Animation, A.S. - SUNY Niagara

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Animation, A.S.

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Program Overview

The Associate in Science in Animation degree program is designed as a transfer program in the rapidly growing field of animation, including the areas of feature film production, television production, independent short-film production, video game design, advertising, and more. Emphasis is placed on creative avenues for problem-solving skills, leadership, personal expression, and solid foundational animation and art skills. Industry-standard and innovative traditional and digital techniques are introduced, all within the historical framework of accepted principles of animation and cinematography.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • To assure that graduates meet seven of the ten SUNY General Education Goals with 30 credits.
  • To cultivate graduates with high-quality and competitive skills for their future career path.
  • To prepare graduates for transfer into baccalaureate degree programs in Animation.
Catalog Information
Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Animation, A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Animation A.S. teaches you to draw, design and animate in 2D and 3D. It is built for transfer to a bachelor’s degree in animation, with a finished animation project and portfolio to take with you.

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What careers does an Animation A.S. lead to?

  • Character animation and design
  • Effects animation
  • Motion graphics
  • Video game design
  • 3D lighting and digital modeling
  • Rigging
  • Production design
  • Illustration
  • Animation or technical director

Some of these careers need more education after your A.S., usually a bachelor’s degree.

What will I learn to do?

  • Draw and design characters
  • Write scripts and storyboards
  • Animate in 2D
  • Build and animate in 3D
  • Create motion graphics
  • Act out scenes to bring characters to life

You learn both traditional and digital methods, grounded in the history and principles of animation.

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How much can I earn?

Median yearly pay in the U.S., May 2025
JobMedian per year
Special effects artists and animators$102,030
Film and video editors$75,420
Graphic designers$62,960
Art directors (usually needs 5 or more years of experience)$114,850

Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. These jobs usually need a bachelor’s degree.

Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook?

  • Film and video editors: Jobs are expected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than average.
  • Art directors: Jobs are expected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035. That is about average.
  • Special effects artists and animators: Little or no change is expected from 2025 to 2035, but there are still about 4,200 openings each year.
  • Graphic designers: Jobs are expected to drop 2% from 2025 to 2035, but there are still about 16,000 openings each year.

The average for all jobs is 3%. Most openings come from people retiring or changing careers. A strong portfolio is what helps you stand out.

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What industries hire animators?

  • Film and video
  • Television
  • Video games and software
  • Advertising
  • Computer systems design
  • Independent short films

Animation is used anywhere stories and ideas are told on screen.

Do animators work for themselves?

Many do. About 63% of special effects artists and animators are self-employed. They take on freelance projects for studios, companies and clients. Building a following online can lead to more work.

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How do I get there?

  1. Build your drawing, design and storytelling skills.
  2. Learn 2D animation, 3D animation and motion graphics.
  3. Finish a capstone animation project and your 64-credit A.S.
  4. Transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in animation.

Employers look for a strong portfolio. Every class and project you finish here adds to yours.

How else can I build my portfolio?

  • Join the Illumination Society Animation Club
  • Join the Digital Filmmakers Club
  • Show your work at the annual SUNY Niagara Film & Animation Festival

The program also covers 30 general education credits that meet seven of SUNY’s ten general education goals, which helps when you transfer.

Which courses prepare me for these jobs?

  • ANI 100 History of Animation
  • ANI 102 Scriptwriting & Storyboarding
  • ANI 103 2D Animation I
  • ANI 104 Introduction to 3D Digital Animation
  • ANI 200 2D Animation II
  • ANI 202 Motion Graphics and Pre-Production
  • ANI 204 Capstone Animation Project
  • ANI 205 Character and Production Design
  • ART 105 Drawing I
  • ART 109 Design I
  • ART 111 Digital Imaging
  • THA 211 Acting for Animators and Filmmakers

You practice the full process, from the first sketch and storyboard to a finished animated film.

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