Animation is a growing field that creates jobs in many niches within the entertainment industry and even in the business sector. Talented, well-trained animation artists can find jobs in movies and TV, online animation, game design, marketing and more. In order to qualify for the best jobs in the industry, you will need at least some form of education, whether it is an associate’s degree, an online program, a bachelor’s degree, or even a graduate degree. You can enroll in a professional or vocational school, although animation degrees aren’t always offered at these institutions. You can also find animation programs at traditional four-year undergraduate universities, online schools, graduate schools, and at art and design schools.

If you decide to enroll in an online animation program, you will be able to have the flexibility to study from home or any other place that is convenient and comfortable for you. Depending on the school, you may also be able to complete your animation degree on a fast-track schedule because you aren’t limited to the rigid calendar of a campus-based program. As long as you have the right kind of computer software on your home or office computer, then you will be able to learn skills like 2D drawing, 3D drawing, digital design and special effects without having to relocate or commute.

Associate’s degree programs give students an introduction to the basic concepts and designs of animation and digital design. If you want to compete for the top animation jobs, however, a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree will better serve you. You can find these programs at traditional colleges and universities, or you may want to enroll in a special arts and design or media arts school. These schools focus all of their resources and energy on developing cutting edge programs, cultivating relationships with professional contacts, and helping their students graduate with the skills, experience and portfolios they need to find a job in art and design. Traditional undergraduate universities may only offer one degree in animation, but through electives and concentrations, students can narrow down their focus and specialize in an area like Special FX animation, digital animation, 3D animation, video animation and more. Computer and game animation programs and electives are also available, depending on the program.

Top Online Programs

A.A. in Information Technology B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communications	University of Phoenix – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communication A.A.S. in Information Technology	Kaplan University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
B.F.A. in Web Design A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications B.F.A. in Digital Design	American InterContinental University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
A.S. in Web Design B.F.A. in Graphic Design B.A. in Fashion Merchandising	International Academy of Design & Technology – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia B.S. in Visual Communications A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia	Westwood College – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
A.S. in Web Graphic Design B.C.I.S. in Web Development B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming	DeVry University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
B.A. in Visual Communications B.A. in Art History	Ashford University – Bachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
B.S. in Web Design A.S. in Web Design Diploma in Web Design	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.