Certificate Program
Animation
Learn foundational animation skills and knowledge for a broad range of career opportunities in this ever-advancing industry
The curriculum provides a balanced introduction to industry pipelines by addressing both the creative and technical aspects. Using cutting-edge, industry-standard software and tools, students learn to conceptualize, develop, produce, and manage animation projects through a structured progression of courses with an emphasis on character-driven storytelling.
Required Classes
16.5 Credits | Not Available Online
FD 112 Digital Media
This course will center on Digital Media as a means to explore the formal and conceptual aspects of image making. Lens and software based strategies will be applied to a variety of design and conceptually driven assignments. Adobe Creative Suite will be utilized to build the student’s skills and understanding of image making and production. Students will learn how to develop best practices in organizing, formatting, and processing digital files to support creative and professional activities.
Credits : 3
AGA 210 Drawing for Animation
A figure drawing course that focuses on the communication of attitude, emotion, and personality expressed through gesture drawing. Proportion, motion, volume, balance, and basic anatomy will be addressed. Foundational material for anyone pursuing a career in character animation and/or illustration. Students will draw from nude and clothed models.
Credits : 1.5
AGA 201 Traditional Animation
Students will study timing and weight through a series of projects designed to demonstrate the principles of animation, using traditional and digital programs, such as Photoshop. Issues such as keyframing, inbetweening, and cycling will be addressed
Credits : 3
AGA 203 Story & Screen I
This course focuses on applying industry-standard storyboarding techniques to the fundamentals of Visual Storytelling, Storyboarding, and Film Language as relevant to the field of animation, film, and gaming. Topics to be covered include the various purposes, formats, terminology, and concepts used in the creation of storyboards and animatics with audio.
Credits : 3
AGA 205 Computer Animation I
The first semester of this course will explore contemporary 2D and 3D animation techniques and genres while keeping a strong focus on traditional techniques and aesthetics. Students will combine image, sound, and motion with importance placed on timing and performance. The focus will be on applying foundational animation techniques using industry-standard 3D software, Maya.
Credits : 3
AGA 206 Computer Animation II
The second semester of this course will continue the exploration of the 3D software package and will introduce joint-based animation and rigging. Students are expected to build on the existing knowledge of computer graphics and rendering to create a 3D character, environment, and props. They will also build on their fundamentals of storytelling and design.
Credits : 3
What You’ll Learn
Students who successfully complete the certificate will be able to create production-ready 2D and 3D art assets, create complex rigs, and animate original characters and stories.
- Earn 16.5 credits that can be applied to a Bachelor’s degree at PCA&D or beyond
- Tap into college learning resources and advisors
- Software from Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft, and Google professional tools
- Build your network and exposure through campus events and career opportunities
- Join the PCA&D alumni network
Career Opportunities
Certificate-holders will gain experience that’s needed in a diverse array of industries like TV and film animation, and game art. They will have access to entry-level design jobs in motion graphics, animation production, and game art production.
Who Should Enroll
The program is designed for a wide range of individuals. College experience is not a prerequisite for this program, but a passion and fondness for drawing, and working with computer data and visual design is essential. High school and college graduates, veterans, professionals, and entrepreneurs will be among the students who bring their diverse perspectives to the program.
Cost
$1,157 per credit hour
A total of 16.5 credit hours are required. Credits will be billed per course.
How to Register
Enrolling in one of PCA&D’s Certificate Programs is simple. Confirm your intent to pursue one of our certificates by filling out an application.
If you have any questions regarding mapping out a plan, upcoming class schedules, or completing your certificate, please contact Bonnie Kern, our Admissions Transfer & Outreach Coordinator, at 717.396.7833 ext 1014 or email bkern@pcad.edu.