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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)

Program Overview – Advanced Certificate in 3D Modeling & Animation

  • 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

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

Course Credit Transfer and Degree Requirements for UX/UI & Interaction Design M.S.

Courses Counted Toward the M.S. Degree from the 3D Modeling & Digital Animation Advanced Certificate Program

Required Courses:

None

Elective Courses:

  • UXIN 640
  • UXIN 641
  • UXIN 650

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