Earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Animation
Majors Overview May 18, 2014The utilization of multimedia techniques for the purpose of telling a story is referred to as animation. Finding a Bachelor of Animation degree program in the U.S. may be difficult. Those who are still interested in the field of animation should look into Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree programs. Completion of these degrees usually takes four years.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Animation
Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in animation complete coursework that includes courses in painting and drawing. The focus of coursework is typically on experimenting with the form, medium, and content required in storytelling. Some programs allow students to pursue an area of concentration within the animation field, such as interactive animation, computer animation, or character animation. Students are educated about the steps involved in an animation project, including post production, cinematography, texturing, construction, modeling, and conceptualization. Students learn to work with design studios, computing systems, and software in developing motion graphics, games, or web-based work. Skills in technology, design, and art can be gained by students, who could develop a digital portfolio or reel before they graduate.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Submission of a portfolio of their work may also be required of students enrolled in some programs.
Coursework
Coursework in undergraduate programs in animation commonly include classes devised to educate students in composition, perspective, hand-drawn design, stop motion, cutout design, and character gesture. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Figure drawing
•Visual effects
•International cinema
•Graphics
•Editing
•Animation history
•Animation writing
•Animation techniques
•Digital cinema production
•Storyboarding
Career Choices
Those who successfully complete a bachelor’s degree program in animation can seek entry-level careers requiring the creation of animation or special effects for computers, video, television, or film. They may seek positions such as:
•Multimedia artist
•Character animator
•Game artist
•Illustrator
•Production designer
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2012, multimedia artists and animators banked an average annual wage of $61,370 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). An 8% job growth has been predicted for these professionals over the 2010-2020 decade.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs may opt for continued education by earning a master’s degree in animation. The focus of programs in animation is typically centered on production techniques in the field, and interactive media and computer animation is likely to be studied by students.
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