Online Animation Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

There are a number of degree programs available to students who want to pursue a career in animation, including a few online options. Depending on the student's career goals, he or she can pursue a degree in animation, motion graphics, visual effects or game art. Since many animation programs are fine arts programs, acceptance into the program can depend on the applicant's portfolio of work.

How to Select an Online Program in Animation

Award Levels

Animators utilize software programs to design animations that are used in advertising, film, video games and other media. The most popular degree for animators is a bachelor's degree in animation, visual effects or game art design. A master's degree program may offer students additional software skills and time to develop a strong portfolio of creative work, which is essential to a successful career as an animator.

Program Type

Though not widely available, online animation programs generally don't require students to attend any classes on-campus. In an online program, students interact using Web-based materials and platforms that might include live-streaming, virtual classrooms, the Blackboard course system and Web conferencing. Students can upload their animation projects and post feedback for classmates on discussion boards.

Technical Requirements

In order to participate in online programs, students need regular access to a computer with a current Internet browser. It's recommended that students have DSL or a cable Internet connection, a DVD-ROM drive and enough memory to support the transmission of large animation and graphics files. Some animation programs may require students to purchase additional hardware (like a digital camera and printer) and software, which might include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Maya.

List of Popular Online Animation Programs

Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation

The online Bachelor of Fine Arts is a 4-year degree program that offers students a strong base in humanities and liberal arts in addition to specific animation skills. Students take courses in storyboard design, figure modeling and visual computer art effects, studying their applications to film, video games and animation.
Students are also introduced to animation history courses that review the development of linear and nonlinear animation techniques, storyboarding, compositing, modeling, lighting for VFX and experimental animation. Bachelor of Fine Arts students typically focus on creating a professional portfolio or demonstration reel that shows their skill and talent in animation, drawing, storytelling and design principles such as composition and presentation.

Online Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Design

Students enrolled in this program often begin by taking a core of humanities, communication and new media courses. A bachelor's degree program in game art covers the basics of media art and emphasizes technological aptitude rather than storyboard development. Students in the program learn animation techniques by creating characters with 2-D and 3-D modeling, texturizing and lighting.
Much of the time, students work to master some of the top software while developing their portfolio of game-related animation. Students in a game art degree program may be able to focus their major on animation or visual effects.

Online Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects

An online master's degree program offers students the opportunity to review and expand on animation principles and techniques learned in the undergraduate program, but with a focus on individual creative development and professional studio practice. Over the 2-year course of study, students have a chance to strengthen their portfolios and experiment with new software techniques and storyboard ideas.
Advanced courses are offered in the use of software for modeling and animation. Students learn to master writing expressions, rendering, drawing storyboards and making animatics. They also learn to use sound with traditional animation techniques in the vector software and to employ effective lighting and green screen effects. Successful graduates from the program will have an advanced working knowledge of professional tools and programs utilized by animators.