your vision. Note: You are not committing to this initial idea, and it is totally fine if this idea evolves or changes after you are admitted! However, it is important to us to have an idea of what kind or project you are interested in developing while in our program, even if that idea will most likely change over time.
  • Online Portfolio Link: Provide a URL to your web portfolio. Do not use ArtStation, Instagram, or LinkedIn as your primary link.

Portfolio Guidelines

Your portfolio should present your strongest and most recent work while demonstrating your creative voice, technical ability, and potential for graduate study.

Format & Limits
  • Upload 1 piece per page directly on SlideRoom
  • Submit a maximum of 15 pieces (ok to embed Vimeo/YouTube videos).
  • Accepted media may include: storyboards, animatics, concept designs, 3D models/rigs (wireframe and/or shaded), characters or props turnarounds, drawings, digital or analog paintings, sculptures, sketchbook pages, comics, short-film excerpts, and animated scenes.
Labeling & Crediting (Crucial)

For every single piece in SlideRoom, your description must include:

  • Title and year created.
  • A short description (e.g., "Freelance TV commercial concept").
  • Medium, technique, and/or software used.
  • Strict Collab Crediting: Animation is a team endeavor. If a piece is collaborative or uses external assets (rigs, music, background art), you must explicitly state exactly what you created and credit the other artists or sources.
What NOT to Include
  • Generic Assignments: Avoid basic walk cycles, bouncing balls, and foundational shape studies unless they demonstrate a distinctive personal or technical approach.
  • Guided Tutorials: We want to see your original ideas, not your ability to follow step-by-step instructions. Please do not include results of guided tutorials.
  • AI-Generated Art: We want to see your handiwork. AI-generated pieces are not permitted.

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