Completion of the Animation Certificate develops knowledge and essential skills in 2D and 3D Animation. Multi-disciplinary courses prepare students for the pursuit of academic and professional opportunities in Motion Graphics, 2D and 3D Design and Animation, Art, Illustration and Visualization.

Previous design or art experience is welcome, but not required to explore 2D and 3D Animation. Credits can also apply to associate degrees in Visual Communication and Design.

Program contact: Learn more

This certificate will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the certificate, please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.

Learn more about how certificate credits apply to the related degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

  1. Listen and understand complex ideas, present and communicate visually, verbally and in writing to colleagues and clients.
  2. Work independently or as an organized member of a production team to meet client requirements on time and within budget.
  3. Demonstrate professional work ethics and a passion for lifelong learning and networking.
  4. Design a concept, strategy, and storyboard to visualize a product or message to reach the target audience that meets the production schedule and budget.
  5. Use appropriate hardware, software, and resources to create high-quality animation in a production environment.
  6. Composite and edit production elements to deploy a final product that meets client and distribution requirements.
  7. Use design elements and the principles of animation as well as technical skills to create an appealing animation.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredit Hours
ART-1050 Drawing I 3
VC-1000 Visual Communication Foundation 3
VCIL-1640 3D Design 3
Select one of the folllowing: 3
Digital Imaging I
Vector Graphics
 Credit Hours12
Second Semester
VCIL-2040 3D Motion 3
Select one of the following: 3
Illustration for Story
Typography I
Select one of the following: 3
2D Animation
2D Animation
Select one of the following: 3
Individual Projects
Portfolio Preparation
 Credit Hours12
 Total Credit Hours24

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.