About the Entertainment Technology Programs
Begin Your Career in Entertainment Technology
At Santa Monica College, we’ve designed our curriculum to meet the changing needs of the entertainment industry. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced artist, we provide you with the education, training, tools, and techniques required to be successful in highly specialized and dynamic fields within 2D and 3D animation, audio and video post-production, and game design.
The Entertainment Technology programs are robust and fast-paced. We bring industry-leading faculty to the classroom to support you over the course of your program. You will gain hands-on experience working in real-world environments to take your projects from concept to production. You will walk away with a professional portfolio and may participate in internships with industry partners when available.
With on-campus and online course options, SMC offers a format that works for you.
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.
Associate in Science Degree - Digital Media
36 units + General Education Requirements
The Digital Media Associate degree program is a comprehensive study of the digital post-production processes used in the entertainment industry. The required coursework begins with the Digital Media Foundation Certificate of Achievement, combining a solid foundation in visual storytelling with hands-on experience using digital media software applications.
Certificate of Achievement - Digital Media Foundation
18 units
The Digital Media Foundation program provides a solid foundation in visual storytelling, as well as hands-on exposure to digital post-production processes. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of industry standard software applications.
Certificate of Achievement - Digital Audio Post-Production
18 units
The Digital Audio Post-Production program is a comprehensive study of the digital audio post-production processes used in the entertainment industry. Through a balance of theory and hands-on experience, students will learn professional practices on industry-standard technology.
Certificate of Achievement - Digital Video Post-Production
18 units
The Digital Video Post-Production program is a comprehensive study of the digital video post-production processes used in the entertainment industry. Through a balance of theory and hands-on experience, students will learn professional practices on industry-standard technology.
Potential Careers
Need help planning for your major?
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