by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects was the 166th most popular major nationwide with 5,362 degrees awarded. This represents a 2.3% increase in animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 5,238.
Our 2023 Best Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects Schools ranking analyzes 42 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects students. Explore this or one of our many other custom animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects rankings further below.
When studying Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects, you’ll learn that giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times will help you be successful in a wide range of jobs. Required skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects program qualifications, to serve in some animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects to the highest animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects degree, a . Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects, with approximately 52.8% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 53.0% |
| Some College Courses | 39.9% |
| High School Diploma | 5.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 1.7% |
| Master’s Degree | 0.3% |
53.1% of animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects have received.
This of course varies depending on which animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects degree? Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects careers are expected to grow 8.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 79,900 | 8.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $78,230 |
With over 441 different animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects school rankings to help you with this.
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects is one of 8 different types of Graphic Communications programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Prepress/Desktop Publishing & Digital Imaging Design | 922 |
| General Graphic Communications | 585 |
| Graphic & Printing Equipment Operator, General Production | 419 |
| Other Graphic Communications | 151 |
| Printing Management | 62 |
View All Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects Related Majors >
Image Credit: By Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
