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

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

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
- Figma for UI/UX design
- 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 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/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Degree

Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,323
  
  Median
  
  $88,089
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,114
  
  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
  
  $23.23
  
  Median
  
  $42.35
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.07
  
  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.
  
  Some college
  
  2.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  88.04%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.45%
  
  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 or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,408
  
  Median
  
  $58,125
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,633
  
  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
  
  $16.53
  
  Median
  
  $27.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.26
  
  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
  
  15%
  
  Some college
  
  5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  10%
  
  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).
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22,012
  
  Median
  
  $42,999
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $122,013
  
  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
  
  $10.58
  
  Median
  
  $20.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $58.66
  
  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
  
  5.53%
  
  Some college
  
  39.68%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.7%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  52.75%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.34%
  
  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).
Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,831
  
  Median
  
  $102,132
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $172,837
  
  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
  
  $23.47
  
  Median
  
  $49.10
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83.09
  
  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
  
  5%
  
  Certificate
  
  5%
  
  Some college
  
  15%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  55%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  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 digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,664
  
  Median
  
  $92,145
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $149,279
  
  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
  
  $20.03
  
  Median
  
  $44.30
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.76
  
  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
  
  12.5%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.67%
  
  Some college
  
  4.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  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 and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56,964
  
  Median
  
  $102,045
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $139,311
  
  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
  
  $27.38
  
  Median
  
  $49.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66.97
  
  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
  
  12.5%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.67%
  
  Some college
  
  4.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  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).

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

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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
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
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

Course Highlights
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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

Course Highlights
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
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
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
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 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

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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

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

Total Credit Hours

62

*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

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This degree is just one possible way to study Digital Media and Design. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

Stand out to companies searching for 2D- and 3D-animation expertise in an ever-changing digital content world. At CLC, you get a degree program with a specialty not offered by many local schools. Get training in:
- visual effects
- figure drawing
- storyboarding
- audio recording
- production
- character creation and development
We hold most classes in person but do offer some courses fully online or hybrid. Attend class in the way that works best for your goals.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in-person with faculty and peers.
The A.A.S. in DMD – Animation Specialty is 66-68 credit hours and takes an average of two years and two summer sessions to complete. Get hands-on with the software, hardware and animation techniques to create and process digital art.
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 Special Effects
- Interactive Scripting
- Video Editing
- Introduction to Animation
- Advanced 3D Animation

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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Digital Media and Design - Animation Specialty Option

Design commercial and educational art

Bring still images to life

Access to must-have digital tools

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

Highlights

Internships Available

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Computer Programmers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Graphic Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web Administrators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web Developers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 15 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Semester 4 15 Credits

Semester 5 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Digital Media and Design at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why study Digital Media and Design - Animation Specialty Option at CLC?

Can I take my classes online?

How long is the program?

Luzbeth Perez

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Be debt-free at CLC

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