Digital Media and Animation (AAS)

Application Code: 
5606
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Description: 

The emerging field of computer imaging and animation is impacting virtually every industry and profession. The digital media and animation program provides students with a broad range of technical, creative, and problem solving skills to facilitate their search for a baccalaureate program or employment in new media and animation. At the core of the program is a four-semester sequence of studio courses that enhance individual artistic creativity and provide instruction in the traditional arts and industry standard computer graphics software.

Students are required to enter a minimum of two film festivals to meet graduation requirements.

An Apple MacBook Pro laptop is required for students entering the digital media and animation program. 

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

Required: Math A (algebra)

Features & Facilities: 

Provides the broad skills necessary for employment in the computer graphic art, design, and animation fields. Industry standard computer animation software is used to develop computer art on high-end workstations.

Career Opportunities: 
  • Computer Art
  • Education
  • Interactive Media
  • Computer Animation
  • Fine Art
Typical Semester Layout: 

Digital Media and Animation students generally take three major-specific courses and two or three academic courses per semester (21-24 hours in-class time each week). Students usually attend one morning class, have a lunch break, and then take two afternoon classes.

First Semester credits
CIAT 1403 Computer Animation I 3
CIAT 1413 Foundations: Form/Space 3
CIAT 1423 Intro to Visual Communication 3
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
CIAT 1333 Survey of Anim & Vis Effects 3
      15
Second Semester credits
CIAT 2403 Computer Animation II 3
FNAT 2423 3D Design/Color 3
FNAT 2433 Figure and Motion 3
FNAT 1313 Art History 3
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature 3
MATH xxx3 Math Elective 3
      18
Third Semester credits
CIAT 3403 Computer Animation III 3
CIAT 3203 Interactive Authoring 3
LITR
2813
Introduction to Film 3
COMP 3703 Technical Writing I 3
  xxx3 Gen Ed/Natural Sciences Elective 3
      15
Fourth Semester credits
CIAT 4414 Computer Animation IV 4
CIAT 4423 Production Development 3
SPCH
1083
Speech 3
FNAT
3513
Art History II 3
SOCI
1163
General Sociology 3
  xxx3
Gen Ed/American History 3
      19

Entry level of student into math and composition/literature sequences is a function of student's high school preparation and mathematics and English placement examinations.

Minimum of "C" is required for CIAT 1403, CIAT 2403, CIAT 3403, and CIAT 4414.

Also required - One unit of Physical Education.

Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Survey Details200520062007
Receiving Degrees 19 11 8
Responding to Survey 16(84%) 9(82%) 3(38%)
Employed 3(19%) -- --
Employed in Field 1(33%) -- --
Transfered 12(75%) 8(89%) 3(100%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment 1(6%) -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- 1(11%)
--
Salary Information
NACE Annual Average Salary Survey Data
(2003-04 survey for associate degree program;
2007-08 for baccalaureate degree program)
$26,700
DOL Annual Mean Salary
(2007 survey for those employed in this career path)
$61,010