Associate of Arts in Animation

We offer a full certificate with areas of specialization.

• Motion Graphic Design (2d digital animation)
• 2D Animation Design
• 3D Character Setup and Animation
• 3D Digital Character Design
• Video Game Design

Our instructors are all industry professionals. Specialty areas are intended to be taken over 4 semesters (for most students two years) and are aimed at providing students with entry-level artist skills.

Motion Graphic Design Sequence (Using Adobe After Effects)

• Semester 1 - Photo 121: Imaging with Photoshop 1
• Semester 2 - Art 220: Introduction to Motion Graphics, Photo 125: Special Effects with Photoshop
• Semester 3 - Art 221: Advanced Motion Graphics

2D Animation Design Sequence (Using Photoshop and ToonBoom Harmony)

• Semester 1 - Art 201: Drawing for Animation
• Semester 2 - Art 205: Fundamentals of Animation
• Semester 3 - Art 209: Introduction to Character Design
• Semester 2 - Art 210: Introduction to Storyboard

Character Setup and Animation Sequence (Using Maya)

• Semester 1 - Art 233: Introduction to 3D Character Set-up
• Semester 1 - Art 235: Introduction to 3D Character Animation
• Semester 2 - Art 234: 3d Character Animation
• Semester 2 - Art 236 (in development, not yet offered): Advanced 3D Character Animation

3D Digital Character Design Sequence (Using Z-Brush)

• Semester 1 - Art 245: 3D Digital Character Design I
• Semester 2 - Art 246: 3D Digital Character Design II

Video Game Design Sequence (Using Unity)

• Semester 1 - Art 267: Introduction to Game Development
• Semester 2 - Art 268: Game Play Mechanics/Prototyping
• Semester 2 - Art 270: 3d Game Level Design 1
• Semester 3 - Art 271: 3d Game Level Design 2
• Semester 3 - Art 269: Creative Studio: Practical Game Development

Debby Hudson / unsplash

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, college-age students and avocational learners gain skills allowing for transfer to 4-year colleges or entry into the workplace; and industry-workers retrain themselves to diversify their work options within animation, gaming, or visual effects.

Academic Calendar

• Semester system (16 weeks).
• Fall Semester begins at the end of August.
• Spring Semester begins mid-February.
• Summer Session (mid-June to mid-August.); along with a short-term Winter Session of six weeks in early January.

New International students applying directly from overseas can only apply for the Fall or Spring Semesters. The short-term Sessions offer limited class scheduling for "new" students and are best designed for "continuing students."

Admission Requirements

High School transcripts and Diploma; minimum of 2.0 or "C" grade point average, if transferring directly from a U.S.-based College or University. TOEFL score minimum 45 on iBT, or IELTS 'band score' of 4.5 minimum – if English is not your first language of instruction. Also, Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement, and one-page personal essay. "Conditional Admission" is available for students without TOEFL or IELTS, and transferring-in from a Language School program.

Application Deadlines (for overseas Applicants)

• July 1 for Fall Semester;
• December 1 for Spring Semester;
• [May 15th for “Summer Session” -- Summer only for students "transferring" inside the U.S. with a current and valid Form I-20.]
• Deadlines may be flexible; please contact the International Student Office for details.

Tuition & Fees/Living Expenses

• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year 2020-21): $7,581 USD (full-time; two semesters).
• Estimated off-campus living expenses: $13,000 USD.
• Total costs for bank statement = $22,965 USD.
• Note: above costs are subject to periodic/annual changes. [Please plan your budget accordingly].
• Tuition/Fees are paid per Semester upon registration.
• "Tuition Advanced Deposit" is not required.
• The College offers a tuition payment plan each semester.