2026-2027 Course Catalog
Animation & Rich Media, Introduction to Animation & Rich Media, Certificate
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Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
The Introduction to Animation & Rich Media Certificate explores the exciting and challenging field of animation and motion graphics while focusing on both the creative and technical aspects of the industry.
Students will receive hands-on instruction using current industry software, and study the fundamentals of traditional, digital, and 3D artwork creation.
Strong software training gives students the technical skills needed to complete animation and illustration projects.
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Location: West Des Moines
Students may start this program Fall semester
Program Graduation Requirements
To earn an Animation Rich Media Certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 14 Credits
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | | Books (approximate) | 45-60 | 50-70 | | Supplies | 30 | 30 | | External Hard Drive | 100-200 | | | PC Computer | 1500-2000 | | | Recommended Software | 20-30 | 20-30 | 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: $4,806-$5,460 What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Use animation to communicate messages, stories, and ideas to others
- Create digital characters, objects, and environments
- Create quality assets for film, television, video games, and more.
- Plan, budget and produce animation projects
- Edit, finish and render animation projects
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Have good computer 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 software 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 on a computer using specialized design software.
- Desire and discipline to spend whatever time it takes to complete complicated projects.
What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
- Provide a foundation toward career options within the animation industry.
- Constantly evolving industry requires motivation and lifelong learning to stay up-to-date with technology.
Related Job Title: Multimedia Artist and Animator Entry Level: $21,841 Median Salary: $33,596 Experienced: $54,783 - 70,530 Sources: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-5 Program Competencies
- Evaluate the Principles of Design, Composition, and Motion to communicate effective visuals
- Organize rich media and animation industry research
- Construct living forms from basic, geometric shapes
- Judge movement by drawing for motion and animation
- Create vector shapes and paths in Adobe Illustrator
- Generate a digital illustration in Photoshop
- Create 3D objects
- Compare the Traditional Animation Process to the computer 3D process
- Appraise the process of drawing from life
- Interpret character development and determine the illustration needs for effective characters
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) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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