| Mean Annual Wage (May 2021) | $78,790 (all special effects artists and animators)* |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 5% (all special effects artists and animators)* |
| Work Environment | Many are self-employed or work from home |
| Similar Occupations | Graphic design, computer programmer, art director, web developer |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics
Degree Courses
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.
General Education Courses
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.
