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ANIMATION DEGREE

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN 2D ANIMATION
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN 3D ANIMATION

Animation Degree PROGRAM OVERVIEW

As an Animation degree program student, you’ll explore the field of animation through the production pipeline levels. You’ll hone your skills as an animator with hands-on training in visual storytelling and motion study courses that prepare you for the real world of professional animation production. Animation degree program classes are small so students can experience the kind of individual attention and support that allows them to blossom as an artist.

Plus, you’ll have a number of other advantages as you elevate your technical skill and artistry, including:

  • Your choice of customizable program as a 2D or 3D animation track
  • Robust professional portfolio reviews at the Sophomore, Junior and Senior levels
  • Awareness of the latest industry trends in animation development
  • Access to industry standard tools and technology used in today’s animation field
  • Hands-on experience with the animation production process
  • Learn from faculty with direct and extensive experience in the animation industry

ANIMATION DEGREE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Motion Studies

Character Design + Turnarounds

timing rhythm copy (1)

Timing + Rhythm

visual storytelling copy (1)

Visual Storytelling

12 principles of animation copy (1)

12 Principles of Animation

Storyboarding + Animatics

Observational Drawing + Anatomy

Line of Action

Layout + Production

drawing acting copy (1)

Drawing + Acting for Animation

ACCREDITATION

TUITION + FINANCIAL AID

At RMCAD, we understand that investing in a college education is a major decision and a major investment. That’s why we offer competitive, affordable tuition when compared to other art and design colleges. Students’ tuition rates are locked in at the time of their initial start date and will not increase as long as they remain enrolled in their program.

AnIMATION DEGREE COURSE DETAILS

Our animation degree program with an emphasis in 2D Animation or 3D Animation is focused on helping students develop their unique, artistic voice. You’ll learn essential 2D or 3D animation techniques and tools while you collaborate with talented artists from all walks of life.

RMCAD offers classes year-round in both on-campus and online delivery formats. At RMCAD, we believe that online learning is an important part of the overall college learning experience. To provide students multiple scheduling options, diverse learning modalities, and experience in the virtual environment, all on-campus students are required to take part in some online education.


*This section does not include the full list of courses for this program.

AG 1070

Digital Painting for Film + Games

(3 Credits)

AG 1110

Introduction to Animated Storytelling

(3 Credits)

AN 2310

Creative Visualization

(3 Credits)

AN 3760

Tools + Techniques of Contemporary Animation

(3 Credits)

AN2D 1390

Drawing + Acting for Animation

(3 Credits)

AN2D 3230

Character Animation + Motion Studies

(3 Credits)

AN2D 3360

Animation Layout + Production

(3 Credits)

AN2D 3520

2D Computer Animation I

(3 Credits)

AN3D 1210

3D Computer Fundamentals

(3 Credits)

AN3D 2320

3D Computer Lighting + Materials

(3 Credits)

AN3D 3230

3D Computer Animation Motion Studies

(3 Credits)

AN3D 3330

3D Character + Production Design

(3 Credits)

AH 1110

Art Historical Methods + Theories

(3 Credits)

EN 1110

Composition I 

(3 Credits)

HU 1110

Humanities I: World Thought I

(3 Credits)

MA 1221

The Art of Math

(3 Credits)

The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.

FD 1020

2D Design: Elements + Principles

(3 Credits)

FD 1120

Topics in Color

(3 Credits)

FD 1600

Studio Seminar: Methods of Inquiry

(3 Credits)

FD 2220

Time-based Media

(3 Credits)

Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.

AG 3590

Special Topics

(3 Credits)

AG 3840

Experimental Animation

(3 Credits)

AN 2320 

The Art of Villainy

(3 Credits)

AN 2335

Worldbuilding

(3 Credits)

TECH + TOOLS

In the world of animation production, the most important tools you will need are your imagination, creativity, and a solid foundation of the fundamentals of motion. Where RMCAD’s 2D and 3D programs both begin with exploring the 12 principles of animation through a series of motion study classes, each program will progress to more specialized methods. 

Our 2D animation program focuses on traditional and digital drawing techniques in software such as Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, while our 3D animation program incorporates 3D techniques to animate through software such as Autodesk Maya. 

Whether you choose the 2D or 3D track, you will develop a knowledge of how to  incorporate the 12 principles of animation into your own original creative scenes and shorts.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Toon Boom Harmony
  • Storyboard Pro

 

All animation degree students also receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semesterly fees.

STUDENT WORK

Animation Stories

Animation CAREERS

Are you ready to become an animator? RMCAD’s Animation Degree helps equip you for success in the following roles.

Animator

An animator creates visual sequences that bring characters, objects, or scenes to life creating keyframes and in between frames using various techniques. Their work is typically seen in films, television shows, video games, advertisements, and digital platforms.

Lead Animator

A senior animator who will lead a team of animators. Their role is mentorship, as well as ensuring there is a standard of consistency and quality throughout the animation sequences.

In-Betweener

These roles are usually entry level positions, where you will flesh out the in-betweens of a lead animator’s scenes using their keyframes for reference.

Clean-Up Artist

This artist will refine the rough animation of the animators by adding in additional details. They will smooth out lines and correct inconsistencies in the animation.

Layout Artist

These artists will define camera angles, shots, staging and the composition of the scenes based on the provided storyboards

Storyboard Artist

A story artist plays a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of animated films, TV shows, and other visual media by creating storyboards—visual representations of the script that map out each scene. These boards are then turned into animatics.

3D Artist

A 3D artist creates three-dimensional visual content for various media, including video games, films, animations, architecture, product design, and virtual reality.

Character Designer

These artists will design and develop the appearance of the characters in the animation, ensuring the character is built specifically for animation and the actions they need to preform, which will be found in the script.

Motion Graphics Artist

A motion graphics artist creates animated visual content that combines graphic design, animation, and cinematography to communicate messages or tell stories.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The program emphasizes 2D and 3D animation skills, covering everything from motion studies, character design, storyboarding, animatics and final animation production, with a focus on industry trends and innovative tools.

Graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to start careers as animators, character designers and storyboard artists in various entertainment and media industries.

Students will learn character design, storyboarding, observational drawing, and animation fundamentals.

RMCAD offers small class sizes, tutoring, mentorship, industry-experienced instructors, and well-equipped facilities.

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of the college’s application process. To be considered for a scholarship, students will also need to create and submit a portfolio of artwork.

A portfolio showcasing your best work, including examples of motion studies, short scenes or films, character turnarounds, layout design and more.

All students receive software licensing, a LinkedIn Learning subscription, LMS access, electronic library resources, cybersecurity, mental health counseling, and tutoring services through their semester fees.

Students use software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony and other industry-standard animation tools. For more information on program materials, visit here.

Yes, prospective students can schedule campus tours or attend info sessions to learn more about RMCAD and the animation program.

The curriculum includes courses that develop critical thinking, global consciousness, and information literacy.

Foundation courses enable students to refine essential skills, get comfortable with the tools they’ll use throughout their program, and study relevant basics— including drawing, composition and color theory. These courses facilitate ideation and collaboration.

Yes, students can showcase their work through student exhibitions and events hosted by RMCAD.

Students create projects ranging from short animated films and scenes, character turnarounds, layout and production pieces, and storyboards and animatics.

The combination of traditional and cutting-edge animation techniques, individualized support, and a focus on visual storytelling and character development sets RMCAD’s program apart.

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