3D Animation College Programs

Animation certificate programs emphasize several topics related to creating moving drawings, including 3D representations. Students learn the technical aspects of this career by practicing modeling and characterization with animation software. In addition to a standard curriculum, animation certificate programs may use workshops to cover the specialized techniques with 3-D materials, modeling, lighting, rigging and rendering. Classes generally offered include:

• Animation history
• Digital editing techniques
• Illustration software
• Motion graphics
• 3D modeling

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) students learn the art of creating 3D images using computer and animation software. While enrolled, students complete extensive practical training in design and animation techniques for various media. They also study topics like human anatomy and movement, acting for animators, screenwriting and life drawing. Other courses may include:

• 3D animation design
• Animation layout
• Video game design basics
• Flash graphics
• Animation production
• Animation theory and history

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs in animation thoroughly cover the skills needed to draw moving images for film, digital videos and television shows. While most programs don't specifically emphasize 3-D animation, they do offer classes on the topic. Students participate in hands-on instruction on topics like storyboarding, drawing, scriptwriting and animation software. Additionally, they learn the entire process of creating 3D animations, from concept development through post-production. Most programs include classes such as:

• Interface design
• 3D animation software programming basics
• 3D animation editing
• Lighting and shading in 3D animation
• Animation sound design

If you're interested in applying to 3D animation and modeling schools but don't know where to begin your search, read on. Below you'll find an in-depth look at some 3D animation colleges offering programs at various levels.

New York Film Academy, NY

The New York Film Academy has a number of dedicated programs for aspiring 3D animators. Their bachelor of fine arts (BFA) program in 3D animation is a full-time course that can be completed over eight semesters. The coursework is intensive, designed to emulate the workflow of professionals working within the industry, and teaches students how to complete animation projects from beginning to end using state-of-the-art 3D design and animation software. For those looking to further their careers, the New York Film Academy also offers a master's degree in 3D animation, a two-year program that focuses on helping students fine-tune their skills in order to bring them up to the standards of the world's biggest names in animation and visual effects.

Ringling College of Art and Design, FL

One of the top-rated 3D animation colleges, Ringling College of Art and Design, offers a four-year BFA in computer animation. This course places an emphasis on 3D animation but also allows students to dabble with topics like 2D design, art history, film and narrative, and media studies. Degree candidates can take part in an internship during their final year. Graduates from this program have gone on to work for major studios and have even won national awards for their student projects.

Academy of Art University, CA

The Academy of Art University boasts a selection of animation and visual effects programs at a variety of levels, all of which contain courses in 3D animation. Their associate's degree takes place over four semesters and helps students get to grips with computer graphics, the principles and techniques of animation, figure drawing, 3D character animation, and more. Their four-year bachelor's degree in animation also covers a whole host of topics related to 3D modeling and animation. In addition, the Academy of Art University offers an MA (two years) and an MFA (three years) in animation, as well as a four-year certificate program that gives students the foundation they need to work as animators.

Brigham Young University, UT

The bachelor's in animation offered by Brigham Young University takes a rounded approach to learning animation. In addition to honing their 3D animation skills, students may also learn about storyboarding, the history of animation, digital sculpting and painting, video game production, and much more. This is a four-year degree culminating in a final project through which candidates are expected to show a mastery of the skills they've developed over the course of the program.

A summary of these 3D modeling and animation schools, as well as other highly rated institutions not mentioned above, is given in the table below.

Sources: National Center for Education Statistics and school websites

Popular Career Options

Those with a certificate in animation are qualified for entry-level careers. Since there aren't any educational or licensure requirements for 3D animators, advanced positions in this field can be gained with experience. Graduates often choose the following careers:

• 3D texture artist
• 3D modeler
• Storyboard artist

Associate's degree holders can find employment as 3D animators for the film and video game industries. Many websites also employ 3D animation professionals to create graphics and videos. Career options include those mentioned below:

• Web design animator
• 3D animator
• 3D scenery designer

The breadth and depth of information covered in a bachelor's degree programs prepares graduates for advanced creative careers. Because talent and other skill factors come into play, earning a B.A. or BFA doesn't guarantee graduates a career in 3D animation. However, this qualification may help them stand out from other job applicants with only a certificate or associate's degree in the field. Many bachelor's degree holders seek the careers as:

• Website creative designer
• Video game designer
• Motion graphics artist

Multiple levels of degrees in different areas of specialization are available to those qualified individuals interested in 3D animation. Job options vary according to the degree that you obtain and can include web design animators, 3D modelers, video game designers.