what is 3D modeling?
3D modeling is indeed the technique of generating three-dimensional representations of objects or surfaces. These models are crafted using specialized computer-based 3D modeling software. In the process, one can determine the size, shape, and texture of the object being modeled. The creation of 3D shapes is accomplished by working with points, lines, and polygons within the software.
how does this 3D modeling work?
3D modeling, a model is essentially constructed using vertices, which combine to form a mesh that serves as the fundamental structure. Each vertex on the model can be manipulated to alter its shape. The software employs coordinate data to identify the location of each point in relation to a reference point.
The typical approach to creating a 3D model is to start with a basic shape like a cube, box, sphere, or any other suitable primitive object. Once you have this starting shape, you can then mold and refine it according to your desired design or representation. This process allows you to create intricate and detailed 3D objects that can be used in various applications and industries.
can you get a 3D modeling degree online?
A degree in 3D modeling can be earned entirely online with the benefit of having the same level of quality education as that of a traditional classroom degree.
Here is an overview of the admission requirements.
| Degree | Credits(may vary) | Typical program duration(may vary) | General admission requirements |
| Associate degree | 60 credits | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a related field. |
| Bachelor’s degree | 120 credits | 4 years | HSE/ Bachelor’s degree in a related field./Minimum Required GPA |
| Master’s degree | 30-60 credits | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a related field. |
Online accredited associate in 3D animation and modeling
1.De Anza College
Program: Associate in Arts in Film/TV Animation
Tuition: $55.75 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by WASC
Financial aid: Available with 66% of the students receiving the aid.
Within this program, students will be exposed to a comprehensive range of professional pre-production and production animation techniques. These encompass storyboard design, character design, 2-D hand drawing, digital animation, as well as 3-D stop motion and animation. As a culminating experience, students will have the opportunity to conceptualize and present a complete animation project, overseeing its development from inception to the final product
2.Piedmont Community College
Program: Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology
Tuition: $76 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 53% of the students receiving the aid.
After successfully finishing the two-year program, students will possess a comprehensive skill set in team production, design, and animation principles. Moreover, they will acquire expertise in portfolio preparation and a deep understanding of industry best practices and standards.”
3.Western Piedmont Community College
Program: Associate in Applied Science in Digital Effects and Animation Technology
Tuition: $87 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by (SACSCOC)
Financial aid: Available with 50% of the students receiving the aid.
The program spans over two years and incorporates a blend of academic courses and hands-on laboratory experiences, incorporating a range of computer tools relevant to the industry. With a comprehensive 66-credit curriculum, the program aims to equip students with the essential skills to proficiently create, edit, and animate digital images. After successfully completing the program, students will be well-prepared for immediate employment opportunities or to pursue further studies in a four-year degree program.”
4.Miami Dade College
Program: Associate in Arts in Computer Arts Animation
Tuition: $118 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 70% of the students receiving the aid.
The AA in Computer Arts Animation is specifically tailored for individuals aiming to pursue further studies in a 4-year program. This comprehensive 60-credit, two-year course equips students with the skills to utilize cutting-edge 3-D animation software aligned with industry standards. The program encompasses diverse areas such as drawing, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, computer animation, and streaming media content.
5. Shoreline Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Arts and Science in Animation
Tuition: $150 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by NCCU
Financial aid: Available with 29% of the students receiving the aid.
“The program consists of 115 credits and offers four annual entry opportunities. It presents an engaging curriculum that enables students to develop technical proficiency and creative storytelling abilities, essential for producing 2D and 3D visual content using industry-standard multimedia tools. Moreover, this 2-year program, in combination with additional short-term, stackable certificates, allows students to acquire supplementary skill sets.”
Online accredited bachelor’s degrees in 3D animation and modeling
1.Liberty University
Program: Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Tuition
Tuition: $250 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 96% of the students receiving the aid.
In the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design degree program, students will acquire fundamental knowledge in various areas, including:
Interactive designing
- 2D and 3D Design
- Publication Design
- Digital animation
This program can typically be completed in approximately 36 months, depending on credit transfers and the number of courses taken each term. Upon completion, your portfolio will demonstrate your proficiency in vector illustrations, advanced typography, and contemporary artwork styles, showcasing your expertise in the field of graphic design.
2.Southern New Hampshire University
Program: BA in Graphic Design – 3D Modeling & Animation
Tuition: $330 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by NECHE
Financial aid: Available with 51% of the students receiving the aid.
Students have the opportunity to learn from accomplished and innovative faculty who are experts in their field. They will receive instruction using industry-standard software such as Mud box, Autodesk’s Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite. Through the study of graphic design, students can acquire the skills needed to captivate and engage their audience effectively. Their portfolios will showcase their ability to convey compelling visual narratives using various media, including print, digital, and video formats. The program ensures that students are taught with the latest industry-standard software, including Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk’s Maya and Mud box, under the guidance of the school’s award-winning faculty.
3.National University
Program: Online BA degree in Digital Media Design
Tuition: $370 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by WASC
Financial aid: Available with 58% of the students receiving the aid.
In this degree program, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including:
- Graphic design and artistry
- Motion graphics
- Digital video editing
By pursuing a degree in digital media design, you will stay up-to-date with the latest methods employed for visual communication in various industries. This comprehensive program aims to equip you with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in the dynamic field of digital media design.
4.Wilmington University
Program: BS in animation and 3D program
Tuition: $409 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by (MSCHE).
Financial aid: Available with 54% of the students receiving the aid.
It offers a diverse range of skills to its students, including:
- Hand-drawn animation
- 3D sculpting
- 3D animation
In addition to these core skills, students will have the opportunity to learn various other techniques, such as:
- Texturing
- Rigging
- Morphing
- Compositing
- Sound design
- Particle effects
- Graphic design
- Lighting
Throughout the program, students will explore real-world production concepts and practice professional animation workflows under the guidance of industry professionals. The curriculum includes instruction on using industry-standard software like SideFX Houdini and Harmony ToonBoom.
5.Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Program: Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
Tuition: $712 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by HLC
Financial aid: Available with 80% of the students receiving the aid.
The courses offered in this fine arts degree program provide students with a supportive environment and a comprehensive set of skills to flourish as artists and animators. Through this online Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer animation, students are guided to develop the necessary skills and techniques to become proficient animators and skilled storytellers, fostering creativity and originality in their work.
6.University of Advancing Technology
Program: BA in Game Art & Animation Online Degree
Tuition: $772 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by HLC
Financial aid: Available with 80% of the students receiving the aid.
The Game Art and Animation programs at UAT play a vital role in propelling the game industry into innovative realms. Through these programs, students will refine their skills in various areas, including:
- Digital animation
- Life drawing
- Character design
- Scene staging
- Lighting
- Color theory
- Facial animation
- Motion capture
By mastering these skills, students will be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of game art and animation.
7.Full Sail University
Program: BS in computer animation
Tuition: $792 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by ACCSC
Financial aid: Available with 81% of the students receiving the aid.
In this degree program, students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of valuable skills, including graphic design and artistry, motion graphics, and digital video editing, among others. By pursuing a degree in digital media design, students will stay informed about the latest methods used for visual communication in various industries. The comprehensive curriculum aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in the dynamic field of digital media design.
8.Academy of Art University
Program: Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
Tuition: $1,094 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by WSCUC
Financial aid: Available with 49% of the students receiving the aid.
Students have the flexibility to select from a range of emphases, including:
- 2D and 3D Animations
- Visual Effects
- Storyboarding
- 3D Modeling
It is designed to prepare students for successful careers in prestigious companies like Zynga, Sony, EA, Riot Games, and others. The program equips students with the essential skills that provide a competitive advantage in the creative and collaborative industry.
Online accredited master’s degree in 3D animation and modeling
1.Full Sail University
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Computer Animation
Tuition: $867 per credit hour
Accreditation: both the program and the school are accredited by ACCSC
Financial aid: Available with 91% of the students receiving the aid.
In this program, students acquire advanced proficiency in programming, problem-solving, and leadership, distinguishing themselves in the competitive job market and propelling their careers forward. Through rigorous coursework, they develop the ability to design and create their software applications while also engaging in graduate-level research, culminating in an impressive portfolio of their work.
2.Savannah College
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation, with a focus on 3D animation and modeling.
Tuition: $913 per credit hour
Accreditation: the program and the school received accreditation through SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 45% of the students receiving the aid.
At SCAD, students have the opportunity to delve into various animation styles, including 2D, 3D, and stop-motion. They also get hands-on experience with digital modeling, rigging, lighting, and look development. Some of the courses offered include Art Criticism, Animation Aesthetics and Practice, Computer-generated Modeling and Design, Drawing in Motion, Storyboarding and Previsualization, Animation M.F.A. Thesis Exploration and Research, as well as Animation M.F.A. Thesis Visual Component Production.
3.Brigham Young University
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation
Tuition: $960 per credit hour
Accreditation: both the school and the program are accredited by NWCCU
Financial aid: Available with 35% of the students receiving the aid.
The Animation program enjoys a renowned reputation nationwide, and its graduates experience remarkable job placement in their respective fields. Students have achieved numerous esteemed accolades, including Student Academic awards and Emmys. Bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, the program offers internships, Study Abroad programs, and field trips to renowned artist, film, and gaming studios.
4.Academy of Art University
Program: Master of Fine Arts
Tuition: $1,318 per credit hour
Accreditation: both the program and the school are accredited by WASC
Financial aid: Available with 49% of the students receiving the aid.
The Master of Fine Arts program offers students an advanced framework for studying drawing and painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Emphasizing both technical proficiency and conceptual growth, students have the opportunity to specialize in figurative, abstract, or landscape work. The School of Fine Art provides graduate students with dedicated studio spaces, exhibition galleries, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, fostering an environment conducive to artistic excellence.
5.New York University
Program: Master of Fine Arts
Tuition: $1,965 per credit hour
Accreditation: the school and the program are accredited by MSCHE
Financial aid: Available with 65% of the students receiving the aid.
The MFA program at our institution is committed to nurturing artists as they explore their artistic expression through a combination of deep self-reflection and an openness to the broader complexities of the world. We urge you to approach your own artistic practices and the contemporary art landscape with both critical scrutiny and creative irreverence. With a focus on maintaining small class sizes, we prioritize individualized attention and constructive feedback.
6.Ringling College
Program: Master of Arts (MA) in Computer Animation
Tuition: $2,350 per credit hour
Accreditation: the program is accredited by NASAD and the school by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 50% of the students receiving the aid.
The Computer Animation BFA program equips graduates with the skills required for both existing and emerging career prospects in the field of computer animation. By providing a well-rounded blend of technical expertise and conceptual understanding, the program fosters the development of innovative, responsible, and productive computer animation professionals. Through a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes communication through movement, students gain the capacity to create and produce effectively.
7.University of Southern California
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Animation and Digital Arts
Tuition: $2,715 per credit hour
Accreditation: both the program and the school are accredited by WASC
Financial aid: Available with 70% of the students receiving the aid.
The program’s primary focus is on animation production, encompassing a diverse array of techniques and aesthetic styles, such as hand-drawn character animation and cutting-edge interactive digital animation. While the curriculum incorporates traditional forms, it also actively promotes innovation and experimentation, placing a strong emphasis on imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. Graduating students can expect to possess a well-rounded understanding of animation, spanning from its initial conception to final execution
Job outlook for animation careers and salaries
The employment outlook for special effects artists and animators appears promising, with a projected 5 percent growth from 2021 to 2031, aligning with the average rate for all occupations.
Over the next decade, an estimated average of 6,700 job openings is projected annually for special effects artists and animators. A significant portion of these openings will arise from the necessity to replace workers who transition to other professions or leave the labor force, for instance, due to retirement.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The median annual wages for animation careers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
is a degree in 3D animation and modeling worth it?
Yes, an animation degree holds value for numerous students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 4% job growth for artists and animators in the coming decade. Graduates with animation degrees can pursue various rewarding careers, including roles such as art director, animation artist, craft or fine artist, graphic designer, and web developer.
