May 02, 2026  
2026-2027 Course Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Course Catalog

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Animation & Rich Media, Illustration for Animation, Certificate

Location(s): West Des Moines



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The Illustration for Animation Certificate focuses on learning traditional illustration skills needed to create 2D animations and visually communicate ideas for the Animation Industry.

Program Details


Location: West Des Moines


Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program spring semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Prior satisfactory completion of ANI 410  .

Program Graduation Requirements


To earn an Illustration for Animation Certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 3


Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete this Certificate: 9 Credits*


*Program entry requirements are not included in total credits required for this program.  

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs




 
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate) 40-80 50-70 50-70
Supplies 50 50 50
Portable Hard Drive 30

 


 
Recommended Software 100 100 100
Computer Recommended 1500-2000

 


 

Note: Financial aid may be used to purchase a computer. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online.

Approximate total cost for the program: $4,055-$4,635**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Use animation and illustrations to communicate messages, stories, and ideas
  • Create illustrations of characters, objects, and environments
  • Create animation sequences using traditional and digital animation techniques
  • Apply The Principles of Animation
  • Observe and draw from life and photo reference
  • Design and construct characters, objects, and environments
  • Participate in group and individual feedback critique sessions

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Have good computer skills.
  • Have an enthusiasm for improving traditional art and drawing skills
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to follow directions, instructions and take direction from supervisors, clients and co-workers
  • Attention to detail, analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to learn new procedures and technical skills quickly and independently.
  • Teamwork, collaboration and the ability to take direction from supervisors, clients and coworkers to improve your work.
  • Manage your time to meet established deadlines, work on multiple projects, and stay within a project budget.
  • Work long hours to complete illustrations, animations, and projects.
  • Desire and discipline to spend whatever time it takes to complete complicated projects.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


Program Competencies


  1. Appraise the process of drawing from life
  2. Interpret character development to determine the illustration needs for effective characters
  3. Evaluate the basic needs and goals of scripts and storyboards
  4. Assess the process of creating a storyboard
  5. Generate drawings for animation
  6. Adopt traditional 2D animation tools and techniques

Nondiscrimination Statement


It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.  

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026)

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