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If you’d like to learn more about the 3D Art and Animation program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
Gain professional skills in traditional and digital 3D animation and concept planning and development.
The 3D Art and Animation classes at Madison College will provide you with a broad foundation of skills in:
- Concept drawing and layout
- Figure/life drawing for concept work
- Concept presentation
- Digital modeling, texturing, rigging and animation
- Level design and construction
- Asset creation and management
- Digital lighting and cinematography
Graduating students have the opportunity to apply for professional internships and mentorships, and create a professional portfolio and demo reel.
Program Details
Students in the Animation program must attend classes full time.
Animation classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Careers in 3D Art and Animation
Earning your associate degree in the 3D Art and Animation program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Character Animator
- Concept Artist/Designer
- Storyboard Artist
You will also be prepared for work as an animator, modeler, lighter, or illustrator in the following industries:
- Advertising
- Architecture
- Broadcasting
- Entertainment
- Game Design
- Instructional
- Medical and Scientific
- Multimedia Production
- Printing/Publishing
- Product Design Development
- Web Design
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Pre-program Course RequirementsFirst SemesterSecond SemesterAnimation Track:3D Artist Track:Third SemesterAnimation Track:3D Artist Track:Fourth SemesterAnimation Track:3D Artist Track: -
Admission
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Join the Waiting List
This program is in transition to assess capacity and enrollment availability for the 2026-2027 academic year. Beginning Fall 2026, all qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
- Program Capacity: 18 spots each Fall
- Estimated Wait Time: 0-1 year
- Notification Timeline: Students on the waiting list will be notified in March 2026 about available spots. Those who remain on the list will also receive an update on their estimated wait times.
- Fall 2026 Eligibility: Open to in-state residents only
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available.
Learn more about waiting lists in the Waiting List section below.
Application Dates
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Fall 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Fall 2025 Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:
- High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED transcript
- College transcript(s) showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Fall 2026 Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:
- High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED transcript
- College transcript(s) showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a waitlist:
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are not eligible for admission consideration to this program
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your 3D Art and Animation career.
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Waiting List
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waitlist receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Animation program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in the technical and aesthetic skills necessary to meet challenges in the animation profession.
- Apply the principles and theories necessary to contribute to the creation of professional animation in a business setting.
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve complex problems and demonstrate effective organization in a high-pressure workplace.
- Communicate effectively and professionally using appropriate media, including written, verbal, graphic and electronic communications.
- Demonstrate creativity, innovation and flexibility in order to work successfully in a continuously changing animation business environment.
- Assume responsibility for continuing education in order to maintain, expand and enhance professional and artistic growth.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with colleagues in a team setting and understand workflow processes in a business environment.
- Exhibit desirable interpersonal skills, including but not limited to respect and sensitivity for diverse cultures and individuals.
- Practice desirable professional ethics, honesty, and confidentiality as applied to copyrighted materials when working on various facets of animation.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of intellectual property and intellectual freedom to the professional production of animation.
