Online Animation Degree Programs

Star Wars. Dark Knight. Finding Nemo. WALL-E. The world of computer animation has become a mainstay of the entertainment industry and continues to develop. Computer generated imaging has led to tremendous advancements in the past few years and consumers have been alongside this growing field. A degree in computer animation could be your ticket to entering the industry you have grown to love.

Animation Education

A degree in arts and humanities specializing in computer animation, gaming animation, or visual effects could have you working right next to the stars. Classes may include computer animation, gaming animation, visual effects, and more. You traditionally learn about new computer-aided software programs as well as take multimedia classes.

Animation Career Building

Graduates with an animation degree should find work in production studios, videogame companies, architectural design firms, and even corporate jobs in marketing and media. The spectrum of computer animation has grown well beyond the industry of film, and it has presented students with the opportunity to find work in a variety of industries. Students typically learn the technical aspects of animation, as well as the behind the scenes work that is necessary. These skills include team building, storyboard creation and presentation, client business relations, and more.

Animation Degree Highlights

Career training in Web design and animation is rich with a variety of topics, including:

• Drawing and design animation
• 3D animation skills
• 3D graphics design
• Photorealistic and non-photorealistic animations
• General computer animation
• Web design and internet based skills
• Movie and television production
• Business building and marketing skills

Animation Salary and Earnings Information

Various fields are open to graduates with a degree in animation. From graphic designer to multimedia artist, the animation field has variety to offer to those with career training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, multimedia artists and animators earned a median annual salary of $54,550 in 2007. The top earning animators commanded an annual median salary of over $98,000 in 2007. Graphic designers earned a median annual salary of just over $41,000 in 2007.

Some of the best employment opportunities for animators can be found in fields such as:

• Advertising
• Motion pictures
• Software publishing
• Computer systems design

In 2007, the top paying fields included:

• Motion pictures
• Design services
• Web search portals
• Employment services

For graduates with career training in animation, the highest paying jobs can be found in:

• District of Columbia
• California
• New York

Be Ready for Competition in Animation

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth in the arts and animation industry should grow by 16 percent through 2016. During the same period, graphic design should see 10 percent employment growth. Both animation and design are quite competitive fields. If you have an eye for detail and a creative mind, a career in animation or design may just be the choice for you. Either way, an animation degree can be a great way to start your career in the growing entertainment industry, design services, and more.

• Multimedia & Web Design
• Arts & Design