Find top universities offering computer animation programs in the Sacramento, CA, area. Explore public and private schools in the region and their respective certificate and undergraduate programs.

Whether you are seeking a certificate or associate’s degree, the Sacramento, CA, area offers many opportunities for computer animation students. This article presents critical information about three local institutions, including program names, length, tuition, school size, and more.

What You Need to Know

You can find computer animation certificate and associate degree programs at community colleges in the Sacramento area. These programs are usually focused on the broader areas of design, art, graphic communication and new media, and some include a concentration in 3-D animation. Certificate programs can take between a year and four semesters, and you might study game design, character animation, special effects and 3-D modeling. Some programs come with opportunities to complete a portfolio project and gain experience through an internship.

Most associate degree programs related to computer animation take two years and include some work experience through an internship. In addition to taking courses in 3-D animation, you may study graphic design, Web design, digital imaging and illustration. Programs often include projects that you can use in your work portfolio. Read on to explore Sacramento’s computer animation degree programs.

Top Colleges with Computer Animation Certificate Programs near Sacramento, CA

American River College

American River College is part of the Los Rios Community College District. Through the 3-D animation certificate program, you can learn fundamental skills in the digital media and fine arts field. The program consists of 43.5-46.5 credit hours and includes courses in 3-D character modeling and rigging, 3-D character animation, digital 3-D modeling, figure drawing and special effects. You can also gain practical experience by participating in an internship and portfolio project. By completing the program, you can prepare for careers in areas such as the broadcast, film, gaming and Web design industries.

• Program Name: Art New Media Certificate
• Field of Study: 3-D animation
• Program Length: four semesters
• Tuition and Fees: $1,104 per academic year for in-state residents, $8,712 for out-of-state residents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: high school diploma, complete assessment
• Requirements: at least 18 years of age, complete orientation
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 31,366 undergraduates

Sacramento City College

Sacramento City College is also part of the Los Rios Community College District. The college has campus locations in Sacramento, West Sacramento and Davis, CA. The Graphic Communication Department offers computer animation courses through its 3-D animation and modeling and its game design certificate program. You’ll complete a total of 12 credit hours for the 3-D animation and modeling program and a total of 21 credit hours for the game design program. Both programs offer courses in 3-D modeling and rigging as well as computer animation. To earn your certificate of achievement, you must achieve at least a C average in all coursework.

• Program Name: 3-D Animation and Modeling Certificate of Achievement, Game Design Certificate of Achievement
• Program Length: one year
• Tuition and Fees: $1,104 per academic year for in-state residents, $8,712 for out-of-state residents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: complete assessment
• Requirements: at least 18 years of age, complete orientation
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 21,379 undergraduates

Top Colleges with Computer Animation Degree Programs near Sacramento, CA

American River College

At American River College, prospective animators can enroll in the art new media associate’s degree program to prepare for career opportunities. The program emphasizes study in 3-D animation, digital illustration, graphic design and Web design. The coursework offered blends traditional art principles and new-media technology. Your studies will consist of 60 credit hours that include lecture, lab and online coursework. You’ll also spend about 54 lab hours working on your graduation portfolio and up to 240 lab hours completing an internship program.

• Program Name: Associate of Arts in Art New Media
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,104 per academic year for in-state residents, $8,712 for out-of-state residents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: high school diploma, complete assessment
• Requirements: at least 18 years of age, complete orientation
• School Type: 2-years, public; about 31,366 undergraduates

Sacramento City College

The graphic communication degree program at Sacramento City College is designed for entry-level employment or transfer to a 4-year degree program. Successful completion of this program can prepare you for employment in animation, graphic design, game design and publication studios. You’ll spend at least 30 credit hours taking courses such as introductory 3-D modeling and rigging, digital imaging and illustration, advanced computer animation, interactive design and motion design. To prepare for a professional career, you’ll also complete 48 hours of work experience.

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Graphic Communication
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,104 per academic year for in-state residents, $8,712 for out-of-state residents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: complete assessment
• Requirements: at least 18 years of age, complete orientation
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 21,379 undergraduates

Sierra College

The Sierra College campus in Rocklin, CA, is located about 23 miles from Sacramento. You can prepare for an entry-level career in animation by enrolling in the applied art and design associate’s program with a concentration in multimedia. Courses offered that can help develop your skills in this field include 3-D modeling, computer graphic illustration, digital imaging, figure drawing and Web animation. You can also gain more experience by participating in an advanced digital imaging project, independent study or internship. To graduate from the program, you must earn a grade of C or better with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Program Name: Associate of Art/Associate of Science in Applied Art and Design
• Field of Study: Multimedia
• Program Length: two years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,144 per academic year for in-state residents, $6,214 for out-of-state residents (costs as of 2018-2019)
• Requirements: submit official transcripts, complete assessment and online orientation
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 18,314 undergraduates

With the information acquired in this article, prospective computer animation students are ready to pursue either a certificate or associate’s degree.