What is a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts and Animation?
A bachelor's degree program in media arts and animation is designed to prepare students to work in creative and dynamic industries. These include animation, graphic design and website development. Read on for information pertaining to potential education and career options for those who are interested in media arts and animation.
About Media Arts and Animation Bachelor's Degree Programs
<p>Students who earn undergraduate degrees in media arts and animation might pursue 2D and 3D animation positions in areas such as advertising, film, television, video game design and website animation. A bachelor's degree program could begin by covering the basics of animation. Such topics of study might emphasize drawing, color usage, keyframing and character design. Advanced animation techniques might be covered in courses such as:
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<ul><li>Character animation
</li><li>Motion capture animation
</li><li>Video game design
</li><li>3D modeling and rendering
</li><li>Digital design for multimedia
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy"> Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Program Requirements </td><td> A capstone project may be necessary to meet graduation requirements</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Completely online programs available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Specializations </td><td> Animation, storyboarding, gaming art, special effects</td></tr>
<tr><td>Skills Acquired </td><td> Foundation of digital art, traditional and digital animation, cinematic storytelling</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$78,790 <i>(multimedia artists and animators)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>5% <i>(multimedia artists and animators)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p>
<h3 id="section---SoftwareApplications">Software Applications</h3>
<p>Degree programs expand students' creativity and allow them to develop expertise in the latest technologies. Software programs used in media arts and animation degree programs include:
</p>
<ul><li>Adobe Photoshop
</li><li>Adobe After Effects
</li><li>Adobe Illustrator
</li><li>Autodesk 3D Max
</li><li>Autodesk Maya
</li></ul><p>Media arts and animation programs differ by school. Students can usually complete a bachelor's degree program in approximately four years. Programs require and help students to compile portfolios that serve to demonstrate their professional skills to potential employers.
</p>
<h3 id="section---Careers">Careers</h3>
<p>Individuals who successfully complete their studies can prepare for various entry-level positions, including:
</p>
<ul><li>Storyboard artists
</li><li>2D or 3D animator
</li><li>Project management
</li><li>Game arts developer
</li><li>Digital illustrator
</li><li>Multimedia artist and animator</li></ul>