KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 9, 2016

Program supports workforce demands in digital entertainment industry

A new digital animation degree at Kennesaw State University will soon prepare students to creatively work in Georgia’s fast-growing entertainment industry. Today, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Animation.

Offered within Kennesaw State’s College of the Arts, it is the first bachelor’s degree program of its kind among USG colleges and universities. The program will launch in fall 2017.

“Kennesaw State’s new digital animation degree is a fine example of how higher education best supports the region’s economy and meets marketplace demands,” said Kennesaw State President Sam Olens. “The University continues to be a strong leader in creating innovative programs that serve our students and the state’s thriving entertainment industry.”

Georgia has the second-highest concentration of animation jobs in the country and  is one of the largest employers in the gaming and digital entertainment industries. According to Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, the industries have a $7 billion economic impact and employ more than 25,000 people in the state.

To better serve the state’s fast-growing entertainment industries, Kennesaw State’s digital animation degree program will provide intensive discipline-specific training and prepare students for a variety of animation and animation-related careers.

The innovative degree will combine rigorous coursework in general studies, balanced with courses in computer gaming, engineering, music, graphic communications, and theatre and performance studies.

“By intentionally designing this program in a way that blends the institution’s collaborative strengths, we are able to increase and enhance the academic opportunities for our students,” said Ken Harmon, Kennesaw State’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The addition of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Animation is a paragon of our growing unique professional offerings.”

Patricia Poulter, dean of the College of the Arts, added, “We are very excited about the degree, and are confident it will serve many Georgians (and beyond) as they prepare to enter this highly creative and in-demand field.”