Program Overview

The DAVE Schoolteaches a single program spanning four terms (which we call "Blocks"). Each Block lasts three months, during which time a single course is taught.  The course for each block focuses on a major discipline within the computer graphics industry. A number of subjects related to that discipline are taught throughout the Block. For example, in our Animation Block, you will learn the techniques developed by Disney animators to bring characters to life. But you will also learn subjects related to animation such as character rigging, soft body dynamics, and motion capture.

Our program is designed to give students a broad range of skills. This is an important distinction. Many computer graphics schools require students to specialize in a specific area of study or commit to a specific “track.” We believe this limits your career options after graduation. The diversity of our program allows students to pursue a wide range of jobs in the computer graphics industry, from feature film and television effects to game art, print advertising, architectural visualization and military simulation. (Visit our Student Success Stories for a sample of the various projects DAVE School graduates have worked on.)

The disciplines learned in the first three Blocks come together in the fourth and final Block where students engage in actual production. The Block 4 project is the hallmark of the DAVE School. It defines the graduating class and ensures that every student coming out of our program has a working knowledge of the procedures used in the industry.

The instructors for each Block are specialists in their respective fields and have been chosen for their outstanding work as artists and educators. Each has a passion to share their experience and help prepare you for a career as a 3D artist.

Our program is taught with the assumption that each student is computer literate, but has no prior experience in computer graphics or animation. We follow the "teach a man to fish" philosophy. We will show you the proper tools and techniques used by industry professionals. We will mentor you and provide both critique and support. But we will not walk you through your projects step-by-step. This "tough love" approach ensures that every student is capable of handling the challenges they will face in the real world.

Our ideal student is one who has a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a passion for problem solving.

Each Block in our program lasts 300 clock hours and provides 12 Quarter Credit Hours of study. The grading for each block is based on the cumulative GPA from all course projects. Students must have a passing grade from each Block in order to progress through the program.

Classes meet five hours per day, five days per week. Lab time during class hours is provided, however we expect each student to dedicate an appropriate amount of time outside of class to work on assignments and meet project deadlines.

Click below for detailed descriptions of each course in our program.

Student Achievement

^1. Percent of graduates who complete diploma program within 12 months.  Rates calculated for 2011-12 graduates based on US Department of Education formula for required disclosures under 34 CFR § 668.6, http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/10/29/2010-26531/program-integrity-issues#h-123

^2. Percent of graduates available for placement who obtain employment directly or indirectly related to the field of study within two and one-half months after the end of the reporting period. Rate calculated for 2011-12 graduates based upon ACICS formula,  http://www.acics.org/accreditation/content.aspx?id=1616

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