3D Animation Majors
Majoring in 3D animation can prepare you for work in industries ranging from entertainment to engineering and medical imaging. Read on to learn about the program curriculum, common coursework, if this degree is available online, and possible career options you can pursue.
What Will I Learn In a Bachelor's Degree Program in 3D Animation?
Your coursework in a 3D animation program will include training in the theories of drawing and animation. This will include learning the fundamentals and principles of the software employed in 3D animation. You'll also spend much of your time gaining practical experience working with animation tools. This program typically involves extensive project work, often culminating in a final project. Throughout the program, you'll use these projects to develop a portfolio that will demonstrate your acquired depth of knowledge and skill in 3D animation.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Curriculum</b></td><td> Theories of drawing and animation, principles of 3D animation software; most programs culminate in a project and a professional portfolio</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Intro to animation, storytelling in animation, lighting techniques</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Storyboarding, background animation, special effect animation, graphic design</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$77,700 <i>(Multimedia Artists and Animators)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth <i>(Multimedia Artists and Animators)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Your coursework may vary based on the focus of your program. There are programs that focus on general 3D animation, preparing you for a variety of careers from film work to medical imaging. Other programs focus on the 3D animation found in video games. There are also programs in general animation; these commonly include options to study 3D animation alongside more traditional 2D animation forms. Common coursework found in most programs include:
</p><ul><li>Introduction to animation
</li><li>3D modeling techniques
</li><li>History of animation
</li><li>Lighting techniques
</li><li>Storytelling in animation
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AreTheseDegreesAvailableOnline">Are These Degrees Available Online?</h3><p>Animation programs are available online, though primarily at for-profit schools. You will need access to a computer and high-speed Internet. In an online program, you may be required to purchase various animation software programs that normally would be provided for you in a computer lab if you took a a campus-based program. You'll also need enough computer memory to store large animation projects.
</p><p>Your studies will include recorded lectures and computer-based projects, which are often identical to the projects you would complete in a campus-based program. You'll communicate with faculty and fellow students primarily through online discussion groups and email.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3><p>There are numerous career options you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in 3D animation. Many people enroll in this major with the hopes of joining the entertainment industry, working on short films or feature films. However, with training in 3D animation you can specialize in many types of roles in the entertainment industry.
</p><p>A major career area is general animation, which includes not only primary animating, but also background animation, special effect animation and coloring. Aside from animation, you can also work in directing, storyboarding and writing animated films.
</p><p>Another possible career track is video game animation, which also requires storyboarding, writing and other skills similar to those found in film animation. In addition, you may pursue work in advertising or other forms of mass media. Your 3D animation skills are also useful for a career in graphic design, which often includes 3D modeling.</p>
