Digital media enthusiasts might wish to pursue a degree in the subject.
In today’s digitally obsessed culture, there is something of a boom in industries related to media arts and animation, according to a recent article by journalist Erin Jourdan for Yahoo! Education. These types of jobs are perfect for enterprising individuals whose passion for technology matches their creative ambitions. Animation and media arts jobs also tend to be well paid; according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary for animators is $56,330. There are a number of different degrees available in the field, and those with the highest degrees tend to have the most opportunities.
Associate Degree
Earning a two-year Associate of Arts degree can be a springboard for an entry-level career in television, film or print media. It is also a necessity for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field. Typically, students pursuing a two-year AA degree in media arts will take classes in such fields as photojournalism, field television, basic design, photojournalism and basic photography. Those more interested in animation will take classes in that subject, along with illustration, storyboarding and Photoshop.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Animation typically takes four years to complete. Students do coursework in such areas as drawing, design, storyboarding and scripting, 2D animation, 3D animation, 3D computer modeling, digital composing and editing, production and Internet multimedia. Graduates are eligible pursue a master’s degree, or enter the workforce as an entry level digital media designer, motion graphics artist or multimedia graphic designer.
Master of Arts
Students at the master’s level typically undergo coursework in the following areas: media criticism, sequential narrative, advanced sound design, digital media motion and interactive design applications. Those who graduate with a master’s degree are eligible for such lucrative positions as editor, producer, animation director, production assistant and special effects supervisor. If students are exceptionally passionate about the field, they can earn a doctorate in media arts and animation, although there are very few universities offering such a degree at this time. Those who are business savvy may want to additionally pursue an Master of Business Administration to enter the business side of the media arts and animation industries.
Tags: Bachelor Arts, media arts, arts animation, Arts degree, digital media, master’s degree