The field of computer animation has been booming in recent years, especially with the rise of social media.
Many individuals are very interested in becoming a part of this industry.
However, it is hard work, so a good education is crucial.
Here are some of the best online degree programs that offer courses in Animation.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a privately held, non-profit academic organization based in Hooksett, New Hampshire.
This school offers a Bachelor’s degree program in Animation, which is a part of their Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design – 3D Modeling & Animation.
The 120-credit-hour course enables students to gain knowledge from many renowned faculty members.
They use state-of-the-art technology like Autodesk’s Maya, Mudbox, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Official WebsiteRasmussen College
Rasmussen College in Bloomington, Minnesota provides an online graduate degree in graphic design, specializing in animation and motion graphics, web and interactive design.
The animation and motion graphics expertise investigates state-of-the-art techniques, both traditional and multimedia art, such as 3D modeling, character modeling, motion graphics, digital special effects, and animation.
Students can receive their diploma in about 36 months, depending on the transfer of credits and the number of classes they completed each semester.
Official WebsiteFull Sail University
Located in Winter Park, Florida, the Full Sail University provides a wide variety of degrees in animation and graphic design, such as their online graduate degree in computer animation.
With this degree, learners will be taught everything from sketching to storyboarding and visual development through a sequence of production pipelines used in studios.
The 29-month internet degree includes key animation features such as character rigging, character design & creation, and animation production.
Official WebsiteRocky Mountain College of Art and Design
The Rocky Mountain College of Arts and Design, based in Denver, Colorado, provides an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, with a focus on 2D and 3D Animations.
This degree enables to enhance their artistic, creative, and inventive skills.
Moreover, prospective students will be working alongside skilled animation professionals.
Working with such industry experts will help them discover the foundations and methods of animation.
By attending this course, students will be provided with support and taught skills that are necessary to excel in their future business endeavors.
Official WebsiteAcademy of Art University
Academy of Art University is based in San Francisco, California.
This school offers an online bachelor’s degree in fine arts and animation through their School of Animation and Visual Effects.
Students will get to be fully immersed into VFX production set-up, as well as animation itself.
Prospective graduates will also get a chance to choose a specialization in areas such as 2D and 3D animations, 3D modeling, storyboarding, and visual effects.
The course has 132 credit hours, and it will assist students in obtaining jobs at renowned companies such as EA, Sony, Riot Games, and many others.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Colorado - Denver
This university offers an online degree program that focuses on fine arts and animation.
Their program will assist students in preparing for a vast amount of opportunities in visual design and digital media.
The curriculum aims to teach students the most important aspects of working in this industry, and it incorporates theoretical knowledge as well.
Upon completion, students will have obtained the necessary skillset to seek employment in various industries immediately.
The classes will be held under the school’s Digital Animation center, which will teach them about 2D & 3D basics, art history, color theory, 3D graphics, and animation.
Official WebsiteLiberty University
Liberty University is comfortably situated in Lynchburg, Virginia.
This fantastic educational institution offers a comprehensive online degree program that focuses on animation.
By attending this course, students will get to learn about art history and gain practical experience that is crucial for working in the industry.
The main focus of their curriculum includes:
- Digital Art
- Multimedia
- Interactive Designing
- Publication Design
- 2D Design
- 3D Design
The program has 120 credit hours and can be completed in up to three years, which can vary based on the selected courses and transfer credits.
Official WebsiteSavannah College of Art and Design
Based in Georgia, this college offers an accessible and comprehensive online degree in Fine Arts and Animation.
This course will teach students all the essential skills, will enhance their creative thinking, and show them all the basics needed to succeed in this industry.
The main animation courses will cover the following:
- Special Effects
- Interactive Design
- Motion Graphics
- Digital Image Manipulation
- Production
- Transmedia Design Theory
The program has 180 credit hours, and it will prepare students for a successful future in the workforce.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the curriculum like for their Online Bachelor’s in Animation Degree course?
This course usually covers all the crucial aspects of animation, such as 2D and 3D animation, digital art, motion graphics, and similar.
Most of these online courses will also include general education classes, as well as some required classes in video and audio technology.
Some of the main points that will be covered include:
- Color Theory
- Digital Design
- Digital Characters
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
These programs usually incorporate teaching crucial skills such as Flash animation, Digital Effects, and Animation, Image Editing, etc.
Q. By obtaining this degree, which career options will I have once I graduate?
You can apply for various entry-level positions, such as:
- Graphic Design
- Computer Illustrations
- Video Game Development
By successfully completing this program, students will have obtained the necessary skills to rapidly advance in their career of choice.
You can work as a digital illustrator, multimedia animator, digital designer, production, and many more.
Q. What are the admission requirements for enrolling in this program?
Prospective students must take general education courses.
They also must provide proof of education – a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Certificates from courses in technology and math are also of huge help.
Bear in mind that you also might need the industry-standard software such as Photoshop, In-Design, and similar programs.
Students should also have their own computers and USB drivers to save and share their projects and other coursework.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to this particular industry, job opportunities seem to be endless.
Not only that but working in this area of expertise can yield some amazing financial results.
Most of these programs are fast-paced and dynamic, which allows for better learning.