Media Entertainment Arts — College of the Canyons
From hand-drawn frames to fully-rigged 3D characters — Canyons Media trains the next generation of animators in traditional techniques, digital tools, and game-ready production pipelines.
Our animation courses span three disciplines — taught in dedicated labs running Maya, Adobe Animate, and the full industry software stack.
Learn the fundamentals that power all animation. Students study the principles of motion, timing, and character performance through drawn and 2D digital methods — including storyboarding and concept art.
Master the pipeline from concept to render. Students work in Maya to build and surface 3D models, rig characters, apply cinematic lighting, and produce portfolio-ready CGI scenes.
Create art and animation built for interactive media. Students design 3D game-ready assets, develop AR/VR experiences, and apply motion design — targeting careers in gaming and emerging media.
About the Program
The Animation Program prepares students for entry-level positions in the animation industry with emphasis on both computer and hand-drawn methods. Degrees are designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Students graduate ready to work in video game design, television, and motion picture production — with skills in traditional drawn animation, character design, storyboarding, 2D computer animation, and 3D computer animation.
Program Learning Outcome
Create portfolio-ready artwork demonstrating mastery of the fundamentals of computer animation and CGI scene creation.
A suggested pathway through the Animation Production AA — sourced from ProgramMapper. Make an appointment with an MEA advisor to build a plan tailored to your schedule and goals.
Total: 60.5–71.3 units (includes general education). Course sequence is one possible pathway from the 2025–2026 catalog. View the full plan on ProgramMapper →
Choose your path — from a transfer-ready AA to a focused certificate that gets you industry-ready in a year.
Associate in Arts Degree
A broad foundation in animation covering both traditional and digital methods — from hand-drawn character design and storyboarding through 2D digital animation and team production. Transfers to four-year animation programs.
View in College CatalogRequired Courses 30.5 credits
Core (required)
OR
Plus one from:
Plus one from:
Plus 6 units from advanced electives:
Capstone (at least 2 units)
Associate in Arts Degree
A 3D-focused degree built around Maya and the CGI pipeline. Students graduate with portfolio-ready work demonstrating mastery of modeling, character animation, and CGI scene creation — ready for careers in film, TV, and game studios.
View in College CatalogRequired Courses 30.5 credits
Core (required)
Plus 3 units from:
Plus 6 units from foundations:
Plus 6 units from advanced:
Capstone
Certificate of Achievement
Focused training in drawn animation and concept art — built for students who want to enter the animation industry quickly or add production skills alongside other coursework.
View in College CatalogAll Required Courses 15 credits
Core (required)
Plus one from:
Plus 6 units from:
Certificate of Achievement
A focused credential designed to prepare students directly for the video game animation industry. Covers the full pipeline from 3D modeling and character animation through game-engine-ready assets and AR/VR development.
View in College CatalogAll Required Courses 24.5 credits
Core (required)
Plus one from:
Certificate of Achievement
A focused credential providing core 2D and 3D computer animation and CGI skills — ideal for students entering the animation industry or building toward the full Computer Animation AA.
View in College CatalogAll Required Courses 18 credits
Core (required)
Plus 6 units from:
Certificate of Specialization
A targeted credential in AR and VR design and development. Students learn to design and deploy XR programs through 3D modeling, character animation, game art creation, and extended reality tools.
View in College CatalogAll Required Courses 12 credits
Core (required)
Whether you want to draw characters, build 3D worlds, or design game assets — there’s a place for you at Canyons Media.
Work on real animation productions and build your portfolio alongside other students. Open to all COC students.
Join NowApply to College of the Canyons and enroll in MEA animation courses. Financial aid and fee waivers are available.
Visit canyons.eduNot sure which program fits your goals? MEA faculty advisors will help you pick the right path from day one.
Contact MEAMEA courses are open to all College of the Canyons students. No prior experience required for most courses — just show up ready to create.
Focused on news? Learn how to earn your AA-T, AA in New Media Journalism, or the News Reporting & Anchoring certificate.
Explore JournalismApply to College of the Canyons and register for MEA courses. Financial aid and enrollment fee waivers are available.
Visit canyons.eduNot sure which courses to take first? MEA faculty advisors can help you map a schedule that fits your goals.
Contact MEA