Digital Media and Design - Animation Specialty Option A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$10,850* (estimated)

Design commercial and educational art

Bring still images to life

Advance your career with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Digital Media and Design - Animation Specialty Option. Learn to design and produce a variety of media and design projects.

Use the conceptual, critical, creative and technical knowledge you develop to create:

  • Still and moving images
  • Character animations for various media platforms
  • 2D and 3D animations

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Animation?

The A.A.S. degree specializing in animation prepares you for a career in digital media design, equipped with the conceptual, critical, creative and technical skills needed to design and produce a variety of commercial, educational and artistic media and design projects.

Highlights

  • Internships Available

    Gain relevant work experience before you complete the program.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Career Degree

    Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

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 comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 111

    DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

    Class Description

    This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 157

    DMD 157 Introduction to Animation

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to 2D animation using state-of-the-art industry relevant software and hardware. Students will explore various animation concepts and techniques including history, drawing, rotoscoping, basic movement, timing, soundtrack/dialogue synchronization, and editing. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations and screenings students will view and discuss animation that is currently used in television, film, interactive media and the Internet.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 122

    ART 122 Two Dimensional Design

    Class Description

    This course is a basic studio experience for those interested in fine arts, commercial arts or art education. Students will carry out a series of problems relating to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. The course will develop the students' organizational abilities and technical skills, with the focus on verbal, written and visual definitions of terms and concepts of two-dimensional design used by artists and designers. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 111
      Course Title

      DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

      Class Description

      This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 157
      Course Title

      DMD 157 Introduction to Animation

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to 2D animation using state-of-the-art industry relevant software and hardware. Students will explore various animation concepts and techniques including history, drawing, rotoscoping, basic movement, timing, soundtrack/dialogue synchronization, and editing. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations and screenings students will view and discuss animation that is currently used in television, film, interactive media and the Internet.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 122
      Course Title

      ART 122 Two Dimensional Design

      Class Description

      This course is a basic studio experience for those interested in fine arts, commercial arts or art education. Students will carry out a series of problems relating to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. The course will develop the students' organizational abilities and technical skills, with the focus on verbal, written and visual definitions of terms and concepts of two-dimensional design used by artists and designers. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose ART 222 instead of ART 122. Students can also choose ENG 121 instead of ENG 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 233

    DMD 233 Digital Video Editing

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the basics of postproduction non-linear digital video editing for multimedia, video and web capabilities. Students will produce, edit, and optimize video using industry relevant editing software. Upon completion of the course students will be able to create and produce digital videos and incorporated compressed and rendered projects into CD ROMs, DVD and Web technologies. In addition to learning the technical capabilities of the software, students will discuss digital video theory, concepts of video art and design, and the role digital video plays in the world of film, animation, animation and Web interactivity.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 124

    ART 124 Drawing I

    Class Description

    This course provides students with an introduction to drawing concepts and processes through freehand application. Throughout the course, in-class and out-of-class assignments will stress linear and tonal approaches to describe objects drawn from direct observation. The outline of class work is progressive and includes contour line drawing assignments, visual measuring and sighting, shape quality, composition, linear perspective, value drawing, master studies, and self-portraiture. Mediums employed will be graphite pencil, charcoal, and conte crayon. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    ART 263

    ART 263 2D Computer Animation

    Class Description

    This is a hands-on intermediate level course in the creation and development of 2D animations. Through various assigned projects the student will be exposed to the history of animation, theory, image manipulation, drawing, video, audio and other various animation techniques. This intermediate level course will provide the student with knowledge of computer animation on a simple and complex level. The course will explore the incorporation of different mediums within computer animation, and the student will gain an understanding of professional technical skills within their lessons and independent projects. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    ART 264

    ART 264 3D Computer Animation

    Class Description

    This is a hands-on intermediate level course in the creation and development of 3D animations. Through various assigned projects the student will be exposed to the history of animation, theory, image manipulation, lighting, wire frames, vector points, drawing, video, audio and other various animation techniques. This course will provide the student with the knowledge of computer animation on a simple and complex level. The course will explore the incorporation of different mediums within computer animation, and the student will gain an understanding of professional technical skills from their lessons and independent projects.Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 114

    MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 233
      Course Title

      DMD 233 Digital Video Editing

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the basics of postproduction non-linear digital video editing for multimedia, video and web capabilities. Students will produce, edit, and optimize video using industry relevant editing software. Upon completion of the course students will be able to create and produce digital videos and incorporated compressed and rendered projects into CD ROMs, DVD and Web technologies. In addition to learning the technical capabilities of the software, students will discuss digital video theory, concepts of video art and design, and the role digital video plays in the world of film, animation, animation and Web interactivity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 124
      Course Title

      ART 124 Drawing I

      Class Description

      This course provides students with an introduction to drawing concepts and processes through freehand application. Throughout the course, in-class and out-of-class assignments will stress linear and tonal approaches to describe objects drawn from direct observation. The outline of class work is progressive and includes contour line drawing assignments, visual measuring and sighting, shape quality, composition, linear perspective, value drawing, master studies, and self-portraiture. Mediums employed will be graphite pencil, charcoal, and conte crayon. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ART 263
      Course Title

      ART 263 2D Computer Animation

      Class Description

      This is a hands-on intermediate level course in the creation and development of 2D animations. Through various assigned projects the student will be exposed to the history of animation, theory, image manipulation, drawing, video, audio and other various animation techniques. This intermediate level course will provide the student with knowledge of computer animation on a simple and complex level. The course will explore the incorporation of different mediums within computer animation, and the student will gain an understanding of professional technical skills within their lessons and independent projects. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 264
      Course Title

      ART 264 3D Computer Animation

      Class Description

      This is a hands-on intermediate level course in the creation and development of 3D animations. Through various assigned projects the student will be exposed to the history of animation, theory, image manipulation, lighting, wire frames, vector points, drawing, video, audio and other various animation techniques. This course will provide the student with the knowledge of computer animation on a simple and complex level. The course will explore the incorporation of different mediums within computer animation, and the student will gain an understanding of professional technical skills from their lessons and independent projects.Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title

      MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other math courses instead of MTH 114.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 121

    ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ANT 121
      Course Title

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of ANT 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 173

    DMD 173 Introduction to Digital Sound

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the exploration of digital sound for multimedia. Students will learn how to manipulate wave files, understand various sound file formats, compressions, history of digital sound, and the difference between analog and digital sound editing. Students will write and develop sound scripts and sound projects for multimedia. Students will explore the different job functions of audio production and learn to work together in a team environment. The course will also introduce students to the basics of producing audio for the Web and interactive applications.
         		3
    DMD 251

    DMD 251 Advanced 3D Modeling

    Class Description

    This course is designed as an advanced modeling course for students who are experienced with basic 3D modeling concepts and technical practice. The course introduces more sophisticated concepts and techniques such as polygon modeling, texture mapping, lighting and rendering. Through hands-on practice students will focus on modeling concepts and development relating to character, environmental, materials and lighting design.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 225

    ART 225 Figure Drawing

    Class Description

    Continuation of basic drawing with the application of drawing techniques and concepts as related to the figure. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 149

    ART 149 Digital Photography I

    Class Description

    This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 173
      Course Title

      DMD 173 Introduction to Digital Sound

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the exploration of digital sound for multimedia. Students will learn how to manipulate wave files, understand various sound file formats, compressions, history of digital sound, and the difference between analog and digital sound editing. Students will write and develop sound scripts and sound projects for multimedia. Students will explore the different job functions of audio production and learn to work together in a team environment. The course will also introduce students to the basics of producing audio for the Web and interactive applications.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 251
      Course Title

      DMD 251 Advanced 3D Modeling

      Class Description

      This course is designed as an advanced modeling course for students who are experienced with basic 3D modeling concepts and technical practice. The course introduces more sophisticated concepts and techniques such as polygon modeling, texture mapping, lighting and rendering. Through hands-on practice students will focus on modeling concepts and development relating to character, environmental, materials and lighting design.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 225
      Course Title

      ART 225 Figure Drawing

      Class Description

      Continuation of basic drawing with the application of drawing techniques and concepts as related to the figure. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 149
      Course Title

      ART 149 Digital Photography I

      Class Description

      This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of CMM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 117

    DMD 117 Concepts in New Media

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 253

    DMD 253 Advanced 3D Animation

    Class Description

    This course is designed as an advanced animation course for students who are experienced with basic 3D animation concepts and technical practice. The course introduces more sophisticated concepts and techniques with an emphasis on animation development through hands-on practice. The course will focus on animation concepts and creative animation design expanding students' knowledge of topics, tools and techniques.
         		3
    DMD 259

    DMD 259 3D Special Effects

    Class Description

    This course is designed as an advanced level computer course using state-of-the-art industry-relevant special effects 3D software. In conjunction with 3D modeling and animation, students will learn to create and produce special effects including: atmospheric effects, natural effects, smoke, explosions, motion blurs, and advanced texture and material generation. Concepts, theories and terms relating to special effects used in films, games, interactive media and the Internet will be discussed.
         		3
    BUS 239

    BUS 239 Social Media Marketing

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
         		3
    PHI 122

    PHI 122 Logic

    Class Description

    This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 117
      Course Title

      DMD 117 Concepts in New Media

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 253
      Course Title

      DMD 253 Advanced 3D Animation

      Class Description

      This course is designed as an advanced animation course for students who are experienced with basic 3D animation concepts and technical practice. The course introduces more sophisticated concepts and techniques with an emphasis on animation development through hands-on practice. The course will focus on animation concepts and creative animation design expanding students' knowledge of topics, tools and techniques.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 259
      Course Title

      DMD 259 3D Special Effects

      Class Description

      This course is designed as an advanced level computer course using state-of-the-art industry-relevant special effects 3D software. In conjunction with 3D modeling and animation, students will learn to create and produce special effects including: atmospheric effects, natural effects, smoke, explosions, motion blurs, and advanced texture and material generation. Concepts, theories and terms relating to special effects used in films, games, interactive media and the Internet will be discussed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BUS 239
      Course Title

      BUS 239 Social Media Marketing

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 122
      Course Title

      PHI 122 Logic

      Class Description

      This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of BUS 239 and PHI 122.

Total Credit Hours

62


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Digital Media and Design at CLC

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    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.

    Read Luzbeth's story

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