Digital Animation Degree
Are you interested in the growing field of animation? Then MC’s digital animation associate’s degree is for you.
Animation is widely used in broadcast media, gaming and simulation, motion graphics, web design, forensics, and medical technologies. As the animation industry grows, so does the need for qualified professionals.
The digital animation AAS will provide you with the skills necessary for junior or entry-level employment in the animation industry, or for transfer to another institution. MC offers seamless transfer opportunities at schools across the US.
You will gain hands-on experience using industry standard hardware, software, and motion capture systems. Courses include illustration, digital tools for the visual arts, animation, video editing, and more.
As a student at MC, you'll have the support, guidance, and opportunities you need to help you reach your goals.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Apply and incorporate the elements and principles of design within a digital graphic images and animation.
- Demonstrate visual problem solving that employs appropriate technical skills and techniques.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the history of digital art and animation.
- Use industry standard hardware and software to produce and manipulate digital images and animation.
- Develop a script and prepare a storyboard for 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional animation.
- Analyze and critique graphic images and animation.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Multimedia artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested two-year course sequence for students in Digital Animation follows
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD) **
- GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours
- GDES 134 - Illustration I 3 semester hours
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ‡
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- ARTT 205 - Figure Drawing I 3 semester hours
- GDES 140 - Introduction to Animation 4 semester hours
Third Semester
- GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
- GDES 240 - Animation 2: 3-D Modeling 4 semester hours
- Behavorial and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ‡
Fourth Semester
- ARTT 102 - Introduction to 2D Design 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- GDES 242 - Animation 3: Motion Capture and Character Development 4 semester hours
- TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103 or program elective.
** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course.
‡ Program electives: Although this degree is designed to be completed in 60 credits, there are some scenarios that could result in more than 60 credits being earned. For example, if a student wishes to take two four-credit electives, they would have a total of 62 credits; if they choose one four credit and one 3 credit elective they would have 61. If the student selects two 3-credit classes-or-one 4-credit and one 2-credit then they would earn a total of exactly 60 credits. Please see an advisor in the Graphic Design program. Choose from the following with a minimum total of 6 credits for the two selections:
2-credit elective options: CMSC 100, GDES 269, or GDES 285.
3-credit elective options: ARTT 103, ARTT 105, ARTT 206, GDES 121, GDES 135, or PHOT 161.
4-credit elective options: GDES 214, TECH 190, TECH 225, or TECH 290.
Students whose focus is on Gaming should select from the CMSC/TECH courses listed above.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.