Interested in the best computer animation schools in New Jersey? This article covers the standout programs at Bloomfield College, NJIT, Montclair State University, and Rowan University. Learn about their specialized courses, hands-on training opportunities, and career support that can help you excel in the animation industry.
- Bloomfield College, NJIT, Montclair State University, and Rowan University offer comprehensive animation programs that equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in the animation industry.
- Internships and real-world experiences are highly emphasized across these programs, with students gaining valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities that facilitate a smooth transition into professional careers.
- New Jersey provides a vibrant job market for computer animators, with numerous career opportunities and competitive salaries, making it an attractive destination for aspiring animators to build their careers.
Bloomfield College Animation Programs
One of New Jersey’s most comprehensive animation programs is offered by Bloomfield College. With coverage of both 2D and 3D animation, the curriculum fosters a well-rounded skill set in students. Core courses include:
- Intro to Animation
- Intro to 3D Modeling
- Visual Narrative
- Animation Practicum
All designed to provide a solid foundation in animation techniques and principles. Additionally, support studio courses such as Intro to Game Media Design and Digital Painting further enhance students’ creative capabilities.
Storyboarding, character design, and special effects are among the essential animation skills Bloomfield College students are trained in. The practical courses, which include figure drawing and storyboarding, focus on enhancing storytelling abilities, a critical aspect of successful animation. This holistic approach readies graduates for the multifaceted demands of the animation industry.
Bloomfield College, with its blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, is an ideal place for aspiring animators to refine their craft. The program’s emphasis on both traditional and digital media allows students to explore various animation styles and techniques, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in the industry.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Digital Design Program
NJIT’s Digital Design program, housed within the Hillier College of Architecture and Design, stands out for its comprehensive curriculum and industry-focused tracks. Students begin with a Foundation Year, where they take design and graphics courses together, laying a strong groundwork for more specialized studies. The program offers tracks in Entertainment or Interactive Media, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
The curriculum is structured to equip students for diverse careers in the digital design field, such as:
- Game design
- Web design
- Graphic design
- Video or film production
- Animation
Classes cover a wide range of topics, from environment design in motion pictures to 2D/3D character design, ensuring that students are well-versed in multiple aspects of digital design. Adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the industry requires this diverse skill set.
NJIT students have ample opportunities to showcase their work through competitions and curated exhibits, with some even having their work exhibited at prestigious events like the ACM/SIGGRAPH annual conference. This exposure not only boosts their portfolios but also provides invaluable networking opportunities with industry professionals.
The program’s commitment to providing real-world experience is evident in its internship placements. Students have interned or worked at renowned studios such as:
- 1st Avenue Machine
- NTropic
- SUSPECT VFX+Design
- Tripwire Interactive
These experiences facilitate a smooth transition from academic settings to professional environments, positioning NJIT graduates as strong competitors in the job market.
Montclair State University Animation and Visual Effects
Montclair State University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, an intensive program focusing on professional-quality 3D animation and visual effects creation. The curriculum aims to furnish students with the skills necessary to create high-quality 3D characters, environments, props, animations, simulated effects, and composites across various media platforms such as:
- live-action and feature films
- television
- video games
- interactive media
Students in this program work on creating professional-quality computer animation that is ready for industry use. The emphasis on professional tools and processes ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the animation and visual effects industries. This rigorous training opens doors to various career paths, including:
- Animators
- Art directors
- Special effects artists
- Multimedia designers
- Motion graphics designers
- Game developers
Montclair State’s commitment to using industry-standard tools and collaborative workflows provides students with a realistic studio environment. This practical approach not only fosters proficiency in technical skills but also proficiency in team settings, a key factor in any animation career.
Rowan University Art Department – Animation Concentration
Rowan University’s Animation Concentration within the Art Department requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum totaling 78 semester hours. The program begins with 15 semester hours of Art Department Foundation Core Courses, ensuring that students have a solid grounding in art principles before diving into more specialized animation courses.
The curriculum includes 12 semester hours of Art History courses, providing a historical context that enriches students’ understanding of animation as an art form. Students must also complete 21 semester hours of Animation Concentration-Specific coursework, which includes a unique writing requirement where they can choose between Writing Children’s Stories or Screenwriting 1. This focus on writing skills is essential for developing compelling narratives in animation.
Additionally, students take 21 semester hours of Support Studios and an extra 9 semester hours of Required Support Studios specifically for the Animation Concentration. This extensive and varied curriculum ensures that graduates are well-rounded animators, equipped with both the technical skills and the creative insight needed for success in the industry.
Career Opportunities for Computer Animators in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a wealth of career opportunities for computer animators, reflecting the diverse applications of animation in various industries. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Animator
- Art Director
- Special Effects Artist
- Multimedia Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Game Developer
These positions are found in advertising agencies, design firms, entertainment companies, and more, highlighting the versatility of an animation degree.
Art directors in New Jersey, for instance, have a mean annual wage of $125,000, while game designers can expect to earn around $90,000 annually. Television production specialists, another viable career path, have an average annual salary of $78,000. These figures underscore the financial viability of pursuing a career in animation in New Jersey.
The local job market is vibrant, with opportunities in various sectors. Some potential roles for creative professionals in New Jersey include:
- Art directors in advertising agencies and design firms
- Game designers in video game companies, both large and indie
- Television production specialists in local TV stations, cable companies, and streaming services
This wide range of opportunities makes New Jersey an attractive place for aspiring animators to build their careers.
Internships and Real-World Experience
Internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and professional work. For animation students, these opportunities provide a platform to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, significantly enhancing their skills and industry readiness. Engaging in internships allows students to understand the professional landscape, including the challenges and expectations of the animation industry.
The transition from school to professional work is smoothed by real-world experience. Internships offer:
- Practical experience
- Opportunities for job offers
- Critical step for securing employment post-graduation
- Help in building professional networks that are essential for career growth in animation.
New Jersey offers numerous internship opportunities for animation students. Some examples include:
- Students at Bloomfield College work with professional filmmakers, gaining firsthand experience in the field.
- NJIT Digital Design students have interned at renowned studios like 1st Avenue Machine and Tripwire Interactive.
- Jersey City provides opportunities with companies like Nickelodeon.
These internships provide invaluable industry experience, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.
Student Life and Campus Resources
Student life and campus resources significantly enhance the overall educational experience, beyond academics. New Jersey colleges offer various clubs and organizations specifically for animation students, providing networking and collaborative opportunities. These clubs often focus on areas like 3D Video Game Animation and Film Production, helping students to further hone their skills and interests.
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), for example, offers a variety of student clubs and organizations that support animation students, enhancing their educational experience. Additionally, study abroad opportunities are available, allowing students to gain global perspectives and experiences that can enrich their creative work. These opportunities ensure that students have a well-rounded educational experience, blending academic learning with extracurricular engagement.
Participation in clubs, organizations, and study abroad programs helps students build a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for personal and professional growth. These resources provide a supportive environment where students can:
- Connect with like-minded individuals
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Explore new interests and passions
- Gain valuable experience for their future careers
By actively engaging in these opportunities, students can make their college experience both enriching and enjoyable.
Admissions Requirements and Application Tips
Creating a high-quality portfolio or showreel to showcase their best work should be a priority for aspiring animators, as it is a key component of the admissions process. Portfolios can be in the form of a website or video showreel, and should include a selection of the applicant’s best work, with the very best pieces placed first to grab attention within the first 30 seconds. It’s also important to keep the portfolio up to date and tailored to the specific program or job application.
Including up-to-date contact details in the portfolio is important in case employers or admissions tutors need to reach out. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid including work that isn’t your own, as this can be easily discovered and may harm your credibility. A strong portfolio should also include shot breakdowns or processes used, such as rigging, composites, or design work, to give a clear understanding of your skills and capabilities.
Using free platforms like Adobe Portfolio, ArtStation, and WordPress to host your portfolio website ensures that your work is accessible on various devices and browsers. Ensuring accessibility is key to making a positive impression on admissions committees and potential employers.
Technology and Facilities
New Jersey’s animation schools are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities that provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the industry. For example, NJIT’s Digital Design students have access to specialized labs such as the Cintiq-equipped Art Teaching Lab, Physical Computing Lab, and the Animation Lab. These facilities offer students hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software.
Montclair State University’s BFA in Animation and Visual Effects provides an immersive experience using professional industry tools and collaborative workflows. By focusing on professional tools, students are adequately prepared to meet the demands of the animation and visual effects industries. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing the technical skills required in the field.
New Jersey colleges support animation students with resources such as access to industry-standard software and digital modeling techniques. These facilities and resources empower students to produce professional-level work, thus enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. The presence of in-house experts and dedicated teams further enhances the learning experience, providing students with guidance and support throughout their studies.
Alumni Success Stories
Alumni success stories serve as an inspiration for current and prospective students, showcasing the potential career paths that animation graduates can pursue. For instance, Gregg Spiridellis, a Rutgers graduate, co-founded JibJab, a web-based animation company known for its personalized eCards and viral videos. JibJab’s ‘This Land’ parody of the 2004 presidential election was one of the first-ever viral videos, viewed 80 million times globally. This success story highlights the impact that creative animation can have on popular culture.
Bloomfield College alumni have also achieved notable success, with some going on to teach animation in New Jersey school districts and others working in the motion capture industry. These achievements demonstrate the diverse career opportunities available to graduates of the program.
Graduates from New Jersey animation programs have been employed by prestigious companies such as:
- Blue Sky Studios
- Warner Brother
- Digital Domain
- Ubisoft
- Skydance Animation
- Apple
- BBC Earth
- Framestore
- Quiet Man
- Psyop TV
These success stories underscore the quality of education provided by New Jersey’s animation schools and the extensive career prospects available to their graduates, as evidenced by an animation career review.