Online Masters in Animation: Admission and Career
Computer animation master’s degree programs are available online. They may educate you how to become a 3D animator, technical director, modeler, or character animator by teaching you the necessary skills and information. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees are the most popular type of animation master’s degree. Both 2D and 3D animation, as well as the development of visual effects in those formats, are likely to be covered. Many programs emphasize general artistic growth, teaching students how to use animation to tell tales, create tones, deliver messages, and exhibit moods. Read on for comprehensive analysis of online masters in animation.
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Accreditation
One of the most crucial aspects to consider while evaluating possible programs is regional accreditation. Accredited universities have satisfied predetermined criteria to ensure that their programs are of high educational quality.
The status of your program’s accreditation might have immediate and long-term consequences. Only students enrolled in approved programs, for example, are normally eligible for federal or state financial aid.
Employers favor applicants with degrees from reputable universities later on. You can check if your program is accredited by going to the US Department of Education’s database of accredited colleges.
Degree Programs
Computer animators must have a strong computer background. Required classes in a computer animation degree program educate students how to use software programs that they may encounter on the job. Most universities require computer animation majors to take 2- and 3-dimensional animation courses. Students may use Flash, Illustrator, 3DS Studio Max, and Maya, depending on the program. Most programs also require students to improve their drawing skills, which can range from basic to advanced drawing, as well as anatomy or figure drawing. Character animation, design, motion capture, object perspective, software technology, and demo reel development are among the other technical topics covered in this course.
General Courses
While computer animation is primarily concerned with technical abilities, many degree programs also include liberal arts courses. Although requirements vary by school, most universities include general education requirements in subjects such as English, history, math, and science. Writing, art history, color theory, geometry, ethics, and psychology are all required subjects in a standard 4-year computer animation degree program.
The Advantages of an Online Animation Master’s Degree
A degree in animation entails learning how to draw characters who are part of a plot in a film or television program using a computer program (or a variety of software packages). Without the presence of peers, you will be able to use and hone your skills on your own. This one is ideal for you if you are a self-starter.
Online courses, such as this one, can be more flexible than traditional classroom-based learning. For example, suppose you work as a writer and want to study part-time at the same time. If that’s the case, an online animation course could be the ideal complement to your existing circumstances.
In recent years, animation has progressed. As a result, some companies provide bachelor’s degree programs in animation. You’ll see that animation is a sophisticated and difficult topic of study in and of itself, thus earning a bachelor’s degree in this field is an achievement worth bragging about to potential employers.
If you decide to pursue a career in animation, the good news is that you can expect to make a salary of $70k+ per year. Of course, this is contingent on your animation credentials. The pay scale for animation specialists is determined by their level of education and experience. If you can work on modest projects while studying for your animation degree, you will be in a much better position to negotiate a larger compensation. As a result, those who choose to study online have a significant edge.
The location of the animation studio (job) may have a significant impact on your future earnings. Although some firms may be located far away from you, they may be prepared to hire you on a remote basis. This means that you can study online and do brief assignments for them without having to leave your current location.
While completing your bachelor’s degree in animation, you can study different branches of expertise online. Because animation content spans a wide range of topics, animators don’t need to be pigeonholed and shouldn’t be. If your animation project’s theme is dancing characters, for example, you might wish to research the art of dancing. This helps you to gain insight into the minds of dancers so that you can draw them using a computer software. You must also learn about other subjects in order to master computer animation.
It is less expensive to learn animation online than it is to attend a traditional institution. There is no need to pay for transportation or meals outdoors if you have your computer at home. The money you save can be used to pay for more animation certificates — in other words, you should study tech skills that will help you become more competent to work as an animator.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
A master’s degree in animation can be fairly costly, so it’s always a good idea to look into your financial aid and scholarship alternatives.
If you’re already working in industry, consider if your employer offers a program that encourages people to continue their education. You might be able to work out a plan that allows you to work part-time while pursuing your degree.
You might be able to uncover scholarships sponsored by schools or other professional groups that help animation students whether or not you’re in the business. To demonstrate merit, several of these scholarships require you to submit a piece of work.
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Is Animation a Lucrative Profession?
Yes, many professionals find animation to be a rewarding vocation. The typical annual wage for special effects artists and animators is $77,700, which is higher than the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Animation is often a rewarding field for those that have a passion for art.
While many animators work in the multimedia arts industry, this is by no means a foregone conclusion. Many animators find rewarding work creating animations for a variety of sectors that require assistance with media and content creation.
What Does an Animator Get Paid?
Special effects artists and animators earn a median annual pay of roughly $77,700, with the top 10% making more than $142,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The highest-paid animators work in the motion picture and video sectors, followed by those who work for software publishers and advertising-related services. Many animators work full-time in the industry, but as the trend toward remote work has grown in recent years, more animators are opting for contract work.
How Difficult Is It to Find Work in Animation?
Animating is a natural choice for many people who identify as creative and artistic. In terms of job growth and competition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that special effects artists and animators will rise by 4% on average over the next decade.
Job availability may also be influenced by where you live. Certain animation hotspots around the world, such as California, may experience a surge in eager animators, making employment rivalry particularly tough in these places.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Animation Master’s Degree?
A normal master’s degree in animation involves roughly 45 credit hours and can take up to two years to complete, depending on the program. This assumes you’re a full-time student enrolled in a program with a final thesis.
Some degrees only require 36 credit hours and can be finished in as little as a year if you study full-time and take summer classes. If you are a part-time student or must complete a thesis, it may take longer.
MFA in Animation degrees, on the other hand, may have more requirements, with roughly 65 credit hours. These degree programs, which include a final thesis, normally take three years to complete.
Universities offering online masters in animation
Academy of Art University
A Master of Arts in Animation and Visual Effects is offered by Academy of Art University. Students must complete a final portfolio and earn a C or better in each of the 36 needed credits to graduate.
7.5 or 15-week online programs are available. Applicants must submit an online application, official transcripts, a personal résumé, and a portfolio to be considered for the program.
WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the Academy of Art University.
Arizona State University is a public university located in Tempe, Arizona
An online Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology is available at Arizona State University.
Graphics, cross-media design, and management are among the topics covered in the curriculum. Many of the students that enroll in the program have already worked in the animation industry. Students must complete 30 credit hours, with classes lasting 7.5 or 15 weeks, in order to graduate.
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Arizona State University accreditation.
Columbia University is a private university in New York City
An online Computer Science Master’s in Vision, Graphics, Interaction, and Robotics is available from Columbia University.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and submit their GRE test scores in order to be considered. Students must take animation courses as part of the degree, which has a strong emphasis on visuals. To graduate from the program, you must finish 30 credits with a 2.7 GPA.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted Columbia accreditation.
DePaul University is located in Chicago, Illinois.
A Master of Science in Game Programming is available at DePaul University. Students will learn about each phase of game production, including animation and graphics, in this program.
Students must finish 52 credit hours and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to graduate. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide authentic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
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The Higher Learning Commission has granted DePaul University accreditation.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university in Fairleigh Dickinson, New
A Masters of Arts in Animation is available online from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 3D Character Animation, Visual Effects, or Video Games are the three concentrations available to students. A total of 36 credits are required to graduate. Applicants must have a 2.7 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a digital portfolio.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted Fairleigh Dickinson University accreditation.
Kennesaw State University is a public university in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Kennesaw State University offers a Master of Arts in Art and Design with a focus in Digital Animation that can be completed entirely online. It normally takes a year to complete the curriculum. A letter of application, an animated demo reel, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and a résumé are required.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Liberty University is a private university in the United States
A Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is offered by Liberty University. With eight-week courses, the curriculum can usually be completed in two years. Interactive game creation and 3D graphics are among the topics covered by students in the program. An artist statement, a portfolio, and academic transcripts are required of applicants.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Liberty University accreditation.
Lindenwood University is a private university in the United States.
A Master of Arts in Digital & Web Design is available online from Lindenwood University.
The curriculum covers courses in commercial animation and video effects and requires 36 credit hours to complete. To graduate, students must complete either a thesis or an applied project. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required, as well as three academic or professional references and a statement of intent.
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Lindenwood University accreditation.
What Can you do with Online Masters in Animation ?
An online animation degree can serve as a springboard for a variety of vocations. Animators may go on to work for Pixar, Industrial Light and Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Dreamworks, and other animation studios. A bachelor’s degree in animation can be used in a variety of jobs outside of the typical animation field.
Acquire abilities and knowledge
Students who earn a computer animation degree online gain knowledge of how animation works, common design principles and concepts, the technical process of computer art creation, a working knowledge of animation and graphic design softwares, and the ability to realize creative projects as part of a team. The majority of online animation degree programs involve a total of 120 credit hours of coursework. 3D animation and visual effects, the history of animation, computer games, studio concepts, audio production, and graphic design are among the topics covered in these courses. These courses will prepare you for a career as an animator, graphic designer, book illustrator, video game illustrator, and other related fields.
Students should assess their ideal job route and construct a course of study that best matches their needs because the world of animation and computer art is diverse and its abilities adaptable. Students interested in pursuing a traditional career in animation, for example, should grasp common animation software and expand their creative portfolios as much as feasible. Those who want to use their animation degree in other industries, on the other hand, should adjust their course selections to their desired employment. Students interested in advertising should concentrate on graphic or computer art design and take marketing or brand message electives. Students interested in working for a consulting firm in the specialized design services market may wish to focus their studies on 3D modeling, statistics, and other research methodologies.
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