Top 10 Best online University degrees for animation
Ever wondered if there is a better degree for animation you can start and curve your very own graphics and animation career? The animation and graphics industry is extremely exploding at the moment, enjoying massive growth in both gaming and advertising industries at the moment.
And if you are heading to university or college, learning animation and how to manipulate pictures so they appear as moving images is a huge opportunity now.
The five types of animation are traditional animation, 2D vector based animation, 3D computer animation, Motion graphics and Stop motion.
There is no secret that today, most animations are made with computer-generated imagery also known as (CGI) and if you are completely new to animation… there are numerous ways of modelling imagery in animation which renders either in detailed 3D animation, while 2D computer animation can be used for stylistic reasons, low bandwidth or faster real-time renderings.
Now, if you are going to study through one of the top Best online University degrees for animation, Other common animation methods that may interest you to apply also includes stop-motion technique to two and three-dimensional objects like paper cutout animation, puppets or clay figures. Apart from short films, feature films, animated gifs and other media dedicated to the display of moving images, the animation is also heavily used for video games and motion graphics.
Animation and Graphic Design artists have become the most popular and vital positions in the modern world where movies, video games, online media, and advertising are important things in our everyday life.
The most common animation careers include Special Effects for film, Art Directors, Stop Motion Animators, 3D Modeling, Compositing Artist, graphic designing, Flash Animator, Storyboard Artist, and Forensic Animator.
Graphic designing and animation are related careers meaning if you have a degree or any qualifications as a graphic designer, you can do animation as well.
Are you looking to start a career in animation and are wondering which online universities/ colleges could be the best for you? If you are then you’ve truly come to the right place. In this article, we have listed the 10 best online colleges that offer degrees for animation.
1. Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy
On our top list, we have Tribeca Flashpoint Media Art Academy, a college found in Chicago Illinois, it focuses on project-based curriculum, industry, and intensive career support and also offers a general introduction to the field that is easily transferable into the bachelor’s programs.
The college offers Bachelors of Science in Digital Media with a focus on Digital Marketing. The college has taken advantage of the latest technologies incorporating website development, mobile user experience design, search engine optimization, and social media engagement into its curriculum. Students graduating from this program have been able to find positions as digital marketing specialists, marketing managers, and webmasters.
2. Art Institute Online
On our second list, we have art institute online located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,, this institution offers diversity, flexibility, and quality of education found in the plethora of degree programs available. They offer Diplomas and Certificates and Bachelor degrees.
The following are the courses they offer:
- Graphics Designing
This one is offered as an Associate’s or Bachelor of Science degree. The Associate’s program requires 91 credits, or 28 courses, including seven general education courses. Courses offer a basic introduction to topics such as Web Design, Observational Drawing, and Mixed Media. Students who wish to enroll in the Portfolio class must complete 75 credits in Graphic Design or 27 credits in Digital Design.
- Web Design and Interactive Media
These ones are offered as Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. A total of 91 and 180 credits are again required for each program respectively. Class topics include Desktop Video, Image Manipulation, Web Scripting, and Programming. Internships and Portfolio courses are available for those who qualify.
- Media Arts and Animation This one is offered as a Bachelor of Science, and requires 180 credits for graduation. Program courses include 2-D and 3-D Animation, Material and Lighting, and Technical Visualization. Special projects may be taken as program electives.
3. California College San Diego
This college is located in San Diego and is a small, private, independent, non-profit college, CCSD which offers personalized attention and flexible scheduling.
The degree offered by this institution is the Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts. Students may complete this program between 30 and 36 months.
4. Liberty University Online (Lynchburg, Virginia)
This college Enrolls over 100,000 online students and is the world’s largest Evangelical Christian University with a strong dedication to distance learning. They offer Certificates, Diplomas, and degrees as well.
The following are the courses they offer online:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio and Digital Arts provides extensive practice-based course work, which prepares students to be competitive in the workforce. Three concentrations are available to choose from Graphic Design, 2-D Art, or 3-D Art.
Ten pieces from a personal portfolio are required as evidence of interest in the degree and chosen concentration. Sample class topics include Digital Imaging, Interactive Publication, and Gallery/Museum Fundamentals.
5. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (Lakewood, Colorado)
This institution offers online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, the students will learn mastery of research techniques, written and verbal presentations, and storytelling. Completing 123 credits is required for graduation.
A sampling of class topics includes experience design, 3-D packaging, raster image processing, visual sequencing, signs and symbols, and user prototyping. Students will complete the program with the Senior Graphic Design Seminar. At the end of the seminar, students will have completed a thesis project, writing a portfolio, and produced marketing materials.
6. Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia)
This online institution focuses on the areas of art and design and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in over 40 areas of study. The Online courses, available for the past 12 years, run on a 10-week schedule.
A total of 180 course study hours are required to complete the online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Concentration classes provide detailed study in Topography, Graphic Design Media Management, and Production for Print and Digital Environments. Students are expected to develop comprehensive portfolios throughout the program that will aid in networking and job placement. This is a great highly recommended online University that can help you study all about animation.
7. Berkeley College
This college is located in New York and it started offering online degrees in 2003, its aim is to help engage the distant learning students as much as tut can.
The programs they offer include the following:
- Bachelor of fine arts in the graphics design program This program equips students with the necessary skills and critical thinking strategies to be successful in the workplace. Required major courses review material such as Raster and Vector Graphics, Digital Photography, Web Design, and Branding.
8. Full Sail University (Winter Park, Florida)
This is a well-recognized trade school for Arts and Visual Media, offering a wide variety of degrees related to Animation and Graphic Design.
The programs they offer include the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation which an engaging and comprehensive option for students.
Classes include the basics of drawing, shading, and lighting and move to more complex principles of physics and anatomy. Students will have the opportunity to direct a professional motion capture session in Studio classes.
They also offer a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design whereby students receive training in 2-D design, marketing collateral, environmental design, interactive media, and more. Students work with professors to develop a comprehensive and competitive digital portfolio.
This is definitely one of the best online universities that offer all the qualifications you need in order to become a well skilled and qualified animator.
9. University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida)
University of Florida
This institution offers Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences and also offers instruction in digital arts, storytelling, and video game design.
This degree is a mix of communication, art, and technology, and includes instruction in 3D animation, digital storytelling, and computer illustration. So if you are thinking of studying animation online, this college is one of the best options available for you. They offer Certificates, diplomas, and degrees. It is a well known established college with a history of producing students of high grates
Other Courses they offer include Design and Production Studio, 3D Digital Animation Technique, and Wearable and Mobile Apps. Seniors will complete a Senior Project.
Students also have access to the faculty. Graduates have worked for companies such as DreamWorks and Microsoft. They offer almost everything for someone who needs to Know more about animations and have the required qualifications and skill to be employed.
10. Rasmussen College (Bloomington, Minnesota)
This online college offers a Degree in Graphic Designing with a concentration in Animation and Motion Graphics. This program can be completed in as little as 18 months with Flex Choice options available.
Students may choose to take a combination of faculty-led and self-paced courses which allows for more flexible scheduling and lower tuition costs.
Students in this program can easily continue on to a Bachelor’s degree with the same concentration. The Bachelor’s program can be completed in 36 months.
Graduates from the Animation and Motion Graphics program have found employment with top companies such as Polaris, Apple, Staples, and the Diamond Media Group.
And also an Associate’s degree and Bachelor’s degree is offered in Graphic Design with a concentration in Web and Interactive Design.
These focus on learning and utilizing Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Flash, to create motion graphics, web sites, and other media projects. Before graduation, students must choose between an internship or a final design project to demonstrate mastery of skills.