What Courses are Required for a Degree in Computer Animation?
Computer animators are skilled at both free-hand drawing and using computer applications. Read on to learn more about the courses required for a college degree in this field.
<h3 id="section---OverviewOfComputerAnimationDegrees">Overview of Computer Animation Degrees</h3>
<p>Students interested in pursuing a college degree in computer animation should have strong artistic skills and be proficient in using computer applications. Many degree programs require both computer and art studies classes, though many required courses blend these two topics. A large percentage of a typical computer animation degree consists of work in the visual arts, with some required programming and software development classes.
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<h3 id="section---InformationOnCareersInComputerAnimation">Information on Careers in Computer Animation</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Mean Annual Wage (May 2021) </td><td> $78,790 (all special effects artists and animators)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 5% (all special effects artists and animators)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Many are self-employed or work from home</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Graphic design, computer programmer, art director, web developer</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---DegreeCourses">Degree Courses</h3>
<p>Computer animators must have an aptitude for computers. In a computer animation degree program, required courses teach students how to operate software programs that might be used on the job. Most schools require computer animation majors to take courses in 2- and 3-dimensional animation. Depending on the program, students might work in Flash, Illustrator, 3DS Studio Max, and Maya. Most programs also require students to develop their technical skills in drawing, which might include basic to advanced drawing and anatomy or figure drawing. Other technical course topics include character animation, design, motion capture, object perspective, software technology and demo reel creation.
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<h3 id="section---GeneralEducationCourses">General Education Courses</h3>
<p>While technical skills are at the core of computer animation, many degree programs also emphasize liberal arts courses. Requirements differ from school to school, but most colleges have general education requirements in areas including English, history, math and science. Required courses in a typical 4-year computer animation degree program can include writing, art history, color theory, geometry, ethics and psychology.</p>