The Animation program at College of DuPage is for students who want to create 3D animations, motion graphics or traditional hand-drawn animation. Learn the techniques for creating a variety of animation types and computer generated imagery and have the opportunity to learn cartoon drawing, character design, modeling, stop-motion production, storyboard development and motion graphics. Students will also produce a number of lively animated shorts, as well as a final portfolio film.
The Animation degree is a cross-disciplinary effort between several programs including Motion/Picture Television. The program is designed to prepare students interested in animation or motion graphics for gaming, film or television.
Determine Your Path
First-time students should begin their studies with the following MPTV courses: Introduction to Animation (MPTV 1311), Drawing I (ART 1101) and Editing for Motion Pictures and Television (MPTV 1020). Advanced students should take Three Dimensional Animation I (MPTV 2331), Life Drawing I (ART 2201 and Animation Portfolio (MPTV 2342).
For over 15 years, the Motion Picture/Television program at College of DuPage has been educating and training students in videography, television, animation and documentary filmmaking.
As an MPTV student, you'll find:
- Passionate faculty with award-winning national production credits including Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount and Universal with degrees from top MPTV programs.
- Smaller class sizes with hands-on learning.
- State-of-the-art film and television studio with multi-camera control room, lighting grid, chroma-key screen, green room and more.
- Computer labs with the latest professional, cross-platform software.
- Audio studios with computers, professional software, mixers and professional microphones.
- Individual computer editing suites for advanced students.
- Professional HD/SD digital video cameras and extensive support equipment.
- Internship and employment opportunities with a broad range of employers in Chicago and the suburbs.
- Articulated transfer programs with several prestigious institutions.
Animation, Associate in Applied Science
The Animation, Associate in Applied Science degree program specializes in preparing students for employment and/or transfer in the field of animation.
Animation
Students who earn an Animation certificate can be beneficial for those seeking a career in advertising, public relations and other related fields.
COD Stories
"COD creates an environment that sets its students up for success, and it’s the best option financially. There’s no pressure to always know exactly what you want. At COD, people get a chance to explore and get to know themselves, what they want and what they’re good at." - Bayan Jarad
Bayan's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD is a place where formerly cynical teenagers can hit the brakes and not only explore the notion of doing something with their lives, but develop passions that had been self-restrained and bubbling under the surface for years." - Bob Blevins
Bob's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I continue coming back to COD because it is up-to-date with the latest software, computers, technology and equipment. I also like the teacher-to-student ratio in the classroom. The instructors are always available to advise and help each student.” - Stephanie Boesso
Stephanie's COD StoryCOD Stories
“With my previous character design and illustration knowledge, animation came as easy as breathing, give or take a sore wrist from time to time. COD was the closest college that had animation courses. It had many good reviews on how well the campus and teaching were compared to the cost, and that was really what sold me.”
Kendrick's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in animation is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Animation Degree and Certificate
During the Associate in Applied Science degree program, students will also work toward fulfilling COD’s general education student learning outcomes.
- Plan production using pre-production techniques and materials.
- Recognize technical and aesthetic elements of directing, screenwriting, camera operation, editing, and sound, which mark specific film works, styles, or periods.
- Produce video and audio for the post-production phase of a project.
- Apply principles used in historical works to production.
- Learn how to write for different digital media formats.
- Assemble video and audio to completion of film/video projects.
- Create a unified visual design for a project.
- Prepare students for an entry level position in areas of study.
- Apply visual design rules to techniques used in project creation.
- Construct a portfolio.
- Demonstrate ability to present demo reel to prospective employer.
- Learn research skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in animation techniques.
- Apply creative solutions to design problems.
College of DuPage has several motion picture/television transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
COD Animation Graduate Brings Pinocchio to Life in Oscar-Nominated Film
Hear how COD alumnus Bob Blevins used stop-motion animation to translate the mechanics of movement into a scene that appears near the beginning of “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.”
Career Information
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