Overview

The Animation B.A. at the University of Hawaii at Manoa provides a rigorous academic and creative environment for aspiring artists to master the craft of visual storytelling. Students engage with a curriculum that balances technical proficiency with personal expression, drawing inspiration from the unique cultural landscape of Hawaii and the broader Pacific region. This track is designed to empower emerging creators to produce independent films while gaining professional skills relevant to the global entertainment industry.

Why Animation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The programme is situated within the School of Cinematic Arts, a hub for innovation located in the heart of a robust film and television industry. Students benefit from a dedicated Production Center and opportunities for community engagement through master classes and industry screenings, such as the Hawaii International Film Festival. The curriculum emphasizes place-based learning, encouraging students to explore diverse identities and indigenous aesthetics. Facilities include specialized labs for 2D and 3D animation, ensuring learners work with industry-standard tools and software.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33552 per year
National fee: USD 33552 per year
Local fee: USD 11520 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Drawing
Cinema and Digital Media
3D Animation
2D Animation
Screenwriting
Indigenous Aesthetics
Topics in Cinematic Arts
Ethics and Film
Animation Production

Students typically choose a concentration in either 3D or 2D pathways. The 3D sequence focuses on modelling and rendering, while the 2D sequence emphasizes storyboarding, visual development, and movement studies.

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles within the animation and immersive media sectors. The programme equips students with the versatility to work as independent filmmakers or to specialise in specific industry roles such as character designers, 3D modellers, and storyboard artists. Beyond traditional film and television, the skills acquired are applicable to video game design, special effects, and digital installation development. The university's alumni projects demonstrate a strong track record of graduates contributing to the creative economy both in Hawaii and internationally.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

3D Computer Animation
Animation Production
3D Modeling
Motion Graphics
Video Game Design and Development
Data Visualization
Virtual and Augmented Reality Programming

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-30 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Honolulu, United States

Disciplines

Animation View 154 other Bachelors in Animation in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Freshman Application!
Application Fee: $70 U.S.
Official High School Transcripts
Letter of Recommendation
Personal Statement & List of Achievements Form
Official Standardized Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11520 USD / year

≈ 11520 USD / year

Living costs

Honolulu

United States

1640 - 2500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Animation.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Honolulu

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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