Best Online Master’s in Animation Illustration
Find top-ranked online master’s in animation illustration degree programs for student wanting to explore a career paths as animators, studio executives, technical directors, and illustrators.
Featured Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Animation Illustration Degrees
Students earning a master’s degree in animation illustration will have the opportunity to further develop their visual language and creative abilities. With both online and on-campus programs available, graduate students can find a path that is compatible with existing personal and professional responsibilities.
Back to TopMost programs specialize in areas like character animation, illustration, and visual effects. Students may take classes about the production process, concept art, book covers, vector illustration, motion, and more.
Back to TopIn addition to the roughly 60 credits needed to finish the degree, students will likely also complete a thesis project, which often doubles as a preliminary professional portfolio. Most programs take one to two years to complete.
Back to TopGraduates often explore career options as animators, studio executives, technical directors, and illustrators.
Back to Top
Best Online Master’s in Animation Illustration Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration 2026 #1 Best Online Associate in Game Development #1 Best Online Associate in Animation Illustration #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Graduation
33%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for Animation Illustration degree at Academy of Art University
Cost of Degree: $31,696Expenses: $27,555Starting Salary: $37,202Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Animation & Visual Effects
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MFA in Animation & Visual Effects
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
MA in Game Development
Concentrations
- Animation for Games
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MFA in Game Development
Concentrations
- Animation for Games
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
MA in Illustration
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
MFA in Illustration
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion time: 3.5-4.5 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
70%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for Animation Illustration degree at Savannah College of Art and Design
Cost of Degree: $41,585Expenses: $23,742Starting Salary: $43,102Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Arts
Concentrations
- Animation
- Illustration
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion time: 6 months
- Format: Online
MFA in Arts
Concentrations
- Animation
- Illustration
- Required Credits: 90
- Completion time: 12 months
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Animation Illustration Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolDigital Arts
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,176
- Avg. Expenses*: $18,978
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $42,450
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
- Job Growth: 3.43%
- Number of Jobs: 759,000
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | 5.21% | $106,500 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 4.23% | $99,060 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 2.75% | $80,360 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | 2.99% | $74,750 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | 4.18% | $59,300 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $106,500 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $99,060 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,360 |
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
