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. UMass Global

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • BA in Communications & Media
      • BA in Communications & Media
  • Online Programs Available
    2. 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
      • Bachelor: Communications
      • B.A. in Digital Design with an Emphasis in Web Design
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Master of Communications
  • Campus and Online Programs
    4. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Game Design Masters - Campus
      • Game Design Masters - Online
      • Mobile Gaming Masters - Online
      • Master of Fine Arts - Media Design
    Bachelor's
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Computer Animation Concentration - Campus
      • Communications Bachelors with Media Communications Concentration - Campus
      • Game Business and Esports Bachelors - Campus
      • Interactive Technology Bachelors with Game Design Concentration - Campus
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Graphic Design Concentration - Campus
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    5. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Social Innovation in Visual Communication
      • MA: Human-Centered Design
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Corporate Communication
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Crisis Communication
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Digital Communication
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Social Enterprise
    Bachelor's
      • BS: Strategic Communication: Strategic Communications
    Certificate
      • GRAD CERT: Social Innovation in Visual Communication
      • GRAD CERT: Fundamentals of Communication
      • GRAD CERT: Applied Communication Studies
      • GRAD CERT: Communication Strategies for Social Enterprise
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    6. Purdue Global

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    Bachelor's
      • BS in Communication
      • BS in Communication - Business Fundamentals
      • BS in Communication - Digital Communication
  • University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Chula Vista, CA

    Southwestern College

Featured Schools

UMass Global

  • BA in Communications & Media

Which subject are you interested in?

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?

Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies

  • Master of Communications

Which subject are you interested in?

Full Sail University

  • Game Design Masters - Campus
  • Game Design Masters - Online
  • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus
  • Visual Arts Bachelors with Computer Animation Concentration - Campus

What is your highest level of education?

Liberty University

  • MA: Strategic Communication: Social Innovation in Visual Communication
  • BS: Strategic Communication: Strategic Communications
  • GRAD CERT: Social Innovation in Visual Communication

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • BS in Communication
  • BS in Communication - Business Fundamentals
  • BS in Communication - Digital Communication

Which subject are you interested in?

University of Maryland Global Campus

Southwestern College