About Animation

Animation is the discipline of creating the illusion of movement on screen for entertainment or informational purposes and has applications in film, television, gaming and app design.

Narrative animation has a rich history dating back to the earliest days of motion pictures on film and continues today with modern digital tools.
The Digital Animation emphasis consists of two certificates: Digital Art Foundation and Digital Animation. The program combines the study of animation, art, graphics, narrative structure and storyboarding using tools and techniques for digital animation. This course of study provides students with the foundational skills for entry-level positions in digital animation and gaming or transfer to a four-year program.

Explore Potential Careers

Studying Animation can lead to a variety of different jobs or career paths. Below are just some of the many options you will have!

  • Animator
  • Storyboard artist
  • Character designer
  • Layout artist
  • Motion graphics artist

Program Options 

Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish. 

Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals. 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Required Courses 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 100 Orientation to Visual Media Design 1  
VMD 105 Visual Media Digital Skills 3  
VMD 112 Design Drawing Techniques 1.50  
VMD 150 Illustrator I 3 Prerequisite: VMD 105
VMD 154 Photoshop I 3 Prerequisite: VMD 105
ART 130A Basic Drawing 3 Advise: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ART 125A

Total Units: 14.50 

Choose One of the Following Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 101 Design Fundamentals 3  
ART 125A Basic Design 3 Advise: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ART 130A

Total Units: 3

Choose One of the Following Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 118 Color in Design 3  
ART 126 Color 3  

Total Units: 3

Overall Total Units: 20.50 

 

View Requirements in College Catalog

Required Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 166 Storytelling/Storyboarding 3 Prerequisite: VMD 101/DSGN 101/PHOT 100 and VMD 105
VMD 162A 2D Animation I 3 Prerequisite: VMD 101/DSGN 101/PHOT 100/ART 125A and VMD 105
VMD 190 Portfolio Preparation 3 Prerequisite: VMD 101/DSGN 101/PHOT 100/ART 125A and VMD 105
VMD 194B Internship/Work Experience II 2 Prerequisite: Completion of Digital Art Foundation Certificate

Total Units: 11 

Choose One of the Following Required Advanced Animation Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 162B 2D Animation II 3 Prerequisite: VMD 162A
VMD 164 3D Animation 3  

Total Units: 3

Choose One of the Following Required Drawing Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
ART 130B Intermediate Drawing 3 Prerequisite: ART 130A
ART 132A Beginning Figure Drawing 3 Prerequisite: ART 130A

Total Units: 3

Choose One of the Following Courses

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
VMD 168 Visual Development for Animation 3 Prerequisite: VMD 105 and ART 130A
ART 136A Introduction to Illustration 3 Advise: ART 125A and ART 130A

Total Units: 3

Overall Total Units: 20.00

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Animation programs at the following institutions: 

  • San Jose State University
  • Cal State Fullerton
  • California College of the Arts

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.