Study Synchronously Online or On Campus: It's Your Choice
This twelve-credit advanced certificate program provides the candidate with a solid foundation in 3D modeling and the basic principles of 3D animation, including lighting, animation, texturing, 3D environments, props, rigging and character modeling using the most up-to-date version of Autodesk Maya, the curriculum includes tools for Poly modeling, UV mapping, painting custom textures, introduction to NURBS, 3D lighting and camera effects, displacement maps, bump maps, and texture projections. As a final project, candidates create a basic character that is textured, rigged, and animation-ready. As a result, the candidate develops a basic, yet professional, portfolio of work without needing to commit to earning a master’s degree.
The candidate will be able to:
- Understand and apply the basic principles of 3D animation
- Engage in detailed character and movement research
- Prototype a variety of design ideas
- Utilize the basic and mid-level functions of current animation software such as Autodesk Maya
- Learn the principles and techniques of texturing, lighting, rigging, camera movement, and character modeling
- Present animation ideas in group settings
- Present design ideas in group settings
- Enter the Touro masters level animation program with 12 graduate credits
- Compete successfully for entry level animation positions
Semester 1
WMMN 609
Foundation and History of Design
- This course explores the principles and elements
of visual design, including the basic vocabulary of
visual forms, the various materials used in the
field, related technical and computer skills, and
important creative problem-solving strategies. A
variety of creative projects are designed to
challenge students to demonstrate their visual
creative skills, their grasp of visual literacy, and
their growing technical competence. Students
submit their work to class critiques that assess
their cumulative understanding of the concepts
and skills taught.
3 Credits WMMN 641
3D Animation and Modeling I
- In this course, students learn 3D modeling,
lighting, animation, and texturing tools to create
3D environments, props, and models using
Autodesk Maya. The curriculum includes tools for
Poly modeling, UV mapping, painting custom
textures, introduction to NURBS, 3D lighting and
camera effects, displacement maps, bump maps,
and texture projections. Students also learn the
basic principles of 3D object animation. Upon
completion of the course, students create an
original 3D environment with textures, props,
lights, and basic animation that they can
showcase in their final portfolio.
3 Credits WMMN 640
Principles of 2D Animation
- This course explores the modern techniques and
applications of 2D animation, both technological
and artistic. The class begins with simple analysis
and reproduction of observable phenomena from
the standpoint of Newtonian physics and
progresses to developing full character-based
animations, with an eye toward producing
realistic/believable motion and performances.
Because of the focus on drawn animation, the
course reviews the historical development of
frame by frame animation techniques from the
zoetrope, to simple flipbook creation, to full cell
(celluloid) animation. Students work with the most
current industry animation software.
3 Credits WMMN 650
Type in Motion
- This course explores the use of dynamic
typography, FX, and motion graphics. Building on
the rich history of title design, students use
typography as a tool for telling a text-based story
through animated words, supplemented by
graphics, animations, still images and/or video.
3 Credits