Animation is a vast field that encompasses artistic, theoretical, and practical aspects. Fortunately, the best animation bachelor’s degrees cover all the required subject areas, preparing you with a skill set for a very profitable career. Once you get an animation bachelor’s degree, jobs in a range of companies and related industries will become available to you.
This article outlines 10 of the best schools to get an online bachelor’s degree in animation, as well as details on how to apply, what materials you need to prepare, and how to choose the best program for you.
Where Can I Get an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get a bachelor’s degree online in animation are Southern New Hampshire University, Arizona State University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus. These schools offer intensive training for people intending to begin a thriving career in any digital animation industry role.
What Schools Offer the Best Animation Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Arizona State University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Academy of Art University
- University of Florida
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
The online Bachelor’s Degree in Animation requirements for admission typically includes submitting a completed application form and proof of your high school completion. Most universities accept high school transcripts or equivalents like a GED. Some universities have a minimum required GPA for online Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation that range from 2.0 to 2.5.
Also, while some schools will demand ACT or SAT scores and an art portfolio as mandatory admission criteria, many schools do not require these. You should always check with a school’s admission department to find out their exact requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation online programs before submitting your application.
Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school or GED transcripts
- Online application fee
- SAT scores
- Art portfolio
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 – 2.5
How to Get an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation online by fulfilling the school’s program graduation requirements. These will vary by institution, but there are a few common requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation that you will see at most schools.
The easiest way to get an online Bachelor’s Degree in Animation is to complete the required number of credits while maintaining a minimum GPA throughout the duration of the program.
Animation Degree Requirements
- You must complete at least 120 credit units of coursework
- You must maintain a minimum grade of C in all your major courses
- You will need to maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester for the duration of your program
- You must complete at least 36 units of upper-level credits (his number varies depending on the university)
Best Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | BFA Animation and Visual Effects | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Arizona State University | BS Graphic Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Full Sail University | BS Computer Animation | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| George Mason University | BFA Computer Game Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | BFA Animation | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Advancing Technology | BA Game Art and Animation | Higher Learning Commision |
| University of Florida | BA Digital Arts and Sciences | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | BS Digital Media and Web Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Wilmington University | BS in Animation and 3D | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Animation: Top Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Several schools offer distance learning programs for prospective students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation. The best online animation bachelor’s degree programs have a strong curriculum, industry-experienced professionals, and competitive graduation rates. The top schools for online animation bachelor’s degrees are listed below.
What Is an Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
An online animation bachelor’s degree is an online program offered by universities to people interested in learning 2D or 3D animation and its applications within the industry. Online animation programs usually take between three and four years to complete.
Earning an animation bachelor’s degree online is easy because these programs involve a lot of independent practical work. With online degrees, animation students, regardless of their location, can receive training from the best animation colleges in the world.
Online vs In-Person Animation Degrees
Most universities offer options for both online and in-person animation bachelor’s degree programs. When it comes to studying Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation online vs on-campus, both offer pros and cons depending on your specific preferences.
Studying an online Bachelor’s Degree in Animation is just as good as studying in person and will qualify you for the same career. The main differences between online and in-person Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation are listed below through the top five benefits of both learning pathways.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Animation
- Flexibility. Online animation bachelor’s degree courses are usually taken by people from different countries with varying time zones. This usually means that the submission deadlines and class times will be very flexible.
- Convenience. Students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in animation don’t need to quit their jobs or travel to a new city to obtain their degree. Instead, schools offering online undergraduate animation degrees allow you to receive quality education on your terms.
- Prolonged access to course content. Unlike with an in-person animation bachelor’s degree, online students can re-watch previous lectures as many times as they need to better understand the course content.
- Affordability. In most cases, getting an online bachelor’s degree in animation is more cost-effective than an in-person degree. This is because most schools set their tuition prices lower for online courses. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about extra costs like accommodation or transportation with online degrees.
- Helps to cultivate remote work skills. Most digital art and animation companies are now hiring remote workers. An online bachelor’s degree in animation prepares you for jobs in the industry by helping you acquire skills like time management and communication. These are critical for optimal performance in any work environment.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Animation
- Stronger teacher-student interaction. In-person Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation make it easier for you to have a one-on-one relationship with your instructors. Compared to those studying online degrees, students in in-person programs tend to have better relationships with their tutors.
- Environmental stimulation. In addition to learning course content, students pursuing in-person degrees reap the benefits of being in a learning-only environment. Being on campus offers a more wholesome experience by allowing you to participate in extracurricular activities, meet your peers, and use campus facilities.
- Deeper focus. Students enrolled in on-campus Bachelor of Animation programs have access to a library and other learning resources. These can aid their learning process and help them to concentrate on their studies.
- Better networking opportunities. Being on-site in a university allows you to connect with other students within and outside of your faculty. In addition, with in-person degrees, it is much easier to build strong connections that could provide future advancement opportunities as you progress in your career.
- Supports diverse learning styles. An in-person animation bachelor’s degree is more valuable for people who don’t learn best with audio or visual teaching techniques. In-person degrees offer a more hands-on training style that may be a better approach, depending on your needs.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Animation?
Typically, most types of online Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation award successful students with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. However, the degree type received by a student usually depends on the specific university and the nature of their curriculum.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation?
It is much better to get an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation vs a Bachelor of Arts because a BFA focuses more on technical and industry-related content. Although Bachelor of Arts degrees are equally valuable, they tend to be more general in scope and include liberal arts courses that may not be relevant for an animation career.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation is more streamlined and enables students to focus only on the core aspects of their subject area such as 2D and 3D animation and character design.
How Much Does an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The average cost for an animation bachelor’s degree is $16,647, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This cost is for the tuition and fees, which are typically the sole costs of online bachelor’s degree programs in animation as these students don’t pay room and board fees for living on-campus.
This fee can also be significantly higher or lower, depending on the nature of the program and the type of university you attend.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes three to four years to get a bachelor’s degree in animation online. How long it takes to get your animation bachelor’s degree online depends on how many credit units your university requires you to complete before graduation and how many classes you choose to take each semester.
Most animation bachelor’s degree programs will require you to complete 120 credits over the duration of your program to be considered eligible for graduation. Since you can take 15 or more credits each semester, you should be able to graduate in four years, or even sooner.
Are Online Animation Degrees Respected?
Yes, online degrees in animation are respected and are gaining popularity. According to data from the NCES, 7,313,623 students were enrolled in distance learning courses at the post-secondary level in the US in 2019. This number has undoubtedly grown in the last few years.
There are numerous respected schools for online Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation that offer accredited online animation courses. Animation graduates go on to work predominantly in the tech space, which is becoming increasingly open to unconventional educational routes. This means that animators with online bachelor’s degrees receive equal consideration for jobs to those with in-person degrees.
Is Animation Hard to Learn Online?
No, a bachelor’s degree in animation is not hard to take online. Although online animation degree programs require a lot of motivation, you can complete your degree within the stipulated time with proper planning and focus.
Why You Should Get an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Online
Getting an animation bachelor’s degree online allows you to attend world-class universities at a reduced cost without significant life changes like relocation. Online bachelor’s animation programs also provide prospective students with the freedom to manage their time and build vital soft skills relevant to the job market.
An online Bachelor’s Degree in Animation is the most convenient way to kick start a fulfilling animation career. By obtaining a degree from an accredited university, you can position yourself to land a highly lucrative job in digital media design or any other animation industry job.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Animation?
The best online bachelor’s degree in animation classes you will take include 2D animation techniques, 3D animation techniques, storyboarding principles, game design fundamentals, and light, sound, and motion for digital media. Other major and minor courses will also be added depending on your program and university.
These courses, among other requisites, are enough to earn your degree online and qualify you for a range of careers in the animation industry. An online bachelor’s degree will also qualify you to further your education by pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate.
2D Animation Techniques
The 2D animation techniques course covers the creation of 2D backgrounds, characters, and objects. You will also be learning how to use Adobe Animate and other popular 2D animation tools.
3D Modeling
In this course, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles for creating 3D models. You will be taught modern, industry-specific techniques for building mobile, PC, and console game models. In addition to this, most 3D modeling courses include lessons on software tools like Autodesk 3DS max, which are commonly used to create animations.
Storyboarding Principles
This course focuses on teaching the core techniques for conceptualizing a story and designing your storyboard. You will also learn about storyboarding applications, including motion pictures, video games, and animation.
Game Design and Production
Students enrolled in an online animation bachelor’s degree program are typically expected to learn the rudiments of animation for video games across various platforms, including mobile. In addition, this course equips students with the necessary know-how to work with game development teams to create 3D characters and other in-game animations.
Light and Sound for Digital Media
Animators regularly work with digital media teams to create special effects on video games, websites, or adverts. This course will teach the science behind light and sound and how these aspects can be manipulated to create a solid digital media project.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After getting a bachelor’s degree in animation online, you can pursue a one or two-year master’s program in animation. Obtaining a master’s degree is a great way to increase your earning potential and position you for better opportunities within the animation industry.
Related Online Animation Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Animation Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in an online animation degree program include the program’s reputation, specialization options, flexibility, student-to-faculty ratio, and curricular content. Although there are other factors to consider, these are the most significant aspects to examine before starting any animation bachelor’s degree program.
The Reputation of the Program
You must always inquire about how highly-rated your prospective program is among potential employers within the animation industry. Enrolling in a program with an excellent reputation will go a long way to increase your chances of landing a high-paying job shortly after graduation.
Specialization Options
Animation is a broad subject. While some programs approach animation from a generalized perspective, others are more streamlined to specific areas such as multimedia or video game design. Depending on your individual preferences, a specialized program may be a better choice for developing industry-standard skills in an aspect of animation.
Flexibility
The best animation degree programs usually offer students the opportunity to choose between in-person and online learning methods. Opting for a more flexible schedule gives you more options, especially if you are unable to relocate from your current location to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
A smaller student-to-faculty ratio will allow you to enjoy a more hands-on learning experience. Unlike programs with few faculty members, you will have more access to critical feedback, which will help you hone your animation skills. You will also be able to build one-on-one relationships with your tutors quickly.
Curricular Content
Animation is a highly technical field. Therefore, your chosen program must have a detailed curriculum. In addition, your coursework should include both theoretical and practical aspects of animation to enable you to succeed in diverse roles within the job market.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online animation bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences offered by the University of Florida. The total cost of tuition per year for in-state students is approximately $3,876. For out-of-state students, however, the yearly tuition is about $16,579.
For the entire duration of the program, Florida residents are expected to spend about $15,504, while non-Florida residents will pay $66,316.
Can I Get an Animation Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a free online bachelor’s degree in animation. However, if you are wondering how to learn animation online for free, there are several courses on sites like Coursera and Skillshare. You can also seek out universities that offer scholarship opportunities to students enrolled in their programs.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Animation bachelor’s degree graduates can work in several industries, including technology, entertainment, and advertising. After graduating from an online animation bachelor’s degree program, you will need a compelling resume and an art portfolio to land a lucrative job. These items will demonstrate your skills and your proficiency with popular animation software tools.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an animation bachelor’s degree. Most online animation bachelor’s degree programs have a well-designed curriculum containing relevant industry practices that prepare you for job applications and show your qualifications. Employers in animation companies will also assess your technical skills and portfolio.
What’s the Average Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts, including online Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation, earn an average salary of $67,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, your annual salary can be significantly higher or lower depending on the exact job role. For example, senior graphic designers, multimedia specialists, and creative services managers may earn higher annual salaries. Entry-level roles may earn less than the industry average.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online animation bachelor’s degree are graphic design, special effect animation, web design, and multimedia production. Most of these roles have a minimum qualification requirement of a bachelor’s degree in animation or a related field.
Animation Degree Jobs
- Art director
- Graphic designer
- Multimedia producer
- Special effects artist
- Web designer
Potential Careers With an Online Animation Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree?
Usually, you can make between $67,000 and $97,000 per year with a Bachelor of Arts in Animation, according to Payscale. Depending on your level of experience and the demand in your area of specialization, you may be eligible for an even higher salary.
Animation is generally a rewarding field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average annual salary for all occupations in the US is $58,260, with online animation bachelor’s degree jobs paying significantly more than this amount.
Highest-Paying Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Animation Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art director | $97,270 |
| Special effects artist | $77,700 |
| Digital designer | $77,200 |
| Multimedia producer | $76,400 |
| Film and Video Editor | $67,250 |
Best Jobs for Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Online animation degree job prospects are exciting careers that offer lucrative salaries. They also have a massive potential for job growth over the next few years. The jobs listed below are some of the most rewarding jobs for online bachelor’s degree holders in animation.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online bachelor’s degree in animation is worth it. Online degree programs offer structure and professional guidance while giving you the flexibility of location and schedule. An online animation bachelor’s degree is worth it because you can complete your coursework at your own pace and build a foundation of knowledge in the field of animation.
With a Bachelor’s of Animation from an accredited online university, you can build noteworthy projects, land a high-paying job and build a promising career. You will create excellent digital content for several career paths in this lucrative field, all at a very affordable cost. With high prospective industry salaries, the degree cost is an investment in your career in animation.
Additional Reading About Animation
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Online Animation Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Animators use software tools like 3DS Max, Blender, Adobe Animate, and FlipBook. Each of these tools is effective and applicable for different animation needs. Working as an animator will require proficiency in multiple software tools.
To build your animation portfolio, you need to look for projects to make on your own. There are several project ideas for animators online. Depending on your present skill level as an animator, you can select one of these ideas, build it, and include it in your portfolio. As you complete more projects, your portfolio will gradually become stronger.
No, you do not need an animation bachelor’s degree to become a graphic designer. However, getting a degree in animation will equip you with in-demand skills required for the design industry. A degree will also make you more attractive to recruiters. So, while an animation bachelor’s degree is not mandatory, it will undoubtedly be valuable for landing an industry job.
Yes, there is a high demand for animators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for animators is expected to increase by 16% between 2020 and 2030. Also, the skills acquired when you get an animation bachelor’s degree are highly transferable and can be applied across several other fields.
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.
