Field of Interest
Notice
This certificate has an associated pathway map with a course sequence. We recommend using it as reference instead of the course list below.
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
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Type
- Certificate
- Academic Plan
- Animation (CER)
- Academic Plan Code
- 5169
- Total Credits Required
- 40
- 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
This certificate will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- 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 |
Meet with an Advisor
Become a Student
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to meet with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out a program and career path that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.
Disclaimer
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.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=16452735).
Full Award Details
- Major
- 5169
- First Term
- 2025 Fall
- Final Term
- Current
- Award
- CCL
- Total Credits
- 40
- CIPS code
- 10.0304
- SOC codes
- 27-1014.00, 27-1013.00, 27-2012.01, 27-1011.00, 27-4032.00, 27-4031.00
- Program Availability
- GC, MC, PC
- Instructional Council
- Art
- Last Updated
- 02/26/2025