If you want to pursue a career in animation, then an online animation degree is the best way forward. A credential in computer animation is available from many top online schools. These programs can pave the way to successful careers in:
- gaming
- movies
- graphic design
- television careers
Online animation degrees teach students to develop content by designing and composing art-related multimedia content. Students graduating from online schools can break into the animation industry. They can become talented animators with a degree. This may open them up for success and a higher earning potential.
Online animation programs teach incoming students manual, computer, and interactive techniques. They provide artistic training for students with an eye for technology-assisted design and illustration, and hand drawing. Students develop perspectives for composition and design and learn visual effects in storytelling, gaming, the web, and other platforms. After completion, graduates go on to work as an animator, graphic designers, and computer programmers.
Several accredited colleges and universities offer online animation degree programs. These programs include those at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. These computer animation programs help students gain the skills to enter many career areas. Students can choose specific specializations to tailor their professional portfolios and degrees. Animation degrees offer a lot of different job prospects with plenty of opportunities for growth. Graduates can work in varied fields and focus on areas such as:
- 3D modeling
- web design
- graphic imaging
In our school rankings, we have listed some of the best schools that offer animation degrees online. These include high-ranked and popular degrees that are offered both online and on-campus. Some schools offer cheap online animation degrees to make these programs accessible to all students. The leading online animation programs provide a field study or internship. These components help students gain real-world experience. We have looked at these offerings regarding their:
- curriculum
- accreditations
- program fees
- faculty
- job prospects
Schools have been ranked based on their affordability.
You can learn more about our undergraduate ranking methodology here and graduate methodology here. These are the methodologies we use for all school rankings on the site. All tuition figures were taken from NCES College Navigator.
Note:This ranking/article was originally published in December 2021 and was last updated in March 2023. The 2023 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has not been re-ordered.
Online Master’s Degrees in Animation
#3 Academy of Art
San Francisco, CA
Online MFA-Animation & Visual Effects
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Points: 13
Academy of Art University boasts an online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Animation & Visual Effects. Students whose school search lands them here will develop skills in many areas of expertise in this field. These online programs cover everything from ideation to post-production. Coursework for this animation degree includes:
- Gesture & Quick Sketch for Animators
- 3D Modeling & Animation
- MS: Storyboarding for Thesis
- Acting for Animators
- Visual Effects for Animation
The program and its faculty ensure that graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them. This is accomplished by focusing on the collaboration, communication, and time management skills necessary for a successful career. A professional portfolio may be required before graduation.
Fast facts:
- 63 units
- Offered through: School of Animation & Visual Effects
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: CIDA; NASAD; WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition per unit: $29,232
#2 Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
Online MA in Animation
Website
Points: 14
For students on an animation school search, Savannah College of Art and Design is home to an online Master of Arts in Animation. Animation Career Review has named the program a top animation program in the U.S. for years. Students develop their signature style in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, rigging, lighting, digital modeling, and visual development. Coursework for these online programs includes:
- Animation Aesthetics and Practice
- Computer-generated Modeling and Design
- 3D Cartoon Character Animation
- Character Look Development
- Environment Look Development
Students may learn to create fantastical realms and new worlds with animation with characters that bring joy to the audience.
Fast facts:
- 45 credit hours
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition: $40,050
#1 Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
Online MS-Digital Media
Website
Points: 15
Lynn University hosts an online Master of Science in communication with a specialization in digital media. The program covers all aspects of digital media. This includes the aesthetics of digital photography, design theories, animation, image-making, and motion graphics. Coursework for this animation degree includes:
- Aesthetics of Digital Photography
- Drawing and Design
- Digital Storytelling
- Graphic Design Studio
- Animation and Motion Graphics
Students enrolled learn to use techniques in:
- video production
- social media journalism
- digital storytelling
They also become familiar with the latest design software. The program helps them enter or enhance their digital media careers by preparing them for high-level media jobs. The university is institutionally accredited to offer animation degrees online.
Fast facts:
- 37 credits
- Offered through: College of Communication and Design
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition: $13,500
Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Animation
#15 Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts-Animation & Visual Effects
Website
Points: 6
Academy of Art University features an online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree. This online bachelor’s degree in animation gives students the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology. They can choose an area of emphasis from:
- 3D animation
- 2D animation
- 3D modeling
- stop motion
- storyboarding
Specific coursework for this animation degree includes:
- Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation
- Introduction to 3D Production
- Cinematics for Animation & VFX
- Introduction to Animation Principles & Techniques
After earning their undergraduate degree, students are prepared to excel in a wide range of careers. These include positions in:
- digital media
- design
- game development
- film
- television
- business
Fast facts:
- Offered through: School of Animation & Visual Effects
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: CIDA; NASAD; WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $26,728
#14 Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
Online BFA in Animation
Website
Points: 7
Savannah College of Art and Design boasts an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation. The online bachelor’s degree program provides everything a student needs to become a professional animator. They use the best resources, from state-of-the-art motion capture systems to high-performance digital workstations. Coursework for this online bachelor’s in animation includes classes in computer graphics like:
- Core Principles of 2D Animation
- Core Principles of 3D Character Animation
- Core Principles of Animated Storytelling and Concept Development
- Core Principles of Technical Animation
- Collaborative Experiences: 3D Production Pipeline
SCAD students go on to take on character design roles in the world’s biggest studios. These include Nickelodeon, Pixar, Cartoon Network, and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Fast facts:
- 180 credit hours
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition: $39,605
#13 Biola University
La Mirada, CA
Online BFA in Art-Animation
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Points: 8
Biola University features a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration option in animation. Students develop technical, aesthetic, and conceptual skills. This sets them up for success in various art practices and design jobs. Coursework for the bachelor’s degree includes:
- Drawing
- Digital Tools
- 2-D Design
- 3-D Design
- 4-D Design
Students enrolled in online bachelor’s in animation programs learn about contemporary visual arts culture and how to excel in it. This, in turn, helps them create compelling and creative images within a robust fine arts program. The undergraduate degree program allows them to explore new media tools for animation. It also helps them integrate digital and analog methodologies and showcase animation projects.
Fast facts:
- 72 credits
- Offered through: Department of Art
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Tuition: $44,382
#12 University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZ
Online BA-Game Art and Animation
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Points: 8
The University of Advancing Technology boasts an online bachelor’s degree in Game Art and Animation. Animation majors enrolled in the program gain insight into all levels of game development. They become experts at creating 2D and 3D art and animation assets for several video game platforms. These include PC, mobile, console, online, and virtual reality. The bachelor’s degree program teaches incoming students to:
- Master video game art asset creation using artistic principles like color theory, shading, lighting, anatomy, perspective, and scene staging
- Master low polygon and high polygon modeling, rigging, texturing, framing, and motion capture animations
Graduates of this online bachelor’s in animation program from the University of Advancing Technology are prepared to become talented animators. They’re prepared for a wide range of jobs in the animation industry, including online game art.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Communication and Design
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $18,794
#11 Los Angeles Film School
Los Angeles, CA
Online BS in Animation
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Points: 9
The Los Angeles Film School is home to an online Bachelor of Science Degree in Animation. Animation majors get to explore the 12 principles of animation used by legendary studios. They are then taught to apply that knowledge to their creations. Students enrolled in this online bachelor’s in animation program can choose from three concentrations. They are built on the real-world animation pipeline and include:
- Computer Graphics
- Environment & Character Design
- Character Animation
The experiential online learning environment shows students how professional animators create realistic settings and characters. These are crucial elements in movies, video games, and other interactive media.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Tuition: $80,000
#10 Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Denver, CO
Online BFA in Animation
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Points: 9
The Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design hosts an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation program. Students can choose an emphasis in either 2D Animation or 3D Animation. This online bachelor’s in animation program helps them develop a unique and artistic voice. Coursework for the bachelor’s degree in animation includes:
- Modeling
- 2D and 3D Drawing
- Character Design
- Line of Action
- Storyboarding
- Stop Motion
Students enrolled in this bachelor’s in animation degree program learn the essential computer animation techniques and tools. They also learn the necessary communication and collaboration skills to work with talented animators from all walks of life. Finally, they learn to explore creative thinking that will help them turn original ideas into extraordinary creations.
Fast facts:
- 123 credits
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Tuition: $22,607
#9 George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Online BFA in Computer Game Design
Website
Points: 10
George Mason University boasts an online Bachelor of Arts in Art and Visual Technology. This program provides students with the technical skills prerequisite to the field of animation. It also helps them focus on the artistic components of computer game design and online game art. Coursework for the online bachelor’s in animation degree includes:
- Two-Dimensional Design and Color (Mason Core)
- Computer Animation for Games
- GAME 398: Advanced Game Design Animation
- History of Computer Game Design
- Portfolio Preparation
Students in the animation program must complete an internship. This provides practical experience to enhance their employability skills. They study both the sciences and the arts in a new project-based teaching environment. The curriculum includes:
- computer science courses
- art and visual technology
- computer game design
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Adult Degree Completion Programs
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: NASAD; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition per credit: $577.25
#8 Flashpoint Chicago, a Campus of Columbia College Hollywood
Chicago, IL
Online Bachelor’s in Animation (BFA)
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Points: 11
Flashpoint Chicago is home to an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Effects. It provides students an immersive experience using various creative skills, tools, processes, and collaborative workflow. This online bachelor’s in animation degree will prepare them for their future careers. Program highlights:
- Students learn to create and produce professional-quality animations, 3D models, simulated effects, and composites.
- They take project-based courses and use industry-standard software and professional equipment to train for the real world of the visual production pipeline.
- They excel in various fields like film, television, animation, video games, and interactive media
Students enrolled in bachelor’s in animation programs learn from a distinguished faculty. This includes animators, visual effects artists, and creative professionals.
Fast facts:
- 123 credits
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $27,375
#7 Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
Online BS in Computer Animation
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Points: 11
Full Sail University hosts an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation. Students are taught:
- storyboarding
- visual development
- sketching and modeling
- character animation
- final compositing
Coursework for the online bachelor’s in animation includes:
- Creative Presentation
- Psychology of Play
- Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries
- 3-D Foundations
- Model Creation
Students enrolled in bachelor’s in animation degree programs learn about various modeling tools and the results of interactions between them. They also learn the foundations of character rigging to make them more realistic. Animation Career Review-2021 has ranked the program number one on the Top 10 Animation Bachelor’s Programs in the U.S.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: School of Art and Design
- Format: Online/On site
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Tuition per credit: $529
#6 Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Online MS-Digital Media
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Points: 12
Liberty University is home to an online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design. This online bachelor’s in animation focuses heavily on the different forms of animation. It also provides the hands-on style of learning students need to succeed. Coursework includes:
- Introduction to 2D Design
- Introduction to 3D
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Introduction to 3D Graphics
- Interactive Design
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design degree prepares students for various careers. They also develop the right skills and create a portfolio of advanced typography, vector illustration, and 21st century-style artwork. Graduates from bachelor’s in animation degree programs are offered jobs in various agencies and businesses.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: School of Communication and the Arts
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition: $22,511
#5 Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
Online BS in Animation and 3D
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Points: 12
Wilmington University boasts an online Bachelor of Science in Animation and 3D. The computer animation degree program focuses on critical skill sets. These include hand-drawn animation art, digital 2D and 3D animation, and 3D sculpting. Courses required for the online bachelor’s in animation include:
- Drawing for Animation
- 2D Animation
- History of Animation
- Introduction to 3D
- 3D Texture, Rendering, and Lighting Techniques
Students in this online bachelor’s program gain compositing, graphic design, and sound skills. They learn about:
- drawing
- character creation
- digital imaging
- computer animation
- rigging
- particles
- morphing
- texturing
- lighting
Students in bachelor’s in animation degree programs learn from faculty with extensive field experience. They also practice collaboration skills and explore real-world production concepts through a professional animation workflow.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Communication and Design
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $12,030
#4 National University
La Jolla, CA
Online BA in Digital Media Design.
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Points: 13
National University is home to an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design. This online bachelor’s in animation provides students with hands-on experience. This includes exposure to the latest tools and technologies in the media arts workspace. They explore the latest methodologies of visual communication for various fields. These include business, education, marketing, and entertainment.
- Create active and interactive content with animation, graphics,
- sound and video with the help of media authoring software.
- Apply the principles of graphic and information design in various digital media projects.
Students in this computer animation degree program gain knowledge and experience in digital media design. This prepares them for a transmedia future and success.
Fast facts:
- 180 quarter units
- Offered through: College of Professional Studies
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Tuition: $13,320
#3 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
Online BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts
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Points: 14
Southern New Hampshire University boasts an online Bachelor of Arts degree in animation. The program features a concentration in 3D Modeling and Animation. Students in the program learn from an award-winning creative faculty. They teach them to blend form and function. Students also develop cutting-edge skills to create visual content for video games, animated web content, and movies. Coursework for the online bachelor’s in animation includes:
- Intro to Digital Sculpting
- 3-D Modeling and Animation
- Interactive Animation
- Designing wireframe 3D models
- Animating character functions
Graduates with a degree in animation are prepared to work and excel in the multidimensional design world. They can explore the stages of game models, including observational and conceptual drawing.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Communication and Design
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Tuition per credit: $320
#2 New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM
Online BFA in Animation
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Points: 15
New Mexico State University hosts an online Bachelor of Creative Media in Animation and VFX. The program emphasizes two pathways for students to tailor their degrees to better suit their career goals and interests. These pathways for the degree in animation are:
- Pathway: 2D Production Studio
- Pathway: 3D & VFX Production Studio
Students enrolled in the online bachelor’s in animation program choose a particular pathway. This choice will determine the kind of senior project they wish to produce. Students must complete all university degree requirements. This includes the General Education requirements and the animation curriculum. The latter must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Once completed, this program prepares students for a successful career in the computer animation field.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Arts and Sciences
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Tuition: $7,627
#1 University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Online BA in Digital Arts and Sciences
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Points: 16
The University of Florida boasts an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences for students conducting a school search in animation. The program features a heavy focus on animation. The interdisciplinary online bachelor’s in animation program crosses traditional college boundaries. That is, it blends topics in communications, arts, and engineering. Students develop an understanding of contemporary issues in various subfields. These include critical thinking, social and interactive media, and creative design solutions. Coursework for this computer animation degree includes:
- 2D Digital Animation Techniques
- 3D Digital Animation Techniques
- DAS Design and Production Studio
- Game Content Production
- Game Systems Development
Graduates gain experience working in collaborative teams on media projects. They become animation, visual development, digital storytelling, and game design experts.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of the Arts
- Format: Online/Onsite
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Tuition per year: $3,876
More About Top Online Computer Animation Program Options
What is an online degree in animation?
An online bachelor’s in animation trains students to have successful careers in fields such as:
- graphic design
- web design
- computer programming
- game design and development
- illustration
Students who are enrolled in online animation degree programs learn artistic techniques using various manual, computer, and interactive methods. These computer animation programs are especially attractive to specific students and professionals. This includes those who are passionate about and talented in hand drawing along with technology-assisted design and illustration. Animation programs train students in visual effects, composition, and design. As a result, they become experts in storytelling, gaming, and web design.
Most of these animation degree programs include general education courses. These must be completed with the required computer animation courses in video and audio technology areas. The curricula cover fundamental topics. Examples include:
- 2D and 3D computer-based animation
- digital art
- motion graphics
Several colleges and universities now offer animation degree programs online. These online degrees include online associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some schools also offer degree completion programs. These programs allow students to develop and hone their creative skills. Online computer animation program graduates set themselves apart from competitors. They learn to develop content by designing and composing art-related multimedia content.
What will you study in an animation program?
Animation degrees offer a lot of different job prospects with plenty of opportunities for growth. The basic premise of these animation programs is to help students build on technical skills. These include 2D Animation Basics, Digital Effects and Animation, Flash Animation, and Image Editing Techniques.
A distance education bachelor’s in animation degree covers fundamental topics. These include digital art, 2D and 3D computer-based animation, and motion graphics. It also covers topics such as digital characters and color theory, digital design, scriptwriting, and storyboarding. Students enrolled in these online degrees have to complete general education courses. There are also required computer animation courses in video and audio technology.
Animation programs help students learn the skills needed to enter many career areas. They learn from industry professionals and study an array of topics. Some of these include basic animation principles, character, and background design, storyboarding and production pipeline, and modeling. Students can choose specific specializations to tailor their degrees toward future careers. Graduates with these online degrees can work in varied fields and focus on areas such as 3D modeling, web design, and graphic imaging.
Students pursuing animation credentials typically take a lot of different courses in fundamentals. This helps them build their animation, graphic, and visual effects skills. Different schools have different courses. Still, the best animation schools include courses like:
- 3D Modeling and Animation: In this course, students learn the ins and outs of a computer graphics method. They then use the method to create 3D digital images of objects and surfaces.
- Body Mechanics and Locomotion: Students learn about body mechanics in this course. They understand the principles of body motion to produce more realistic animations.
- Introduction to Digital Imaging: Students learn the basics of programs like Adobe Photoshop. They become experts by properly using tools like filters, special effects, and various channels. They assess images and figure out the corrections or changes to be implemented.
- Audio and Editing Techniques: Students learn to incorporate sound to make the most out of their animations. They learn the fundamentals of audio and editing skills.
- Background Design and Layout: Students learn how to create background layouts for animations.
- Character Rigging: Students learn how to use character rigging techniques to operate a 3D model. Also known as skeletal animation, it is a technique performed by using software to build the bone structure of an animation.
- 3D Computer Lighting: Students learn the various tools and strategies to simulate light in a 3D environment.
- Web Design: Students learn the principles of proper website design and website architecture.
- Introduction to Animation Concepts: Students learn about facial impressions with 2D and 3D models.
- Programming Languages: In this course, students learn the common programming languages for games like C++, CSS3, and Java.
What are the admission requirements for animation programs?
Students applying for animation programs must meet specific basic admission requirements. These will vary by college or university, so it’s best to speak to the school’s own admissions counselor. Typically, applicants need to provide the following:
- Completed application forms
- High school diploma or GED
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio or artwork or animation
- Personal statement that covers:
- scholastic interests
- personal accomplishments
- career objectives
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in animation programs?
Each animation school has its own enrollment counselor and admissions guidelines. Generally speaking, students interested in online animation programs must take the general education courses offered by their chosen schools or universities. They must submit certificates for their high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some colleges mandate courses in computer technology and mathematics. Students enrolled in animation degree programs should have access to personal computers and USB drives. That way, they can work online and save projects, portfolio content, and other related coursework. Students of computer animation programs also need to be familiar with industry software. Examples include Adobe In-Design, Adobe Photoshop, and other software, depending on the school.
What are the concentration options in animation degree online programs?
Many accredited universities offer animation credentials online. This includes both online bachelor’s in animation and online master’s in animation degrees. These online degree programs provide specialization or concentration options for students. Here’s a closer look at these degree specializations. All these fields lead to varied job prospects and plenty of opportunities for growth.
Computer Animation: Students learn animation skills to enter different industry sectors. They focus on courses like web design, 3D modeling, and graphic imaging. Choosing an online animation degree that offers a field study, experiential project work, or internship component is essential. This is so that students can gain real-world experience. These will help them get into animator, computer programmer, or graphic designer jobs right after graduation.
Game Design: In this concentration, students also take 3D design and modeling courses which help them design video games. They learn how to create animated 3D designs. These will help them get into jobs right after graduation. Possible job titles include art director, forensic animator, mathematical modeler, and advertising artist.
3D Modeling and Animation: Students learn cutting-edge skills that are in high demand to create visual content for video games, movies, animated web content, and other media. They focus on a 3D sculpting workflow that includes foundations in color theory and typography, rendering photorealistic effects, designing wireframe 3D models, and animating character functions. They graduate with skills that enhance their skill and marketability. After graduation, they get into game arts, interior design, digital animation, and web development jobs.
Web Design: This concentration is tailored for students who are looking to combine graphic design and digital media. This specialized graphic design program is equal parts theory and practice. It stresses critical thinking skills and hands-on technical skills to complement design skills. Students can get into varied careers in fields. Examples include:
The coursework combines a graphic design course of study with web design-specific courses. Students become proficient in digital publications, interactive animation, video, and other rich media. They learn how to conduct usability testing on many platforms and interfaces. They also build the skills to develop their work using Adobe Creative Cloud. Students can get into varied careers in fields. Examples include:
- advertising and marketing
- public relations
- digital media outlets
- specialized design services
- E-commerce
What are the prospects for animation programs?
Jobs in the digital and computer animation industry are growing rapidly. Thus, animation programs are growing in popularity as well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth rate for animation jobs which is on par with the overall job growth rate. The median pay is $78,790 per year or $37.88 per hour. Some professionals in the field, like art directors, make significantly more. The BLS reports an average wage of just over six figures for art directors in 2021. Steady job growth and a higher-than-average median wage have created a robust job market.
Most companies prefer a bachelor’s degree in animation, but associate degree students can also get into entry-level jobs. To really grow in the field, they may want to consider a master’s in animation degree. With an online degree in animation, graduates can take on many roles. Examples include art directors, illustrators, graphic designers, web designers, and software engineers.
How much does an animation degree online cost?
Different schools have different tuition rates. Public universities tend to be on the more affordable side. If you are looking for a cheap animation degree online, consider these schools and programs from community colleges. We have also listed the schools which offer cheap animation credentials online above. The tuition per credit hour can range from $1000 to $120.
Are remote animation programs accredited?
Yes, most animation programs online, including online master’s and online bachelor’s in animation, are accredited. This includes those offered by the best animation schools. It is important to choose an accredited program because that provides more weight to the degree. It can be national or regional accreditation from a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation means the school follows the rigorous standards set by these bodies. This, in turn, means that the program quality is high and students are learning from the best. Students who aspire to advanced animation degrees will find it easier to get into those programs with an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. Students looking for a cheap online degree will find that the best animation schools are not only accredited but also quite affordable.
How long does it take to get an animation degree via distance learning?
Most online bachelor’s in animation mandate that students complete 120 credit hours of study. This may take four years to complete. Most online degrees in animation at the graduate level take about 60 credit hours of study, which may take two years to complete. These are the general rules, but the best animation schools offer lots of flexibility for students. For example, students may choose an accelerated format to complete their degrees sooner than later. Students who need more time to complete their online degrees can stretch their degrees to two or three more years. This may require working with their own enrollment counselor.
What jobs do animation programs lead to?
Students who have completed an online bachelor’s in animation can get jobs in various industries. They can enter fields like graphic design, animation, video game development, digital design studios, and computer-based illustrations. Jobs include:
- Digital illustrators
- Multimedia Artist
- Multimedia animators
- Art Director
- Digital Designer
- Producer or Director
- Special Effects Artist in Advertising
- Film and Video Editor
- Cartoonist
- Sound Engineering Technician
- Graphic Artist
- Video Game Designer
- Storyboard Artist
- Forensic Animator
Is An Animation Program Worth it?
As stated above, the BLS predicts robust growth for animators, making an animation degree online program worth it for students.
How to choose the best animation schools?
- Coursework: Students should look at the coursework offered by the online animation degrees. This ensures that it is a good blend of practical and theoretical approaches. This would give them a solid foundational knowledge of the field and hands-on experience in projects that will prepare them for successful careers. The best online animation schools offer an experiential learning opportunity.
- Cost: The cost of the online degree is an important consideration. Students should do comparative research on what different schools are offering. Some schools are more expensive but highly regarded in the industry for their animation degrees. Some employers look for students who have graduated from these schools. That does not mean that a cheap animation degree online is not recognized. Some of the most popular and well-regarded online animation degrees are pretty affordable. Many are offered by accredited and recognized universities.
- Accreditation: It is crucial to choose an accredited online animation degree. This shows credibility and high-quality education. The best online animation schools listed above are all accredited. Some even have programmatic accreditation.
Sources:
- Bachelor’s in Film Studies: Top 30 Values
- Top 30 Best Graphic Design Degree Programs
- Top 10 Associate’s in Graphic Design Online
- Cheapest Online Colleges
- Best Accredited Online Colleges
- Ten Animation Techniques
- Is An Animation Degree Worth It?
- Best Online Photography Degrees
- Affordable Online Web Design Programs
- Art, Design, and Performance Degrees
- Highest Paying Associates Degree Jobs
- Top Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees