3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement

The 3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who are interested in creating animations from computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) environments. With a strong focus on computer-aided design (CAD), the skills attained from this certificate will allow students to create photorealistic virtual walkthroughs of buildings, 3D animations of prototypes, physical product prototypes, industrial simulations, product usage, and testing. This is a hands-on program where skills and experience gained are acquired through real-world exercises. 

This certificate is an excellent option for students looking to supplement an existing CAD skillset. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to enter the workforce as 3D animators, modelers, and renderers or continue their educational pathway to a degree. Students who complete this certificate are qualified to take an industry-recognized certification exam

A total of 15 students are expected to enroll with the potential for annual growth. Completion rates of the 3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement are expected to be 10 to 15 per year with a potential for annual growth.

Cabrillo College is seeking approval from the Chancellor’s Office for a new 3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement in Career Education.  The program is designed to train and educate students to create animations of architecture, prototypes, objects, scenes, environments, simulations, special effects, augmented reality, and lighting. Students who successfully complete this course are qualified to take AutoDesk’s Maya Certification. The need for computer modelers, animators, and renderers has been advocated for by local industry professionals and supported by current, regional labor market research (TOP 0924.00).  The 3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement is aligned with Cabrillo’s mission, master plan, and statewide community college work in Guided Pathways.  Approval of this program will benefit regional and local employers, augment college enrollment, and support non-traditional and underserved minority students in a viable career and academic path. This certificate would give our students the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce or continue their studies in the field. The goal is for certificate completers to be gainfully employed within a year of program completion or to advance to an associate’s degree in Engineering Technology. Working with employers to identify earning potential is promising, with the potential for a starting salary of $47,840-$85,280/year in jobs such as 3D Generalist, Architectural Modeler, Object Modeler, 3D Visualization Artist, Industrial Designer, 3D Renderer, 3D Designer, Digital Sculptor, 3D Environmental Artist, Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Special Effects Artists and Animators, and Commercial and Industrial

Designers.  It is critical to give community college students the educational and professional experience that is necessary to be successful when they continue to higher degrees or certificates.

There are 15 required core units in the engineering technology department along with 3-4 units of electives in the digital media or engineering technology department. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ETECH24	Intro to AutoCAD	3.00	S1
ETECH40	3D Animation	3.00	S1
ETECH43	Intermediate 3D Animation	3.00	S2
ETECH75	BIM and Sustainable Design Strategies	3.00	S1
ETECH130	Intro to Creo and Solidworks	3.00	S2
DM1	Intro to Digital Media	4.00	S2
DM2	Digital Publishing I	4.00	S2
DM4	Digital Graphics	4.00	S2
DM6	Digital Publishing II	4.00	S2
DM72	Fundamentals of 2D Animation	4.00	S2
ETECH41	Advanced AutoCAD	3.00	S2

The 3D Animation and Rendering Certificate of Achievement shares learning goals with the digital media program. These goals include principles of design, visual communication, 3D modeling, visual literacy, and the technological evolution of the animation industry. This certificate is an excellent stepping stone for students seeking immediate employment or higher education. All of the required courses in this program can be applied towards an associate’s degree in engineering technology.

In the SC-Monterey Sub-Region, there are no community colleges that issued awards in the last three years using this TOP code.