College of the Canyons is now offering a new Video Game Animation certificate program that is designed to prepare students to enter the booming video game industry. The certificate program is two-year course of study that will aim to provide students with the necessary skills needed in traditional animation and training in modern technology.

“At the moment the outlook is bright,” says Sheila Sofian, the chair of the college’s Animation department. “The advisory committee for the college’s animation program recommended creating a video game certification,” stressed Sofian, “to fill the current needs of the animation industry.”

Among the eleven courses required to receive certification, the first class is an introduction to the principles of animation, laws of motion, timing, and the analysis and production of a short animated narrative video.

Other courses included in the curriculum are an introduction to 3D Computer Animation in Maya Software, and a course that allows students to prepare a professional portfolio of their work.

Evening classes are available for students who work during the day but are interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Upon completing the program, students can be awarded either an associate of arts     degree in animation, production or computer animation, or a certificate in animation production or computer animation, all of which transfer to four- year universities with a major in animation.

The video game animation industry has become a massive part of global media and is highly competitive, but this new certification program is intended to equip students with the skills needed to excel despite the competitive nature of the field.

Sofian says, “The video game animation industry is becoming extremely profitable, and companies are desperately recruiting.” Sofian pointed out that for students who already love to play video games and who are interested in animation, this is a great starting point. 

For more information visit the College of the Canyons website at www.canyons.edu, or call (661) 362-5039.