The continuing growth of computer-generated imagery in fields such as entertainment, game design, health, and other commercial industries offers individual opportunities to work in a creative and technical field. The coursework in this program covers key concepts in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and rigging, visual effects (VFX), game art, and animation. The program’s core emphasis is on the application of design thinking towards the development of motion & mechanics, rendering, user-experience, and compositing. Our majors receive intensive hands-on experience to boost their skill development in preparation for being responsive to industry needs, trends, and standards. Students will acquire a well-rounded education addressing important design principles, theories, and philosophies.
Part of collaboration with Visual Art on Animation BFA.
CAREER PATHS
Completion of a 3D Digital Design & VFX degree provides a solid user-experience foundation while allowing for digital media to be created for various output methods. Our students explore 3D modeling & animation, push the boundaries of immersive virtual production, and deliver cutting-edge content.
NKU prepares students for careers in areas such as:
3D Modeling & Visualization
Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
Digital Design
User-experience & Interface Design
3D Animation
Game Art
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Informatics
Northern Kentucky University,
Griffin Hall Suite 500, Nunn Drive,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, United States
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
January 2026
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, South, United States
Students should have completed secondary school coursework and any appropriate examination (if applicable).
English proficiency required for admission can be satisfied by any one of the following:
An official and satisfactory score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission are a 500 on the paper-based exam or a 61 on the internet-based (iBT) exam.
Documentation of having satisfactorily completed freshman-level English composition at an American regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. and an overall acceptable GPA. Non-native speakers of English may still be asked to take the TOEFL if it has been several years since taking the English courses or if the student has returned to his or her home country for several years since taking the course.
A satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the ACT or SAT taken within the last two years. The minimum scores to be considered for admission are an ACT of 18 or SAT of 430 (through 3/15/16) or 25 (effective 3/16/16).
An official and satisfactory score from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) taken within the last two years. The minimum IELTS scores to be considered for admission must include a cumulative band of 5.5 and sub-scores in reading and writing of 5.0 or better.
Successful completion of NKU’s American English Language Program with at least an 80% in each AELP class.
Priority deadline: For Fall Semester: April 15; Spring Semester: October 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
NKU has a focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning, and graduates develop versatile skill sets in preparation for employment.
