Earning a two-year Associate of Arts degree can be a springboard for an entry-level career in television, film or print media. It is also a necessity for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field. Typically, students pursuing a two-year AA degree in media arts will take classes in such fields as photojournalism, field television, basic design, photojournalism and basic photography. Those more interested in animation will take classes in that subject, along with illustration, storyboarding and Photoshop.
A Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Animation typically takes four years to complete. Students do coursework in such areas as drawing, design, storyboarding and scripting, 2D animation, 3D animation, 3D computer modeling, digital composing and editing, production and Internet multimedia. Graduates are eligible pursue a master’s degree, or enter the workforce as an entry level digital media designer, motion graphics artist or multimedia graphic designer.
Students at the master’s level typically undergo coursework in the following areas: media criticism, sequential narrative, advanced sound design, digital media motion and interactive design applications. Those who graduate with a master’s degree are eligible for such lucrative positions as editor, producer, animation director, production assistant and special effects supervisor. If students are exceptionally passionate about the field, they can earn a doctorate in media arts and animation, although there are very few universities offering such a degree at this time. Those who are business savvy may want to additionally pursue an Master of Business Administration to enter the business side of the media arts and animation industries.