Computer Animation: Career Diploma Summary

About this article
With a diploma in computer animation, you'll have the skills to enter an exciting field full of creative reward and room for growth. This article describes some of what you can expect from a good diploma program, and offers information about the field of computer animation.
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What is a Computer Animation Diploma Program?

Computer animation is used extensively in television, film, theme park rides, computer games, and all sorts of digital environments. A diploma in computer animation will give you the necessary skills and understanding of the creative and technical processes you need to begin a career. You will learn to draw, visualize, and effectively apply principles of color, perspective and shading. A good program will teach you about texture mapping, motion capture and animation, and help you translate your traditional art skills into the characters, objects, scenes, and virtual environments that will become the digital world you are creating. Some programs offer skills in audio and video production also, to give you an overview of the entire process of creation that leads to a final product.

Skills Acquired

To succeed in the world of computer animation, you need to master many skills. A good diploma program will teach you drawing, color, character design and computer applications. You will learn advanced 2-D and 3-D animation principles as well as story development, background design, scene layout and special effects, and achieve proficiency with such animation software tools as PhotoShop, After Effects and 3D Studio Max. You'll learn animation theory and techniques, drawing and design for animation, 3D animation production, 3D graphics production, techniques for life-like drawing and rendering, and more. Students with the academic and practical training offered by a diploma program in computer animation can find work in various industries and specialties. A good program will equip you with a professional quality portfolio to demonstrate your talent and skills. Areas where you might turn for entry-level employment include computer generated lighting, compositing and rendering, storyboarding, texturing, computer modeling, special effects, graphic art, background painting, forensic art, or video post-production.

Coursework in a Computer Animation Diploma Program May Include:

  • Animation Theory and Techniques
  • 3D Animation Production
  • 3D Graphics Production
  • Life Drawing and Rendering
  • Cinematography for Animation
  • Compositing and Post-Production

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer animation specialists should have good job opportunities for the next several years, though competition will be sharp. Still, demand for skilled computer animators continues to grow as the demand for authentic looking graphics continues to grow in entertainment, education and information applications. In 2004, the average annual income for computer animation artists was about $50K.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
    Bachelor's
      • B.A. in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Animation
      • B.A. in Advertising and Graphic Design
      • B.A. in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design
      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Broadcasting and New Media
      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
  • Campus and Online Programs
    2. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Game Design Masters - Campus
      • Game Design Masters - Online
      • Master of Fine Arts - Media Design
    Bachelor's
      • BS - Simulation and Visualization (Campus)
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus
      • Communications Bachelors with Media Communications Concentration - Campus
      • Game Development Bachelors - Online
      • Game Business and Esports Bachelors - Campus
      • Interactive Technology Bachelors with Game Design Concentration - Campus
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    3. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • PHD: Communication
    Certificate
      • CTG: Communication
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    4. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Chula Vista, CA

    Southwestern College

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    Ferris State University

  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Rochester, NY

    Rochester Institute of Technology

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    Sam Houston State University

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
  • B.A. in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Animation
  • B.A. in Advertising and Graphic Design

What is your highest level of education?

Full Sail University

  • Game Design Masters - Campus
  • Game Design Masters - Online
  • BS - Simulation and Visualization (Campus)
  • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus

What is your highest level of education?

Liberty University

  • PHD: Communication
  • CTG: Communication

What is your highest level of education?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

What is your highest level of education?

Southwestern College

University of Maryland Global Campus