Animation

Kota Hashiyama

Kota Hashiyama has loved being able to see real people since returning to SMC for on-ground courses.

About the Animation Program

The Animation program prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry through comprehensive, hands-on training. The program is designed to meet the industry's need for creative professionals who excel in developing ideas and have the technical proficiency to execute them. Our instructors are experienced professionals who bring first-hand knowledge of industry practices to the classroom and work in close collaboration with industry advisors to keep up with trends and changing requirements. In addition, participating companies often provide guest speakers and student internships. We offer day, evening and weekend classes to provide educational opportunities to all students. In addition, select courses are offered online through Distance Education. Students who are interested in the Animation program are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment with one of the counselors at the Center for Media and Design campus to develop an Educational Plan. This is to ensure that you are taking the necessary courses to meet your educational goals. To learn more, please visit the Design Technology website.

Find the path that fits your personal needs and professional goals:

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

32 to 33 units + General Education Requirements

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.

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 - 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 - Visual Development

18 units

The Visual Development program is comprehensive study of the visual development pre-production process used in the entertainment industry. Students learn to create high-quality visual development art and storyboard animatics for a variety of projects using standard industry tools and methods.

Program Map View Requirements