Animation - Formerly Motion Graphics - Major #8514

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This program provides skill development in motion graphics, basic design, 2-D and 3-D animation using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and others. Use of Blender, Adobe Animate, and Adobe After Effects software are featured.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate competency in communications techniques and visual design theory through the use of application specific software and hardware.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1

12 units

GRC 24A
Intro 2-D Animation with Adobe Animate

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
This course features the design and production of interactive two-dimensional animation projects using Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:

    GRC 31
    Photoshop for Design

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
    This course features Adobe Photoshop with an emphasis on graphic design. Units include production for print, web, and digital media applications. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:

      GRC 34
      Introduction to 3-D Animation

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
      This course introduces 3-D animation using Blender software. Projects work centers around workflow, interface, layouts, objects, lighting, animation, and rendering. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:

        GRC 41
        Visual Communications

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
        This is a survey course centering around the significant techniques and examples of visual communication as employed by the mass media, including newspapers, magazines, television, and advertising. Discussion and demonstration of the tools used in analyzing visual communication creation and analysis of images for print, web, and video is included. (A, CSU, UC)
        Course Details:

          Term 2

          7 units

          GRC 47
          Introduction to Media Appreciation

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
          This course deals with fundamental principles of media and competencies for digital artists and designers. (A, CSU, UC)
          Course Details:

            GRC 51
            Storyboarding

            1 unit
            Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
            This course involves pre-visualization for animation, video, web, and game production. Introduction to media-specific storyboarding processes and techniques. (A, CSU)
            Course Details:

              GRC 53
              Adobe After Effects

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
              This is an introduction to motion graphics and video post-processing using Adobe After Effects. Projects incorporate a series of techniques used to create special effects videos. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:
                Total: 19 units