Animation & Video Graphics Colleges

Animation & Video Graphics is one of the fastest growing fields in Graphics & Multimedia. Students will learn how to use the latest animation and video graphics computer programs to create web sites, video games, animated videos and other computer based moving art. Classes include programming, design, art and computer graphics.

Students often seek a bachelors degree from a college or university, but technical schools, career colleges, community colleges and online schools offer certificate programs and associates degree programs in Animation & Video Graphics as well.

For this major, you should be both creative and computer savvy. If you love video games and surfing the web, too, even better. Humor, a keen attention to detail, patience, good storytelling skills and the ability to learn quickly are other great skills for Animation & Video Graphics majors.

You may also want to explore other majors in Communications & Media including Graphic Design; Advertising; Audiovisual Technician; Broadcast Journalism; Commercial & Advertising Art; Communication and Media Studies; Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Communication, Journalism and Related Programs; Design & Visual Communications; Design and Applied Arts; Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia; Film/Video & Cinematography; General Journalism; Health Communication; Illustration; Mass Communication/Media Studies; Organizational Communication; Other Journalism; Photography; Photojournalism; Political Communication; Public Relations; Advertising; and Applied Communication; Public Relations/Image Management; Publishing; Publishing & Digital Imaging; Radio & Television Technician; Radio and Television; Radio, Television, and Digital Communications; Recording Arts Technology.

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Choosing an Animation & Video Graphics School

Your Animation & Video Graphics school experience is reliant on the computer programs and skills you learn. So to narrow down the vast array of technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, colleges and universities nationwide, find out what applications you’ll have the chance to learn and what the computer labs are like. Faculty to student ratios can be important since one-on-one instruction can help you grasp challenging programs. Also make sure the school offers the degree program you want whether it’s a certificate program, bachelors degree, associates degree or masters degree.

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Animation & Video Graphics Degree Programs

Animation & Video Graphics degree programs range from one year to six years in length and lead to a certificate, associates degree, bachelors degree, online degree or masters degree. Many students choose to go to college, online school or university to earn a bachelors degree, which not only offers expertise in Animation & Video Graphics, but also adds a general education with important skills in business and communication.

Some students also go on to get their masters degree or, if they already hold a bachelor’s in another computer or art-based subject, they return to school for a masters degree in Animation & Video Graphics.

While earning potential generally isn’t as high, many students enter certificate or associate career training degree programs at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges and online schools. These Animation & Video Graphics majors won’t include liberal arts classes, instead they help you hone your skills quickly. Some may focus on a particular area such as character animation or web video graphics.

Students in Animation & Video Graphics at colleges and universities can expect to spend a lot of time in both art studios and computer labs learning the latest design software and applications. Classes include 3D animation, digital character animation, interactive media, visual effects, sound design, drawing, storyboarding and film and video. Most programs require students to complete an advanced senior project before graduation. By the time you finish college you should have a strong portfolio of animation or film work.

Animation & Video Graphics Degree Programs:

• Certificate Programs in Animation & Video Graphics
• 2-Year Associates Degrees in Animation & Video Graphics
• Bachelors Degrees in Animation & Video Graphics
• Masters Degrees in Animation & Video Graphics
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Online Animation & Video Graphics Degree Programs at Online Schools

You can seek an online degree from an Animation & Video Graphics online school if you don’t have an art institute nearby or need to study on a flexible schedule. Some students may miss having work critiqued in person, but many online school programs feature live video chats for feedback anyway. To earn your online degree you’ll need to purchase sophisticated software and computer equipment to complete your work at home.

Online Animation & Video Graphics Degree Programs:

• Online Certificate Programs in Animation & Video Graphics
• Online Associates Degrees in Animation & Video Graphics
• Online Bachelors Degrees in Animation & Video Graphics
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Online Animation & Video Graphics Schools

• Kaplan University - online school
• American InterContinental University - Online School
• DeVry University - Online School
• ITT Technical Institute - Online School
• Baker College - Online School
• See All Online Animation & Video Graphics Schools

High School Preparation

You can start building skills for Animation & Video Graphics college during high school. Take as many drawing, design and computer classes as you can. If your school doesn’t offer computer-aided design, look for classes at community colleges or other schools. You should also experiment with animation and computer software at home. Consider joining the stage crew of your school’s theater department or work on graphics for your school’s television station.

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Popular Careers in the Field of Animation & Video Graphics

Careers in Animation & Video Graphics are expected to grow with the demand for interactive media, but like most Graphics & Multimedia careers, the competition for jobs is fierce. To entice employers, build a professional portfolio to show off your talents. Gaining skills and experience in many areas from 3D animation to storyboarding as well as maintaining proficiency in the latest computer-aided design programs can give you an edge in the job market.

The highest paying and most prestigious jobs in Animation & Video Graphics generally go to bachelors degree and masters degree holders. Work is found in many industries including web-based media, motion pictures, advertising, marketing, e-commerce and video game design. Certificate, associate and online degree programs prepare you for careers as 3D character builders, background artists, game-play testers and 3D object modelers. Average salaries range from $30,000 to $80,000 annually.

To advance your career, look for lead artist roles or considering starting your own business. Many Animation & Video Graphics degree-holders do freelance work on the side to build their portfolios. Your skills may also translate to related careers such as

• Advertising and Promotions Managers
• Art Directors
• Broadcast Technicians
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
• Desktop Publishers
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