Once you have mastered character development, you will learn 3D animation. This program is designed for aspiring game animators who have a passion for creating complex virtual 3D landscapes, create models, design levels, assign character actions, develop customizable skins, and create lighting and shadow effects.

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FEATURES

This nationally recognized exciting 3ds max online certification training course will teach students how to use both 3ds max and Character Studio to design, develop, and animate 3D video game characters. This program includes an internship opportunity for an additional fee. Internships are either three or six months and are performed remotely from your current location. This on-line program is only offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

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TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. Character Development
1. Introduction to Game Development
2. Basic Concepts and Navigation of User Interface
3. 3ds max Workflow
4. Naming Conventions
5. Working with Objects
6. Basic Modeling
7. Materials and Maps
8. Basic Animation
9. Character and Object Animation
10. Rendering and Post Production
11. Maxscript
12. The Design Document
13. Creating the Object Design Document
14. Modeling From the Design Document
15. Creating the Geometry
16. Optimizing the Model
17. Texturing the Model
18. Animating your Character


2. Character Animation
1. Drawing and Using 2D Splines and Shapes
2. Working with Meshes and Polys
3. Creating Patches
4. Building Compound Objects
5. Creating and Controlling Particle Systems
6. Working with Trackview
7. Using Space Warps
8. Restricting Movements with Constraints
9. Animating with Controllers
10. Using Expressions
11. Working with Bones and Skin
12. Creating and Using Inverse Kinematics
13. Environments and Atmospheric Effects
14. Render Elements and Effects
15. Raytracing

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CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

A 70% or better must be achieved in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objective of 3ds max certificate program is:

• To facilitate your professional growth into the world of video game development as a Character Developer.
• To equip the student with the technical knowledge and skills vital for success in vocational endeavors.
• To facilitate your professional growth into the world of video game development as an Animator.
• To equip the student with the technical knowledge and skills vital for success in vocational and/or avocational endeavors.

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PDF BROCHURE

Please click here to download the PDF brochure for the Gatlin online courses offered by OCPE.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Software and application knowledge: Windows, FTP, Files and Folders, E-mail, Chat, Windows Media, PowerPoint Skill-Sets: Students should have basic PC skills, knowledge of computers, and a better than average understanding of the Internet.

Audience: By earning any kind of technical certification, you demonstrate commitment and acknowledge your desire to work with and to learn multiple technologies.

If your friends won't compete with you anymore, and you hold the record for solving brain teasers or consistently have the highest scores in console games, this is the program for you.

If beating your own high scores has no challenge and you want more, this program is for you.

If being on an industry recognized, award winning team building video games is where you want to be, please give serious consideration to this program.

The ever-growing, evolving video game industry, your employer, clients, and peers will recognize your Certification, your credential as a symbol of the skills and knowledge you've gained through experience. The certification clearly and strongly demonstrates that you are a technical leader with the ability to successfully implement video game solutions for your organization.

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Jason Hill has done many things in the animation field and is a part-time George Mason University, OCPE, Gatlin instructor. He has taught 3D animation in two separate places, The Experience Music Project and The Center School in Seattle. He has also been part of a team that tests the functionality of Direct Music. He has modeled, textured and animated 3D models of mechanical and electrical components created from 2D AutoCad Diagrams using 3d studio max, MAXscript, Combustion (discreet) and Anark Studio.

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1. How do I register for a Gatlin online course?

Please contact our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA) or call 703-993-2113. Click here for more information or to download a copy of the registration form.

2. How much do Gatlin online courses cost?

To view the prices for all Gatlin courses that are offered by George Mason University, please click here.

3. Why do I have to take Gatlin courses through a participating school?

Gatlin does not offer courses directly to the public. They partner with major colleges and universities to offer their programs.

4. Do I have to travel to register for or to attend a Gatlin online course?

All Gatlin courses are delivered entirely online, you do not have to go to a class or travel to a school. If you are unable to visit our office on the Fairfax campus in Northern Virginia (NOVA), please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here for more information or to register for a course.

5. How long does it take to complete a Gatlin course?

All of our Gatlin courses are asynchronous. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. Most courses are designed to be completed within 180 days. You may request an extension if you think you will need more time to complete a course (fees may apply). Please contact us at 703-993-2113 or click here if you have any questions or if you would like to register for a course.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?

Please refer to the green Included Materials box located on the upper right hand side of this page. If materials are included in this course, they will be shipped by Gatlin to you via UPS ground service after you have registered for a course.

7. Can I get financial aid for Gatlin courses?

Gatlin courses are non-credit and therefore are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. However there are a number of loan programs that can be used to fund your course. Click here to view a list of these options or call 703-993-2113 for more information. Gatlin also provides a loan opportunity for students (www.collegeloanapplication.com).

8. What happens when I complete the course?

If you obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater in a course, we will award you a George Mason University certificate of completion.

9. Who will be my instructor?

Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (by e-mail) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. Facilitators are all successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

10. What are the system requirements in order to take an online course?

Please see the "PC requirements" section listed for individual courses.

11. When can I start the course?

Registrations are rolling. Please send us your registration form at the time you wish to start your course. Registrations take five to seven business days to process.

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