Best Computer Animation Bachelor's Degree Programs

1. Huntington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$26,846	75%	70%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

2. University of Baltimore

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,096	78%	41%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

3. Columbia College Chicago

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,756	90%	50%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

4. University of Idaho

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,304	78%	56%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

5. East Tennessee State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,259	86%	50%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

6. Eastern Michigan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,758	74%	46%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

7. Sam Houston State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,536	83%	54%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

8. Arizona State University-Tempe

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,338	86%	63%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

9. Fashion Institute of Technology

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,990	54%	80%	73%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

10. Regent University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,620	86%	57%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

11. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,186	58%	61%	77%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

12. New Mexico State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,087	55%	48%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

13. Morgan State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,009	68%	43%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

14. Colorado Mesa University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,686	78%	34%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. Webster University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28,700	57%	58%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

16. Missouri Western State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,814	No Available Data (2019-2020)	38%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

17. Indian River State College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$2,764	No Available Data (2019-2020)	41%	67%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Bachelor's degrees in computer animation can go by many names. In addition to computer animation, possible degree titles include animation & visual effects, character animation, experimental animation, film, animation & video, and simply animation. With the degree of specialty possible in a degree alone, there are less opportunities for concentrating within many computer animation programs. Still, concentrations may include:

• 3D animation
• Visual effects
• 2D animation and stop motion
• Animation production

When studying to earn a bachelor's degree in computer animation, students learn both theory and practice. Coursework often involves learning the basics behind design and art theory, along with ways to make viewers emotionally respond, while also focusing on hands-on skills like drawing and designing. This frequently means students may take a series of classes focused on a subject, like animation I, II, III, and so on.

Students frequently complete animation projects, with a capstone project that may require them to handle everything from preproduction to postproduction of an animated work. Common course titles include:

• Drawing
• Computer animation
• Design
• Storyboarding
• Film history

A bachelor's in computer animation is usually a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. These normally take around four years to earn, with students completing about 120 credit hours combined between their major courses and general education classes. Given the emphasis on projects and possible internships in these programs, it may be difficult to accelerate these programs.

Choosing a computer animation school and bachelor's program is a crucial step to making a successful career for yourself in the industry. Even choosing a program in a related area like graphic design or animation may affect the jobs for which you are qualified, as there are differences.. With the possibility for specialization in computer animation, it is similarly critical to decide if you want to pursue a certain area of the discipline or take a more general approach to the field.

It is also important to consider the resources, faculty, and graduates of each school. Animation technology is constantly evolving, so it is beneficial for students to attend a school that has the most modern resources for students to learn with.

As much as computer animation is changing, it can likewise be helpful to learn from those with experience in the industry. Faculty members who have worked in animation bring a practical knowledge to the classroom that includes their experience, which can help students. Finally, most animation programs will tout the work of their students and recent graduates. Consider this animation and what its creators went on to do to help you determine if the school in question is right for you.

By obtaining accreditation, computer animation programs display a level of quality in their education that can also prove valuable when choosing a school and program. The most common accrediting body for computer animation programs is the National Association of Schools of Art & Design. This organization uses a comprehensive review process to ensure computer animation programs meet its standards and guidelines, which are widely respected in the industry.

Another important accreditation factor to consider is regional accreditation of the school that offers the computer animation program. This demonstrates a level of quality, improves the chances of transferring credits, and qualifies you to apply for federal financial aid. Some regional accreditors to look for include the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), both of which are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Computer animators do not require any form of licensure or certification to practice their craft. There are some certificate options in this field, but they are merely for educational purposes. These certificates are not required by any sort of governmental or professional agency in order to work as a computer animator. Instead, animators demonstrate their skill through their work as a student in class and capstone projects, possible internships, on-the-job training, and, when applicable, prior work in their career.

Computer animators can find themselves working within a variety of industries. They could work in motion pictures, television, advertising, and a number of other creative disciplines that may require animation. Across those fields, creativity, technical acumen, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills may be beneficial in a number of jobs. Although the actual work of computer animation is done solo, individuals in this field frequently find themselves as a member of a team, so it is important to work well within that group.

There are numerous areas of animation in which computer animators can specialize and find jobs. Job titles for those with a bachelor's degree in computer animation can include:

• Story and concept artist
• Character technical director/rigger
• 3D animator
• 3D modeler
• Computer animator
• Art director
• Compositor
• Video game animator
• Cartoon animator
• Previsualization artist

How to Become an Animator

An animator, sometimes called a multimedia artist, creates two-dimensional and three-dimensional models (images that seem to move) and visual effects for a variety of forms of media. This is a common entry-level job at the start of an animator's career.

With one of the most general job titles for those with a computer animation degree, animators use computer programs and illustrations in their craft, often working with a team. They may also meet with clients, other animators, and supervisors to review their work and important deadlines. These individuals often work in a specific medium such as visual effects of video games. Animators may also specialize in animating specific elements of an image such as characters or scenery.

To become an animator or multimedia artist, you normally need a bachelor's degree in a field like computer animation. An impressive portfolio of past projects is also a must, as employers will want to see how well you can do the things you learned in college.

Experience can be obtained in school and through internships. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that animators had an annual median salary of $75,279 in 2019. Additionally, the job is expected to grow 4 percent from 2019-2029, which is about the average for all occupations.

How to Become an Art Director

A position of higher seniority and authority than an animator, art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in a given form of media like films, TV shows, or video games. They create the overall design aesthetic and work with others to bring that vision to life, overseeing the work of other designers, animators, or artists.

In this more managerial role, there are more supervisory responsibilities and less hands-on work, though art directors may still create some materials to show their subordinates the look they are attempting to achieve with a project. Reviewing the work of others, creating budgets and timelines, and working with clients and higher-up managers are often parts of the art director's job description.

With that increased responsibility comes a need for more advanced qualifications. Art directors typically need at least a bachelor's degree and work experience in a related field. This is not a job you can typically get right after graduating from school. Communication, creativity, leadership, resourcefulness, and time-management skills are all important qualities for art directors. The BLS reports that art directors had a median yearly salary of $94,220 in 2019, while employment for art directors is projected to decline 2 percent by 2029.

Those who work in computer animation have a number of professional organizations they can join. These groups seek to provide networking opportunities, continuing education through conferences and seminars, and recognition to those in the industry performing exceptional work. They may also serve as a union, ensuring proper treatment for computer animators in the workplace. Three of the largest professional organizations are:

1. The Animation Guild - Since 1952, The Animation Guild has served as a labor organization representing animators and visual effects artists. This group negotiates wage minimums and working conditions, provides pensions and health benefits, and acts as an advocate for its members in disputes between employer and employee.
   
   
2. The Society for Animation Studies - SAS has existed since 1987 to study the history of the medium. Through conferences, newsletters, and similar outputs, this body's focus on animation studies has led to papers and articles on animation appearing at more academic conferences and in more scholarly journals. It also led the publication of the first scholarly journal in the field.
   
   
3. The Art Society - Also called the CGSociety, this organization seeks to inspire, empower and engage computer graphics artists across the world. It does this by offering education opportunities, keeping its members connected, and awarding the best work in the industry.

In addition to bachelor's degrees in computer animation, students seeking to pursue a degree in this field have a few other undergraduate and postgraduate options. These other programs will almost always focus, at least somewhat, on the actual, hands-on work of computer animation. That may include the basics of animation such as drawing and color theory, in addition to using specific computer programs. The more advanced degrees, however, may center more on the history, theory, teaching, or scholarly aspects of the art form.

Associate Degrees in Computer Animation

Associate degrees in computer animation come in both Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) forms. These programs give students the foundational skills and knowledge in traditional and digital animation, serving as a starting place for getting an education in animation or allowing graduates to get entry-level jobs within the industry. It normally takes around one or two years to earn an associate degree in this subject, as graduates finish between 30 and 60 credit hours at most colleges.

Master's Degrees in Computer Animation

At the master's level, the most common degrees are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and titles range from animation to computer arts, to 3D animation and VFX. These programs may provide a little more education in the theory of animation and design, including critiquing the art form, but the emphasis is still on the physical work of computer animation.

Students in these programs may learn more advanced skills and techniques that allow them to push the boundaries of the medium and become leaders in the industry. Earning a master's in computer animation normally takes around two years. Students usually complete approximately 60 credit hours of work.

Doctoral Degrees in Computer Animation

There are no doctoral degrees in computer animation in the United States. Therefore, students wanting to continue their studies in this field must find programs in a related field, broadening their horizons to other areas of art or computer science. This may include earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in computer science, though that may be difficult because many of these programs are focused on engineering or information technology. Alternatively, it may involve getting a PhD or Doctor of Design (DDes) in a subject like visualization, design, or graphic design.

Certificates in Computer Animation

On the other end of the academic spectrum are certificates in computer animation, which focus entirely on providing the core skills students need to have a chance to secure employment in the industry. Certificates may be offered specifically in a type of computer animation, like 3D animation, or in animation overall. They may also be beneficial to those already working in the field who are looking to further their skills. Certificates can take anywhere from a few months to two years to obtain, depending on the program.

To begin searching for financial aid for a bachelor's in computer animation degree, students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application shows students what, if any, federal loans, grants or work-study requests they may qualify for. Completing the FAFSA is a fairly involved process that may require various documents like social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and federal tax information.

Another common source of financial aid for computer animation students is private organizations. These may be highly competitive and equally prestigious awards that require students to compete for them using their animation work or academic performance. They may be designed for high school students entering college or those who are already working on their bachelor's degree. Be sure to check with your school's advisor or research opportunities that you may be eligible for online.