Best Colleges
/
5 Types of Animation Degrees & Schools

5 Types of Animation Degrees & Schools

Animation is an ever growing industry, and more and more schools are offering degree programs in this field. Most animators will want to earn a bachelor's degree, but there are associate and even master level degrees available.

Animation is a growing field that encompasses workers in:

  • Television
  • Movies
  • Video game
  • Graphic design
  • Other commercial projects

What Is an Animator?

An animator is a person who produces works of animation, which is a series of pictures that ultimately create an illusion of motion. For most of the history of animation, work was done by hand with animators drawing hundreds of images that work together in a sequence.

The most common alternative to hand-drawn imagery was stop-motion animation, a process involving models that were moved and photographed to create the same results as the drawing process. However, in recent decades, the animation industry has expanded to include digital art and 3d animation.

Animation is a vast field, that's continuing to grow. As a result, there are growing degree options for students to earn that can help them prepare for an animation career.

Animation Degree Types

The most common types of degrees for animators are:

These degrees will cover multiple areas of animation, such as:

  • Digital
  • Traditional (hand-drawn) stop motion
  • 3d modeling and animation

For most animators, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (also called a BFA in animation) will be the best animation degree program. Some animators pursue graduate degrees like an MFA, but it isn't an industry standard.

There are some associate-level animation degrees offered at universities and community colleges. These degrees can open up entry-level opportunities, but a two-year degree won't be able to go into the same depth as a bachelor's or master's degree.

Associates in Applied Science vs Associates in Fine Arts Degrees

Most schools offer animation degrees as either Applied Science or Fine Arts degrees. What makes one better than the other ultimately comes down to your plans after earning the associate degree.

If you plan to transfer and pursue a bachelor-level degree, you will probably want to earn an Associate in Fine Arts. Because an Associate in Applied Science will have more of a technical focus, it is better suited for animation students looking to graduate and seek employment with an animation studio immediately after graduating.

Animation Jobs

Although most people are familiar with the end product of their work, animators are involved in every step of the creative process for filmmaking (even live-action movies) and game design.

As a result, a person versed in animation techniques will be qualified for a wide range of jobs related to media arts. Some of the most popular career paths for animators are:

Animators can find themselves prepared for jobs in just about every corner of entertainment, digital media, and related fields.

Colleges & Universities with Bachelor's Degrees in Animation

Animation schools can be found across the country with programs offered at large universities and smaller schools with art and design specializations. Some of the top schools offering animation courses are:

These schools consistently are near the top of animation school rankings. There are also many other options ranging from community colleges to large state universities.

FAQs about Animation Degrees and Careers

What Degree Is Best for Animation?

For students looking to graduate and jump into the field, a Bachelor of Fine Arts is the best animation degree. This degree will give students the technical skills associated with animation. Although there are graduate degree opportunities, most animation jobs won't require anything past a BFA.

What Are the 5 Main Types of Animation?

Animation appears in many different forms, with the rise of animation software drastically changing the skills required to be an animator. For animation majors, several main types of animation will be covered in coursework.

The most common are:

  • 2D Animation
  • 3D Animation
  • Motion Graphics
  • Digital Animation
  • Visual Effects

What College Do Most Animators Go To?

The California Institute of the Arts is the top destination for future animators. The school is located in Santa Clarita, near Los Angeles.

In addition to the animation skills that are taught here, CalArts is popular with students because of its proximity to studios like Disney and Dreamworks, which makes finding internships and hands-on experience easier.

Where Do Most Disney Animators Go to School?

The majority of Disney Animators go to CalArts. Dating back to its founding in the 1960s, Walt Disney was actively involved in the school and the animation program (which formerly bore his name). The school's character animation room, A113, is often referenced in Pixar films as many of the animators had classes at CalArts.

What Are the Differences Between a BA, BFA, and BS in Animation?

The difference between a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and BS (Bachelor of Sciences) is primarily in the focus of skills taught. A BA usually includes more classes outside of the animation major, providing a more well-rounded education. A BFA, on the other hand, is very focused on artistic skills and related classes. As a result, it's a very art-intensive degree.

A BS degree, while still animation-focused, will usually be more digitally based for students who want to work in special effects as opposed to more traditional of 3d animation.

Find The Best Animation Degree Program For You

With animation programs offered from coast to coast, finding the right school and degree program can be overwhelming. Our database of articles and resources can help you find out more about animation programs across the country, including admission requirements. Start learning about the best animation degree program for you with Learn.org today.

You might also like...

Related
Popular