Miami, March 7, 2017- Miami Dade College’s (MDC) renowned Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) was featured as one of the top four schools in animation or visual effects in the nation in the March issue of the Animation Magazine International Education & Career Guide. For over 25 years, Animation Magazine has covered the business, technology and art of animation and VFX, establishing itself as the most prestigious publication in the industry.
The feature article examines animation education programs that keep on top of industry innovations to provide students the best possible experience and foundation for success. The publication praises MAGIC’s academic program, current collaborations with Animation Studios and the affordability of the program, which costs less than $1,500 a semester for in-state students and just under $5,000 for out-of-state residents.
MAGIC offers an Associate in Science degree in Computer Programming and Analysis with concentrations in Animation and Game Art, or Game Development and Design. Students in the intensive, hands-on two-year program will develop skills in modeling, lighting, motion, sound, and storytelling, as well as gain command of the technical skills required in today’s highly competitive animation industry.
Students in the MAGIC program are invited to pitch an idea for an animated short film or a video game after completing their first academic year. In 2016, three of the ideas that were pitched were chosen for production by a panel of local professionals, faculty, staff, and executives from animation studios. Nickelodeon is currently mentoring and co-producing two short film projects at MAGIC, providing valuable industry experience to students while still enrolled in the program. MAGIC will premiere all three animated shorts on April 19, at MDC’s Wolfson Campus.
MAGIC students also benefit from a myriad of key partnerships and mentorships including alliances with Alienware, Baptist Hospital, Discovery Communications, Museu do Amanhã, Pixar’s RenderMan, Univision Communications, and many more that will put them in contact with top industry professionals through exchange programs and internships.
MAGIC continues to expand its course offerings with the implementation of the Immersive Technologies Certificate program on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) starting in 2018. The program is being developed based on local industries (health care, real state, education, hospitality and others) interest to create solutions, products and enhance guest experiences utilizing these technologies.
Nearly 200 students are enrolled at MAGIC’s animation and video game facility that covers 12,000 square feet, with cutting edge technology and designed after a modern animation and video game development studios. The first graduating class will participate in the spring 2017 commencement April 29.
For more information, please contact Mauricio Ferraza at 305-237-7852 or mferrazz@mdc.edu;