AssociateRecommended

Associate of Animation

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, United States
2 years
English
On campus
Associate

About the program

Two-year diploma in drawing, Design and traditional and digital character animation.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Demonstrate concepts and methods in Animation to solve relevant problems. Develop competence in Four semesters of life drawing
Animation principles. Present findings clearly and consider professional or research ethics.

Career outcomes

2D or 3D animator
Storyboard artist
Layout artist
Character designer
Visual effects animator
Creature animator
Game artist

Curriculum

Four semesters of life drawing
Animation principles
Layout and design
Character design and storyboarding
With animation history and communication in year one
And a demo reel production course and career strategy in year two. Graduation needs a 60% average.

Entry requirements

Academic

High school completion or equivalent; transcripts of the last school attended (US school transcripts must show a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher); personal essay of 500 words on major
degree and transfer plans; sponsor bank statement; proof of English proficiency; age 18 or older (16-17 with guardian conditions). Source: https://www.smc.edu/admission-aid/apply/international-students/submit-documents.php

Accepted academic background

High school completion or equivalent (transcripts of last school attended; US school transcripts must show cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher); personal essay 500 words (major, degree and/or transfer plans); sponsor bank statement; 18 or older (16-17 with conditions)

Language tests

IELTS 5.0
TOEFL iBT 45
Duolingo 75
PTE Academic 39
Cambridge CAE/CPE grade C
IELTS Academic 5

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts
Passport Copy
English Language Test Results
Financial Evidence

How to apply

Review the program entry criteria and relevant intake. Prepare academic transcripts and the supporting documents specified for this qualification. Submit the institution application and any required English proficiency evidence. Pay the application fee when applicable. Follow the admissions team instructions and await the decision.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$11,789 USD
Application fee	$75 USD
Deposit	_

Program details

Campus	Santa Monica College (campus within SMC not stated in the catalog)
Faculty or school	Arts Media and Entertainment
Department	Animation
Teaching language	English
Credit value	60
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	1 year
Scholarship note	Foundation and other scholarship opportunities exist for eligible students; requirements differ for international applicants.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
January 2027
Apply by
15 Nov 2026
1 day left
Program starts
February 2027
Apply by
5 Jan 2027
52 days left
Program starts
June 2027
Apply by
15 May 2027
182 days left
Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 2 years.