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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Associate of Applied Science

Location

Greeley Campus

Loveland Campus

Credits

60

Tuition*

In-District

$5,773

In-State

$8,800

WUE

$12,850

Out-of-State

$29,938

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

AnimationCertificates

Certificate programs give you the chance to explore a subject and build marketable skills in less time than it takes to complete a degree program. Aims offers three animation certificates and each takes two semesters to complete.

You can also use these certificate programs as a springboard to begin an animation associate degree program at Aims.

Learn the fundamentals of animation with state-of-the-art software used in the industry. Gain skills in 2D and 3D animation, including storyboarding, character design, creating backgrounds and tweening.

Basic Animation Certificate

Learn the basics of 2D and 3D animation. Master storyboarding techniques, tweening, character drawing and design and animate scenes using advanced techniques seen in movies and video games.

In-district high school students can earn this certificate in two semesters and receive dual high school and college credit.

Row Groupings	Certificate Requirements:	Credits
required	MGD 1019 - Maya I Introduces students to Maya, a high-end character animation tool. Emphasis is on building models of various types. Students learn setting up and animating scenes for render in movie format. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1042 - Digital Animatics Introduces the steps followed by professional animators and game designers for producing media in a digital environment. Students learn the foundational skills of planning, organizing, storyboards, and pre-visualization techniques necessary to create animated stories. Students will also study the history of animation and game design. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1052 - 2D Animation Production Presents the fundamental principles and applications of traditional 2D character animation. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of the depth of skill and abilities required to create 2D animation. Students compare/contrast 2D skills application toward the creation of 3D animation and develop the fundamental skills of character animation such as pencil testing and evaluation, ink and paint production and compositing. Students produce a finished piece of original animation, highlighting the skills acquired in class. Course is not repeatable for credit. Course Prerequisites MGD 1042 with a grade of "C" or better, may be taken concurrently	3
required	MGD 2019 - Maya II Explores in-depth Maya.s animation techniques. Also, the student will be exposed to rigging characters for animation. Course is not repeatable for credit. Course Prerequisites MGD 1019 with a grade of "C" or better	3

Total Credits for Certificate		12

Animation Certificate

Learn to produce 2D animations and 3D models and animations using industry standard software. Learn 2D animation techniques like tweening and keyframing and develop 3D models, set lights and animate scenes.

Row Groupings	Certificate Requirements	Credits
required	MGD 1011 - Adobe Photoshop I Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1012 - Adobe Illustrator I Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1019 - Maya I Introduces students to Maya, a high-end character animation tool. Emphasis is on building models of various types. Students learn setting up and animating scenes for render in movie format. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1042 - Digital Animatics Introduces the steps followed by professional animators and game designers for producing media in a digital environment. Students learn the foundational skills of planning, organizing, storyboards, and pre-visualization techniques necessary to create animated stories. Students will also study the history of animation and game design. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1052 - 2D Animation Production Presents the fundamental principles and applications of traditional 2D character animation. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of the depth of skill and abilities required to create 2D animation. Students compare/contrast 2D skills application toward the creation of 3D animation and develop the fundamental skills of character animation such as pencil testing and evaluation, ink and paint production and compositing. Students produce a finished piece of original animation, highlighting the skills acquired in class. Course is not repeatable for credit. Course Prerequisites MGD 1042 with a grade of "C" or better, may be taken concurrently	3
required	MGD 2019 - Maya II Explores in-depth Maya.s animation techniques. Also, the student will be exposed to rigging characters for animation. Course is not repeatable for credit. Course Prerequisites MGD 1019 with a grade of "C" or better	3

Total Credits for Certificate		18

Graphics, Web and Motion Certificate

Learn various foundational skills that support the work animators do, including digital effects, sound design, sculpting for digital media and motion graphic design. All course credits for this two-semester certificate can apply toward the two-year animation degree program at Aims.

Row Groupings	Certificate Requirements	Credits
required	CWB 1010 - Introduction to Web Authoring Explores the complete set of web authoring skills using HTML and/or other languages. The course covers links, backgrounds, controlling text and graphic placement, tables, image maps and forms. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1011 - Adobe Photoshop I Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos. Course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1012 - Adobe Illustrator I Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. Course competencies and outline follow those set by the Adobe certified Associate exam in Visual Communication using Adobe Illustrator. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1022 - Sculpting for Digital Media Introduces students to conceptualization of surface coloration, painting and manipulation of 3D objects and environments. Students will construct sculptures using organic, inorganic, abstract, and realistic subject matter. Operating a 3D scanner, students will digitize a sculpture and bring the electronic file into a computer animation application for manipulation. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1043 - Motion Graphic Design I: (Software) Explores the creation of animation and dynamic media for web and multimedia applications, conforming to professional standards. Emphasizes the manipulation of time-based media using key-frames, tweens and other technologies related to the specific software being utilized. Also examines the use of scripts to trigger timeline events and create basic interactive behavior. Course is repeatable for credit under different titles.	3
required	MGD 1063 - Sound Design I Explores the use of sound in multimedia production and audio storytelling. Students examine the principles of recording. Classes focus on how sound can enhance interactive productions and improve computer presentations. Students learn how to use the computer as a full audio editing studio. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3
required	MGD 1065 - After Effects I Provides the fundamental techniques for creating digital motion graphics such as 2D animations, animated logos, video graphics, etc. Classes cover relevant tools and techniques as well as industry standards, delivery methods and output. Course is not repeatable for credit.	3

Total Credits for Certificate		21
Total Credits for Certificate	All courses offered in this certificate matriculate into our Animation A.A.S. degree.