Computer graphics courses can help you learn 2D and 3D modeling, rendering techniques, animation principles, and visual effects. You can build skills in texture mapping, lighting design, and character rigging, along with understanding color theory and composition. Many courses introduce tools like Blender, Adobe After Effects, and Unity, showing how these applications are used to create immersive visual experiences in gaming, film, and virtual reality.

Skills you'll gain: Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Linear Algebra
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The University of Tokyo
Skills you'll gain: Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Human Computer Interaction, Animations, User Interface (UI), Design, 3D Assets, Technical Design, Algorithms, Simulations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Event-Driven Programming, 3D Assets, Computer Graphic Techniques, Application Development, C++ (Programming Language), Software Design, Video Game Development, Microsoft Windows, Maintainability, Software Architecture, Application Lifecycle Management, System Configuration, Image Quality, Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Algebra
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: 3D Assets, 3D Modeling, Unreal Engine, Video Game Development, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Graphical Tools, File Management, UI Components, Design Software, Data Import/Export, User Interface (UI), Software Installation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Multimodal Prompts, Applied Machine Learning, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Machine Learning Methods, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Generative Model Architectures, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Microsoft Excel, Generative AI, Data Processing, Responsible AI, Unsupervised Learning, Linear Algebra, Data Manipulation, Feature Engineering
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Columbia University
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Quality, Image Analysis, Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, Photography, Virtual Reality, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Medical Imaging, Artificial Neural Networks, Unsupervised Learning, Graph Theory, Dimensionality Reduction, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation, Machine Learning Algorithms, Color Theory, Algorithms, Automation Engineering, Electronic Components
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University at Buffalo
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Digital Design, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Computer Programming, Matlab, Algorithms, Calculus, Probability & Statistics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Animation and Game Design, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Autodesk, Computer Graphic Techniques, Virtual Environment, Adobe Photoshop, Photo Editing, Color Matching, Image Quality, Color Theory
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, 3D Assets, 3D Modeling, Computer Graphic Techniques, Computer Graphics, Virtual Environment, User Interface (UI), UI Components, Animations, Performance Tuning, Video Game Development, Data Import/Export, Game Design
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Adobe Illustrator, Generative AI, Creativity, Design Software, Adobe Creative Cloud, Graphic Design, Computer Graphics, Creative Design, Creative Thinking, Color Theory, Digital Design, Visual Design, Content Creation, Branding
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Animations, Video Game Development, Performance Tuning, Image Quality, Debugging
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computer Graphics, 3D Assets, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, C++ (Programming Language), Video Game Development, Image Quality, Applied Mathematics, Algebra
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Computer Graphics are a branch of Computer Science that deals with generating images with the aid of computers. They can be created via image processing, video and photo editing, artificial intelligence, and other computer-based design systems. These images are either rastered (composed through a grid of individual pixels) or vectored (composed through mathematical relationships between points and paths).
Common applications of Computer Graphics include CGI animation, augmented reality, graphical user interfaces, 3D rendering, scene modeling, and many others. They’re important to learn about for individuals interested in career paths in art, media, design, development, science, and various others.
Because Computer Graphics are part of Computer Science, such roles tend to be in-demand. The ability to work with Computer Graphics opens up learners to a wide variety of opportunities, and the role they land can depend on whatever medium is their specialty. In a blog post revealing seven high-paying fields in the design industry, InVision shares that Multimedia Art and Animation professionals earn an average of $63,800 per year, while the field is expected to grow eight percent through 2026.
Roles where knowledge of Computer Graphics is useful include Digital Artist, Computer Programmer, Animator, Film Editor, Graphic Designer, Internet Technologies Manager, Media Specialist, Product Designer, Software Developer, Teacher, Webmaster, Website Designer, and a wide variety of others.
Lessons on Computer Graphics that are covered through Coursera equip learners with knowledge in supporting visual problem solving; harnessing one’s creativity; enhancing graphical user interfaces; understanding tools for 2D drawings and 3D animations; and more.
Some courses explicitly cover Computer Graphics, while for others, you may need to search the medium or field in which you hope to create them (e.g. Animation or Graphic Design).
Computer Graphics and related lessons are taught by instructors from major tech names and universities, including the University of Tokyo. Learners can enjoy exploring Computer Graphics with instructors specializing in Computer Science, User Interfaces, Interactive Computer Graphics, and other disciplines. Course content on Computer Graphics is delivered via video lectures, hands-on projects, readings, quizzes, and other types of assignments.
Although the requirements may vary from course to course, in general, you need to have strong computer skills, a good grasp of physics, and a strong foundation in mathematics, including linear algebra, before learning computer graphics. Some beginner-level courses may teach you coding and programming, but having some experience in that area can be helpful too. As you progress in your coursework, you'll develop skills like interaction design and 3D computer graphics. Depending on the direction you take, you may also gain skills in game design and development, virtual reality, and robotics.
Having a streak of creativity and a passion for computer-based design are two of the qualities found among those best suited for roles in computer graphics. Other qualities that many employers look for include having an innate sense of curiosity, an appreciation for the details that make up the big picture, open-mindedness, strong communication skills, and the passion and drive that will fuel each project. Roles in computer graphics can be found across multiple industries, including architecture, engineering, web technology development, computer-aided design, animation, and graphic design.
If you're interested in trying your hand at developing video games, creating computer programs and applications, or creating images, then learning computer graphics might be a good move for you. Courses in this subject cover a variety of aspects of the field, including graphic design, 3D modeling, animation, and game development. Additionally, computer graphics and interactivity can be a tool to help people solve problems visually. Some graphics courses will help you develop skills to not only create interactive tools, but also to enhance graphical user interfaces and leverage elements of design to create images.
Online Computer Graphics courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computer Graphics skills. Choose from a wide range of Computer Graphics courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.
When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computer Graphics, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.