Online Animation Degrees

Have you ever wondered who works behind the scenes of some of your favorite animated movies? Computer animators draw thousands of frames and slightly shift each one to create one single motion picture. Although the process may seem slow, the technology behind the industry has changed very quickly over the past decade. Here are just a few highlights about the animation industry.

Career Outlook for Animation

People love computer animation and the industry has proved it with it's growth despite the continuation of a worldwide economic recession. It’s estimated that by 2012, the worldwide media industry, which includes animation will grow by an average of 6.6% annually to reach $2.2 trillion USD. The video gaming industry, which also depends extensively on computer animation, topped $25 billion on 2010

Job Growth for Animation Industry

The above graph is the the predicted career growth for the animation industry through 2018. Information provided by the BLS.gov website.

Animation Salary Information

“Most animators are following their passion in life, so it’s not a big surprise that it’s one of the occupations where people are the happiest,” says Bobby Beck, CEO and co-founder of Animation Mentor.

Above is a graph of the animation industry jobs and their average salaries in 2008. Information provided by the BLS.gov website.

Animation Education Requirements

Animation industry education

The animation industry isn’t just about picking up a notebook and creating lovely sketches. Animators must be artists with technical flare. The animators of today get to utilize animation software and computers with the ease of a paintbrush.

Animation training and degree options

All jobs in this industry require workers to have a high school diploma or a GED. It’s mandatory. For the technical heavy jobs, like multimedia animator, graphic designer, gaming developer, a college degree is usually required.

• Bachelor’s Degree (4 years of College) in Multimedia Animation/Graphic Design/or related Field (Best Option)
• Associate’s Degree (2 years of College) in Computer Animation
• College Certification or Diploma (18 months or less) in Multimedia Animation/Graphic Design

As mentioned above, employers usually like to hire animation industry workers with a bachelor’s degree. However, some companies will allow workers with associate’s degrees and college/diploma certification to be hired and then gain experience while on the job. To get hired at the best studios, a bachelor’s degree has to be your calling card.

Education animation career requirements

Different animation careers have different educational requirements. The above graph looks at different jobs found in the animation industry and their basic educational requirements.