Online Animation Degrees

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Updated August 24, 2023

Online Animation Degrees

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What to Expect When Earning an Online Animation Degree

Best Bachelor's in Animation Programs badge

If you're considering a career as an animator, earning an online bachelor's degree in animation is a great first step. Animators often work in the world of video, television and marketing, commonly in careers as illustrators, special effects artists, filmmakers and even video game designers. Dream big—animators at Disney TV say it takes a wide range of artistic positions to create an animated show. A career as an animator can be both creatively challenging as well as financially rewarding, and the demand for these jobs is steady.

To learn more about how to study to become an animator, here's a rundown on the top bachelor degree programs in animation, each of which you can complete completely online.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

Top Bachelor's in Animation Programs

#1 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
#2 Bellevue University Bellevue, NE
#3 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
#4 Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, KY

How Much do People with Animation Degrees Make?

With an animation bachelor's degree, you can take advantage of a wide array of career paths. Here are a few positions that tailor made for those who have completed online bachelor's degrees in animation.

3D Animator

3D Animator Median Annual Salary: $51,045

Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description

A 3D animator job is ideal for anyone who enjoys using professional animation and drawing software to model movements, characters, and backgrounds on screen. 3D animators must be able to work collaboratively on a team in addition to working well independently. They must also be able to handle deadline pressure well.

3D Artist

3D Artist Median Annual Salary: $51,602

Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description

3D artist roles are perfect for individuals who are good at coming up with creative ideas, as they will play important roles in the conceptualization process. They must also know how to use rendering, software, and lighting to create visual effects and textures. These professionals must possess both artistic skills and technical/software skills to thrive in these roles.

Graphic Artist

Graphic Artist Median Annual Salary: $41,390

Job Growth 2016-2026: 8% Job Description

A graphic artist role is a great match for anyone who is computer savvy and has a knack for facilitating communication between clients and target audiences. These individuals must have strong software knowledge and storytelling ability. They also need to have stellar decision-making ability, strong problem-solving skills, and good time management and communication skills.

Sources: BLS 2018

Animators may be able to earn a median salary of more than $70,000 per year, but where you choose to live or work as an animator can make a difference in your earning potential. For a closer look at salary statistics for animators in your state, search below.

Here is a chart that shows the state-by-state average earnings for an animator:

Alabama Median Annual Salary: $61,640

Number Currently Employed: 140

Projected Job Growth: +1.4 percent

Alaska Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Arizona Median Annual Salary: $60,130

Number Currently Employed: 200

Projected Job Growth: +6.2 percent

Arkansas Median Annual Salary: $52,390

Number Currently Employed: 100

Projected Job Growth: +12.1 percent

California Median Annual Salary: $85,340

Number Currently Employed: 11,950

Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent

Colorado Median Annual Salary: $66,180

Number Currently Employed: 240

Projected Job Growth: +17.9 percent

Connecticut Median Annual Salary: $91,940

Number Currently Employed: 490

Projected Job Growth: +4.7 percent

Delaware Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: +16.7 percent

District of Columbia Median Annual Salary: $88,120

Number Currently Employed: 100

Projected Job Growth: +7.2 percent

Florida Median Annual Salary: $58,470

Number Currently Employed: 1,060

Projected Job Growth: +17.4 percent

Georgia Median Annual Salary: $58,400

Number Currently Employed: 710

Projected Job Growth: +20.8 percent

Hawaii Median Annual Salary: $72,520

Number Currently Employed: 60

Projected Job Growth: +3.9 percent

Idaho Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +11.5 percent

Illinois Median Annual Salary: $59,890

Number Currently Employed: 890

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Indiana Median Annual Salary: $45,030

Number Currently Employed: 60

Projected Job Growth: +6 percent

Iowa Median Annual Salary: $49,770

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +12.9 percent

Kansas Median Annual Salary: $57,090

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent

Kentucky Median Annual Salary: $59,030

Number Currently Employed: 130

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Louisiana Median Annual Salary: $76,000

Number Currently Employed: 160

Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent

Maine Median Annual Salary: $55,750

Number Currently Employed: 50

Projected Job Growth: -1 percent

Maryland Median Annual Salary: $63,350

Number Currently Employed: 250

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Massachusetts Median Annual Salary: $71,990

Number Currently Employed: 860

Projected Job Growth: +3.4 percent

Michigan Median Annual Salary: $59,430

Number Currently Employed: 540

Projected Job Growth: +7.6 percent

Minnesota Median Annual Salary: $58,020

Number Currently Employed: 350

Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent

Mississippi Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Missouri Median Annual Salary: $56,340

Number Currently Employed: 410

Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent

Montana Median Annual Salary: $42,190

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Nebraska Median Annual Salary: $48,280

Number Currently Employed: 90

Projected Job Growth: +5.4 percent

Nevada Median Annual Salary: $60,590

Number Currently Employed: 240

Projected Job Growth: +5.6 percent

New Hampshire Median Annual Salary: $59,110

Number Currently Employed: 30

Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent

New Jersey Median Annual Salary: $70,230

Number Currently Employed: 310

Projected Job Growth: +4.8 percent

New Mexico Median Annual Salary: $61,190

Number Currently Employed: 160

Projected Job Growth: +5 percent

New York Median Annual Salary: $79,720

Number Currently Employed: 1,930

Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent

North Carolina Median Annual Salary: $69,850

Number Currently Employed: 620

Projected Job Growth: +16.2 percent

North Dakota Median Annual Salary: $68,390

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: -1.9 percent

Ohio Median Annual Salary: $56,660

Number Currently Employed: 510

Projected Job Growth: +1.1 percent

Oklahoma Median Annual Salary: $49,630

Number Currently Employed: 90

Projected Job Growth: +6.9 percent

Oregon Median Annual Salary: $77,450

Number Currently Employed: 1,040

Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent

Pennsylvania Median Annual Salary: $66,800

Number Currently Employed: 420

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Rhode Island Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: +4.6 percent

South Carolina Median Annual Salary: $39,430

Number Currently Employed: 170

Projected Job Growth: +10.7 percent

South Dakota Median Annual Salary: $39,360

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent

Tennessee Median Annual Salary: $58,050

Number Currently Employed: 220

Projected Job Growth: +11.6 percent

Texas Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 2,460

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Utah Median Annual Salary: $68,920

Number Currently Employed: 260

Projected Job Growth: +48.7 percent

Vermont Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Virginia Median Annual Salary: $69,210

Number Currently Employed: 470

Projected Job Growth: +8.7 percent

Washington Median Annual Salary: $88,240

Number Currently Employed: 1,440

Projected Job Growth: +42.8 percent

West Virginia Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Wisconsin Median Annual Salary: $56,320

Number Currently Employed: 210

Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent

Wyoming Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Alabama Median Annual Salary: $61,640

Number Currently Employed: 140

Projected Job Growth: +1.4 percent

Alaska Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Arizona Median Annual Salary: $60,130

Number Currently Employed: 200

Projected Job Growth: +6.2 percent

Arkansas Median Annual Salary: $52,390

Number Currently Employed: 100

Projected Job Growth: +12.1 percent

California Median Annual Salary: $85,340

Number Currently Employed: 11,950

Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent

Colorado Median Annual Salary: $66,180

Number Currently Employed: 240

Projected Job Growth: +17.9 percent

Connecticut Median Annual Salary: $91,940

Number Currently Employed: 490

Projected Job Growth: +4.7 percent

Delaware Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: +16.7 percent

District of Columbia Median Annual Salary: $88,120

Number Currently Employed: 100

Projected Job Growth: +7.2 percent

Florida Median Annual Salary: $58,470

Number Currently Employed: 1,060

Projected Job Growth: +17.4 percent

Georgia Median Annual Salary: $58,400

Number Currently Employed: 710

Projected Job Growth: +20.8 percent

Hawaii Median Annual Salary: $72,520

Number Currently Employed: 60

Projected Job Growth: +3.9 percent

Idaho Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +11.5 percent

Illinois Median Annual Salary: $59,890

Number Currently Employed: 890

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Indiana Median Annual Salary: $45,030

Number Currently Employed: 60

Projected Job Growth: +6 percent

Iowa Median Annual Salary: $49,770

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +12.9 percent

Kansas Median Annual Salary: $57,090

Number Currently Employed: 70

Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent

Kentucky Median Annual Salary: $59,030

Number Currently Employed: 130

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Louisiana Median Annual Salary: $76,000

Number Currently Employed: 160

Projected Job Growth: +7.5 percent

Maine Median Annual Salary: $55,750

Number Currently Employed: 50

Projected Job Growth: -1 percent

Maryland Median Annual Salary: $63,350

Number Currently Employed: 250

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Massachusetts Median Annual Salary: $71,990

Number Currently Employed: 860

Projected Job Growth: +3.4 percent

Michigan Median Annual Salary: $59,430

Number Currently Employed: 540

Projected Job Growth: +7.6 percent

Minnesota Median Annual Salary: $58,020

Number Currently Employed: 350

Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent

Mississippi Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Missouri Median Annual Salary: $56,340

Number Currently Employed: 410

Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent

Montana Median Annual Salary: $42,190

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Nebraska Median Annual Salary: $48,280

Number Currently Employed: 90

Projected Job Growth: +5.4 percent

Nevada Median Annual Salary: $60,590

Number Currently Employed: 240

Projected Job Growth: +5.6 percent

New Hampshire Median Annual Salary: $59,110

Number Currently Employed: 30

Projected Job Growth: +8.5 percent

New Jersey Median Annual Salary: $70,230

Number Currently Employed: 310

Projected Job Growth: +4.8 percent

New Mexico Median Annual Salary: $61,190

Number Currently Employed: 160

Projected Job Growth: +5 percent

New York Median Annual Salary: $79,720

Number Currently Employed: 1,930

Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent

North Carolina Median Annual Salary: $69,850

Number Currently Employed: 620

Projected Job Growth: +16.2 percent

North Dakota Median Annual Salary: $68,390

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: -1.9 percent

Ohio Median Annual Salary: $56,660

Number Currently Employed: 510

Projected Job Growth: +1.1 percent

Oklahoma Median Annual Salary: $49,630

Number Currently Employed: 90

Projected Job Growth: +6.9 percent

Oregon Median Annual Salary: $77,450

Number Currently Employed: 1,040

Projected Job Growth: +9.7 percent

Pennsylvania Median Annual Salary: $66,800

Number Currently Employed: 420

Projected Job Growth: +2.5 percent

Rhode Island Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: +4.6 percent

South Carolina Median Annual Salary: $39,430

Number Currently Employed: 170

Projected Job Growth: +10.7 percent

South Dakota Median Annual Salary: $39,360

Number Currently Employed: 40

Projected Job Growth: +5.3 percent

Tennessee Median Annual Salary: $58,050

Number Currently Employed: 220

Projected Job Growth: +11.6 percent

Texas Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 2,460

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Utah Median Annual Salary: $68,920

Number Currently Employed: 260

Projected Job Growth: +48.7 percent

Vermont Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Virginia Median Annual Salary: $69,210

Number Currently Employed: 470

Projected Job Growth: +8.7 percent

Washington Median Annual Salary: $88,240

Number Currently Employed: 1,440

Projected Job Growth: +42.8 percent

West Virginia Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Wisconsin Median Annual Salary: $56,320

Number Currently Employed: 210

Projected Job Growth: +8.2 percent

Wyoming Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

What Courses Should I Take to Become an Animator?

While no two animation bachelor's degree programs are exactly alike as far as their course loads go, most have fairly similar curricula.

To graduate, you will be required to master programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, JavaScript and other software and tools that are designed for animators. Then, you'll practice using these tools to create real animations. You should leave your program with a digital portfolio that you'll be able to share with clients and potential employers.

Here are five sample courses that you might expect to see in your animation program:

3D Modeling & Animation

In a 3D modeling and animation course, you will learn all about 3D modeling and how it is used specifically for video games. You'll learn the basics of modeling as well as a variety of techniques to use based on whether you are modeling for mobile, personal computer or current-generation gaming consoles.

Interactive Animation

Students in game development, advertising and marketing, and other specialties can benefit from utilizing interactive animated graphics. You'll learn to create interactive animations that help to convey a given concept. This is typically a hands-on computer course in which you will create a number of models using the latest technology.

3D Character Animation

Here, you will learn the basics of character animation through the 12 principles of animation. You will also learn the pipeline for creating an animated character, a process known as “skinning and rigging.”

Basic Design & Color Theory

A good baseline skill to go along with your animation training will be learned in your design courses, where you'll study the basic principles of design and learn to create advertising layouts and designs as well as visual merchandising.

Advanced Digital Imaging

Here, you'll find a much more hands-on course that will help you to learn how to create a brand identity. You'll learn how to design a logo as well as how to select fonts and colors, in addition to important techniques such as imaging software integration and file format capabilities. You will then be able to prepare visuals for print, video and Web.

How to Choose the Best Online Animation Degree Program

Need help in choosing the best online animation bachelor's degree program? As we mentioned previously, “best” really means “best fit” for you, rather than highest rated. Here are a few frequently asked questions that you may have, along with answers to these questions.

What types of animation bachelor degree programs are available online?

There are many different types of animation bachelor degree programs available for you to study entirely online, and more are emerging each year. This makes sense since animation is almost entirely computer based these days. A few of the bachelor's degree programs in animation you can earn online include:

Is the coursework the same in an online animation bachelor's degree program as it is in the classroom?

For the most part, courses will be similar in subject matter to their classroom counterparts. You'll learn about visual art components, such as color theory, composition, drawing and filmmaking, in addition to the modern computer technology used to create today's animations. All of this can be done online.

Will my bachelor's degree in animation program cover the latest technologies?

Most online animation programs will finish with learning cutting-edge technologies and the most modern programs used in animation today. You'll graduate with a well-rounded knowledge of animation, from its history to modern practices.

What programs will I learn to use through an online bachelor's degree program in animation?

Through your online animation program of choice, you will likely learn a wide variety of programs that are most popular among professionals today, including the full Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk 3ds Max, VisTablet and others.

What careers will online bachelor degree programs in animation prepare me for?

You can find programs to prepare you for careers in a variety of specialties, including those for Web designers, multimedia artists and art directors. Animators work in film and TV, in gaming, in Web design and in a marketing capacity. Programs are available for each specialty.

Best in Animation Programs


  1. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    A private Christian college located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty hosts a top-ranked bachelor's in animation program. The bachelor of fine arts in graphic design highlights the principles and practices of visual communication. Students learn to create digital artwork such as vector illustrations, digital animation, and typography. Liberty offers the program entirely online, with no campus visits required.

    Degree candidates complete a minimum of 120 credits, with 73 credits dedicated to graphic design major courses. The program curriculum covers topics including art history, publication design, digital photography, and advanced typography. At the end of the program, all candidates produce a final project and a comprehensive portfolio of professional work.

    All candidates also complete a significant experiential learning component that includes both a 30-hour practicum and a 180-hour internship. Both experiences take place under the supervision of professional graphic designers, and internships often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

  2. Bellevue University
    Location

    Bellevue, NE

    Based in Bellevue, Nebraska, BU offers one of the state's top animation bachelor's programs.

    The school's bachelor of arts in graphic design emphasizes visual communication, software and hardware tools, and production methods for both print and web design. Students gain the skills to create designs and communication solutions for all types of brands and audiences.

    The degree comprises 127 credits total, including a minimum of 49 graphic design major credits. The major curriculum covers topics such as graphic design basics, identity design, website development, and publication design. Candidates also learn to use the industry-standard Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

    Students with graphic design experience may be able to gain credit for prior learning or transfer existing credits to complete their degree faster. BU often allows military service members and other skilled professionals to earn academic credit for relevant training and other work experience, enabling students to skip over course content they already know and graduate faster.

  3. Southern New Hampshire University
    Location

    Manchester, NH

    One of the country's largest online education providers, SNHU offers a top-rated bachelor's in animation. The bachelor of arts in graphic design and media arts trains students to analyze, design, and develop media and visual storytelling content that effectively reaches audiences. The program emphasizes various digital, print, and video platforms. Candidates can choose from concentration options in 3D modeling and animation or web design.

    The 3D modeling and animation concentration highlights visual content creation for movies, video games, animated web content, and other contemporary media forms. Candidates focus on 3D design and sculpting, with a curriculum including topics such as color theory and typography, wireframe 3D model design, photorealistic rendering, and character animation functions. The program stresses the use of software tools including Adobe's Creative Suite and Autodesk's Mudbox.

    SNHU emphasizes student flexibility, offering fully online courses and a convenient application process. The school charges no application fees and requires no SAT or ACT scores to apply.

  4. Kentucky Wesleyan College
    Location

    Owensboro, KY

    A private Methodist college based in Owensboro, Wesleyan offers one of the state's top bachelor's in animation programs. Available 100% online, the bachelor of arts in graphic design highlights the intersection of visual art and visual communication.

    Candidates complete a minimum of 120 credits, including 39 credits of general education courses, 45 credits of graphic design major courses, and 36 credits of general electives. The major section includes key courses such as 2D design, digital photographic techniques, and digital painting. Candidates also complete one elective course focusing on an area of art history, with options including prehistoric and neoclassic, American art, or modern arts.

    As part of the graphic design major curriculum, all candidates complete a two-semester, six-credit internship. The internship places students in a professional graphic design environment, such as an advertising agency, public relations firm, or other relevant setting.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Animator Programs

A variety of animation-related scholarships and financial aid grants and programs are available to those who qualify. For anyone who may be interested in financial assistance for an online bachelor degree program in animation, here are some scholarships you might consider:

Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship

Sponsored by the Animation Career Review, this scholarship is meant for high school graduates who choose to pursue an animated degree at an accredited art school, college or university in the United States. The ACR awards 10 $1,000 scholarships per year.

Student Scholarship Competition

Offered by the Society of Illustrators, this competition involves an animation category in which students must submit finished animation films. This scholarship is limited to those already in undergraduate art degree programs.

Phyllis Craig Scholarship

Offered by Women In Animation (WIA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in animation, this $1,000 scholarship is for female students enrolled in animation programs at accredited art schools or colleges. It also includes a one-year membership in WIA.

Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences gives out two $2,500 each year to students majoring in animation. Students must apply directly through the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences or via their colleges or universities.

SkillsUSA

sponsors an annual competition for a scholarship in 3D visualization and animation. Applicants have to submit finished animated shorts that they created using 3D computerized imagery.

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