Animation, A.S.

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:   Associate in Science
HEGIS Code:           5012
SUNY Code:            11683
Major Code:            ANI

The Career

The associate in science in Animation is designed as a transfer program in the rapidly growing field of animation, including the areas of video game design, feature film production, television production, independent short-film production, advertising, as well as visualization in industry, medical fields and law enforcement. Emphasis is placed on creative avenues for communication, solid foundational art skills and digital implementation. Industry-standard, cutting-edge technology is introduced within the historical framework of accepted principles of animation and cinematography.

The Animation program at Niagara County Community College has a liberal arts framework with targeted attention given to: 

• Traditional foundational art skills
• Fluency in critiquing and discussing the traditional visual arts as well as animation
• An understanding of animation software and digital equipment related to the field
• Creative and innovative storytelling strategies and techniques
• Classroom and workplace etiquette
• Emphasis on the importance of life-long learning
• Confident problem-solving and researching abilities

The NCCC Approach

Focus is placed on the traditional principles of animation, as first devised by Disney Animation Studios. Students will bridge the traditional with the digital in their two-dimensional (2D) animation courses as well as their three-dimensional (3D) courses. Students will learn how to transfer their traditional animation skills to the computer, using the latest cutting-edge 2D- and 3D-computer animation software, equipment and hardware. As the student becomes more sophisticated, so will the challenges laid out in progressive projects and courses.  

Admission

Students admitted fall, spring and summer.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of Niagara County Community College’s Animation program is to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for transfer to an accredited baccalaureate animation program while also introducing them to animation studio culture.  Offering an A.S. in Animation is in keeping with this mission and furthers the NCCC commitment to providing a teaching and learning environment dedicated to excellence. 

Program Goals and Objectives 

• To prepare graduates for transfer into baccalaureate programs in animation
• To assure that graduates meet seven of the ten SUNY General Education goals with 30 credits

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Animation program, the student will: 

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of basic principles, concepts, tools, techniques, procedures, and technologies sufficient to produce animation art from concept to a finished product that communicates ideas and/or stories to a viewer or to an audience. This includes, but is not limited to the ability to use the competencies listed in items listed below in professional contexts as appropriate to the needs of specific projects.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of animation, including its visual, spatial, sound, motion and temporal elements and features, and how these elements are combined in the development of animation art.
• Demonstrate a functional understanding of and ability to use narrative, non-narrative and other information/language structures (linear, non-linear, thematic, cinematic, interactive, etc.) to organize content in time-based media.
• Demonstrate the ability to use concepts and processes for the development, coordination and completion of animation art (examples include, but are not limited to concept, visual and character development; the use of scenarios and personas; and storyboarding, flowcharting and layout).
• Demonstrate a functional understanding and ability to use the characteristics and capabilities of various animation methods and technologies in creative and project development contexts (examples include, but are not limited to stop motion, traditional animation, 2D digital, 3D digital, etc.).
• Demonstrate a functional knowledge of the history of animation, its artistic and technological evolution and an understanding of basic aesthetic and critical theory.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and communicate with all members of teams at multiple stages of animation project development and in associated production processes (examples may include, but are not limited to work with background artists, layout artists, title artists, lighters, riggers, production managers, writers, technicians, etc.).