Everything You Need to Know About a Master’s Degree in Animation

Animation is an exciting and competitive field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. From movies and television to video games, commercials, and virtual reality, there is high demand for talented animators, modelers, riggers, lighters, and more. A master’s degree is a great way to gain advanced skills and stand out when applying for jobs. But what exactly is a master’s degree in animation? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Master’s Degree in Animation?

A master’s degree in animation is a graduate program that provides extensive training in the theory, tools, and techniques of animation. These programs aim to prepare students for leadership roles in the industry by building their technical abilities and creative problem-solving skills.

Master’s programs in animation are available both on-campus and online. The curriculum covers a range of topics including

• 2D animation (hand-drawn, digital)
• 3D animation (modeling, texturing, rigging, lighting, rendering)
• Stop motion
• Motion graphics
• Visual effects
• Interactive media
• Game art and design
• Animation principles and history
• Storyboarding
• Character design
• Filmmaking and cinematography

Students gain hands-on experience using the same software and equipment found in professional animation studios. Advanced courses allow them to focus on a specific concentration such as 3D character animation visual effects or game art. Programs typically culminate in a final project, demo reel, or art portfolio that demonstrates the student’s talents to future employers.

Degree Types

There are three main types of master’s degrees available in animation:

Master of Arts (MA)

A Master of Arts in Animation focuses on the aesthetic, narrative, and theoretical side of animation. Courses emphasize topics like storytelling, character development, animation history, and critical studies. This degree is best suited for students who want to strengthen their artistic skills rather than focus heavily on technical training.

Master of Science (MS)

A Master of Science in Animation concentrates more on the technological aspects of the field. Coursework covers programming, computer graphics, simulation, modeling, and other technical areas. This degree provides advanced training in software, tools, and emerging technologies used to produce animation. It’s ideal for those interested in technical director or simulation/visualization roles.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Considered the terminal degree in art and design fields, the MFA is oriented toward students who want to work professionally as animators, directors, or studio artists. Programs are highly practical, mimicking the environment and pace of an animation studio. The curriculum combines intensive technical skills with storytelling, filmmaking, and a focus on developing the student’s personal artistic voice and style. Graduates pursue careers as creative leaders in animation.

Program Length

Most master’s degrees in animation take 1-3 years to complete depending on the program structure and number of credits required

• 1 year – Intensive programs designed for students with an undergrad degree in animation. Typically 30-36 credits.
• 2 years – Standard program length for students coming from various backgrounds. Approximately 45-60 credits.
• 3 years – Allows time for students from unrelated fields to take animation prerequisite courses. Can be up to 80 credits.

Online and low-residency programs offer more flexibility but typically take at least 2 years to finish. Accelerated or fast-track options condense the program into 1 year by attending full-time and taking summer courses.

Curriculum

Animation master’s programs start with foundation courses in drawing, design, animation principles, and digital tools before advancing to more complex techniques and software. While the curriculum varies by school, common courses include:

• Animation Foundations
• Drawing for Animation
• Motion Graphics
• 3D Modeling
• Texturing and Lighting
• Rigging and Animation
• Visual Effects
• Acting for Animators
• Cinematography
• Collaborative Project
• Demo Reel or Thesis Project

Electives allow students to customize their degree with courses in storyboarding, stop motion, game art, virtual reality, and other specializations. Some programs offer concentration options in areas like visual effects, character animation or game art.

Career Options and Outlook

A master’s degree in animation opens the door to a wide variety of career paths, including:

• 3D Animator
• 2D Animator
• Storyboard Artist
• Visual Effects Artist
• Technical Director
• Production Artist
• Art Director
• Concept Artist
• Modeler
• Texture Artist
• Rigger
• Lighter
• Layout Artist
• Previs Artist
• Stop Motion Animator
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Game Artist
• Creative Director

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for multimedia animators and artists is projected to grow 4% through 2030. Competition can be fierce for top positions at elite studios, making a master’s degree a significant advantage.

Advanced education shows employers you can handle complex projects and leadership roles. It also builds a network of industry connections that can help launch your career. Some studios even prefer candidates with master’s degrees.

Finding the Right Program

Choosing the ideal animation master’s degree depends on your career goals, interests, location, and finances. Here are some factors to consider:

• Faculty – Look for programs with professors who actively work in the industry at top studios. They provide invaluable mentorship and up-to-date knowledge.

• Facilities – Access to professional equipment, software, motion capture stages, green screens, sound stages, and editing bays allows you to develop technical proficiency.

• Industry ties – Programs with robust industry connections offer guest lectures, recruiting events, mentorships, and pipelines to internships and jobs.

• Portfolio focus – The best programs devote significant time to developing a polished portfolio or demo reel – your most important career tool.

• Specializations – If you have a particular passion in animation like visual effects or game art, choose a program that allows you to focus electives in that area.

• Cost – In-state public school tuition is generally the most affordable option. Private art schools can be quite expensive but may offer extensive facilities and resources.

By researching programs and weighing these factors, you can find the animation master’s degree that is the best match for your goals and prepares you for success in the field.

FAQs

Do I need an animation degree to get a master’s in animation?

In most cases, no. Common undergraduate degrees for applicants include art, graphic design, film, architecture, and computer science. Some programs offer prerequisite courses if your bachelor’s degree is unrelated.

Are master’s degrees in animation worth it?

A master’s can significantly improve your skills, job prospects, earning potential, and career advancement. But it’s also a major investment of time and money. Balance the costs versus expected benefits for your situation.

How much does a master’s degree in animation cost?

Tuition varies greatly. In-state public school rates average around $9,000-$15,000 per year. Private art schools range from $30,000-$50,000 annually. Other costs like software, supplies, and housing add to the total.

What jobs can you get with a master’s in animation?

An animation master’s degree qualifies you for a wide range of roles like 2D animator, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, previs artist, technical director, art director, game artist, creative director, and many more.

Is animation a good career?

Animation offers amazing creative freedom and satisfaction in bringing stories and characters to life. While competitive, animators enjoy strong demand and salaries above the national median. It’s an exciting career for visual, storytelling, and technology enthusiasts.

Whether you dream of working for a major studio or creating your own animated films, a master’s degree in animation provides the skills and knowledge to turn your artistic vision into reality. Do thorough research to choose the program that best fits your ambitions.