What Will I Learn in an Animation Degree Program?

Whether you want to create simple Web animations or help design the Pixar feature of the future, getting a degree in animation is the first step to realizing your dreams. Animation students can expect to take a significant number of courses focused on computers and technology. Although hand drawn and posed animation is still done, the vast majority of work in today's marketplace uses modern technology. Courses will include topics such as 2-D animation, 3-D animation, character development, game art, special effects, storyboarding, modeling and drawing. Depending on the career goals of students, some will want to focus their studies on video games, movies and special effects. Students should emerge from a degree program with the tools they need to design visually striking animations.

AA in Digital Animation	BA in Comp. Animation	Game Animation Cert.

What Can I Do With an Animation Degree?

There are a wide range of career options for those who graduate with a degree in animation. For instance, the degree can be used to pursue a career in video game design and production or to create scenes from the latest animated children's movie. Others may choose to spark movie magic, designing special effects that entertain and wow audiences. Many other paths exist as well, such as careers in software publishing, telecommunications, advertising and computer systems. For those who want to teach at the college level, a higher degree—often an MFA—in the subject will be required.

What Is the Career Outlook for Animation Degree Students?

As more and more films rely on special effects and animation, and an increasing number of businesses look to the Web for exposure and income, animators will be sought after. Those entering the field can expect to see a steady job market in the coming years. Animation is not without competition, however, and the best positions will be hard to get.