I'm a graphic designer (BFA in Design Communications) who has studied maya for 2 years at a community college. I liked what I saw and would love to aim my career in the direction of 3d modeling with my secondary emphasis in rigging and/or texturing. I haven't done enough 3d animation to know if I'd lie to specialize in that area yet, so feel free to let me know if a certain school is great for this area as well.
I'm in the military so am looking for an online school/degree. I'd love to get a masters but if a bachelors is my best bet, I'm open to that too. I'm looking at the 30k-40k range for full program.
So far I've looked at
Westwood College but heard bad things about them at http://online.degree.net/showthread.php?t=448
Other schools I've looked at are
http://online.academyart.edu/degrees.html
and the list of schools at
http://www.animationarena.com/best-animation-schools.html
I'm having a had time finding a school that fits all of the following criteria:
1. in my budget (this can be raised if I get grants or other aid)
2. seems to be a legit and good accredited school
3. offers what I'm looking for (3d) instead of some basic animation program with just a class or two in 3d. I want to learn the basics, and expand on my drawing ability, no doubt. Yet, I want a program that blends that into 3d with 3d being the main focus or the program.
Any info you can offer would be great. I really am anxious and eager to get better at modeling, rigging, and whatever else I can learn.
good luck to all