These 3d Animation Schools Deliver Superior And Challenging Programs
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Whatever type of visual art you’re interested in learning, it’s critical that you find the right school for your interests, needs, and budget. The schools on this list all have fantastic 3D computer animation programs, and they’re well connected with professionals and animation studios.
Read as much as you possibly can before applying or making a decision. Websites such as ConceptArt.org and CGTalk have dozens of forums discussing the pros and cons of different university and continuing education programs.
Here’s a look at the schools that dominate 3D computer animation in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and online.
Otis College Of Art And Design
Tuition: $45,200
Graduation Rate: 63%
Degree Offering: Bachelor of Fine Art , and Certificate
Otis College of Art and Design is a private art school in Los Angeles, California. The school began in 1918 and offers undergraduate, graduate programs, extension, k-12 and Pre-College, Summer Residency, and Travel study programs.
Through the undergraduate programs, students can major in Architecture/Landscape/Interiors, Communication Arts, Digital Media, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Product Design, and Toy Design. While the options of major are wide, there are more minors for Otis undergraduates to dip deeper into art specializations.
Meanwhile, OTIS offers its animation program through its Digital Media major which confers a Bachelor of Fine Art on graduates. In this program, youll grow to tell interesting stories through digital media while concentrating on Animation, Game and Entertainment Design, or Motion Design.
On graduation from this degree program, you will be as qualified as other OTIS alumni who work in companies like Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, ILM, and Nickelodeon.
Also, if you have an idea for a cartoon, you can take Otis Character Design for Animation and Cartooning. Through this program, youll learn how to create believable, interesting characters with human traits for cartoons and animation while acquiring a certificate.
The Art Institute Of Vancouver
Vancouver, BC
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation Art and Design
The Art Institute of Vancouver has alumni that are heavily involved in the film and animation industry of Vancouver, making it the perfect school to attend for students looking to break into the industry as soon as they graduate.
The Animation Art and Design degree also incorporate 3D Modeling for Animation and Games, allowing students to begin a career in the visual effects, animation, and game industries.
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Emily Carr University Of Art And Design
Vancouver, BC
- Bachelor of Media Arts in Animation
The Emily Carr University of Art and Design stands out for creating an exciting and stimulating environment for its students learning media, design, and visual arts.
They heavily emphasize the flexibility of their curriculum, revising it almost yearly to create the most updated and relevant educational experience. The Animation degree allows students to explore a variety of choices and concentrations.
What Can I Do With This Course Of Study
This program prepares students to work for development companies that produce industry or commercial animation, visual effects & film, and video games. The demand for developing creative ways to communicate information, market services/products, and expression art is increasing globally. The response is due to the variety of marketing mediums that advertising firms are using in today’s world and an increase demand for multi-media in professional training, higher education and the ever growing entertainment industry.
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Top 10 Animation Gaming And Art And Design Schools In Canada
Throughout this past year we have reviewed many Art and Design schools across Canada to develop our Top 10 list Our hope is that it will help provide some insight and help guide potential art and design students to make a choice for the school that will match their specific wants and needs. As with all top schools list, it is important to factor all of your specific criteria that would ultimately be the best choice for you. Attending an Art and Design school is a very personal experience. To help you even more, please check out Choosing the right Art and Design Program for more specific information.
California College Of The Arts
While being taught by professionals from top studios like Pixar and DreamWorks, students are trained to create character animations that evoke emotions and tell captivating stories. Award-winning directors and animators are often available to provide you with feedback and advice throughout the program.
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Do You Need An Animation Degree
For beginners, it can be intimidating to be on the outside of this massive industry, not knowing how to get started.
However, the process is simple enough.
You need experience.
But how do you get experience, when you need experience to get hired?
The answer a top animation school, of course.
An accredited college for animation is a great way to get the hands-on training and experience you need to take the next step.
Benefits of attending animation school:
- An accredited degree
- Hands-on experience
Find The Right School For You
Did you know? Full Sail University offers an online BS in computer animation, designed to be completed in just 29 months. Coursework explores both technical and theoretical practices and concepts, incorporating 3-D animation, model creation, and motion capture, as well as story-telling, character-building, and art history. Learn More.
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How Long Does It Take To Earn An Undergraduate Animation Degree
Students earning a bachelors degree in animation are typically required to complete 120 credits over the course of four years. Those looking to expedite degree completion may be eligible to take classes during optional winter and summer sessions as well as full course loads. Some institutions provide accelerated degree plans that allow students to complete the program within two years or combine undergraduate and graduate degree programs to be completed in five years.
In most cases, students must complete a specific number of prerequisite classes prior to enrolling in an accelerated Bachelors in animation program. Students may also be required to show relevant work experience as it relates to their educational and professional goals. Accelerated degrees typically operate on an eight-week schedule through hybrid or fully online delivery methods. Transfer credits can help to reduce the amount of time required to complete the program. Schools may allow students to apply career experiences, professional training, and external academic work toward their degree requirements via prior learning assessments.
West Coast: California Institute Of The Arts
The California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California, has been called the Harvard of the animation worldprestigious, difficult to get into, and very well connected. You’ll probably see CalArts on just about every best of list for animation.
The school’s strength has always been their traditional 2D animation program. However, it has made huge inroads in the CG era. The places a strong emphasis on turning out well-rounded artists with valuable skills beyond their immediate discipline.
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What To Seek Before Registering For Any Animation Program
It doesnt matter which education drawing school you select to study whichever it might be, first determine a few crucial factors, so you know youve made a wise choice:
Please Ensure That The Animation School Has A Strong Faculty
What good is a degree program if you learn it from inept people? What you study is important however, who you study from is also equally vital.
Remember, the animation world constantly changes with new technologies and techniques.
So, make sure the teachers are seasoned professionals with years of experience if you intend to learn as per existing industry trends and demands.
Please Ensure That The Animation School Has An Up To Date Curriculum
Just as the teaching faculty needs to be abreast of modern trends and techniques, so does the curriculum. Apart from teaching current skills, it will help comprehend what employers seek from graduates.
Please Ensure That Size Of Classrooms At Animation Schools Is Not Too Big
No matter how well the faculty and curriculum are at the animation institute, their efficacy decreases instantly as the size of the class increases. Its simple: the bigger a classroom, the less attention students receive from their teacher.
The Animation School Should Be Focused On Preparing Students For The Real World
Animation involves technical skills. Consequently, employers seek candidates with the exact skills and professionalism to guarantee success.
What Will You Study In A Bachelors Program In Animation
Undergraduate animation degrees follow a similar structure to other bachelors degrees. Within four years, students complete 120 credit. Introductory coursework focuses on topics that include:
- pre-visualization
- character theory
- animation history
Students also apply ideas through project-based assignments and laboratory practice. As they progress through the program, students develop a portfolio that they display for review as part of the capstone requirement. Internships and practicum experiences are also common program components.
Computer animation degree plans start with introductory coursework in visual theory, design history, and the fundamentals of 3D and 2D animation. Beyond these core topics, class options vary by specialization track and program. Some schools focus on the fine arts, while others emphasize product- and technical-related aspects of animation. The list below shows five common courses in this field:
- Media Storytelling
- Digital Project Management
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Best Schools For Online Bachelors In Animation Degree Programs In 2022
A computer animation degree focuses on developing content through designing and composing art-related multimedia content. An online Bachelors in Animation serves as an artistic training ground for students with an eye for hand drawing or technology-assisted design and illustration.
Animation majors are exposed to the manual, computer, and interactive techniques and perspectives for composition and design. Training usually involves visual effects in storytelling, gaming, and other platforms.
Admission to an online Bachelors in Animation typically requires applicants to obtain a high school diploma. Many schools may ask incoming students to show a portfolio of sample work. Holders of an online Bachelors in Animation degree find work as game artists, production designers, illustrators, and character animations in film, television, and other media.
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METHODOLOGY
We compiled a list of the 8 Best Online Schools for Bachelors in Animation Programs, featuring their courses, specializations, required credit hours, internship programs, length of the degree program, and credit transfers, as may be applicable.
Listed in random order, we factored in the web-based learning platforms utilized for the program, we highlight each of the programs quality of instruction and accessibility to materials, in addition to, the following aspects of an online Animation degree program:
Sheridan College Oakville Ontario Canada
One of Ontarios leading postsecondary institutions, Sheridan College is known as the Harvard of Animation. Its graduates have worked in television and some of the worlds best animation studios.
This flattering reputation comes from its Bachelor of Animation offered through the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design. Courses offered include 2D digital, 3D, and stop motion animation.
A compulsory three-month work placement helps students build creative and technical skills and experience. The school also offers networking opportunities to the student like the Annual Industry Day where students meet up with potential employers.
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What To Look For In Animation School Programs
All the animation school programs on this list are also accredited, which indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria that indicate excellence in education.
In addition, animation studios are more likely to choose a candidate who has graduated from one of these schools over one who has not. The sign of excellent animation programs are those with notable alumni who have been recognized in their field.
If youre interested in an animation program, exploring open-source and free animation software is a great way to familiarize yourself with a career as an animator. Consider tools like Blender, Pencil2D, OpenToonz, Toon Boom Harmony, Animaker, and Synfig Studio, which is available on Linux, Windows, and OSX. The internet is also filled with explainer videos on all types of animation, whether youre using Mac or Windows to make your animation dreams come true.
Heres a look at the best schools for mastering animation software and which animation tools and skills they offer.
Featured Animation School Programs
As animation continues to grow across industries, many animation schools offer degrees in the field. However, not all animation degrees provide the same level of knowledge. The following top animation programs all have the following criteria:
- Highest rate of job placement
- Up-to-date video editing and animation software
- Training in 3D animation
- Training in storyboarding and scriptwriting
- Access to and high-end drawing tools.
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Top 3d Animation Schools And Colleges In 2021
The official rankings for 2021 have been calculated based on the performance of students work submitted to our industry panel. Full details can be found further down the page about how we calculate and rank schools.
I was always a big fan of animation, but it wasn’t until I was around 15 that I realised it was something I could make a career out of. I started studying a 3D animation and VFX degree in Barcelona (…
The Future Of Animation
Pursuing your dream of an education in the animation field is a great way to turn your artistic background, talents and ideas into a lifetime career.
With so many colleges, tech schools, universities and options to help you realize your dream, you can begin your search to find the perfect program track and degree that will propel you forward towards your pursuits in the industry.
No one knows what the future of animation looks like. But one thing is certain animation is here to stay and the demand for content is growing.
Gaming, film, television and advertising agencies will continue to seek out new talent and story ideas that spark new content and new ideas that push the boundaries of technical limits.
You already know thats what you want to do, so why not start your search for the perfect animation classes today?
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Gnomon School Of Visual Effects
Tuition: $27,840
Graduation Rate: 100%
Degree Offering: Bachelor of Fine Art , and Certificate.
Gnomon School of Visual Effects is one of the best animation schools in California to acquire a bachelors degree. The school began in 1997 in Hollywood, California, and has been expanding in scope and innovation ever since.
Initially, the school began to provide the training needs of industry artists but this California private school has expanded to begin offering two and four-year training options in Entertainment Design and Digital Productions. Ranking as one of the top 10 VFX schools worldwide in the 2019 Hollywood Reporter award, and top spot in several other industry-specific rankings, Gnomon College is now the MIT of VFX.
So, Gnomons Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Productions is not just about special effects. It is a full-time program that aims to produce artists who possess general academic knowledge, foundational arts, and production skills. You will learn all aspects of the 3D production pipeline in film, games, and visual effects.
To accomplish this, you will use industry software like Maya and ZBrush as well as learn from qualified faculty members. Also, while progressing in this BFA degree in this California animation school, you can take electives to enhance a particular skill.
Graduation Rate: 81%
Degree Offering: Bachelors of Art
University Of California Los Angeles Los Angeles California
Weve all heard the name. UCLA is one of the worlds top universities. It hosts students from 100 countries around the world.
UCLAs School of Theater, Film, and Television offers The Animation Workshop which is its 3-year graduate animation program. With only 12 students accepted per year, competition for a spot in this MFA is high.
Courses progress yearly from the creation of a conventional hand-done animated film, to 2D/3D animation film making to interactive animation. Lastly, the students are required to complete a thesis film.
UCLA alumni have created exquisite works of animation that virtually the whole world has seen including The Simpsons and Monster House. Theyve also scored jobs with top animation studios like Pixar.
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Ringling College Of Art And Design Sarasota Florida
RCAD gives students a multidisciplinary opportunity to creatively challenge themselves. Apart from technical expertise, RCAD builds a wide array of students skills to tell conceptually compelling characters and stories.
BFA in computer animation students attend courses covering computer animation, development of art & ideas, drawing, figure drawing, film & narrative, story development, traditional animation, visual development for computer animation, and writing studio.
A BFA in motion design has a more audiovisual approach. Taught courses include animation techniques, contemporary design culture, development of art and ideas, drawing, 2D, 3D and 4D design, motion design, professional writing for designers, and writing studio.
RCAD alumni have a comprehensive portfolio of Oscar-winning animated works. Graduates of the school have been employed by the worlds best studios like Cartoon Network, DreamWorks Animation, Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, Pixar, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Walt Disney Animation.
Careers With A Bachelors In Animation
With an online animation degree, you can pursue creative roles in various industries, including film, advertising, and gaming. According to the BLS, the biggest employer for multimedia artists and animators is the motion picture and video industry, followed by computer systems design. The third biggest industry is software publishing. By developing multiple skills and honing your craft in a specialization, you can prepare yourself well to compete for a variety of positions.
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Vancouver Film School Vancouver Bc
The Vancouver Film School claims that they can cram the knowledge of a 3-4 year Animation program into just one year. Whether they can or not is really up to the students abilities and their students do graduate with strong portfolios and jobs at companies like ILM, Pixar, Paramount, EMI, DreamWorks and EA. Their training includes courses in filmmaking, character animation and video game design. Despite being located in Canada, the LA Times ranked VFS one of the Top 10 schools favored by video game industry recruiters.