Master of Design (MDes) in Animation

Drawing of Girl looking at the Sky

Bring your vision to life through advanced creative practice, technical craft, and industry mentorship

Applications Open: October 1st, 2026

Deadline: February 1st, 2027

Attend our Info Sessions!
*registration required! Please use the links below to register:

October 14, 6:00 PM PST - Register
November 14, 10:00 AM PST - Register
December 5, 10:00 AM PST - Register
January 28, 2027, 6:00 PM - Register

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Your Vision. Cultivated, crafted, and realized.

San José State University’s Master of Design (MDes) in Animation combines creative development with advanced digital production. In this rigorous two-year, 60-unit terminal degree program, you will develop original work, strengthen your technical and storytelling skills, and prepare for leadership opportunities across animation and related media.

Who It's For

The program is designed for advanced students and working professionals with a strong foundation in visual arts who want to develop original intellectual property, including short films, episodic projects, feature animation, and related forms of visual storytelling.

The Curriculum: Where Art Meets Tech

Build your artistic voice and technical expertise through a demanding, studio-focused curriculum.

Master Project: Develop and complete a major creative project through individual or collaborative production.
Coursework: Strengthen your project through advanced study in story structure, 3D animation, lighting, rendering, sound design, and contextual theory, guided by experienced faculty and industry professionals.

Industry Access & Creative Culture

Creative work grows through collaboration. Join a supportive community where students exchange constructive feedback, strengthen their craft, and build lasting professional relationships.

Mentorship: Work directly with seasoned industry professionals who will guide and refine your creative process.
Networking: Connect with visiting artists and professionals from animation, games, and related creative industries.
Community: Thrive in a space that champions unique voices and exceptional work, where constructive collaboration pushes you to reach your peak creative potential.

Step into a community built for creators. Elevate your craft, build your network, and shape the future of animation.

Why Study Animation at SJSU?

Why choose San José State over competing graduate programs?

Because we offer a top-tier, industry-recognized animation education without the private-art-school price tag. Because we have stellar faculty, who are truly passionate about getting you to be the best artist you can be. Because we are well connected to several super cool animation studios and professionals. Because we care, and we have a community of creative minds, who support each other and are interested in building something beautiful together.

Industry Connections: Study in the Bay Area, where animation, entertainment, games, and technology intersect. Learn through mentorship, guest presentations, and professional networking opportunties.
Unmatched ROI: You get rigorous, master-level mentorship, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art resources at a fraction of the cost of private institutions. Graduate with a powerful portfolio, not crippling debt.
Creative Autonomy: Go beyond software training by developing your voice as a creator and leader. The curriculum centers on a Master Project that gives you time to develop and refine original intellectual property.
A Legendary Network: When you join SJSU Animation, you plug into a fiercely supportive, highly influential alumni family that actively champions our graduates in the studio system.

Info Sessions

Attend a live online information session to learn about the MDes in Animationand ask questions directly. Each session includes a program presentation followed by a live Q&A covering:

Program Overview & Educational Philosophy: Our project-based, hands-on model, terminal degree status, and focus on developing original Intellectual Property.
Curriculum Structure & Faculty: The two-year progression from foundational practices in animation to Master Project production, including our one-on-one industry mentorship program.
Admissions Process & Portfolio Guidelines: The application timeline, required materials (such as the project pre-proposal), and our specific portfolio standards.
Award-winning Faculty: Highlighting our faculty's deep industry experience, featuring artists with strong backgrounds in feature film, TV, and games who actively guide students through their projects.
Career Opportunities & Outcomes: Industry alignment and standart career trajectories in animation, game design, and academia.