Ready to bring stories to life through motion and design? Join our Animation program and build a creative career in film, video, games, and digital media.
This program prepares you to create professional-quality animations and motion graphics used in films, TV shows, video games, commercials, and online content. You’ll gain hands-on experience developing 2D and 3D animated assets while learning how to convey mood, emotion, character, and story. With a strong focus on industry-standard software and production workflows, you’ll build the technical and creative skills needed to succeed in animation and motion graphics roles.
Through practical training and real-world projects, you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio that meets industry standards. You’ll strengthen your written and verbal communication skills, learn how to present creative ideas clearly, and gain experience working both independently and as part of a collaborative production team. Apply today and start creating animations that move audiences.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage and Job Outlook information for this program are available at Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Animators and motion graphic artists are needed to work on video games, movie and television special effects, and interactive media. They are also needed to work on 3D animated movies. In addition, growth will occur due to an increasing need for computer graphics in the growing number of mobile technologies. Occupational titles include animator, motion graphics artist, special effects designer, effects artists, digital artist, media designer, media artist, 3D designer, 3D artist, 3D animator, and concept artist.
Accreditation and Affiliations
Hennepin Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2003, HTC became a member of the HLC Academic Quality Improvement Program.
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission provides assurance to the public, in particular to prospective students, that an organization has been found to meet the agency’s clearly stated requirements and criteria and that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will continue to meet them.
IDVP students have collaborated with the following:
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Minnesota Department of Corrections
- The Anoka County Historical Society
- CenterPoint Energy
- The University of Minnesota Raptor Center
- Pillsbury
- Achieve Services Inc.
- Soulvation musical group
- Orchard House Musical group
- Michael Shynes musical artist
- Hydro Engineering
- The Friends of Wasioja
- Can-Do Canines
- Maple Grove DARE Program
- KARE 11
- Opportunity Partners
- Rotary Club of Fridley
- North Memorial Hospital
Articulations
- Humboldt High School
- Wayzata High School
Industry Partners
The IDVP Advisory Board is composed of members representing a diverse cross-section of industry. Board members work for agencies, post-production houses, corporations, e-Learning companies, television stations, and more.
- John McHugh (Chair) CTV Coordinator – City of St. Louis Park
- Bob French Interactive Media Producer -Master Communications Group
- Josh Udvig CTN Studios – Coon Rapids
- Justin Tholl Editor, Colle + McVoy
- Tim Moore IDVP Adjunct Faculty and College Lab Assistant
- Harrison Reeder Urban Mountain Media
- Todd Randall Kare 11
- Kassy Langum Director/ Producer at Standby Productions
- Ken Chang Creative Monkey in Stealth Mode at A. J. monkey
- Matt Givand Group Creative Director at BI Worldwide
- Sam Henderson Producer – Everfire Group
- Steve Ferkingstad Technology Integration Consultant at ADP Dealer Services
- Rich Oxley IDVP Faculty
- John McCaffrey IDVP Faculty
- Shawn Crossen

