Online Graduate Certificate in Animation Essentials

If you’re looking to break into the design field or enhance your current skill set, this program offers an ideal starting point. NJIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Animation Essentials provides the fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience needed to create compelling animations for film, games, advertising, and beyond. Take your passion for animation to the next level and apply today!

Why Choose NJIT for Your Animation Essentials Certificate?

You’ll be connected with industry-experienced faculty, cutting-edge technology, and a curriculum designed to reflect the real-world needs of today’s animation and visual effects industries. Request information to learn more! Here’s what you can expect when you enroll:

• Training from award-winning faculty with industry experience
• A flexible curriculum designed for working professionals and career changers
• A pathway to further graduate studies or professional advancement

Program Overview

• Total credits: 12
• Completion time: 1 – 4 semesters
• Format: Online only
• Core Curriculum
• Program start dates
• Financial aid options

The animation essentials graduate certificate is a fully online animation program that focuses on foundational animation techniques, industry-standard tools, and storytelling principles. Courses cover 2D animation courses, 3D animation courses, motion graphics, character development, stop motion animation courses, storyboarding, character rigging, keyframe animation, and visual effects, equipping students with the technical and creative skills required for success in the industry. You’ll also gain insight into animation pre-production, animatics workflows, digital compositing, scene layout and staging in animation, and professional animation pipeline workflows, all essential components of professional animation pipelines. Ready to bring your animations to life? Apply now to start your journey in the animation essentials graduate certificate program.

Stack Your Certificate Toward a Master's

The animation essentials graduate certificate is fully stackable, meaning all credits earned can be applied toward NJIT's fully online Master of Science in Digital Design. This gives you the flexibility to continue your studies seamlessly and earn a full master's degree while building on the skills you've already gained. Only one graduate certificate, such as Animation Essentials, can be double-counted toward NJIT’s Master of Science in Digital Design.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for:

• Professionals looking to transition into animation, motion graphics, or courses for VFX
• Artists and designers who want to expand their digital skill set
• Recent graduates seeking specialized training in animation fundamentals
• Educators and professionals in related fields who want to integrate animation into their work

Skills You’ll Gain

By completing this program, you’ll develop:

• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, and Blender through comprehensive animation software training
• Strong understanding of animation fundamentals, including timing and spacing, squash and stretch, and visual storytelling techniques for animators
• Hands-on experience with both 2D animation courses and 3D animation courses, including frame-by-frame animation and keyframe animation
• The ability to create professional-quality motion graphics and visual effects using digital compositing and rendering and compositing for animation techniques
• Experience with color theory and lighting for animation, background design for animated films, and scene layout and staging in animation
• A portfolio showcasing your animation work for career advancement

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the animation essentials graduate certificate program can pursue careers in a variety of industries, including:

• Film and television animation
• Interactive technology and special effects
• Video game design
• Motion graphics for advertising and marketing
• Virtual reality and augmented reality development
• Web and multimedia design

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Online Graduate Certificate in Animation Essentials  at NJIT, refer to:

• Application checklist
• Portfolio submission
• Dates and deadlines
• Graduate FAQs

Prospective applicants are encouraged to schedule a virtual portfolio review for personalized feedback prior to submitting their application.

Why the Animation Essentials Certificate Matters Today

This certificate prepares you to enter or advance in this dynamic field with confidence and serves as a pathway to master-level training. If you’re searching for the best animation online courses, NJIT’s program delivers high-quality training from experts in the field, covering both technical skills and creative concepts such as visual storytelling, timing and spacing, and animation pre-production. The demand for skilled animators continues to rise across industries, from entertainment to digital marketing. With the increasing need for engaging visual content, motion graphics, and immersive experiences, animation professionals are in high demand. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need any prior experience?
  
  Yes. Applicants must have a prior undergraduate or graduate degree in design, digital media, or a related creative discipline. If you do not meet this requirement, you must first complete the Digital Arts Essentials graduate certificate. This prerequisite ensures all students have the necessary visual literacy, design principles, and digital tool familiarity needed to succeed in the Master of Science in Digital Design program.

• Is a portfolio required to apply for this certificate?
  
  Yes. As per NASAD standards, applicants must submit a portfolio or undergo an equivalent evaluation to demonstrate creative potential and readiness for study in art and design.

• How long will it take to complete the certificate?
  
  Most online animation essentials certificates can be completed in 11-15 weeks. The exact time will vary depending on the program and how much time you dedicate each week, as well as the semester you are enrolled in.

See additional Graduate FAQs here.

Get Started — Apply Today

Take the first step toward a creative and rewarding career in animation. Apply today or request more information to learn how NJIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Animation Essentials can help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re interested in online cartoon drawing classes, animation classes for beginners, or want to learn keyframe animation techniques online, this program offers a comprehensive path to success!

Next Steps

• Apply Now – Begin your application today.
• Request More Information – Speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about the program.
• Explore Financial Aid Options – Discover scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.