From advertisements to scientific visualizations, animation is relevant almost everywhere. Precedence Research reports that, at its current growth rate, the global animation market will be worth $587.1 billion by 2030. Now is a great time to jumpstart your animation career by exploring the best animation associate degrees.
An animation associate degree prepares you for an entry-level animation job by teaching you the basics quickly. In this article, we’ll discuss the best schools to earn your Associate Degree in Animation, including admission requirements and common courses to expect. We’ll also introduce you to some of the best animation associate degree jobs.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Animation?
Some of the best schools to get an Associate Degree in Animation are Bergen Community College and Milwaukee Area Technical College. An animation school teaches technical skills from special effects to video game design and provides essential hands-on experience in the field of animation.
What Schools Offer the Best Animation Associate Degrees?
- Academy of Art University
- Bergen Community College
- Cañada College
- Dallas College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Animation?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Animation are a high school diploma or GED, high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and application fees. If English is not one of your native languages, you may have to submit English proficiency test results such as the TOEFL.
Many community colleges operate an open admission system, so you may not need a certain GPA minimum or standardized test score. However, your school may require you to submit your portfolio to help them gauge your artistic skill level. It is also helpful to include recommendations from art teachers or professors.
Animation Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or a prior college degree
- SAT or ACT scores
- Transcript of academic background
- Portfolio of animation and graphic design work
- Letters of recommendation
- Admissions essay
How to Get an Animation Associate Degree
The best way to get an animation associate degree is by fulfilling all the degree requirements for your program. This usually includes completing a minimum number of credit hours spread over specific categories, maintaining a minimum GPA, and passing all compulsory courses. In the section below, we’ll explore each of these degree requirements in detail.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Animation?
You will need 60 credits in order to graduate with an Associate Degree in Animation. The exact number may vary from program to program, and you’ll need to take general education courses, major subject courses, and specific courses in whatever specialization you choose.
Animation Degree Requirements
- 60 credits hours total
- 20 credits in general education
- 20 credits in major courses
- 20 credits in specialization track courses
- Passing grade in all courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
Best Animation Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects | National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation |
| Austin Community College District | Associate of Applied Science in Game Development, Animation, and Motion Graphics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Bergen Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Animation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Cañada College | Associate in Arts in Digital Art and Animation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Century College | Associate of Applied Science in 3D Modeling and Animation | Higher Learning Commission |
| CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College | Associate of Science in Animation and Motion Graphics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Dallas College | Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art And Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Johnson County Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Animation-Entertainment and Game Art Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Associate in Applied Science in Animation | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Animation: Top Animation Associate Degree Programs
The best schools for an Associate Degree in Animation are discussed in detail in the next section. Whether you choose a program at a community college or university, you’ll get a top-notch education that will prepare you for a career in animation.
The best schools for an Associate Degree in Animation are discussed in detail in the next section. Whether you choose a program at a community college or university, you’ll get a top-notch education that will prepare you for a career in animation.
What Is an Animation Associate Degree?
An animation associate degree is an undergraduate degree that teaches the fundamentals of animation. Students in these degree programs learn entry-level animation skills like character animation, 3D animation, 2D animation, and character design for jobs in the animation industry.
An Associate Degree in Animation is typically a two-year program, unlike a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to finish. The main difference between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree is the depth of training. With more credit hours, bachelor’s degree programs cover subjects in more detail.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Animation?
An Associate Degree in Animation is very important. It teaches fundamental skills that all animators need to have to succeed in the animation job market. An associate degree is an excellent option to get an animation education and build a portfolio.
What Types of Associate Degrees Can You Get in Animation?
You can get two types of associate degrees in animation: an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science. An Associate of Arts degree focuses on the fine arts aspects of animation, while an Associate of Applied Science focuses on the computer science aspects of animation.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science in Animation?
It is better to get an Associate Degree of Arts if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after your studies. An Associate Degree of Arts transfers easily into a bachelor’s degree program. Many people choose a low-cost associate degree to offset the cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree.
On the other hand, if you want to get a job after you complete your studies, an Associate of Applied Science in Animation is better. You can usually still transfer the credits from an Associate of Applied Science degree to a bachelor’s degree, but it is really more of a technical training program.
What Is the Difference Between an Animation Associate Degree and an Animation Certificate?
The main difference between an animation associate degree and a certificate in animation is that while the former comes from an accredited institution, the latter can be awarded by any institution that teaches animation skills. An associate degree takes two years to complete, while a certificate can take only a few months.
Another big difference between a degree and a certificate in animation is that a degree in animation better prepares you for a rewarding career in animation because they are more comprehensive programs. Also, an animation degree is better than a certificate because it is more respected by potential employers.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Animation?
According to the National Center of Educational Statistics, an Associate Degree in Animation costs $4,230 on average. This figure includes tuition and fees, but it does not include books, supplies, or living expenses.
The average cost of tuition varies a lot by the type of school. The average in-state tuition at a public university is only $3,812, while a private non-profit school costs an average of $18,631, and a private for-profit school has an average cost of $15,736.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Animation Associate Degree?
It takes an average of two years to get an Associate Degree in Animation. A bachelor’s degree takes twice as long, totaling four years. This time frame can vary by program. For instance, some schools offer courses during summer semesters so you can complete your degree in one and a half years.
In order to graduate with an associate degree, you will need to complete around 60 credit hours, depending on your specific program. This means that you need to complete 30 units per year or 15 units per semester on average.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Animation?
It is hard to get an Associate Degree in Animation. Though easier than a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree still requires a lot of time and concentration. There are many skills that an animation associate degree major must master before graduating. Many schools have student services to help you with any issues that you experience while pursuing your degree.
Why Should You Get an Animation Associate Degree?
The biggest reason to get an Associate Degree in Animation is that it prepares you for animation and digital arts jobs after only two years of study. Students with an Associate Degree in Animation can eventually become art directors or game designers with additional education or work experience.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Animation?
The Associate Degree in Animation courses you should take will cover different topics in animation, depending on whether you want to do 2D or 3D animation. You’ll need to learn how to create images and how to work with them using different computer software programs. Below you will find some of the courses that you will need to take while pursuing an animation associate degree.
Video Production
Understanding video production and learning how to produce your own videos is one of many vital professional skills that an animator must have. Video production requires precise editing and processing, and it is used to create all kinds of visual entertainment and advertisements.
Computer Animation
In a computer animation course, students will learn how to use animation software to model objects, place them in an environment, and realistically add light, surface texture, and motion. This course will help the student learn skills that will be useful to potential employers.
Motion Graphics
In this course, students are trained extensively in Adobe After Effects. They will be taught advanced techniques such as masking, tracking mattes, rotoscoping, and 3D graphics. Design firms and advertising companies often look for candidates with these skills.
Cinematography
Cinematography teaches students how to capture the images through a camera lens. This engages the knowledge of lighting, angles, and, most importantly, storytelling. This helps the viewer experience the work’s aesthetics without missing the message.
Portfolio Development
Portfolio development is an educational requirement in animation programs because it is a skill that an animator must learn in order to present their work properly. There is no point in creating amazing animations if you don’t have something organized to show. A good portfolio is a key to getting an animation job after graduation.
Continuing Education Paths for Animation Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with an animation associate degree is to enroll in a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, pursuing graduate-level degrees like master’s degrees and PhD degrees will almost guarantee you access to higher-paying jobs and networking opportunities.
Related Animation Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Animation Associate Degree Programs
The main factors to look out for when choosing an animation associate degree program are accreditation, cost, career services, graduation rate, and flexibility/format. We’ll explain these key factors in the next section.
Accreditation
An institution is accredited by a legitimate accrediting agency when it meets educational standards. Accreditation is one of the main reasons why an associate degree is more respected than a certificate from an external education program. Accreditation provides proof that the program is teaching relevant skills effectively.
Cost
Getting an animation degree will increase your earning potential, but you still have to be able to afford it. Associate degrees are less expensive than most bachelor’s degrees, but you should be aware of your financial options. Consider attending a public institution in your state of residence, applying for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, and research art scholarships.
Career Services
Unless you want to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program right after graduation, you will be starting your animation job search after completing your associate degree. Schools with good career services can connect you with potential employers, help you improve your resume, and prepare you for a job interview with mock interviews.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate is a good way to assess an academic institution. A wide range of factors contribute to a school’s graduation rate, but this factor can give you a sense of how likely you are to finish the program.
Flexibility/Format
You might want to consider how flexible the animation classes and events schedule are when you research possible programs. If you are not sure whether you can attend your classes full-time or in person, make sure to check whether courses are offered online or on nights and weekends.
What Is the Most Affordable Animation Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degree in Animation is offered by Cañada College. The associate degree program has an estimated annual cost of tuition and fees of $1,362. For an in-state student living off-campus with family, the estimated total cost of a two-year associate degree is $16,062. The estimated total cost for an out-of-state student covering all of their own living expenses is $71,720.
Salary and Job Outlook for Animation Associate Degree Graduates
There are many entry-level career opportunities for students who have finished their animation associate degree. The skills and expertise gained from these programs are highly sought after in a wide variety of fields, from advertising to special effects design.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Animation Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an Associate Degree in Animation. An Associate Degree in Animation is a great way to get an entry-level job in any industry, even the highly sought-after video game industry.
What’s the Average Animation Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Animation is $41,000 per year, according to PayScale. The pay for animators increases based on the number of years of experience they have. Additional education through certifications or further degrees can also improve your earning potential.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Animation Associate Degree?
The jobs you can do with an animation associate degree range from a job in digital media design to working in the video game industry. The list below gives you an overview of the different types of good-paying jobs you can get with an Associate Degree in Animation.
Animation Associate Degree Jobs
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Film Editor
- Creative Director
- Interior Designer
Potential Careers With an Animation Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Animation?
You can make between $50,710 and $100,890 per year with an Associate Degree in Animation. Certain industries have better pay, and some jobs require rare skills which are more valuable. There are a wide variety of fields you can work in with an Associate Degree in Animation.
If you don’t know what field you want to go into, learning the average salaries of some of the highest-paying jobs might help put things in perspective. It helps to know what field you want to go into before you start working on your degree, so you can choose the right elective courses, degree specialization, or internship for your desired career.
Highest-Paying Animation Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Animation Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $100,890 |
| Director | $79,000 |
| Animator | $78,790 |
| Film and Video Editor | $62,680 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
Best Jobs for Animation Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for animation associate degree grads are art director, director, animator, film and video editor, and graphic designer. In the next section, we explore different careers in animation in more detail, including what these professionals do and job growth predictions.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Animation Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Animation is definitely worth it. If you want to become an animator or work in a similar field, an Associate Degree in Animation will teach you the fundamental skills you need to become an animator and give you a chance to build a professional portfolio.
An Associate Degree in Animation prepares you to enter the workforce through entry-level jobs, and with additional experience, you can land a high-paying job in animation. If you ever decide that an associate degree has not provided you with enough technical training, you can always further your studies by getting a more advanced degree in animation.
Additional Reading About Animation
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Animation Associate Degree FAQ
If you have no experience whatsoever with animation, there are several tools to help you learn animation from scratch. There are also online tools you can use to explore your animation skills, and although they may not give the full value of an associate degree, they will still help you gain some experience in this field.
Kids who aren’t old enough for a college animation program can take fun computer animation courses for kids that are informative and age-appropriate. Cultivating an early interest in animation can help kids decide what college programs to pursue when they are old enough.
An Associate Degree in Animation is enough to qualify you for entry-level jobs in the animation industry, but you can also get a more solid education with advanced degrees that will provide you with essential real-world experience. In fact, many institutions have options that make it easy for you to transition into a bachelor’s degree program right after completing your associate degree.
Yes, you can enroll in an online animation associate program. There are many schools that offer online classes for animation students who can’t attend physically. Though there might be some downsides to studying virtually, there are convenient benefits, such as not having to physically attend a specific program.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
