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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)

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:

  1. Understand and apply the basic principles of 3D animation
  2. Engage in detailed character and movement research
  3. Prototype a variety of design ideas
  4. Utilize the basic and mid-level functions of current animation software such as Autodesk Maya
  5. Learn the principles and techniques of texturing, lighting, rigging, camera movement, and character modeling
  6. Present animation ideas in group settings
  7. Present design ideas in group settings
  8. Enter the Touro masters level animation program with 12 graduate credits
  9. Compete successfully for entry level animation positions

Semester 1

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

Semester 2

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 that count towards the UX/UI & Interaction Design Masters of Science Degree:

None

Elective Courses that count toward the UX/UI & Interaction Design Masters of Science Degree:

UXIN 640, UXIN 641, UXIN 650

Note:

Touro’s M.S. in UX/UI & Interaction Design Program consists of 7 core required courses and 4 electives for a total of 11 courses or 33 credits for graduation. Students who complete the 3D Modeling and Digital Animation Advanced Certificate Program will have a 6‐year time limit to apply for the UX/UI Master’s Programs after certificate completion. Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate Program, students will have to take 7 additional required core courses and 1 elective to finish their master’s degree. That would be a total of 8 additional courses, with the possibility of preparatory courses added based on their background and transcript review. A full listing of all required courses can be found here. It is expected that these courses will be taken over two semesters for each Advanced Certificate Program, with two courses taken during the first semester and two courses taken during the second semester. If students want to enroll in more than one Advanced Certificate Program, they will be able to replace UXIN 609, since they have already taken the course, with an elective course.