Digital Filmmaking: Animation Principles I (Technical Certificate)
Award: Technical Certificate
Program of Study: Digital Filmmaking
Specialization: Animation Principles I
Program Code: 1152
About This Program . . .
Animation Principles I delves into the art of traditional animation and the animation production process providing students with a solid animation foundation. The curriculum is designed to foster experiential learning and project-based results, equipping students with practical skills. By focusing on foundational and traditional animation techniques, students gain a comprehensive understanding of animation theory and application. This robust foundation serves as a springboard for careers in traditional animation, 3D animation, video game design, social media, and augmented reality design, instilling a sense of readiness and confidence in our students.
Animation Principles I offers students the theory and mechanics of traditional animation. Through principled animation and drawing exercises, students learn kinetic drawing, dynamic gesticulation, solid design, and the 12 principles of animation. This prepares them for fully rendered animation projects. A distinguishing factor of the program is that all animation is conceived digitally, using industry-standard software. This ensures that students are learning with the best tools, giving them a competitive edge in the industry.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit CMU Tech's Programs of Study page.
All CMU/CMU Tech technical certificate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, communication fluency, and critical thinking. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Develop foundational communication skills for film production, including listening, verbal, written, and electronic communication, essential for entry-level positions in production companies or freelance work. (Communication Fluency)
- Develop basic research and application skills relevant to production careers, focusing on gathering and using information effectively. (Critical Thinking, Information Literacy)\
- Develop fundamental skill sets required for entry-level positions in film and video production, covering basic techniques and procedures. (Specialized Knowledge)
- Define essential animation and video terminology, symbols, and principles to articulate the industry's basic practices.\ (Specialized Knowledge)
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity.
Institutional Certificate Requirements
The following institutional requirements apply to all CMU or CMU Tech Technical Certificates. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
- Consists of 100-200 level courses.
- At least fifty percent of the credit hours must be taken at CMU/CMU Tech.
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/CMU Tech coursework.
- A grade lower than “C” will not be counted toward meeting the requirements.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed twenty-five percent of the semester credit hours required for a technical certificate.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Certificate Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and certificate requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Program Specific Certificate Requirements
(12 Semester Hours)
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FILM 114 | Introduction to Animation I | 3 |
| FILM 115 | Cinema Design Tools | 3 |
| FILM 124 | Drawing for Animation | 3 |
| FILM 134 | Storyboarding | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
| FILM 114 | Introduction to Animation I | 3 |
| FILM 115 | Cinema Design Tools | 3 |
| FILM 124 | Drawing for Animation | 3 |
| FILM 134 | Storyboarding | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a certificate. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and discussing the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended certificate.
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a certificate and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their certificate requirements (for one-semester certificates, complete in the first week of class):
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found on the Graduation web page.
If a student's petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to apply for graduation in a subsequent semester. A student's “Intent to Graduate” does not automatically move to a later graduation date.