Animation certificate header image

Animation Certificate

Commitment
Total estimated tuition: $9,560
Duration: 1.5 - 2 years

Bring your creative ideas to life by using concept development, storytelling, 2D and 3D graphics, and digital tools in Otis Extension’s Animation Certificate Program. Animation can be used across a wide range of applications including broadcast, film, advertising, fine arts, gaming, and visualization.

After completing the program, you will be prepared to begin a career or enhance your skills in the field of animation. Learn from experienced professionals and artists, connect with a network of creatives, and receive career support, including career counseling, career assessment, internship advising, and employer networking opportunities. Ultimately you will create a professional-quality portfolio demonstrating conceptual, design, and technical proficiency for entry-level positions in the animation industry.

What You Will Learn:

  • How to create in-depth stories, characters, environments, visual effects, and animated graphics
  • Art and design fundamentals, including life drawing, composition, color theory, and digital imaging
  • 2D and 3D animation skills
  • How to design and develop characters from start to finish
  • Industry-standard tools, including Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, and more
  • Professional practices relevant to careers in animation and portfolio development

Prospective Student Resources

Program Costs

  • Approximate Course Cost: $531*
  • Total Number of Courses: 18
  • Estimated Total Tuition: $9,560**

*Cost for an online course after certificate tuition discount. Upon submitting the certificate application and fee, students qualify for a 15% tuition discount per course at the time of enrollment.
**Cost after certificate tuition discount. Courses are individually priced. Tuition and course fees are paid at the time of enrollment in each course. Total tuition is not paid in advance or in a lump sum. Additional course fees or materials costs may apply.

Eligibility and Requirements

Students must be 18 years of age to enroll. No portfolio or prior experience is required.

Individuals interested in this certificate program can take up to two courses before committing to the program. Before beginning their third course, students are required to submit a Certificate Program Enrollment Application with a non-refundable $185 application fee.

Students are notified of their certificate application results three times per year according to the following dates:

  • Between 12/14/23 - 2/10/24 for Spring 2024 start
  • Between 4/11/24 - 6/4/24 for Summer 2024 start
  • Between 8/1/24 - 9/21/24 for Fall 2024 start

Click below to apply now!

Computer and Technology Requirements

Note: please refer to each individual course page for additional supplies, materials, and software requirements.

  • Computer with camera and sound capabilities; reliable internet connection
  • A second device with screen such as iPad, tablet, or second computer with working audio, built-in webcam, and microphone
  • Camera (smart phone or DSLR camera) with the ability to transfer files to your computer
  • Hard drive with at least 250 GB of storage
  • Optional: external web camera and USB microphone headset

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Contact Us

Have questions? We're here to help! Call the Otis College Extension team between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Phone: 310-665-6850

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