3D Animator
Bachelors In

3D Animation & Modeling Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
Table of Contents

Why We Love It

  • $70,300
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271014.htm for 27-1014 Multimedia artists and animators 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of arts in 3D animation and modeling, you’ll focus your studies on developing and refining your skills in computer animation programs and techniques.

You’ll learn how to use popular software and programs to design 3D characters, scenery, and objects, and how to put those designs together to create video games, short films, movies, and videos for a variety of industries.

What is a Degree in 3D Animation & Modeling?

A bachelor of arts in 3D animation and modeling is focused on teaching students the practical and soft skills needed to succeed as 3D animators. Students learn how to use popular computer design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Maya, and they also learn how to write HTML and CSS code for web development.

Additionally, you’ll focus on refining your skills as an artist and storyteller with studies in lighting techniques, storyboarding, rendering, rigging, polygon modeling, and character design.

While in your bachelor’s degree program, you’ll develop a demo reel that can be used after graduation to showcase your design skills when applying for jobs. 3D animation and modeling graduates can find work in a diverse set of industries.

While many move into roles developing movies and video games, some also find work in a business where they develop interactive website elements, commercials and other internet videos, educational courses, presentations, and animated presentation elements.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in 3D Animation & Modeling?

  • Game Characters
  • 3D Modeling
  • Demo Reel Development
  • Mechanics, Expressions, & Characters
  • Fundamentals of Web
  • Animation & Rigging
  • 3D Rendering
  • 3D Scripting

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in 3D Animation & Modeling?

3D animation films, videos, and games have been steadily rising in popularity for the last decade, and that trend isn’t expected to change anytime soon. Experienced and talented animators are in high demand to design 3D movies and short films, modern video games, and web videos and graphics.

Demand for 3D animators is expected to continue to grow in the coming decade, and graduates of 3D animation and modeling programs with impressive portfolios may be able to find work quickly.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in 3D Animation & Modeling will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for 3D Animation & Modeling Degrees

Experienced 3D animators can find work in many different industries. Some graduate and find work for major motion picture production companies like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks.

Others develop video games for big-name studios like Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Sony. Some even find work in business and education, creating graphics and videos for online courses, commercials, presentations, and websites.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your 3D Animation & Modeling degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Get a Certificate in 3D Animation First

While most full-time jobs will look for 3D animators who have bachelor’s degrees, you can jump-start your career by earning a certificate in 3D animation first.

With a certificate, you’ll learn the basics of 3D animation and modeling, enabling you to create YouTube animations or work as a freelance designer to earn some income and gain experience while studying for your bachelor’s degree. As a bonus, the credits you earn may transfer to reduce the number of courses and time to earn your bachelor’s degree.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in 3D Animation & Modeling are also interested in the following degrees.

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