Looking to earn a computer animation degree online? This article highlights the top programs, their benefits, and what to expect from your online learning experience.
- Online computer animation degree programs offer flexible, cost-effective education with access to industry professionals and diverse learning resources.
- The curriculum of computer animation degrees covers a comprehensive set of skills, including storyboarding, 2D and 3D animation, texturing, and modeling, preparing students for a variety of roles in the animation industry.
- Top online programs for 2024 include University of Florida’s BA in Digital Arts & Sciences, Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts, and Academy of Art University’s BFA in Animation and Visual Effects, each offering unique strengths and specialization options.
Why Choose an Online Computer Animation Degree?
Pursuing an online animation degree offers numerous advantages. One of the most notable is flexibility. Online animation programs allow students to:
- Access lectures and complete assignments at their own pace
- Balance studies with personal and professional commitments
- Study from anywhere in the world, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or traveling.
Another significant benefit is the cost-effectiveness of online learning. Choosing an online animation degree helps students evade numerous expenses tied to on-campus programs like housing, commuting, and meal plans. This makes online classes more accessible to a broader range of students, including those who might not have the means to relocate or take on significant debt.
Furthermore, courses in online animation online programs are frequently taught by industry professionals, offering students unique insights and networking opportunities. These programs also offer access to diverse learning resources, including video tutorials, virtual labs, and interactive assignments, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.
Computer Animation Degrees
A wide variety of subjects are covered in computer animation degrees, all aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for excelling in the animation industry. The curriculum typically covers:
- Conceptualization and storyboarding
- 2D and 3D character animation
- Texturing
- Modeling
- Composition
This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates with a bachelor’s degree are well-prepared to tackle the various challenges they will encounter in their careers.
Common courses in computer animation programs include:
- Animation basics, teaching students techniques for 3D character animation
- Complex character creation
- Emotional connection with audiences
- Foundational skills in drawing, composition, anatomy, color, and perspective through observational drawing courses
These skills are crucial for creating realistic and engaging characters and scenes.
Additionally, students at Rocky Mountain College obtain practical experience in:
- Digital storytelling
- 3D modeling
- Cinematic lighting
- Motion graphics
These are all fundamental parts of the animation production process. The knowledge and skills acquired throughout the degree program enable students to create impressive portfolios that showcase their best work and perspectives, which are essential for securing employment in the competitive animation industry.
Top Online Computer Animation Programs for 2024
In 2024, several institutions distinguish themselves by offering the best online animation degrees. Among these are:
- University of Florida’s BA in Digital Arts & Sciences
- Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts
- Academy of Art University’s BFA in Animation and Visual Effects
Each of these programs offers unique strengths and specializations that cater to different aspects of computer animation.
University of Florida – BA in Digital Arts & Sciences
Covering a broad range of topics within the realm of digital media, the University of Florida’s BA in Digital Arts & Sciences offers a comprehensive program. One of the significant focus areas of this program is animation, ensuring that students develop the necessary skills to create compelling animated works. The curriculum also emphasizes programming and game design, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for various roles in the digital arts.
A strong emphasis on programming skill development is a key benefit for students in this program, as it is essential for the creation of interactive and dynamic animations. Additionally, the focus on game design allows students to explore the intricacies of creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences.
Southern New Hampshire University – BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts
Cultivating creative skills and artistic techniques, Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts is a uniquely designed program. This program offers concentrations in web design, 3D modeling, and animation, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Through these concentrations, students acquire essential skills for creating content for movies, TV, and video games.
The program’s focus on creative skills development ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the competitive fields of graphic design and media arts. By learning various artistic techniques and gaining hands-on experience, graduates are equipped with a versatile skill set that includes:
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Web design
- Animation
This skill set is highly valued in the industry.
Academy of Art University – BFA in Animation and Visual Effects
Distinguished by its emphasis on 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, and storyboarding, the Academy of Art University’s BFA in Animation and Visual Effects is a standout program. The program provides students with access to expert instructors and extensive resources, including a comprehensive online curriculum and a Virtual Remote Lab (rLab). This ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers in the animation industry.
Technical courses at the Academy of Art University cover industry-standard 3D software programs, enabling students to gain proficiency in the tools used by professional animators. The program’s strong focus on visual effects and storyboarding helps students develop the skills needed to create compelling and visually stunning animations.
Key Skills Developed in an Online Animation Program
A range of critical skills, essential for success in the animation industry, are cultivated in students through online animation programs. One of the key skills is 3D modeling, which involves creating detailed and realistic models of characters and objects. Additionally, students learn character rigging, a process that prepares models for animation by creating a skeleton that animators can manipulate.
Proficiency in visual effects is another vital skill gained through online animation programs. This includes the ability to create realistic and dynamic effects that enhance the overall visual experience of films and games. Animation fundamentals, such as understanding motion, timing, and the subtleties of movement, are also emphasized to ensure students can create believable animations.
Other important skills developed include:
- Storyboarding
- Observational drawing
- Texturing
- Character design
These animation skills collectively enable students to create engaging and visually appealing animations that capture the audience’s attention and convey compelling stories.
Career Opportunities with a Computer Animation Degree
A myriad of career opportunities become available for graduates holding a computer animation degree. These include roles in film, gaming, advertising, and other multimedia industries. The skills acquired through an animation degree online prepare students for a variety of positions, such as animators, visual effects artists, character designers, and more.
The average annual salary for animators ranges from $70,530 to $74,000, with the potential for higher earnings depending on the specific job and level of experience. Roles such as lighting artists offer additional perks, including the opportunity to work on exciting projects and collaborate with industry veterans. Online animation programs also provide career development resources, such as resume building and job placement assistance, to help students succeed in their chosen fields.
Admission Requirements for Online Animation Programs
A completed application and contact information for two teacher recommenders are typical admission requirements for online animation programs. Applicants are often required to upload a video recording explaining their motivation for joining the program. This helps admissions committees understand the applicant’s passion and commitment to the field of animation.
In addition to these requirements, students must submit a portfolio of drawings and paintings that showcase their artistic skills and creativity. This portfolio may include:
- A drawing or painting of a portrait of a favorite artist
- A piece inspired by song lyrics
- A series of life drawings of plants and animals
- A video of an animation created by the applicant to demonstrate their understanding of motion and animation principles
- A typed statement explaining their choice of artist and artistic direction to provide further insight into their artistic vision.
Financial Aid Options for Online Students
Scholarships, grants, and student loans are among the various financial aid options available to online animation students. Scholarships specifically for online students can help alleviate the cost of education. For instance, Scholarships360 offers a $10,000 ‘No Essay’ Scholarship open to all students needing help paying for education. The ‘Creativity Takes Courage’ Scholarship awards $500 to students studying visual or performing arts.
Other notable scholarships include:
- Ascent Funding’s $10,000 Summer of Success Scholarship Giveaway
- American Advertising Federation-New Mexico Scholarship Fund, which awards up to $1,400 to students in advertising-related fields
- Beinecke Scholarship Program, which offers $5,000 for graduate school preparation and $30,000 for attending graduate school in the arts
Students are also encouraged to explore general educational grants and student loan options available through federal and private lenders.
Faculty and Support Services
Featuring industry professionals as instructors, online animation programs ensure high-quality education and valuable insights from experienced practitioners for students. For example, the Academy of Art University uses the same expert instructors for its online and on-site students, maintaining consistent education quality. Additionally, custom content created by industry experts is tailored specifically for art and design courses.
Support services such as virtual labs, collaborative spaces, and access to campus resources are also integral to online animation programs. The Academy of Art University’s Virtual Remote Lab (rLab) allows students to use robust campus computers and software remotely, speeding up project rendering. The Online Hub centralizes classes, profiles, news, assignments, grades, and provides academic and English language support, promoting a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Student Success Stories
The potential for career growth in the industry is highlighted by success stories from graduates of online animation programs. For instance, Jan Philip Cramer, a graduate of the Academy of Art University’s BFA in Animation & Visual Effects, has worked on blockbuster films like Avatar and Avengers: Endgame. Similarly, Kristen Sanzari, who earned her MA in Animation from the same institution, now works as a Senior Designer at Mattel, creating toys for major brands like Disney and Pixar.
David Markowitz, a Navy veteran, transitioned to a professional animator for companies like Comedy Central and Disney after earning his BA in Illustration from the Academy of Art University. Elham Sepehrjou, another Academy of Art University graduate, contributed to major Hollywood franchises, including Spider-Man and Avengers. These success stories demonstrate the diverse career paths and opportunities available to graduates of online animation programs.
Industry Tools and Software
Success in computer animation relies heavily on mastery of industry-standard tools and software. Some of the key software used in the industry includes:
- Autodesk Maya: the industry standard for 3D modeling and animation, widely used in film, television, and video games.
- Blender: an open-source 3D animation software, increasingly popular among freelancers and small studios due to its extensive community support.
- ZBrush: the leading software for 3D sculpting, essential for creating detailed models in both film and games.
Mastering these tools will greatly enhance your skills and increase your chances of success in the field of computer animation.
Other important tools include:
- 3ds Max: commonly used for commercial product renderings and architectural visualizations
- Arnold for Maya: with its advanced Monte Carlo ray tracer, is widely used for rendering and lighting, providing photorealistic results
- Katana: a top lighting and look development tool that streamlines asset, material, shader, and output file management, resulting in faster rendering. It simplifies the entire process for efficient workflow
- Adobe After Effects: commonly used for creating visual effects in computer animation.