What Degree Should I Pursue for a Career in VFX and Animation?

[vshah1994]

I am really interested in the VFX and animation industries and actively pursue learning vfx applications such as Autodesk Maya/3DS/Mudbox, Adobe After Effects, Blendr, and other programs. My university does not offere a real degree in animation or visual effects so which would be best for me. Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Science Engineering. I go to UCI and each has its perks. CS offers great exposure to programming languages while Software offers much more practise in GUI development. CSE offers the middle ground between engineering and CS. I know that in real life, I will not actively be using much of what I learn, but what do companies like Double Negative (www.dneg.com) The Moving Picture Company (www.moving-picture.com) Digital Domain (www.digitaldomain.com) Framestore (www.framestore.com) look for?

Thanks Guys

 

[rcgldr]

Animation oriented companies are going to look for experience in animation or some type of graphics background (perhaps gaming graphics), but they may hire graduates or programmers without graphics experience to initially work on more generic software, then transition the new programmers based on graphics experienced gained in house.

I'm not sure of the differences in UCI's programs. CSE used to be like an EE major minoring in CS, which would probably not be a good fit for an animation oriented company. A long time ago, UCI stopped offering masters degrees in CS related programs, only having bachelor and phd programs. Has UCI gone back to offering master degrees again?

 

[NemoReally]

...but what do companies like Double Negative (www.dneg.com) The Moving Picture Company (www.moving-picture.com) Digital Domain (www.digitaldomain.com) Framestore (www.framestore.com) look for?

Ask them.

Also try and look ahead to what skills (or underlying theory) may be needed in 5, 10 or 20 years time. The skills you gain for Today's market may be irrelevant even in the near future.

 

[trueo]

It is hard to predict what the future holds. For whatever fields I enter, I might be requested to know or learn some basics. I am now working as a web engineer for an online text processing company and I use tools people wrote in C/C++, it is immense and I am yet to invest more of my time learning how these processors do their jobs over different web pages made with a variety of technologies involved. . I take it that "I Know the basics, then I can freely grow my imagination and skills"

 

[LudusRex]

I understand the importance of choosing the right degree for your desired career in VFX and animation. Based on the information provided, it seems that all three degrees (Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer Science Engineering) can provide you with the necessary skills for this industry. However, it is important to consider the specific skills and knowledge that companies like Double Negative, The Moving Picture Company, Digital Domain, and Framestore are looking for.

From my understanding, these companies are primarily interested in individuals who have a strong understanding of computer graphics, programming languages, and visual effects software. Therefore, a degree in Computer Science or Computer Science Engineering may be the most relevant for this field. These degrees can provide you with a solid foundation in computer graphics, programming, and software development, which are essential skills for VFX and animation work.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to supplement your degree with courses or certifications in specific VFX and animation software, such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe After Effects. This will demonstrate your proficiency in these programs and make you a more competitive candidate for these companies.

Ultimately, the most important aspect is to gain practical experience and build a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and abilities in VFX and animation. This can be achieved through internships, personal projects, and participating in VFX and animation competitions. These experiences will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your passion and dedication for this field.

In conclusion, while all three degrees can provide you with valuable skills for a career in VFX and animation, a degree in Computer Science or Computer Science Engineering may be the most relevant and beneficial. However, practical experience and a strong portfolio are equally important in this industry. I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a career in VFX and animation.