Animation/graphic design is one of the most significant, practical, and profitable art forms in the industry today, and professionals of this expertise will have jobs available in virtually any area of their choosing. Many graduates go on to work in computer animation for marketing or entertainment, or in video game development. The coursework at any one of these schools allows online students to identify and harness their individual passions related to Animation and continue their careers in the avenue of the choosing.
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Best Online Schools for Animation Degrees
METHODOLOGY: OnlineSchoolsCenter.com is pleased to introduce our readers to these outstanding online schools offering various degrees in the field of Animation. Potential distance education students at one of these programs will find only the best in online animation instruction and will work with well-established and highly knowledgeable faculty members. OnlineSchoolsCenter.com choose not to list these schools in an ordered way, as each exemplifies the methodology used in assessing each program, which included:
- Fully online programs
- An exploratory degree in Animation, graphic design with an emphasis in Animation, visual arts, etc.
- Excellent online and physical resources
- Accreditation with a nationally recognized agency
- And preparation for careers in animation or an animation-related field.
See our Methodology page for a more detailed look into what we put into our ranking decisions.
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TRIBECA FLASHPOINT COLLEGE
ONLINE ANIMATION PROGRAMS
Program Standouts:
There are several opportunities for animation degrees available at Tribeca Flashpoint College in Chicago. These degree options are also quite unique and offered at very few other online schools. Students participate in group discussions and projects, video lectures, and one-on-one instructor feedback in a way that is intended to imitate a more immersive, on-campus learning experience. Individuals can look forward to using state-of-the-art hardware and software throughout their online program of choice, and can also count on a flexible degree that puts their needs first. The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program focus on design and visual communication, while the others are more pointed toward animation and technology.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Program Options:
- Visual Effects
- Graphics Design and Interactive Media
- Digital Media
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 68%
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIBECA FLASHPOINT MEDIA ARTS ACADEMY’S ONLINE ANIMATION PROGRAMS
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
While Liberty University’s online program is a Graphic Design Degree, it provides enough breadth and depth to the curriculum to allow students to enter into the same positions or graduate degrees as those at the other schools on this list. For example, there is a strong focus in 2D and 3D design and creation, as well as interactive graphic design. Liberty University is also one of the most prominent online schools in the country and provides an exemplary distance education that is rooted in the mores and tenants of Christ. Students learn the complexities of graphic design and animation software to the extent that they can manipulate such programs to create anything!
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Digital Imaging
- Graphic Design
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 42.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ANIMATION DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Some of the general emphases in the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design’s Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation include 2D and 3D drawing, modeling, line of action, character design, stop motion, and storyboarding. Online students have two concentration options available in either 2D Animation or 3D Animation. RMCAD strives to help students bring out their inner vision and bring it to life in their animation degree. The 2D Animation specialization focuses on drawing techniques, while the 3D Animation program is based around computer animation and the usage of state-of-the-art software.
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Colorado Commission on Higher Education
Concentration Options:
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 52%
Graduation Rate: 39.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ANIMATION DEGREE PROGRAM
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
National University has an online Bachelor in Digital Media Design available for distance education students. Classes at National take place over 4-week terms, which is a highly accelerated rate compared to other programs across the country, and which also allows National students to graduate much sooner! This curriculum provides a hands-on approach to the learning experience and utilizes the most modern and high-quality technologies in the industry. Graduates go on to work in video audio, and special effects departments, as well as image creation and editing, transmedia, and game design. Students develop excellent skills in communication, production, design, graphics, audio, and more!
Campus Location: La Jolla, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Sampling of Coursework:
- Video Game Design
- Digital Audio Creation
- Emerging Technologies
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 12.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN DEGREE PROGRAM
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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN DIGITAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
Recommended Schools
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute blends technology, arts, and communications and is perfectly suited for individuals who don’t conform to typical academic approaches. This curriculum immerses students in the methods of developing digital environments from game design to programming. Graduates often go on to work for employers in the communications, technology, and entertainment fields and are invaluable assets to their team. The University of Florida’s online bachelor’s degree can be completed at minimal cost compared to other degrees of this nature, and also allows for a huge amount of flexibility in both coursework and scheduling.
Campus Location: Gainesville, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Foundations of Digital Culture
- Digital Storytelling
- Game Design Practices
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 86.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN DIGITAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
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RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
ONLINE ANIMATION DEGREES/GRAPHIC DESIGN
Program Standouts:
Rasmussen College provides both an online Bachelor’s Degree and an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design with a specialization in Animation and Motion Graphics. In this program, students develop a high-quality portfolio through an excellent array of coursework that prepares students for industry certifications in the usage of many different applications such as Adobe Photoshop. The Flex Choice pathway allows students the flexibility for self-directed assessment and coaching assistance which will enable students to receive college credit more cost-effectively. Graduates have gone on to work as graphic designers, 3D animation artists, digital designers, art directors, visual media producers, and more!
Campus Location: Bloomington, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Web and Interactive Design
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 34%
LEARN MORE ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE’S ONLINE ANIMATION DEGREES/GRAPHIC DESIGN
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ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ANIMATION AND VISUAL EFFECTS DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Online animation students at the Academy of Art University have a wide range of options in terms of their degree level. According to their website, this is one of the most versatile and in-depth Animations and VFX programs in America. The curriculum is well-suited to artists of numerous animation mediums, from drawing to computer platforms, and students work with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable minds in the industry. Students create a professional demo reel or portfolio to take into their future interviews that show off the tremendous skill they enhanced and inherited from the Academy of Art University.
Campus Location: San Francisco, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Degree Options:
- Associate of Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Master of Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
- Certificate
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 4.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ANIMATION AND VISUAL EFFECTS DEGREE PROGRAM
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FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE COMPUTER ANIMATION BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Program Standouts:
Full Sail University’s online Bachelor in Computer Animation approaches the myriad of ways in which the profession is sought after and utilized in platforms across many industries. This program walks students through each crucial step of the production process for any video, gaming, or web content project. Some of the most exciting coursework areas include Character Design and Creation, Character Rigging, and Animation Production. It is in these courses that students get to see their work put into action. Graduates have gone on to work on blockbuster films such as those in the Marvel series. The online program is slightly longer than the on-campus degree, but can still be completed in just over two years.
Campus Location: Winter Park, FL
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Commission for Independent Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- 3D Animation I and II
- Psychology of Play
- Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 49.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE COMPUTER ANIMATION BACHELOR’S DEGREE
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SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ANIMATION UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Program Standouts:
Southern New Hampshire University has three online bachelor’s degrees in varying areas of Animation that range from game design to 3D and computer animation. The gaming degrees allow students to focus their coursework in either programming or art, both of which are just as critical as the other in the development of video games. The Graphic Design and Media Arts degree have a concentration in 3D Modeling and Animation that explores the artistic and technological requirements behind the design and development of web content, video games, movies, and much more! Southern New Hampshire University is a popular and well-respected online school that provides distance education students with only the most cutting-edge resources.
Campus Location: Hooksett, NH
Accreditation:
- New England Commission on Higher Education
- Accreditation Commission of Business Schools and Programs
Program Options:
- Game Art and Development
- Game Programming and Development
- Graphic Design and Media Arts: 3D Modeling and Animation
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 74.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ANIMATION UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
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Students enrolled in any of these online schools in animation have access to some of the most brilliant minds in the industry and are trained in the manipulation of the most modern technologies in the industry. Those searching for concentration options in various areas can find schools on this list that offer such specializations. There are also some graphic design focused programs, as well as computer animation and visual arts degrees. Below, readers will find several FAQs that may answer some of their questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to make movies with an animation degree?
You will definitely be able to make movies! Video games, too! An Animation degree will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to design and create your own worlds. Graduates of some of the schools listed above have gone on to work on blockbuster hits, such as Marvel movies. An animation degree allows students the freedom to find their particular area of interest, be it in business, entertainment, or engineering.
Are graphic design degrees and animation degrees the same thing?
No, not entirely. Many graphic design degrees will include a specialization in animation or may have coursework that is heavily influenced by and emphasizes animation principles, but a graphic design degree is more suited to individuals who are pursuing a marketing or business careers, for example. Animation occupies more of the entertainment industry, but still allows for the pursuit of careers in many different environments.
Will I have job security with an animation degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for animators and media arts professionals at 4% over the next five years, which is as fast as average. The average annual salary for these professionals is around $75,270. Therefore, there is some comfortable job security with an animation degree compare to many other fields and professions.
READ: Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Graphic Design Degree Programs
SEE: Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Game Design Degree Programs
SEE ALSO: Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Web Design Degree Programs