3D Modeling and Digital Animation Advanced Certificate

Study Synchronously Online or On Campus: It's Your Choice
(F-1 students are not eligible for Advanced Certificate programs)

Twelve‑credit advanced certificate program focused on 3D modeling and animation
Builds a strong foundation in:
- 3D modeling fundamentals
- Lighting and texturing
- Animation principles
- 3D environments and props
- Character modeling and rigging
Uses the latest version of Autodesk Maya as the core software tool
Curriculum includes training in:
- Polygon modeling (Poly modeling)
- UV mapping and custom texture painting
- Introduction to NURBS modeling
- Displacement and bump maps
- 3D lighting and camera effects
- Texture projections
Final project: creation of a basic, fully rigged, textured, and animation‑ready 3D character
Develops a basic yet professional 3D design portfolio
No master’s degree required for enrollment or program completion

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

UXIN 609 Foundations 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
UXIN 641 Principles of 3D Animation and Modeling: 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

UXIN 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 re-production of observable phenomena from the standpoint of Newtonian physics and will progress 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
UXIN 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

Required Courses:

None

Elective Courses:

Note:

The M.S. in UX/UI & Interaction Design program requires a total of 11 courses (33 credits) for graduation:
- 7 core required courses
- 4 elective courses
Students who complete the 3D Modeling & Digital Animation Advanced Certificate Program have up to 6 years to apply for the M.S. program
Upon entering the M.S. program after certificate completion, students must complete:
- 7 additional required core courses
- 1 elective course
Total: 8 additional courses to finish the degree
Depending on prior academic background and transcript review, preparatory courses may be required
Courses in the Advanced Certificate Program are typically taken over two semesters:
- Two courses in the first semester
- Two courses in the second semester
Students enrolled in more than one Advanced Certificate Program may replace UXIN 609 (if already completed) with an elective course
A full listing of all required courses for the M.S. degree can be found here