Answers for parents and students
The Visual Effects Diploma Program is 12 months
The Game Production Diploma Program is 12 months
The Virtual Production Diploma Program is 18 months
Prospective students must furnish proof of a high school diploma or equivalent. If an applicant is under 18, he or she must provide written consent of his or her parent or guardian. Applicants are not required to have any previous computer graphics experience, but a strong work ethic and a burning desire to become a 3D artist are necessary. Applicants should also possess basic computer and internet usage skills. We do not have a traditional art prerequisite. While drawing and painting are valuable skills that can be useful in certain job markets, we believe that 3D modeling and animation is a completely unique art form. In fact, we place equal value on experience in film making, acting, theater, lighting, stagecraft, web-design, programming, painting, writing, music, sculpture, model building, crafts or just about any creative endeavor. Ultimately we are seeking students who are creative by nature, not intimidated by conceptual challenges, don’t mind working long hours, enjoy problem-solving, and are driven to excellence. For more information, you may review the application requirements on the Apply Now page.
The required general education component must include at least one course from each of the following groups: Humanities, Mathematics and the Sciences, and Social Sciences.
In addition to the General Education courses listed, students may also take Core courses to satisfy the elective requirement. Core courses have a price of $1070 per class
Transfer students in diploma, certificate, and degree programs must submit formal application for admission with an official copy of a high school transcript or G.E.D. and an official transcript from each previously attended post-secondary institution must be submitted. Credits earned at other institutions or other approved sources may be eligible for transfer to The DAVE School for satisfaction of diploma, certificate, and degree requirements only if they meet the following criteria:
1. The credits or clock hours must be earned at another institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to satisfy specific requirements for completion of a program.
2. The student earned a grade of at least “C”.
3. The course to be transferred is similar in level and credit value to a course offered by The DAVE School.
4. Credits earned at another institution that is not located in the United States or its territories must be evaluated by an agency which attests to the qualitative and quantitative equivalency of the foreign education and the specific course or courses for which transfer credit is to be awarded. The DAVE School accepts transfer credit evaluations from National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) member organizations.
The DAVE School offers Diploma Degree programs in Visual Effects Production and Game Production.
The DAVE School also offers an 18 month Virtual Production diploma program.
We start our programs at a very basic level. Prior experience would be beneficial but is not required.
Students are required to purchase our Tech Package to attend. Our tech page is $3500 and includes the following:
Hardware Package
High performance pre-loaded laptop package delivered to student with warranty ($2500)
VR Headset: Oculus Rift S ($450)
Tech Fee
Included software: Maya, Substance, Redshift, Unreal Engine, Quixel, EngageVR.io, Adobe Suite, Nuke, ZBrush ($550)
Total Fees: $3500
Warranty Includes:
1 year warranty on laptop
1 year DAVE IT Tier 1 software support
1 year Tier 2 software support
Our programs are designed to get students to a production-ready level at the end of their training.
Yes. Our career services department focuses on preparing students, from the very first class, on interviewing skills and professional-level demo reels. Once a demo reel is deemed ready to be seen by professional studios, the career services department will send it out to prospective employers. In addition, studios are flown in to personally view the students’ reels and have individual contact with them. Once a student graduates, they will always be eligible to receive placement assistance from the DAVE School.
Our financing department assists students with obtaining the resources necessary to attend the DAVE School. While we are not able to accept the FAFSA at this time, we direct students to alternative resources to assist them.
The DAVE School has partnered with Collegiate Housing Services (CHS), a national student housing provider, to coordinate our students’ housing needs. Students have on-campus access to CHS during their regularly scheduled business hours and otherwise by appointment.
Collegiate Housing Services (CHS) offers a shared housing program in full-size apartments that are typically within 10 miles of campus. Apartment rent, furniture, and basic utilities are all included in your monthly housing payment. All students are on an individual lease that corresponds with your academic dates and a locked-in price that isn’t impacted by roommates. CHS provides both shared and private bedroom options in two and three-bedroom apartments.
If you have any questions about housing, please contact the admissions department.