Academic Catalogs

Animation, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CT_DMAN

Control Number: 38420

Financial Aid Eligible


Students in this program will explore animation concepts and gain hands-on experience using industry-standard hardware and software and motion capture systems. Animation is widely used in broadcast media, gaming and simulation, motion graphics, web design, and VR/AR. Students will employ techniques in storytelling and character development for both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional animation. Computer and drawing skills are very important in this field. Students will leave with an animation portfolio representative of the material and techniques studied, suitable for employment or transfer to another institution.

Program Outcomes

  1. Communicate ideas, emotion and intent effectively in visual, oral and written forms.
  2. Create 2D and 3D characters and environments that reflect the integration of graphic clarity, design principles, performance principles and theoretical constructs.
  3. Design layouts and backgrounds that incorporate principles of composition, perspective and color, with speed, accuracy and dexterity, using a variety of media.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ART A110Color and Design: Two-Dimensional3
ART A120Beginning Drawing3
or ART A120H Beginning Drawing Honors
ART A121Life Drawing 13
ART A135Digital Painting3
ART A251Character Design3
DMAD A181Introduction to Computer Graphics3
DMAD A190Illustrator for Design3
DMAD A2802D Animation3
DMAD A2813D Computer Graphics Animation3
FILM A194Editing 13
FILM A196Introduction to Visual Effects3
Select 9 units from the Restricted Electives List9
Total Units42
Restricted Electives
Course Title Units
ART A111Color and Design: Three-Dimensional3
ART A143Story Illustration Techniques3
ART A269Cartooning 13
ART A220Figure Composition3
ART A270Cartooning 23
DMAD A117Rapid Illustration Techniques3
DMAD A202Studio Internship2
DMAD A263Motion Graphics and Video Compositing with Adobe After Effects3
DMAD A288Digital Portfolio Development3
FILM A106Introduction to Media Writing3
FILM A193Sound Design for Film & TV3
FILM A220Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR)3

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
FILM A194 Editing 1 3
ART A120
Beginning Drawing
or Beginning Drawing Honors
3
ART A110 Color and Design: Two-Dimensional 3
DMAD A181 Introduction to Computer Graphics 3
 Units12
Semester 2
ART A121 Life Drawing 1 3
ART A135 Digital Painting 3
DMAD A190 Illustrator for Design 3
FILM A196 Introduction to Visual Effects 3
 Units12
Year 2
Semester 1
ART A251 Character Design 3
DMAD A280 2D Animation 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
 Units9
Semester 2
DMAD A281 3D Computer Graphics Animation 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVE(S)- CHOOSE TWO (See Requirements) 6
 Units9
 Total Units42