Animation

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Animation develops knowledge and skills in the area of digital animation, including but not limited to the production of still and time-based media, animation techniques, narrative development, character design, compositing, motion graphics, and interactive design. The curriculum is designed to provide the student with an understanding of animation techniques, use of production equipment, animation terminology, media and interactivity applications, and industry practices. This certificate prepares students for employment and upgrades the skills of persons employed in occupations such as digital animators, media producers, storyboard artists, media artist/designers, and interaction designers. Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Video Game Production, and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Animation and Time-Based Media and Video Game Production, are also available. Some of these programs are available at select colleges. Please check with your local college for program availability.

Details

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Animation (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5169
Total credits required
40
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

This CCL is designed for individuals who are new to the field, as well as to those who already have relevant experience or are employed in the field.

What You'll Learn
  • Create still, interactive, and time-based images to project specifications, demonstrating professional competence in research, planning, production, and presentation.
  • Apply critical thinking skills, animation processes, and historical and media literacies to solve design problems.
  • Analyze still, interactive, and time-based images to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Apply industry standard tools and research to develop effective animations, media, designs, and workflows.
  • Demonstrate professional and collaborative practices.
  • Communicate still, interactive, and time-based image solutions that recognize cultural and individual differences.
  • Create a portfolio of work that reflects current industry practices.
Required Courses
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 40
ART111 Drawing I 3
ART116 Life Drawing I 3
AVC100 Introduction to Digital Arts 1
AVC150 Multimedia Storytelling (3) OR
AVC191 Storyboarding and Layout (3) OR
CRW150 Introduction to Creative Writing (3) OR
CRW172 Introduction to Comic Book Writing (3) OR
CRW176 Writing Narrative for Video Games (3) OR
FMT121 Story Theory for Film, Television and Media (3) 3
AVC169 2D Media Design (3) OR
AVC178 Digital Arts Studies (3) 3
AVC170 3D Computer Design (3) OR
AVC/THO246 Digital Fabrication (3) 3
AVC177 Digital Photographic Imaging I 3
AVC/MMT184 Digital Animation I 3
AVC/MMT185 3D Modeling for Animation I 3
AVC200 Animation and Interactivity 3
AVC240 Cinematography and Directing for 2D/3D Animation 3
AVC284 Digital Animation II 3
AVC/MMT285 3D Modeling and Animation II 3
AVC287 3D Character Animation 3

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Read the official description