Best Animation Associate Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Since its founding in 1929, the Academy of Art University has trained students in the arts. It offers undergraduate students associate and bachelor's degrees in acting, fashion, illustration, and animation fields, as well as Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees for graduate students. It is one of the largest private art and design schools, with nearly 9,000 enrolled students.

Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects

Throughout this 66-unit program, students will cover the fundamental principles of animation as well as advanced skills like 3D modeling and storyboarding. Some of the courses you will take are the history of animation and 3D character animation.

Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects Overview

• Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
• Tuition: $1,041/credit
• Required Credits: 66 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 47%

Associate of Arts in Animation & Visual Effects Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts

Applying to Academy of Art University

1. Connect with an admissions representative.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit official academic transcripts or other proof of high school completion.

Since its establishment in 1973, Austin Community College District has grown to become one of the largest colleges in the nation. It has 11 campuses and more than 70,000 enrolled students. Austin Community College District offers more than 100 programs of study across 10 different fields.

Associate of Applied Science in Game Development, Animation, and Motion Graphics

This program features courses on storyboarding, basic animation, and character design. With the skills you learn, you may find a job as a storyboard artist, character designer, or 2D animator. You can specialize in 2D animation techniques, 3D animation techniques, game art, game design, or motion graphics. You’ll need to complete a minimum of 60 credits to graduate.

Associate of Applied Science in Game Development, Animation, and Motion Graphics Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $85/credit (in district); $286/credit (in state); $353/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 12%

Associate of Applied Science in Game Development, Animation, and Motion Graphics Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Texas Success Initiative (TSI) with a minimum score of 945 for English, Language Arts, and Reading with an Essay score of 5 and a minimum score of 950 for Math
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Meningitis vaccination if under 22

Applying to Austin Community College

1. Talk to a recruiter.
2. Complete and submit your application.
3. Submit all required documents, including transcripts, TSI scores, and meningitis immunization records, if younger than 22 years old.
4. Register for your courses.

Bergen Community College was founded in 1963 to provide quality, affordable education to the Paramus community. The college has since grown to become the largest community college in New Jersey, as well as the best in the state for associate degrees. It features more than 120 program offerings.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Animation

You will start off this 60-credit program by covering the fundamentals of artistic design and animation history. These introductory courses will help you build a solid foundation for more complex animation concepts like 3D modeling and character design. By the end of the program, you will have developed a portfolio that will help you land your first job as an animator.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Animation Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $146.50/credit (in county); $301/credit (in state); $316.75/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 22%

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Animation Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Official transcript

Applying to Bergen Community College

1. Complete and submit your admission application.
2. Submit your official transcript.
3. Apply for financial aid.

Cañada College is a public institution founded in 1968 to provide equitable educational opportunities for residents of San Mateo County. At its location in Silicon Valley, it offers more than 40 degree programs to its 6,500 students in fields such as science, business, and the arts.

Associate in Arts in Digital Art and Animation

The courses in this program are project-based and taught through hands-on learning. After completing this animation associate degree, you will have a substantial portfolio to include on your resume. Examples of the courses you’ll tackle in this 60-credit program include introduction to computer graphics and introduction to digital animation.

Associate in Arts in Digital Art and Animation Overview

• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
• Tuition (and Fees): $46/credit (in state); $355/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person or hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 34%

Associate in Arts in Digital Art and Animation Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: 18+ years old or high school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to Cañada College

1. Complete and submit your online application.
2. Submit your official transcripts.
3. Apply for financial aid.
4. Complete placement exams.

Century College was founded in 1967 and is one of the largest colleges in Minnesota, serving nearly 16,400 students. It offers a variety of programs, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields from business to human services technologies. The difference between a diploma vs degree is that diplomas are shorter programs and don’t cover as much material.

Associate of Applied Science in 3D Modeling and Animation

The focus of this program is to provide students with the technical and design skills they need to become 3D artists. Required courses include fundamentals of design, animation, and modeling. After completing this 3D modeling and animation degree program, you will be prepared to secure a job as a graphic designer or art director immediately after you graduate.

Associate of Applied Science in 3D Modeling and Animation Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $176.32/credit
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 22%

Associate of Applied Science in 3D Modeling and Animation Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Optional to use in place of placement tests ACT with 21+ in Reading and 22+ in Math, SAT with 480+ in Reading and 530+ in Math, MCA with 1047+ in Reading and 1148+ in Math
• Application Fee: $20 with fee waivers available
• Minimum Education: High school or GED
• Other Requirements: Not applicable

Applying to Century College

1. Complete and submit your online application.
2. Submit your official transcripts.
3. Apply for financial aid.
4. Track your admission status.

Established in 1964, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College is an institution dedicated to improving equity and inclusion in education. It is one of the most diverse colleges in the region, with students from more than 155 countries. It offers over 50 associate degree programs to its 20,000-plus student body.

Associate of Science in Animation and Motion Graphics

Animation is essential in marketing, film, and online materials, and this program will teach you how to apply the fundamentals of 2D and 3D animation to these industries. Your curriculum will feature courses like foundations of digital graphic design and introduction to 2D animation. Upon completing this program, you can get a job as a graphic designer or continue your education by transferring to a bachelor's degree program.

Associate of Science in Animation and Motion Graphics Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $210/credit (in state); $320/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 27%

Associate of Science in Animation and Motion Graphics Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: High school or GED
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts

Applying to CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

1. Complete and submit your CUNY application.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit proof of high school completion, including official transcripts.
4. Submit English language proficiency test scores if applicable.

One of the best community colleges in Dallas is Dallas College, founded in 1965. Dallas College, previously named Dallas County Community College District, provides education to Dallas residents across eight campuses. With more than 100,000 students and over 300 plus degrees and certificates, it is one of the largest colleges in the state.

Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art And Design

This animation associate degree program teaches students the skills they need to transform their design and art skills into a career path. Animation is one of the three specialization tracks for this 60-credit degree program.

Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art And Design Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $79/credit hour (in county); $135/credit (in state); $200/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 21%

Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art And Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, TAKS or STAAR or take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment after applying
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Proof of meningitis vaccination if younger than 22

Applying to Dallas College

1. Complete and submit your online application.
2. Meet with a Success Coach.
3. Submit your official transcripts.
4. Hand in standardized test scores or register to take the TSI.
5. Provide proof of meningitis vaccination and residency (if required).

Forsyth Technical Community College has been providing educational opportunities to the citizens of Forsyth and Stokes counties and beyond since 1960. Its offerings include vocational training, college transfer programs, and two-year degree programs.

Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology Degree

After completing 70 credit hours of courses in this animation associate degree program, you will be able to use computers to manipulate and animate digital images for a variety of applications. Topics covered in this program include principles of design, 3D design, and animation. This degree qualifies you to work as a storyboarding artist, animator, or graphics designer.

Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology Degree Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $76/credit hour (in state); $268/credit hour (out of state)
• Required Credits: 70 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person or hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 29%

Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology Degree Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT suggested, but not required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: North Carolina-Diagnostic Assessment and Placement tests (NC-DAP) if no standardized test scores reported

Applying to Forsyth Technical Community College

1. Complete and submit your online application.
2. Submit your official transcripts.
3. Submit standardized test scores or sign up for NC-DAP (if required).
4. Track your admission status.

Johnson County Community College has built a reputation for academic excellence and student success since its establishment in 1969. The college has a student body of 16,643 students and is home to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. It offers 100 certificate and associate degree programs that students can use to earn their degree or transfer to a four-year college.

Associate of Applied Science in Animation-Entertainment and Game Art Design

This animation associate degree program teaches students foundational animation skills that you can apply across engineering, architecture, and even healthcare fields. During the 64 credit program, you'll take courses like CG Environments and Animation, Character Animation, and Life Drawing. You'll also create animated productions to start building your professional portfolio.

Associate of Applied Science in Animation-Entertainment and Game Art Design Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $97/credit hour (Johnson County residents); $143/credit hour (in state); $212/credit hour (out of state)
• Required Credits: 64 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 26%

Associate of Applied Science in Animation-Entertainment and Game Art Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required, but ACT scores may be used in lieu of placement tests
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma, GED, or 18+ with JCCC evaluation
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, placement tests

Applying to Johnson County Community College

1. Create a Dynamic Forms account.
2. Complete and submit an online application.
3. Submit your official transcripts.
4. Provide proof of residency.
5. Hand in ACT scores or sign up to take placement tests (if required).

Wisconsin's largest technical college is Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), a public institution dedicated to developing the nation’s workforce. It does this by teaching students the practical skills they need to be competitive in tomorrow’s job market. MATC provides students with more than 170 programs with up-to-date curricula designed by industry representatives.

Associate in Applied Science in Animation

Starting with basic drawing for animators all the way to developing your animation portfolio, all 64 credit hours of courses in this program are designed to prepare you for job opportunities in the animation field. You'll explore both 2D and 3D animation. After graduation, you can find work as a medical animation specialist, background designer, or texture artist.

Associate in Applied Science in Animation Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $157.30/credit (in state); $227.80/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 64 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person, hybrid, or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 16%

Associate in Applied Science in Animation Admission Requirements

• GPA: None, 2.0+ for MATC district students to qualify for MATC Promise free tuition program
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts

Applying to Milwaukee Area Technical College

1. Create an application account.
2. Submit your online application.
3. Provide your official transcripts.

Art directors work in magazines, newspapers, advertising, and entertainment production and create the overall visual style for a project. They usually direct a team of artists and are in charge of making sure the project meets deadlines and stays within budget.

• Average Salary: $100,890
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 98,500
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, New Jersey

A director makes creative decisions about the animation, film, television, or stage production. They interpret a writer's script to entertain and connect with the audience. Directors often handle animation projects and require some knowledge of the medium.

• Average Salary: $79,000
• Job Outlook: 24% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 131,000
• Highest-Paying States: California, New York, Connecticut

Professional animators create 2D and 3D animations using a combination of traditional techniques and computer software. They work on movies, television shows, video games, and other sources of media, and use animation to tell a story.

• Average Salary: $78,790
• Job Outlook: 16% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 62,400
• Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington

Film and video editors transform raw footage to make a smooth and consistent product. They add in sound and special effects to create a finished film. Film and video editors make sure that the final version of a film is entertaining or informational to the audience.

• Average Salary: $62,680
• Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 63,300
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Hampshire, California

Graphic designers create text and images to communicate an idea. They create visuals by hand, with computer software, or using some combination of the two. The goal of their work is to inspire, educate, or warn the audience in a way that is interesting and easy to understand.

• Average Salary: $50,710
• Job Outlook: 3% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 254,100
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York