Online Animation Degrees: Curriculum & Program Info
Animators and other multimedia artists create animation, special effects, and other visual images using a combination of computers, video, film, and other electronic tools. Animators’ creations can be seen in commercials, music videos, movies, and in video games.
Because animation is a specialized area within the multimedia art world, the demand for skilled animators is high. In 2008, the multimedia art and animation industry employed 79,000 artists. By 2018, this figure is expected to reach 90,200--meaning the industry will see a 14% increase in job growth during the 2008-2018 decade.
Animators have high earning growth potential. In 2007, the average annual salary for animators was $51,350. In 2008, animators’ salaries increased to $56,330. Entry-level animators can expect to earn $30,390 per year and high-level animators typically earn $70,050-$92,720 annually. Currently, 61% of all animators and multimedia artists are self-employed, which means annual earnings for this group could be higher or lower than the averages. The highest paying industry overall for animators is the motion picture or “film and video” industry. The average starting salary for film and video animators is $60,000 annually.
If you want to start a career in animation, you should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited art school. A bachelor’s degree in computer animation or multimedia art will give you the tools you need to vie for an animation position. While an associate degree is acceptable for entry into this field, most employers prefer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer animation, multi-media art, or other related field. Master’s degree holders account for 6% of all animators in the field; bachelor’s degree holders account for 35%; and 18% of all animators hold an associate degree.
Aspiring animators can earn a degree in computer animation or multimedia art through one of 300 on-campus schools that offer accredited programs in art and design. Many of these programs are also offered online. Students seeking convenience and flexibility usually choose the online option.
There are literally hundreds of art schools around the world, operating 100% online, that now offer similar (if not identical) art and design degree programs to students. It is important to pay close attention to accreditation, admission requirements, and curriculums when seeking an online school. Most accredited colleges require a sample of students’ work in order to assess artistic, creative, and technical ability. Accredited online schools also require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The information in the next section can be used as a valuable tool to compare accredited on-campus and online curriculums.
On-Campus and Online Animation Degree Curriculum
Accredited animation degree programs cover the following subject areas:
- 3D Foundation
- Advanced Game Techniques
- Art History
- Character Rigging
Specific required courses include, but are not limited to:
- 3D Animation
- Character Animation
- Digital Production
- Introduction to Animation
- Special Effects and Sound
- Storyboarding
The master’s program will help students gain entry into most upper level areas of the animation and multi-media art industry. Master’s coursework will include advanced courses such as:
- Ad Design
- Animation and Motion Studies
- Business Management
- Cartooning
- Color Theory
- Computer Graphics/Multimedia
- Design
- Drawing
- Film
- Editing
- Film Production
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Illustration
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sound design and Editing
- Television Production
- Visual Theory
Finding Online Animation Degree Programs
To locate top accredited online animation and multimedia degree programs, students may explore offerings at on-campus colleges, search through comprehensive online directories such as Top Online Colleges, or use well-known search engines such as Bing, Ask or Google. Each online degree program will offer information on accreditation. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits most art and design programs, but not all. If your school lists an accrediting agency, check to make sure it is listed with the U.S. Department of Education.
Tip: Insiders describe the personality type of most animators as artistic rather than technical. Although technical skills are a major requirement for entry into this field, animation occupations require self-expression. The work is usually done without following an explicit set of rules.
