Animation

Environment & Character Design

Online • Bachelor’s Degree

Create Your Future in Animation Online

Imagine creating environments and characters that you can actually play and incorporate into video games. Get ready to take hands-on classes in game development and design. Our program includes courses in 3D modeling, background character design and compositing. Let’s start building!

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Animation online. As a student, you’ll learn the production pipeline and how to incorporate your designs into video games and movies.

Our online Bachelor of Science in Animation Degree with a concentration in Environment & Character Design is 120 credit hours.

Full Course List

View Current Catalog

Featured Classes

Modeling Fundamentals

Morph polygon surfaces and objects into 3D models for film, video games and commercial advertising. This course focuses on the design and creation of 3D models, proper edge flow of digital assets and enhancing form and edge quality. Students learn how to collaborate with other animators to integrate their models into the production pipeline. Upon completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of the techniques used by industry professionals.

Sculpting Characters for Film & Games

This course expands on pipeline techniques to complete a full character. Students will create production-ready characters focusing on adhering to industry standards for character implementation for a game engine or film quality constraints by building accurate and deformable topology and UVs.

Environment Design

This course teaches students the techniques of modern game-environment creation. Students will gain a more in-depth technical understanding and will develop assets for use in a game engine. The course focuses on creating modular materials and meshes that adhere both visually and technically industry standards.

Your Animation TechKit®

Fuel your creative journey with the right tools! We equip you with everything you need to bring your ideas to life, no matter where inspiration strikes.

Hardware to Unleash Your Vision:

  • MSI Laptop: Experience blazing-fast performance for demanding animation projects with this powerhouse laptop.
  • Huion Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Tablet: Draw and sketch directly on-screen with precision and comfort.
  • Alienware Gaming Mouse & MSI Immerse GH50 Wireless Headphones: Navigate, create, and immerse yourself in your work with responsive peripherals.

Industry-Standard Software Suite:

  • Maxon One: Comprehensive 3D creation suite for modeling, rendering, and animation.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: The ultimate creative toolkit for illustration, video editing, and visual effects.
  • Nuke: Advanced compositing for professional-level cinematic results.
  • MS Office: Essential for project management, presentations, and online learning.

Specialized Tools to Elevate Your Workflow:

  • ArtStation Pro: Discover inspiration, improve your portfolio, and connect with the professional animation community.
  • Marvelous Designer: Design realistic clothing and fabrics for characters.
  • Houdini: Procedural FX and world-building for stunning visual effects.
  • SketchFab: Share your 3D models and explore a vast creative community. *and online learning.
  • ProRigs: Take your animation to the next level with professionally-designed and built rigs ready for your use.

…and Don’t Forget:

  • The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation Textbook: Gain timeless wisdom and principles from legendary Disney animators.
  • 21 Draw (Ebook):  Learn from 100 famous artists with over 1000 amazing character references.
*The specific types of equipment and their details included in our TechKits may change without prior notice due to availability. To ensure you receive the most accurate information about the current TechKit specifications, please confirm the details with your Admissions Representative.

The Student Experience Online

Our online degree programs bring the entertainment industry directly to you.  Learn from industry veterans through our secure Learning Management System (LMS). This user-friendly online platform lets you collaborate with classmates on projects, submit weekly assignments, and access instructor video lectures.

On-Demand Webinar

Check out our interactive webinar for details on:

  • Online Programs Overview of our degree types and concentrations, and a walk through of the gear and software you’ll receive for your degree.
  • Student Life Curious about how our online classes work?  We’ll show you.  You’ll also find how you can participate in our virtual and livestream events.
  • Success Stories Find out about what amazing projects our alumni have been working on.
  • Paying for School We walk you through your options for paying for school including: scholarships and grants, Federal Student Aid, military funding and cash payment options.
  • Hannah Lux Davis

    Hannah with the band Pane at the ASCAP Experience

    Environment & Character Design
  • Brandon Trost

    On the set of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile with Zac Efron

    Environment & Character Design
  • Alex M. Ferrufino

    Winner of HBO Latinx award for short film, Slipping Into Darkness

    Environment & Character Design
  • Kyle Newacheck

    On the set of Murder Mystery with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler

    Environment & Character Design

SUCCESS STORIES

Wondering where a degree from The Los Angeles Film School can take you?

At The L.A. Film School, we don’t just guide you, we champion your success. Our dedicated Career Development team equips you with the tools you need to thrive, from resume writing and interview preparation to landing internships and building valuable industry connections. We’re with you every step of the way, supporting you on your exciting and challenging journey.

Did you know? Oscar®-winning sound mixing Phillip Bladh’s career began here. Join our legacy of alumni who have contributed to Oscar®-winning films, GRAMMY®-nominated albums, and RIAA multi-platinum records.

Explore more inspiring success stories

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

We understand that higher education is an investment, and we’re committed to helping you navigate your options. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, and can include federal and private student loans, military benefits, grants and scholarships. Our dedicated Financial Aid team can help guide you through the process.

Ready to take that first step? Fill out the form and discover more about our career support, the incredible success stories of our alumni, and how your journey in the entertainment industry starts right here.

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