Academy of Art University offers online associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in animation and visual effects. Students can select from degree tracks including character animation, visual development and 3-D modeling. Students receive training in skills needed for professional success, such as life drawing, filmmaking and use of color in design. They also develop portfolios to show potential employers. Prospective students can participate in online chats to learn more about the programs. There are specific computer hardware and software requirements; some courses require software available for either a Macintosh or a PC.
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
800-544-2787
academyart.edu
Career paths available to graduates of Rasmussen College's bachelor's degree program in digital design and animation include forensic animation, advertising and commercial products. Students can complete the degree entirely online, and courses include audio/video editing, Flash animation and 3-D animation. Students also take general education courses in areas such as math, humanities and social science. Video, web design and animation projects give students a chance to create multimedia material that can become part of a professional portfolio.
Rasmussen College--Corporate
745 McClintock Drive, Suite 105
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
630-366-2800
rasmussen.edu
Students in the 18-month online certificate program at AnimationMentor.com are taught by industry professionals and take courses that cover topics such as animation principles, body mechanics and creating acting performances for animated characters. The program culminates with a portfolio course in which students polish their prior work and develop a demo reel with the help of a mentor. The demo reel can be used in the job-search process. The program can be started at one of four terms during the year. Students receive discounts on educational software they will use in their classes, and along with a computer, they must purchase a webcam for use in online lectures.
AnimationMentor.com
1400 65th Street, Suite 250
Emeryville, CA 94608
877-326-4628
animationmentor.com
The online computer animation bachelor's degree program at Full Sail University trains students in traditional and digital art principles. Students take classes in life drawing and color theory, along with computer animation. Graduates find work with television, film and video game production companies. Full Sail computer animation students focus on five areas: fine arts, modeling, effects, animation and a final project. Students also spend time in Full Sail's motion capture studio, where they learn how to use data gathered from motion sensors to create lifelike movements in animated characters. The bachelor's degree can be completed entirely online, and students receive a discount on required educational software.
Full Sail University
3300 University Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792
888-993-7338
online.fullsail.edu