Animation

Transfer Preparation

Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.

Degrees and Certificates

Associate in Science Degree - Animation

The Associate degree in Animation program is a comprehensive study of the skills necessary to create 2D or 3D digital animation for the entertainment industry. The required coursework begins with the Animation Foundation Certificate of Achievement, combining a solid foundation in animation history and visual storytelling with hands-on experience in digital animation pre-production and production processes.

After successfully completing the Animation Foundation, students pursue a concentration in 2D Animation, 3D Animation, 3D Production, or Visual Development. Each concentration reflects an area of industry specialization, and is awarded as a second Certificate of Achievement. Students must complete the required coursework for the Animation Foundation and at least one concentration to be eligible for the Associate degree in Animation.

Throughout the Associate degree in Animation program, students learn to develop professional skills, demonstrate those skills in effective entry-level portfolios, and work collaboratively on team-based projects. Students may also participate in internships with industry partners when available.

Certificate of Achievement - 2D Animation

18 units

The 2D Animation certificate is a comprehensive study of the process of creating two-dimensional animation for use in the entertainment industry. Students learn to create high-quality 2D animated content for a variety of projects using standard industry tools and methods.

Certificate of Achievement - 3D Animation

17 units

The 3D Animation program is a comprehensive study of the process of creating three-dimensional animation for use in the entertainment industry. Students learn to create high quality 3D animated content for a variety of projects using standard industry tools and methods.

Certificate of Achievement - 3D Production

17 units

The 3D Production program is a comprehensive study of the process of creating three-dimensional assets for use in the entertainment industry. Students learn to create high-quality 3D production assets for a variety of projects using standard industry tools and methods

Certificate of Achievement - Animation Foundation

15 units

The Animation Foundation program provides a solid foundation in animation history and visual storytelling, as well as hands-on exposure to digital animation pre-production and production processes. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of industry-standard software applications.

Certificate of Achievement - Visual Development