Top 20 Computer Graphics Online Courses

 

Computer graphics online courses that offer certification training and tutorial classes are the best. Our team of experts conducted extensive research to compile this list of the Best Computer Graphics Courses, Classes, Tutorials, Training, and Certification programs available online in 2021. This list includes both paid and free courses for learning computer graphics and creating interactive visuals. Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all benefit from it.

computer graphics online courses

What Schools Offer Courses in Computer Graphics Online?

 

Other than sound and text, computer graphics are anything you can create on your computer. It is similar to drawing pictures (also known as rendering) on a computer. Continue reading to find out about the schools that offer these courses online. Community colleges and universities across the country offer online computer graphics courses. Courses can be taken on their own or as part of a degree program. The courses could be introductory or advanced in nature. 

In general, computer graphics courses teach students how to create images on a computer by covering topics like 2D and 3D modeling, animation, and interactive interfaces. Some of the schools that offer computer graphics courses online are listed below. However, these courses are more commonly found on campus in specialized computer labs to ensure that students have access to all necessary software. We’ve compiled a list of the best paid and free online courses. 

These range from beginner to advanced courses and are sure to pique your interest in starting your journey. Let’s take a look at the best online courses available.

 

1. Computer Graphics with Modern OpenGL and C++ (Udemy)

Individuals who want to create visually appealing graphics can learn OpenGL and use it to create computer graphics that can be used in games or digital simulations. This Udemy Computer Graphics course is intended to help you learn and comprehend the coding and theory of OpenGL applications. Prior knowledge of C++ and mathematics can aid in your understanding of the concepts. Anyone who wants to learn and understand computer graphics and design applications and games can take the course. 

In addition to shape transformations, you will learn vector and matrix concepts to design graphics. The course is divided into three sections: beginners, intermediate, and advanced lessons that will guide you through the process of learning OpenGL step by step. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

2. Computer Graphics (edX)

AR and VR have advanced games and live 3D simulations to new heights. Creative individuals who also enjoy coding can enroll in UC San Diego’s free edX course. The six-week course is divided into four modules: mathematical graphics concepts, shape transformations, OpenGL programming, and raytracing. Following each tutorial, there is a practice exercise and coding assignment. Students who complete the course with a score of 50% or higher are eligible for Computer Graphics certification. 

You will be able to draft and design visual scenes in OpenGL to create 3D scenes after completing the course. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

3. Interactive Computer Graphics (Coursera)

On this platform, the University of Tokyo is offering an Interactive Computer Graphics course to assist computer graphic designers in visually solving computational problems. You will gain insights into designing computer graphics that can be used to improve the visual interactivity of applications by using various tools and algorithms. Aside from 3D scene modeling, the course covers 2D drawings and animation through shape manipulation. Apart from its interaction with humans via a command card interface, you can learn a plethora of applications of computer graphics in robotics and interface design. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

4. GIMP Computer Graphics For Kids and Beginners of any Age (Udemy)

This computer graphics course is designed specifically for students over the age of 12. Individuals who are new to computer programming can gain confidence in this course by using the simple and interactive tutorial style. The course focuses on the GIMP computer graphics tool and consists of progressive teaching lectures that begin with the installation process and progress to the creation of interactive visuals. This tool is completely free and works in much the same way as Photoshop. 

After completing this Udemy course, you will have lifetime access to the course, as well as downloadable study material and certification in Computer Graphics. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

5. Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT)

This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. As part of its computer science master’s degree program, Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, offers online computer graphics courses. This program is open to computer science professionals with a bachelor’s degree. Students communicate with instructors and other students via bulletin boards, chat rooms, discussion boards, e-mail, and file sharing. The following are included in the computer graphics course syllabus:

  • Interactive Computer Graphics
  • Computer Vision
  • Web Programming
  • Introduction to Game Development
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6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. MIT’s OpenCourseWare programs provide free online access to the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department’s computer animation courses. This is a non-credit course in programming. Students learn about the algorithms and data structures that are used to visually present information on a computer. Ray tracing, image-based, modeling and animation rendering, pipeline, and radiosity are among the topics covered. 

This is a senior-level undergraduate course. MIT’s Computer Graphics class, which was originally offered as a for-credit course for undergraduate campus students, provides instruction on algorithms, software, and hardware used in the field. Lessons also cover how to use 3D graphics. It is recommended that you take prerequisite courses in C++, algorithms, linear algebra, and basic calculus. The course goes over the hardware and software programs that are used to generate effects like ray casting and animation. 

There is also a discussion of the graphics pipeline, transformations, and acceleration structures. You’ll also learn about global illumination, shadows, and texture mapping. Because the course combines lecture notes, assignments, and quizzes in Portable Document Format (PDF), you will need a program that can display PDF files, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. Many documents are also compressed, which may necessitate the use of a file extraction program. 

 

7. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has a free online repository for the lectures that accompany its CS184 computer graphics course. They are intended to be a 6-week introductory computer graphics course. The computer graphics course syllabus covers fundamental graphics math, transformations, projection, OpenGL, and ray tracing. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

8. UC San Diego – Online Computer Graphics II: Rendering

This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. This course will teach you how to create extremely realistic computer-generated images of 3D scenes. Students will learn about ray and path tracing, as well as how to create visually appealing computer-generated images.

  • Prerequisites: CSE 167, Foundations of Computer Graphics
  • Price: To find out, sign up for a free account.
  • Time frame: 25 weeks

 

9. PluralSight – Expand Your CG101 Knowledge

This PluralSight course is ideal for those who are new to computer graphics, visual effects, and digital art. The course is free for 10 days before charging $31.59 per month. Modeling, texturing, image editing, lighting, composition, and other skills will be taught to students. PluralSight teaches programming languages to complete beginners as well. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

Time: It is self-paced.

Monthly cost: $31.59

 

10. 3D Motive C# Scripting and Game Programming

Here are just a few of the fantastic courses and tutorials offered by 3D Motive. If you want short tutorials on specific gaming or 3D computer graphics for film, this is the place to go. Students can learn a variety of software, coding skills, and other topics on a single platform. The computer graphics course syllabus covers how to texture games in the “Hand-Painted” style and do 2D cell shading in Photoshop. And how to create a Stylized Character for Games by modeling and texturing it with a complete Maya Intro for Games and Film. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

Price: $10.80 per person or $22.80 per month

Time: Variable

 

11. The Gnomon Workshop – Introduction To Maya 2020

This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. For more advanced students, the Gnomon Workshop has stunning projects and courses. Consider these to be visual effect masterclasses. Although they are more expensive, the courses are well worth the money for those who are interested. The following are included in the computer graphics course syllabus:

  • Using Maya and XGen to Create a Stylized Groom
  • Performing a Combat-Finishing Takedown
  • Introduction to Houdini’s Flip Fluids
  • Workflow for Subtle Performance Vol. 2

Time: It is self-paced.

Monthly cost: $49

 

12. LinkedIn Learning – Dynamics in Computer Graphics

This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. This is ideal for those who are just starting in computer graphics. LinkedIn Learning has some fantastic introductory lessons that will provide students with a solid foundation in computer graphics, computer science, various software, and graphic design. The following are included in the computer graphics course syllabus:

  • Principles of Computer Science: Programming
  • One-on-One with Illustrator 2020: Fundamentals
  • One-on-One Photoshop CC 2019: Advanced
  • Graphic Design Fundamentals

Time range: 1.20 to 18 hours

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Price: Variable (the first month is free)

 

13. Lynda – Illustration to Computer Graphics

Students can listen to experts speak about their experiences in motion design, visual effects, and digital art in this podcast-style course. It is ideal for beginners to intermediates who want to learn from experts such as Kris Pearn (storyboard artist for Sony Animation) and others. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

Duration: 15.28 hours

Price: The first month is free.

 

14. Cornell University

‘What is Computer Graphics?’ is an online tutorial made freely available to the general public The tutorial covers a wide range of computer graphic effects. The tutorial is broken down into five sections that cover object rendering, ray tracing, shading, color, and radiosity. Each technique is described in detail, with illustrations and examples. The tutorial also includes an image archive showcasing advanced effects such as discontinuity meshing and two-pass rendering. The tutorial makes use of embedded photos as well as a series of Web pages. 

To connect to the Internet, all you’ll need is an up-to-date Web browser. If you’re a student, you could use this information as a quick study guide or reference. These materials, on the other hand, could be useful to anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of graphic design. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates. 

 

15. Central Connecticut State University

This university provides a free Vector Math for 3D Computer tutorial. The tutorial is a collection of Web pages that discuss the elements of vector and matrix algebra that are used to create computer graphics. The course is also intended for students who have prior knowledge of geometry or trigonometry. The tutorial is divided into 17 chapters that cover vector addition and length, angles, and basic matrix operations. Each chapter’s illustrations and examples emphasize how these mathematical equations are used to generate effects like three-dimensional landscapes and two-dimensional objects.

You can use the content as a step-by-step guide and answer the questions at the bottom of each page. Because the tutorial makes use of embedded images and text explanations, you’ll need an up-to-date browser and an Internet connection. To access the interactive content in the chapters, you will also need Javascript and Java software. While studying the chapters, a computer program used to render images would be useful, but it is not required. 

According to the tutorial, the materials can expand on the vector and matrix appendices found in most collegiate computer graphics textbooks. They can be used by both computer graphics and engineering students. This is one of the free online courses for computer graphics and among the top 20 computer graphics online courses with certificates.

 

16. Tufts University

Tufts University Blender 3-D Design requires students to download free 3-D design software and have a computer that meets the minimum computer requirements. Units covering camera and animation tools, particle systems, object mode tools, Blender functions, 3-D model smoothing, and mesh modeling provide the majority of the training for this course. Each unit includes general notes, tutorial videos, and written instructions. If the student is confident in his or her training, this course also includes five projects that can be used to demonstrate newly acquired skills. This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free.

 

17. 3dtotal.com/tutorials

3D Total is ideal for teaching 2D, 3D, and a variety of other techniques. These tutorials are completely free and provide enough content to keep you busy for several days. For students interested in 3D animation and gaming, the 3D total website is a must-visit. This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free.

 

18. University of South Australia – Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design

Students’ practical computer graphics skills and application to print-based publications within a commercial design context will be developed. Course content Students will gain knowledge and skills in the use of industry-standard illustration, image editing, and page layout software on industry-standard hardware to create effective print publications for a variety of purposes and target audiences. This course requires students to purchase additional materials at their own expense; information about the required materials can be found in your course outline.

Students taking this course online will need a fast and stable internet connection as well as a computer capable of running the required software. If students have any questions about the computer and software requirements, they should contact the course coordinator. This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free.

 

19. Stanford Online – Introduction to Computer Graphics and Imaging

Computer graphics, one of the most exciting and innovative fields of engineering today, is a complex combination of science, engineering, art, and psychology. This course introduces students to the technical concepts that underpin the creation of synthetic computer-generated images, with an emphasis on underlying mathematical concepts such as triangles, interpolation, texture mapping, normals, and bump mapping. The focus will be on developing practical skills in the use of graphics libraries and tools. 

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The course schedule is shown for planning purposes only; courses can be changed, modified, or canceled. On the first day of open enrollment, course availability will be considered finalized. Please see our graduate education section for quarterly enrollment dates. This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free. Creativity and the creation of eye-catching visual imagery are strongly encouraged. The following are included in the computer graphics course syllabus:

  • Fundamental knowledge of light and color
  • Ray tracing technology is used to create virtual images.
  • Models of engineering, such as the BRDF
  • Models of basic lighting and shading
  • Structures for anti-aliasing and acceleration
  • OpenGL and 3-D modeling software

 

20. The University of Utah – Introduction to Computer Graphics

This course introduces students to the fundamental computational techniques used in computer graphics. It is a project-based course in which students learn and apply various modeling, animation, and rendering techniques. Instead of providing a deep and highly detailed analysis of a specific topic, the course covers a wide range of computer graphics topics. Please see the other computer graphics courses at the University of Utah for a more comprehensive overview of individual topics. 

The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to fundamental computer graphics concepts through hands-on coding experience, including a variety of computer graphics techniques and algorithms covering 2D graphics, 3D graphics, and computer animation. This course emphasizes key algorithmic techniques and mathematical foundations rather than specific tools or software APIs. Students will be familiar with the fundamental algorithms and data structures used in computer graphics after completing this course. 

More specifically, the computer graphics course syllabus covers raster image formats, affine transformations, rendering algorithms, data structures for 2D and 3D curves, surfaces, and volumes, textures and texture mapping, shading and reflection models, animation, and physics-based simulation. This is among the computer graphics courses that teach you how to learn computer graphics for free.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where Can I Get Free Online Computer Graphics Training?

Learning how to create realistically, life-like computer graphics may appear daunting at first, but several universities provide free online resources to get you started. You can study tips on rendering images, textures, shadows, and other topics at your own pace, all from the comfort of your own home.

 

  • What You Should Know About Online computer graphics courses

Free online computer graphics courses are not available for credit, but they can be a good way to sharpen your skills. You can learn about vectors, matrices, and radiosity in addition to rendering, coloring, and shading. You may be required to have software such as Microsoft Visual Studio and Java to complete the course. Special software may also be required to extract executable (EXE) and Zip files for Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. 

You may complete readings, optional assignments, and voluntary projects throughout the course. Prior completion of related coursework in math and computer programming languages is also recommended in some classes.

 

  • Should You Major in Computer Graphics?

After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether or not you want to study computer graphics. Do you enjoy drawing, computer science, or creating characters, scenery, or structures? Isn’t it exciting to think about making visual effects for movies or video games? In both its name and practice, this fascinating field combines technology and art. You should learn more about it if you have a passion for evoking emotions and bringing stories and ideas to life.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, multimedia artists and animators can earn a median annual salary of $75,270. That means it’s not only a creatively fulfilling job, but it’s also financially rewarding. If you want to learn more about the best game development Bootcamps, how to learn to code, how to learn UX Design, and the best coding operating systems, we’ve got you covered.

 

  • What Are Some Important Facts About Computer Graphics Programs?

Levels of Education (Bachelor’s Degree/Certificate)

Certificate and associate’s degree programs, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, are available.

 

Prerequisites

For incoming freshmen: SAT/ACT scores and a high school diploma or equivalent

Graduate students should read: Common Courses Bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA Web programming, computer graphics, Adobe software, computer literacy, animation, and game design are all examples of computer skills.

 

Career Options

Graphic designers/artists, teachers, independent contractors, game designers, animators, and web developers.

Median Salary (2020): $53,380 (for graphic designers)

Job Prospects (2019-2029): -4% drop (for graphic designers)

 

Conclusion

So, these are the Best Computer Graphics Courses, Classes, Tutorials, Training, and Certification Programs for 2021. I hope this guide to computer graphics courses and training has assisted you in finding the best course for you. We wish you the best of luck in your career and hope you achieve your goals of creating beautiful, vibrant, and innovative computer graphics.

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