Online Degree Programs

Our online degree programs are delivered 100% online through our unique Learning Management System (LMS) — a secure web-based platform that employs modern multimedia technologies and is accessible 24 hours a day via the Internet. 

Online students use this system to view video content, receive and submit project work and assignments, take tests and quizzes, communicate with instructors and classmates, and review grades and course progress. Our online learning environment utilizes the combination of interactive and web-based media to create a variety of instructional materials in support of dynamic, self-directed, and collaborative learning activities. These activities can provide students with a more diverse range of learning options and promote more meaningful collaboration between students and instructors.

ANIMATION, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Character Animation Concentration

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Character Animation is designed to provide students the knowledge and understanding of storytelling using 3D character animation geared for both film and games within the Computer Animation industry. The Character Animation concentration is designed based on current industry trends and pipelines used in both films and games. The knowledge learned will qualify students for entry-level positions in the computer animation film and game industries as Character Animators or Character Technical Artists. 

Besides the degree program’s strong 3D character animation focus, students will build other skills from various other departments, such as asset creation and visual effects. In addition to the technical proficiency and creative development, the curriculum helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that contribute to lifelong learning and provide tools that will help sustain a long and productive professional career in computer animation and the entertainment and media industry.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Character Animation is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

CHRONOLOGICAL COURSE ORDER BY MONTH

Animation B.S. – Character Animation – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3CAN 101 Overview of Animation Production3
4CAN 115 Shading and Lighting 13
5CAN 110 Digital Painting 3
6CAN 120 Shading and Lighting 23
7ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
8CAN 125 Modeling Fundamentals3
9AVE 190 Digital Sculpting 13
10SPC 214 Creative Communication3
11AVE 130 Storyboarding and Previsualization3
12AVE 320 Virtual Production 13
13CAN 210 Look Development 13
14AVE 240 Character Animation 13
15AVE 100 The Fundamentals of Surface Anatomy3
16AVE 230 Character Rigging 13
MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
17CAN 220 Look Development 23
18CAN 330 Character Rigging 23
19AVE 290 Visual Effects 13
20CAN 250 Portfolio Development3
HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
21AVE 260 Character Animation 23
22CAN 340 Character Visual Effects3
23CAN 350 Scripting Tools and GUI3
HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
24CAN 365 Acting for Animators3
SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
25CAN 375 Animation for Games 13
26CAN 425 Animating for Dialogue3
27CAN 376 Animation for Games 23
28CAN 405 Story-Driven Animation 13
29HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
30CAN 406 Story-Driven Animation 23
31CAN 445 Crowd Animation3
32ENG 326 Professional Writing3
33CAN 480 Portfolio Preparation3
34CAN 481 Portfolio Content Creation 13
35CAN 482 Portfolio Content Creation 23
36CAN 483 Portfolio Content Creation 33
Total Credit Hours120

Animation, Bachelor of Science
Environment & Character Design

Program Description & Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Environment and Character Design is designed to provide students the knowledge and understanding of 3D modeling, materials, textures, pipeline workflows, and integration so that they can design and develop the look of characters and environments for both film and games in the Computer Animation industry. The knowledge learned will qualify students for entry-level positions in the computer animation film and game industries, such as Character Modeling, Environment, and Look Development Artists. Besides the degree program’s strong 3D asset creation, students will also build other introductory-level skills from various other departments in the animation industry, such as Visual Effects and Character Animation. In addition to the technical proficiency and creative development, the curriculum helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that contribute to lifelong learning and provide tools that will help sustain a long and productive professional career in computer animation and the entertainment and media industry.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Environment and Character Design is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Animation B.S. – Environment and Character Design – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3CAN 101 Overview of Animation Production3
4CAN 115 Shading and Lighting 13
5CAN 110 Digital Painting 3
6CAN 120 Shading and Lighting 23
7ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
8CAN 125 Modeling Fundamentals3
9AVE 190 Digital Sculpting 13
10SPC 214 Creative Communication3
11AVE 130 Storyboarding and Previsualization3
12AVE 320 Virtual Production 13
13CAN 210 Look Development 13
14AVE 240 Character Animation 13
15AVE 100 The Fundamentals of Surface Anatomy3
16AVE 230 Character Rigging 13
MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
17CAN 220 Look Development 23
18CAN 330 Character Rigging 23
19AVE 290 Visual Effects 13
20CAN 250 Portfolio Development3
HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
21CAN 335 Advanced Modeling3
22CAN 340 Character Visual Effects3
23CAN 350 Scripting Tools and GUI3
HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
24CAN 360 Character Design3
SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
25CAN 370 Sculpting Characters for Film and Games3
26CAN 380 Texturing Characters for Film and Games3
27CAN 400 Environment Design3
28CAN 410 Environment Modeling for Production3
29HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
30CAN 440 Look Development for Environments3
31AVE 343 Look Development and Compositing3
32ENG 326 Professional Writing3
33CAN 480 Portfolio Preparation3
34CAN 481 Portfolio Content Creation 13
35CAN 482 Portfolio Content Creation 23
36CAN 483 Portfolio Content Creation 33
Total Credit Hours120

Animation, Bachelor of Science
Visual Effects

Program Description & Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Visual Effects is designed to provide students the knowledge and understanding of 2D and 3D visual effects asset creation and how to manipulate that imagery into a postproduction workflow for both film and games within the Computer Animation industry. The knowledge learned will qualify students for entry-level positions in the computer animation film and game industries, such as Visual Effects, Compositing, Rotoscoping, and Matchmoving Artists. 

Besides the degree program’s strong 3D computer graphics focus, students will build other skills in peripheral media and complete digital courses that will enhance their opportunities in related fields. In addition to the technical proficiency and creative development, the curriculum helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that contribute to lifelong learning and provide tools that will help sustain a long and productive professional career in computer animation and the entertainment and media industry.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Animation with a concentration in Visual Effects is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Animation B.S. – Visual Effects – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3CAN 101 Overview of Animation Production3
4CAN 115 Shading and Lighting 13
5CAN 110 Digital Painting 3
6CAN 120 Shading and Lighting 23
7ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
8CAN 125 Modeling Fundamentals3
9AVE 190 Digital Sculpting 13
10SPC 214 Creative Communication3
11AVE 130 Storyboarding and Previsualization3
12AVE 320 Virtual Production 13
13CAN 210 Look Development 13
14AVE 240 Character Animation 13
15AVE 100 The Fundamentals of Surface Anatomy3
16AVE 230 Character Rigging 13
MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
17CAN 220 Look Development 23
18CAN 330 Character Rigging 23
19AVE 290 Visual Effects 13
20CAN 250 Portfolio Development3
HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
21AVE 357 Matchmoving for Production3
22CAN 340 Character Visual Effects3
23CAN 350 Scripting Tools and GUI3
HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
24AVE 310 Visual Effects 23
SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
25CGA 360 Visual Effects for Games 13
26CGA 380 Visual Effects for Film 13
27CGA 370 Visual Effects for Games 23
28AVE 343 Look Development and Compositing3
29HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
30CGA 400 Visual Effects for Film 23
31AVE 360 Compositing and Integration3
32ENG 326 Professional Writing3
33CAN 480 Portfolio Preparation3
34CAN 481 Portfolio Content Creation 13
35CAN 482 Portfolio Content Creation 23
36CAN 483 Portfolio Content Creation 33
Total Credit Hours120

Digital Filmmaking, Bachelor of Science

Program Description & Objectives

The Digital Filmmaking degree program immerses students in the art of digital video and film production for a variety of outlets. By utilizing the latest tools available to contemporary media developers, students learn how to create professional content for broadcast television, online media, mobile applications, and independent films. Throughout the program, students take courses that help them build a comprehensive understanding of digital content creation and storytelling with a curriculum that strikes a balance between traditional film foundations and the latest production and postproduction techniques. 

Students learn how to master essential visual communication and video production methods for digital photography, HD video production, lighting, audio mixing, and nonlinear editing. Supporting classes also cover complementary career skills in computer business applications, finance management, production budgeting, and networking. Class projects will help students apply this knowledge as they craft their own visual and narrative pieces for different media. Students learn to take a story through the entire creative process, including developing a script, planning the logistics of production, working on location to capture their story on camera, as well as file management, editing, and distribution. 

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Filmmaking is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Digital Filmmaking B.S. – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science 3
3DFM 100 Independent Filmmaking3
4DFM 115 Introduction to Filmmaking3
5DFM 260 Editing I3
6DFM 223 Screenwriting I 4
7ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
8DFM 120 Digital Production Design 4
9DFM 170 Introduction to Cinematography3
10DFM 200 Cinematography and Lighting I3
11DFM 202 Cinematography and Lighting II3
12MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
SPC 214 Creative Communication3
13DFM 220 Digital Audio Production I 3
14DFM 305 Location Scouting 4
15DFM 240 Directing I3
16DFM 201 Color Correction and Grading3
17HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
18DFM 230 Acting for Filmmakers 3
19HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
20DFM 320 Screenwriting II4
21DFM 190 Producing 3
22DFM 307 Directing II3
23DFM 380 Editing II3
24DFM 315 Digital Audio Production II3
25DFM 301 Film Marketing and Distribution 3
26ENG 326 Professional Writing3
HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
27DFM 270 Visual Effects4
28DFM 420 Documentary Production4
29DFM 421 Documentary Postproduction3
30SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
31DFM 440 Capstone Film Development3
32DFM 450 Capstone Film Preproduction I3
33DFM 475 Capstone Film Preproduction II3
34DFM 480 Capstone Film Production3
35DFM 485 Capstone Film Postproduction3
36DFM 490 Creative Portfolio Development3
Total Credit Hours120

Entertainment Business, Bachelor of Science

Program Description & Objectives

The Entertainment Business Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of business needed to qualify for entry-level industry positions. The program provides a well-rounded study of business administration and management principles with a focus on how that knowledge can be applied to the entertainment industry.

Students receive training in management, leadership, marketing, accounting, finance, intellectual property, and other aspects of business. The program emphasizes business ethics, corporate social responsibility, communication skills, and the role personal values play in the professional life of a business leader. Students also explore topics that are specific to the business of entertainment — artist management, distribution, and more — providing insight into the inner workings of the industry. Throughout the degree program, students work in a professional, project-based environment designed to recreate the challenges and opportunities typical in the world of entertainment business.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business degree program is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must complete all required program coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Entertainment Business B.S. – Full Program – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3EBS 101 Introduction to Entertainment Business3
4ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
5EBS 110 Entertainment Business Management3
6EBS 120 Entertainment Marketing3
7MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
8EBS 125 Entertainment Advertising3
9EBS 141 Data Analysis and Reporting3
10EBS 160 Entertainment Business Finance3
SPC 214 Creative Communication3
11EBS 200 Digital Media Distribution3
12EBS 220 Global Business3
13EBS 230 Art of the Pitch3
14EBS 240 Entertainment Market Research3
15MBS 101 Music Business and Industry3
16EBS 270 Professional Selling3
HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
17EBS 280 Entertainment Communications & Public Relations3
18EBS 290 Brand Development3
19EBS 302 Entertainment Business Accounting3
20EBS 303 Entertainment Business Ethics3
21EBS 304 Human Resources Management3
22EBS 312 Business of Play3
23EBS 330 Interactive Media Entertainment3
24EBS 411 Intellectual Property3
HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
25EBS 410 Entertainment Business Law3
26EBS 412 Television and Digital Network Management3
27EBS 416 Mergers and Acquisitions3
28EBS 425 Creative Entrepreneurship3
29EBS 440 Artist Management3
ENG 326 Professional Writing3
30SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
31EBS 441 Event Management3
32EBS 460 Entertainment Business Technology3
33HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
34EBS 470 Digital Marketing & Social Media Management3
35EBS 480 Entertainment Contracts & Licensing3
36EBS 490 Entertainment Business Final Project3
Total Credit Hours120

Entertainment Business, Bachelor of Science
Music Business Concentration

Program Description & Objectives

The Entertainment Business Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of business needed to qualify for entry-level industry positions. The program provides a well-rounded study of business administration and management principles with a focus on how that knowledge can be applied to the entertainment industry. Students receive training in management, leadership, marketing, accounting, finance, intellectual property, and other aspects of business. The program emphasizes business ethics, corporate social responsibility, communication skills, and the role personal values play in the professional life of a business leader. Students selecting the Music Business concentration will take the core business courses that are relevant to all sectors of the entertainment industry as well as courses that focus on concepts specific to the music industry, including music supervision, music publishing, music evaluation for A&R, and the promotion and production of live music events.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business degree program is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must complete all required program coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Entertainment Business B.S – Music Business Full Program – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3EBS 101 Introduction to Entertainment Business3
4ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
5EBS 110 Entertainment Business Management3
6MBS 101 Music Business and Industry3
7EBS 120 Entertainment Marketing3
MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
8EBS 125 Entertainment Advertising3
9EBS 141 Data Analysis and Reporting3
10EBS 160 Entertainment Business Finance3
11MBS 210 Music Publishing3
SPC 214 Creative Communication3
12EBS 200 Digital Media Distribution3
13EBS 220 Global Business3
14EBS 230 Art of the Pitch3
15EBS 240 Entertainment Market Research3
16EBS 270 Professional Selling3
HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
17EBS 280 Entertainment Communications & Public Relations3
18EBS 290 Brand Development3
19EBS 302 Entertainment Business Accounting3
20EBS 303 Entertainment Business Ethics3
21MBS 310 Music Industry Marketing3
22EBS 330 Interactive Media Entertainment3
23HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
24MBS 410 Music Business Law3
25MBS 320 A&R for the Music Industry3
26EBS 416 Mergers and Acquisitions3
SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
27EBS 425 Creative Entrepreneurship3
28EBS 440 Artist Management3
29MBS 330 Music Supervision3
30ENG 326 Professional Writing3
31HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
32EBS 441 Event Management3
33MBS 440 Concert and Tour Management3
34EBS 470 Digital Marketing & Social Media Management3
35EBS 480 Entertainment Contracts and Licensing3
36MBS 490 Music Industry Final Project3
Total Credit Hours120

Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science

Program Description & Objectives

The Graphic Design program is designed to address the evolving needs of today’s design industry, which encompasses a wide range of skills, including motion and interactivity. The curriculum strongly emphasizes teaching students the comprehensive design skills necessary for creating graphics across various platforms, such as digital publications and 2D and 3D motion graphics. 

Through our online degree program in graphic design, students gain practical experiences and engage in projects tailored to prepare them for entry-level positions in the dynamic design industry. This includes learning to manage tight deadlines and navigate specific creative requirements while producing high-quality design projects in diverse formats. Students will be able to develop the essential design skills required in this rapidly growing field by working with industry-standard software and tools professionals use.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design degree program is 120 credit hours and 36 months in length. Students must complete all required program coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Graphic Design B.S. – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3GRD 100 Overview of Graphic Design3
4GRD 110 Design Fundamentals3
5GRD 140 Digital Color Theory3
6GRD 120 Drawing for Designers3
7ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
8GRD 200 Eye on Design3
9GRD 130 Digital Asset Creation I3
10SPC 214 Creative Communication3
11GRD 270 Digital Asset Creation II3
12EBS 290 Brand Development3
13GRD 210 Design Process and Layout I3
14GRD 260 Logos and Symbols3
15GRD 220 Design Process and Layout II3
16GRD 240 Design and Production3
MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
17GRD 330 Package Design3
18GRD 360 Storytelling and Video3
19GRD 440 Introduction to Advertising3
20GRD 230 Motion Design I3
HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
21EBS 470 Digital Marketing and Social Media3
22GRD 320 Concept Design I3
23HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
GRD 370 Motion Design II3
24SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
GRD 325 Concept Design II3
25GRD 380 Motion Design III3
26GRD 340 Design Strategy3
27GRD 460 Experiential Design3
28GRD 470 UX/UI I3
29HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
30GRD 475 UX/UI II3
31ENG 326 Professional Writing3
32GRD 430 Identity and Visual Systems3
33GRD 400 Portfolio Preparation3
34GRD 350 Portfolio I3
35GRD 490 Portfolio II3
36GRD 491 Portfolio III3
Total Credit Hours120

Music Production, Bachelor of Science

Program Description & Objectives

This program provides an education track for individuals to expand their passion for creating music into the production of music for diverse media applications using contemporary digital music technology. The curriculum presents the learner with comprehensive courses that focus on music theory, genres, composition, digital music production and music recording, and mixing and mastering for various media. 

Included with this focus on the creative aspects of music production are courses in entertainment business structure, industry conventions, and intellectual property. The academic program covers the many different procedures and applications found in the modern music production industry to help prepare graduates for entry-level opportunities.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Music Production degree program is 120 credit hours and 38 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Music Production B.S. – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3MPR 120 Music Production Technology3
4MPR 124 Digital Audio Workstations3
5MPR 100 Musical Listening and Identification3
6MPR 123 Music Theory3
7MPR 130 Music Composition and Programming3
8MPR 132 Sequencing Technologies3
9ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
10MPR 222 Genre-Based Production3
11MPR 231 Advanced Music Composition and Programming3
12RCA 232 Pro Tools Essentials3
13MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
14MPR 201 Songwriting and Development3
15MPR 236 Mixing Concepts and Techniques3
16MPR 250 Music Copyright and Business3
17MPR 261 Music Production for Media3
18SPC 214 Creative Communication3
19MPR 255 Music Business Management3
20MPR 270 Advanced Production and Industry Skills3
21HUM 323 Cultural Studies3
22MPR 301 Acoustics and Studio Design4
23MPR 310 Analog Systems for the Musician4
24HUM 351 Historical Archetypes and Mythology3
25MPR 330 Musicianship4
26MPR 340 DJ Production Skills3
27MPR 350 Signal Processing for Electronic Musicians3
28MPR 360 Electronic Music Performance3
29SBS 305 Leadership and Organizational Behavior3
30MPR 400 Commercial Music Production4
31MPR 410 Advanced Mixing and Mastering4
32HUM 310 Art of Visual Narrative3
33MPR 420 Advanced Genre-Based Production3
34MBS 320 Music Evaluation for A&R3
35MPR 440 Advanced Songwriting4
36ENG 326 Professional Writing3
37APR 490 Creative Portfolio 13
38APR 491 Creative Portfolio 23
Total Credit Hours120

Music Production, Associate of Science

Program Description & Objectives

The Associate of Science Degree Program in Music Production provides an education track for individuals to expand their passion for creating music into the production of music for diverse media applications using contemporary digital music technology. The Music Production Degree Program’s curriculum presents the learner with comprehensive courses that focus on music theory, genres, composition, digital music production and music recording, and mixing and mastering for various media. 

Included with this focus on the creative aspects of music production are courses in entertainment business structure, industry conventions, and intellectual property. The academic program covers the many different procedures and applications found in the modern music production industry to help prepare graduates for entry-level opportunities.

Program Requirements

The Associate of Science in Music Production program is 60 credit hours and 20 months in length. Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Chronological Course Order by Month

Music Production A.S. – Online
MonthCourse Code / TitleCredits
1DGL 101 Digital Literacy3
2SBS 113 Behavioral Science3
3MPR 120 Music Production Technology3
4MPR 124 Digital Audio Workstations3
5MPR 100 Musical Listening and Identification3
6MPR 123 Music Theory3
7MPR 130 Music Composition and Programming3
8MPR 132 Sequencing Technologies3
9ENG 101 Foundations of Writing3
10MPR 222 Genre-Based Production3
11MPR 231 Advanced Music Composition and Programming3
12RCA 232 Pro Tools Essentials3
13MAT 121 Quantitative Principles3
14MPR 201 Songwriting and Development3
15MPR 236 Mixing Concepts and Techniques3
16MPR 250 Music Copyright and Business3
17MPR 261 Music Production for Media3
18SPC 214 Creative Communication3
19MPR 255 Music Business Management3
20MPR 270 Advanced Production and Industry Skills3
Total Credit Hours60