Tell memorable three-dimensional stories. With a 3D Modeling and Animation Certificate, you gain an edge over others seeking careers in this creative, highly competitive field. Build on your existing talent and gain marketable, in-demand skills. Work alongside experienced instructors to develop your technical expertise and tell digital stories that inspire.
Use the conceptual, critical and creative knowledge you develop to draw the attention of:
ad agencies
motion graphic studios
animation studios
gaming studios
Disney Studios, Nickelodeon and Bento Box Entertainment may come looking for you!
We provide you with access to Mac and PC computer labs, so you can become familiar with both platforms. You build work-ready industry skills as you learn the ins and outs of digital marketing and design tools:
Adobe® Acrobat, After Effects, Animate, Audition, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Illustrator, Media Encoder, Photoshop and Premiere
Apple® Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro
3D Software: Maxon® Cinema 4D
WordPress with Apache server
Waves Mercury hardware and plugins, Steinberg Cubase, Celemony Melodyne 4 Studio Software and Avid Pro Tools
digital video cameras, recording equipment and audio mixers
green screen, broadcast monitors, condenser microphones, analog and digital video capture stations
What can you do with a Certificate in 3D Modeling and Animation?
This certificate prepares you to start work or continue your education in animation, design or related fields.
Highlights
Stackable Credentials
Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year
Full-time students finish in 1 year.
Career Outlook
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
Entry-Level
$46,051
Median
$63,465
Senior-Level
$100,748
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Entry-Level
$22.13
Median
$30.51
Senior-Level
$48.43
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
High school diploma or less
0.41%
Certificate
0.91%
Some college
0.41%
Associate Degree
17.85%
Bachelor's Degree
54.59%
Master's Degree
25.84%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
Entry-Level
$47,697
Median
$66,796
Senior-Level
$111,610
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Entry-Level
$22.92
Median
$32.11
Senior-Level
$53.65
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
High school diploma or less
4.3%
Certificate
0.29%
Some college
15.23%
Associate Degree
12.26%
Bachelor's Degree
67.92%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
Entry-Level
$49,272
Median
$65,941
Senior-Level
$95,668
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Entry-Level
$23.68
Median
$31.69
Senior-Level
$45.99
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
High school diploma or less
23.84%
Certificate
40.57%
Some college
6.78%
Associate Degree
19.29%
Bachelor's Degree
9.52%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
Entry-Level
$48,078
Median
$68,392
Senior-Level
$109,835
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Entry-Level
$23.11
Median
$32.88
Senior-Level
$52.80
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
High school diploma or less
6.1%
Certificate
21.07%
Some college
6.74%
Associate Degree
23.56%
Bachelor's Degree
40.08%
Master's Degree
2.46%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Salary Levels
Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
Entry-Level
$41,354
Median
$70,376
Senior-Level
$111,192
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Entry-Level
$19.88
Median
$33.83
Senior-Level
$53.45
Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Top entry-level education
Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
Certificate
7.98%
Some college
7.45%
Associate Degree
61.28%
Bachelor's Degree
20.25%
Master's Degree
2.93%
Doctorate
0.13%
Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.
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*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other
fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied,
as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Digital Media and Design at CLC
Get the bigger picture
This certificate is just one possible way to study Digital Media and Design. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.
Animation studios, architectural firms and gaming companies are searching for animators, product designers and 3D modelers. Demonstrate your expertise and get further in your career with this certificate. Get training to create:
character drawings
3D models
3D animations
motion graphics
game animations
The 3D Modeling and Animation Certificate is 30-32 credit hours and takes an average of one year to complete. Get hands-on with the software, hardware and animation techniques to create and process digital art.
You will learn Adobe Photoshop and Cinema 4D software to produce images and polygon models worthy of a second look. Practice in classroom labs on the provided Apple iMac computers or your personal computer. Complete digital drawings, animation assignments and projects with Wacom drawing tablets.
Your classes include:
3D Computer Animation
Introduction to Digital Sound
Video Editing
Luzbeth Perez
Graduate
“I accomplished goals I never thought I could in my time at CLC. I earned straight As and became part of the honor society. I started drawing art! CLC is a place where you can succeed in your education.”
Luzbeth studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. At first she struggled in class but with support from CLC faculty, she graduated magna cum laude.
