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Animation
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Contact: Steve BurgoonTitle: Department ChairContact: sburgoon@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Animation

Arts Division
Degree S1006

The Animation Program offers an integrated/interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to meet current and future job market demands. The student will be given a balanced blend of art and technology-based skills essential for today’s careers in animation. The program offers both an A.S. degree and certificates. Course content is driven by industry needs in order to provide the student with the best possible preparation for a career in animation or for transfer to an institution of higher learning. This Animation AS Degree provides expertise leading to employment opportunities as junior animators, character designers, storyboard artists, 3D modelers and game designers.     

This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Special Effects Artists and Animators

      Special Effects Artists and Animators

      SOC Career Code: 27-1014.00

      Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $37.34

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $107,984.39
      Annual Job Openings
      1,693

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Animation

    Arts Division
    Degree S1006

    The Animation Program offers an integrated/interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to meet current and future job market demands. The student will be given a balanced blend of art and technology-based skills essential for today’s careers in animation. The program offers both an A.S. degree and certificates. Course content is driven by industry needs in order to provide the student with the best possible preparation for a career in animation or for transfer to an institution of higher learning. This Animation AS Degree provides expertise leading to employment opportunities as junior animators, character designers, storyboard artists, 3D modelers and game designers.     

    This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    ANIM 100Digital Paint and Ink3
    ANIM 101ADrawing - Gesture and Figure3
    ANIM 108Principles of Animation3
    ANIM 110Animal Drawing3
    ANIM 115Storyboarding3
    ANIM 116Character Development1.5
    Required Electives
    Choose one of the following specializations:21-25
    Animation
    ANIM 130
    Introduction to 3D Modeling
    ANIM 132
    Intermediate 3D Modeling
    ANIM 140
    Introduction to 3D Animation
    ANIM 146
    Intermediate 3D Animation
    ANIM 148
    Demo Reel
    ANIM 172
    Motion Graphics, Compositing and Visual Effects
    ANIM 175
    Digital Animation
    Gaming
    ANIM 122
    Introduction to Virtual Reality Design and Technology
    ANIM 130
    Introduction to 3D Modeling
    ANIM 131
    Introduction to Game Design
    ANIM 140
    Introduction to 3D Animation
    ANIM 141
    Game Level Design
    ANIM 148
    Demo Reel
    Choose two courses from the following (6-7 units):
    ANIM 151
    Game Art Development
    ANIM 210
    Building Worlds in Virtual Reality
    CSCI 110
    Fundamentals of Computer Science
    Total Units37.5-41.5

    Animation & Gaming Website 

  • Animation - Junior Animator Level I

    Arts Division
    Certificate E0414

    Level I of a multi-level certificate program provides skills based on the principles of storytelling and animation using both traditional and 3D media.  Students prepare for a junior level creative career in the animation industry by mastering the core skills of drawing, storyboarding, digital art, 2D and 3D animation, 3D modeling, and motion graphics. 

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    ANIM 100Digital Paint and Ink3
    ANIM 101ADrawing - Gesture and Figure3
    ANIM 108Principles of Animation3
    ANIM 115Storyboarding3
    ANIM 116Character Development1.5
    Total Units13.5

    Animation & Gaming Website 

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Steve BurgoonTitle: Department ChairContact: sburgoon@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 13-2457Phone: (909) 274 - 5332