Which Schools Offer 3D Design Courses Online?
Those interested in computer animation and video game design can develop these skills with online courses offered by a number of schools. These schools provide hands-on practice with 3-dimensional (3D) design programs popular in today's Web-dominated world. Read on to learn more about online 3D design schools.
What Are Some Features of an Online 3D Design Program?
Students enrolling online in classes or complete programs in 3D design will need to possess computers with specific technical requirements as well as some design software as designated by the school. Some programs offer financial aid specifically to help students meet these requirements.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy"> Important Facts about This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> History of animation, computer animation production, visual effects editing, principles and techniques of animation, mixed media and traditional animation</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs </td><td> Certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, continuing education</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td> Visual effects editor, digital artist, story boarder, broadcast designer, game level designer, art director</td></tr>
<tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> Some more advanced programs may require the evaluation of a portfolio.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td>$78,790 <i>(special effects artists and animators)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td>5% <i>(special effects artists and animators)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---TheAcademyOfArtUniversityOnline">The Academy of Art University Online</h3><p>This school offers both non-credit courses and full-length degree programs in design. Those interested in the degree programs can start with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation and Visual Effects. Upon completion, those students can enroll in the Academy of Art University's graduate program and pursue a master's degree in this field. Both of these programs train students to blend traditional art skills with modern technology. Online courses in this program include:
</p><ul><li>3D modeling and animation
</li><li>3D character design
</li><li>3D hard surface modeling.
</li></ul><h3 id="section---TheArtInstituteOfPittsburghOnline">The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online</h3><p>A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Game Art and Design is available online at this university. This program emphasizes the artistic craft involved in developing 3D characters, objects and backgrounds. Students utilize industry-standard software to learn techniques for modeling and creating essential game components.
</p><p>Since video games are becoming more representative of real-life settings and movements, courses in this program incorporate theatrical techniques, such as lighting, acting and movement. Core courses for the B.S. in Game Art and Design deal with:
</p><ul><li>3D modeling
</li><li>3D character animation
</li><li>3D scripting
</li></ul><h3 id="section---TheUniversityOfNorthDakotaOnlineAndDistanceEducation">The University of North Dakota Online and Distance Education</h3><p>The distance education department at the University of North Dakota (UND) offers numerous design courses, including one that deals with 3DS Max software. Students learn the essentials of 3D design through the use of modeling, lighting and texturing. The curriculum emphasizes the creative art methods with computer programming knowledge to build students' 3D design skills. This course is not part of any online degree program, but it awards students Continuing Education Units (CEU) and a certificate of completion. Skills employed through this and other 3D design courses at UND include:
</p><ul><li>Animation
</li><li>Mathematical applications
</li><li>Programming languages</li></ul>