Online Animation Degrees
Updated March 19, 2024
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What to Expect When Earning an Online Animation Degree
If you're considering a career as an animator, earning an online bachelor's degree in animation is a great first step. Animators often work in the world of video, television and marketing, commonly in careers as illustrators, special effects artists, filmmakers and even video game designers. Dream big—animators at Disney TV say it takes a wide range of artistic positions to create an animated show. A career as an animator can be both creatively challenging as well as financially rewarding, and the demand for these jobs is steady.
To learn more about how to study to become an animator, here's a rundown on the top bachelor degree programs in animation, each of which you can complete completely online.
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How Much do People with Animation Degrees Make?
With an animation bachelor's degree, you can take advantage of a wide array of career paths. Here are a few positions that tailor made for those who have completed online bachelor's degrees in animation.
3D Animator
3D Animator Median Annual Salary: $51,045
Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description
A 3D animator job is ideal for anyone who enjoys using professional animation and drawing software to model movements, characters, and backgrounds on screen. 3D animators must be able to work collaboratively on a team in addition to working well independently. They must also be able to handle deadline pressure well.
3D Artist
3D Artist Median Annual Salary: $51,602
Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description
3D artist roles are perfect for individuals who are good at coming up with creative ideas, as they will play important roles in the conceptualization process. They must also know how to use rendering, software, and lighting to create visual effects and textures. These professionals must possess both artistic skills and technical/software skills to thrive in these roles.
Graphic Artist
Graphic Artist Median Annual Salary: $41,390
Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description
A graphic artist role is a great match for anyone who is computer savvy and has a knack for facilitating communication between clients and target audiences. These individuals must have strong software knowledge and storytelling ability. They also need to have stellar decision-making ability, strong problem-solving skills, and good time management and communication skills.
Sources: BLS 2018
Animators may be able to earn a median salary of more than $70,000 per year, but where you choose to live or work as an animator can make a difference in your earning potential. For a closer look at salary statistics for animators in your state, search below.
Here is a chart that shows the state-by-state average earnings for an animator:
Alabama Median Annual Salary: $61,640
Number Currently Employed: 140
Projected Job Growth: +1.4 percent
Alaska Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Arizona Median Annual Salary: $60,130
Number Currently Employed: 200
Projected Job Growth: +6.2 percent
Arkansas Median Annual Salary: $52,390
Number Currently Employed: 100
Projected Job Growth: +12.1 percent
California Median Annual Salary: $85,340
Number Currently Employed: 11,950
Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent
Colorado Median Annual Salary: $66,180
Number Currently Employed: 240
Projected Job Growth: +17.9 percent
Connecticut Median Annual Salary: $91,940
Number Currently Employed: 490
Projected Job Growth: +4.7 percent
Delaware Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: +16.7 percent
District of Columbia Median Annual Salary: $88,120
Number Currently Employed: 100
Projected Job Growth: +7.2 percent
Florida Median Annual Salary: $58,470
Number Currently Employed: 1,060
Projected Job Growth: +17.4 percent
Georgia Median Annual Salary: $58,400
Number Currently Employed: 710
Projected Job Growth: +20.8 percent
Hawaii Median Annual Salary: $72,520
Number Currently Employed: 60
Projected Job Growth: +3.9 percent
Idaho Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +11.5 percent
Illinois Median Annual Salary: $59,890
Number Currently Employed: 890
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Indiana Median Annual Salary: $45,030
Number Currently Employed: 60
Projected Job Growth: +6 percent
Iowa Median Annual Salary: $49,770
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +12.9 percent
Kansas Median Annual Salary: $57,090
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent
Kentucky Median Annual Salary: $59,030
Number Currently Employed: 130
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Louisiana Median Annual Salary: $76,000
Number Currently Employed: 160
Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent
Maine Median Annual Salary: $55,750
Number Currently Employed: 50
Projected Job Growth: -1 percent
Maryland Median Annual Salary: $63,350
Number Currently Employed: 250
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Massachusetts Median Annual Salary: $71,990
Number Currently Employed: 860
Projected Job Growth: +3.4 percent
Michigan Median Annual Salary: $59,430
Number Currently Employed: 540
Projected Job Growth: +7.6 percent
Minnesota Median Annual Salary: $58,020
Number Currently Employed: 350
Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent
Mississippi Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Missouri Median Annual Salary: $56,340
Number Currently Employed: 410
Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent
Montana Median Annual Salary: $42,190
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Nebraska Median Annual Salary: $48,280
Number Currently Employed: 90
Projected Job Growth: +5.4 percent
Nevada Median Annual Salary: $60,590
Number Currently Employed: 240
Projected Job Growth: +5.6 percent
New Hampshire Median Annual Salary: $59,110
Number Currently Employed: 30
Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent
New Jersey Median Annual Salary: $70,230
Number Currently Employed: 310
Projected Job Growth: +4.8 percent
New Mexico Median Annual Salary: $61,190
Number Currently Employed: 160
Projected Job Growth: +5 percent
New York Median Annual Salary: $79,720
Number Currently Employed: 1,930
Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent
North Carolina Median Annual Salary: $69,850
Number Currently Employed: 620
Projected Job Growth: +16.2 percent
North Dakota Median Annual Salary: $68,390
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: -1.9 percent
Ohio Median Annual Salary: $56,660
Number Currently Employed: 510
Projected Job Growth: +1.1 percent
Oklahoma Median Annual Salary: $49,630
Number Currently Employed: 90
Projected Job Growth: +6.9 percent
Oregon Median Annual Salary: $77,450
Number Currently Employed: 1,040
Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent
Pennsylvania Median Annual Salary: $66,800
Number Currently Employed: 420
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Rhode Island Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: +4.6 percent
South Carolina Median Annual Salary: $39,430
Number Currently Employed: 170
Projected Job Growth: +10.7 percent
South Dakota Median Annual Salary: $39,360
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent
Tennessee Median Annual Salary: $58,050
Number Currently Employed: 220
Projected Job Growth: +11.6 percent
Texas Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 2,460
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Utah Median Annual Salary: $68,920
Number Currently Employed: 260
Projected Job Growth: +48.7 percent
Vermont Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Virginia Median Annual Salary: $69,210
Number Currently Employed: 470
Projected Job Growth: +8.7 percent
Washington Median Annual Salary: $88,240
Number Currently Employed: 1,440
Projected Job Growth: +42.8 percent
West Virginia Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Wisconsin Median Annual Salary: $56,320
Number Currently Employed: 210
Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent
Wyoming Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Alabama Median Annual Salary: $61,640
Number Currently Employed: 140
Projected Job Growth: +1.4 percent
Alaska Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Arizona Median Annual Salary: $60,130
Number Currently Employed: 200
Projected Job Growth: +6.2 percent
Arkansas Median Annual Salary: $52,390
Number Currently Employed: 100
Projected Job Growth: +12.1 percent
California Median Annual Salary: $85,340
Number Currently Employed: 11,950
Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent
Colorado Median Annual Salary: $66,180
Number Currently Employed: 240
Projected Job Growth: +17.9 percent
Connecticut Median Annual Salary: $91,940
Number Currently Employed: 490
Projected Job Growth: +4.7 percent
Delaware Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: +16.7 percent
District of Columbia Median Annual Salary: $88,120
Number Currently Employed: 100
Projected Job Growth: +7.2 percent
Florida Median Annual Salary: $58,470
Number Currently Employed: 1,060
Projected Job Growth: +17.4 percent
Georgia Median Annual Salary: $58,400
Number Currently Employed: 710
Projected Job Growth: +20.8 percent
Hawaii Median Annual Salary: $72,520
Number Currently Employed: 60
Projected Job Growth: +3.9 percent
Idaho Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +11.5 percent
Illinois Median Annual Salary: $59,890
Number Currently Employed: 890
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Indiana Median Annual Salary: $45,030
Number Currently Employed: 60
Projected Job Growth: +6 percent
Iowa Median Annual Salary: $49,770
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +12.9 percent
Kansas Median Annual Salary: $57,090
Number Currently Employed: 70
Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent
Kentucky Median Annual Salary: $59,030
Number Currently Employed: 130
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Louisiana Median Annual Salary: $76,000
Number Currently Employed: 160
Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent
Maine Median Annual Salary: $55,750
Number Currently Employed: 50
Projected Job Growth: -1 percent
Maryland Median Annual Salary: $63,350
Number Currently Employed: 250
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Massachusetts Median Annual Salary: $71,990
Number Currently Employed: 860
Projected Job Growth: +3.4 percent
Michigan Median Annual Salary: $59,430
Number Currently Employed: 540
Projected Job Growth: +7.6 percent
Minnesota Median Annual Salary: $58,020
Number Currently Employed: 350
Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent
Mississippi Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Missouri Median Annual Salary: $56,340
Number Currently Employed: 410
Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent
Montana Median Annual Salary: $42,190
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Nebraska Median Annual Salary: $48,280
Number Currently Employed: 90
Projected Job Growth: +5.4 percent
Nevada Median Annual Salary: $60,590
Number Currently Employed: 240
Projected Job Growth: +5.6 percent
New Hampshire Median Annual Salary: $59,110
Number Currently Employed: 30
Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent
New Jersey Median Annual Salary: $70,230
Number Currently Employed: 310
Projected Job Growth: +4.8 percent
New Mexico Median Annual Salary: $61,190
Number Currently Employed: 160
Projected Job Growth: +5 percent
New York Median Annual Salary: $79,720
Number Currently Employed: 1,930
Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent
North Carolina Median Annual Salary: $69,850
Number Currently Employed: 620
Projected Job Growth: +16.2 percent
North Dakota Median Annual Salary: $68,390
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: -1.9 percent
Ohio Median Annual Salary: $56,660
Number Currently Employed: 510
Projected Job Growth: +1.1 percent
Oklahoma Median Annual Salary: $49,630
Number Currently Employed: 90
Projected Job Growth: +6.9 percent
Oregon Median Annual Salary: $77,450
Number Currently Employed: 1,040
Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent
Pennsylvania Median Annual Salary: $66,800
Number Currently Employed: 420
Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent
Rhode Island Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: +4.6 percent
South Carolina Median Annual Salary: $39,430
Number Currently Employed: 170
Projected Job Growth: +10.7 percent
South Dakota Median Annual Salary: $39,360
Number Currently Employed: 40
Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent
Tennessee Median Annual Salary: $58,050
Number Currently Employed: 220
Projected Job Growth: +11.6 percent
Texas Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 2,460
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Utah Median Annual Salary: $68,920
Number Currently Employed: 260
Projected Job Growth: +48.7 percent
Vermont Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Virginia Median Annual Salary: $69,210
Number Currently Employed: 470
Projected Job Growth: +8.7 percent
Washington Median Annual Salary: $88,240
Number Currently Employed: 1,440
Projected Job Growth: +42.8 percent
West Virginia Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
Wisconsin Median Annual Salary: $56,320
Number Currently Employed: 210
Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent
Wyoming Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
What Courses Should I Take to Become an Animator?
While no two animation bachelor's degree programs are exactly alike as far as their course loads go, most have fairly similar curricula.
To graduate, you will be required to master programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, JavaScript and other software and tools that are designed for animators. Then, you'll practice using these tools to create real animations. You should leave your program with a digital portfolio that you'll be able to share with clients and potential employers.
Here are five sample courses that you might expect to see in your animation program:
3D Modeling & Animation
In a 3D modeling and animation course, you will learn all about 3D modeling and how it is used specifically for video games. You'll learn the basics of modeling as well as a variety of techniques to use based on whether you are modeling for mobile, personal computer or current-generation gaming consoles.
Interactive Animation
Students in game development, advertising and marketing, and other specialties can benefit from utilizing interactive animated graphics. You'll learn to create interactive animations that help to convey a given concept. This is typically a hands-on computer course in which you will create a number of models using the latest technology.
3D Character Animation
Here, you will learn the basics of character animation through the 12 principles of animation. You will also learn the pipeline for creating an animated character, a process known as “skinning and rigging.”
Basic Design & Color Theory
A good baseline skill to go along with your animation training will be learned in your design courses, where you'll study the basic principles of design and learn to create advertising layouts and designs as well as visual merchandising.
Advanced Digital Imaging
Here, you'll find a much more hands-on course that will help you to learn how to create a brand identity. You'll learn how to design a logo as well as how to select fonts and colors, in addition to important techniques such as imaging software integration and file format capabilities. You will then be able to prepare visuals for print, video and Web.
How to Choose the Best Online Animation Degree Program
Need help in choosing the best online animation bachelor's degree program? As we mentioned previously, “best” really means “best fit” for you, rather than highest rated. Here are a few frequently asked questions that you may have, along with answers to these questions.
What types of animation bachelor degree programs are available online?
There are many different types of animation bachelor degree programs available for you to study entirely online, and more are emerging each year. This makes sense since animation is almost entirely computer based these days. A few of the bachelor's degree programs in animation you can earn online include:
- Media Arts & Animation
- Computer Animation
- Game Design & Animation
- Animation Technology
Is the coursework the same in an online animation bachelor's degree program as it is in the classroom?
For the most part, courses will be similar in subject matter to their classroom counterparts. You'll learn about visual art components, such as color theory, composition, drawing and filmmaking, in addition to the modern computer technology used to create today's animations. All of this can be done online.
Will my bachelor's degree in animation program cover the latest technologies?
Most online animation programs will finish with learning cutting-edge technologies and the most modern programs used in animation today. You'll graduate with a well-rounded knowledge of animation, from its history to modern practices.
What programs will I learn to use through an online bachelor's degree program in animation?
Through your online animation program of choice, you will likely learn a wide variety of programs that are most popular among professionals today, including the full Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk 3ds Max, VisTablet and others.
What careers will online bachelor degree programs in animation prepare me for?
You can find programs to prepare you for careers in a variety of specialties, including those for Web designers, multimedia artists and art directors. Animators work in film and TV, in gaming, in Web design and in a marketing capacity. Programs are available for each specialty.
Best in Animation Programs
-
Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Graduation Rate50%
A private Christian college located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty hosts a top-ranked bachelor's in animation program. The bachelor of fine arts in graphic design highlights the principles and practices of visual communication. Students learn to create digital artwork such as vector illustrations, digital animation, and typography. Liberty offers the program entirely online, with no campus visits required.
Degree candidates complete a minimum of 120 credits, with 73 credits dedicated to graphic design major courses. The program curriculum covers topics including art history, publication design, digital photography, and advanced typography. At the end of the program, all candidates produce a final project and a comprehensive portfolio of professional work.
All candidates also complete a significant experiential learning component that includes both a 30-hour practicum and a 180-hour internship. Both experiences take place under the supervision of professional graphic designers, and internships often lead to job opportunities after graduation.
-
Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Based in Bellevue, Nebraska, BU offers one of the state's top animation bachelor's programs.
The school's bachelor of arts in graphic design emphasizes visual communication, software and hardware tools, and production methods for both print and web design. Students gain the skills to create designs and communication solutions for all types of brands and audiences.
The degree comprises 127 credits total, including a minimum of 49 graphic design major credits. The major curriculum covers topics such as graphic design basics, identity design, website development, and publication design. Candidates also learn to use the industry-standard Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Students with graphic design experience may be able to gain credit for prior learning or transfer existing credits to complete their degree faster. BU often allows military service members and other skilled professionals to earn academic credit for relevant training and other work experience, enabling students to skip over course content they already know and graduate faster.
-
Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate54%
One of the country's largest online education providers, SNHU offers a top-rated bachelor's in animation. The bachelor of arts in graphic design and media arts trains students to analyze, design, and develop media and visual storytelling content that effectively reaches audiences. The program emphasizes various digital, print, and video platforms. Candidates can choose from concentration options in 3D modeling and animation or web design.
The 3D modeling and animation concentration highlights visual content creation for movies, video games, animated web content, and other contemporary media forms. Candidates focus on 3D design and sculpting, with a curriculum including topics such as color theory and typography, wireframe 3D model design, photorealistic rendering, and character animation functions. The program stresses the use of software tools including Adobe's Creative Suite and Autodesk's Mudbox.
SNHU emphasizes student flexibility, offering fully online courses and a convenient application process. The school charges no application fees and requires no SAT or ACT scores to apply.
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Kentucky Wesleyan CollegeLocation
Owensboro, KY
Graduation Rate42%
A private Methodist college based in Owensboro, Wesleyan offers one of the state's top bachelor's in animation programs. Available 100% online, the bachelor of arts in graphic design highlights the intersection of visual art and visual communication.
Candidates complete a minimum of 120 credits, including 39 credits of general education courses, 45 credits of graphic design major courses, and 36 credits of general electives. The major section includes key courses such as 2D design, digital photographic techniques, and digital painting. Candidates also complete one elective course focusing on an area of art history, with options including prehistoric and neoclassic, American art, or modern arts.
As part of the graphic design major curriculum, all candidates complete a two-semester, six-credit internship. The internship places students in a professional graphic design environment, such as an advertising agency, public relations firm, or other relevant setting.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Animator Programs
A variety of animation-related scholarships and financial aid grants and programs are available to those who qualify. For anyone who may be interested in financial assistance for an online bachelor degree program in animation, here are some scholarships you might consider:
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
Sponsored by the Animation Career Review, this scholarship is meant for high school graduates who choose to pursue an animated degree at an accredited art school, college or university in the United States. The ACR awards 10 $1,000 scholarships per year.
Student Scholarship Competition
Offered by the Society of Illustrators, this competition involves an animation category in which students must submit finished animation films. This scholarship is limited to those already in undergraduate art degree programs.
Phyllis Craig Scholarship
Offered by Women In Animation (WIA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in animation, this $1,000 scholarship is for female students enrolled in animation programs at accredited art schools or colleges. It also includes a one-year membership in WIA.
Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences gives out two $2,500 each year to students majoring in animation. Students must apply directly through the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences or via their colleges or universities.
SkillsUSA
sponsors an annual competition for a scholarship in 3D visualization and animation. Applicants have to submit finished animated shorts that they created using 3D computerized imagery.
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