Art Institute Online launches animation program

The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, has launched a Bachelor of Science degree program in Media Arts and Animation (MAA).

With classes beginning November 10, registration for the new program, which promotes the industry-related software technologies to keep abreast of current developments in the trade, is currently underway.

The 180-credit program is designed for mid-career professionals seeking to advance in the workforce, as well as students preparing for entry- level positions in related fields of 2-D and 3-D digital art and animation. The program begins by teaching core competencies in drawing, color theory, character design and 2-D principles for animation, followed by digital methods for creating hand-drawn animation, 3-D modeling and animation, as well as editing and compositing.

After identifying personal strengths, advanced classes give students the opportunity to choose electives that will further develop their primary skills in advanced production techniques and in team projects.

"Online convenience makes this degree program a perfect alternative for those wishing to pursue or further their education in the creative and digital arts through current computer technology," said Hans Westman, academic department director of media arts and animation for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. "The courses are designed with input from professionals working in the field and are structured to impart the necessary skill sets required for future academic and/or professional success within media arts and animation-related disciplines."

The hands-on program encourages students to work with a comprehensive array of applications to produce high quality work. For example, students are required to work with 2-D and 3-D graphics programs to prepare and present a digital animation portfolio for graduation. The portfolio, in turn, provides, or compliments, work history essential to secure job interviews with key employers.

"We are really excited about offering the media arts and animation program online," said Sharon McGuire, online program director of The Art Institute Online. "Many graduates of our campus-based MAA program (which has been available to on-ground students of The Art Institutes for several years) have gone on to work for leading employers in the field."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2004-05 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow approximately 15% through 2012. The need for artists to illustrate and animate materials for magazines, journals, and other printed or electronic media will spur demand for illustrators and animators of all types. Moreover, growth in motion picture and video industries will provide new job opportunities for illustrators, cartoonists, and animators.

The media arts and animation curriculum will also be offered via traditional on-ground coursework at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Courses will be offered at the campus beginning November 10.

The Art Institute Online delivers education in the creative arts through the Internet, extending the opportunity for learning to all students desiring classes by eliminating geographic, lifestyle or physical constraints. For more information about The Art Institute Online, call 1-877-872-8869 or visit www.aionline.edu.