Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Media Communications+

GEA University of San Marco – Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Media Communications +

Concentration in Film Studies and Animation

Category: Media Communications

Faculty: Media Communications

Location: Fully Online

Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

Total Credits: 60 Semester Credit Hours


Program Overview

The Associate in Arts in Media Communications with a core in Film Studies and Animation provides foundational academic and creative training for careers in media arts. This Florida-approved A.A. degree prepares students for university transfer or entry-level media production, storytelling, and animation roles across digital platforms.

Program Objectives

Graduates will:

  • Understand fundamental principles of media, communication, and visual storytelling
  • Analyze film and animation from cultural, aesthetic, and technical perspectives
  • Apply introductory techniques in animation, editing, and film production
  • Transfer seamlessly to bachelor’s programs in media, film, or communication

General Education Requirements (36 Credits)

  • ENC 1101 – English Composition I (3): Develops academic writing skills with an emphasis on structure, clarity, and argumentation.
  • ENC 1102 – English Composition II (3): Expands on ENC 1101 with a focus on research writing and critical analysis.
  • MAC 1105 – College Algebra (3): Covers algebraic functions and their applications, supporting analytical thinking.
  • PHI 2010 – Introduction to Philosophy (3): Introduces major philosophical themes and methods of logical inquiry.
  • HUM 2020 – Introduction to Humanities (3): Surveys cultural, literary, and artistic expressions through human history.
  • BSC 1005 – General Biology (3): Provides foundational biological knowledge, emphasizing relevance to daily life.
  • REL 2300 – World Religions (3): Explores global religious traditions and their cultural impacts.
  • SPC 1608 – Public Speaking (3): Develops oral communication and presentation skills.
  • PSY 2012 – General Psychology (3): Introduces psychological theories and human behavior.
  • ECO 2013 – Principles of Macroeconomics (3): Examines large-scale economic principles and government policy.
  • STA 2023 – Statistical Methods (3): Introduces statistical reasoning and data analysis techniques.
  • MUL 2010 – Music Appreciation (3): Enhances listening skills and understanding of music genres and history.

Media Core Courses (24 Credits)

  • DIG 2000 – Introduction to Digital Media (3): Introduces the foundational tools, techniques, and concepts of digital media production. Students explore media theory, interactivity, digital storytelling, and software used in the creation of digital art, web content, and multimedia. This course sets the groundwork for further study in animation, video, and digital arts.
  • FIL 2000 – Introduction to Film Studies (3): Examines cinema as an art form and cultural product.
  • DIG 2109 – Introduction to 2D Animation (3): Covers principles and tools for creating frame-by-frame and vector-based animations.
  • DIG 2110 – Fundamentals of 3D Animation (3): Introduces 3D modeling, rigging, and basic animation workflows.
  • FIL 2432 – Film Analysis and Criticism (3): Teaches techniques for critiquing film aesthetics, genres, and themes.
  • COM 2300 – Media Writing and Visual Storytelling (3): Develops skills in scripting, storyboarding, and narrative design for screen media.
  • DIG 2205 – Digital Video Editing (3): Focuses on post-production workflows using industry-standard software.
  • DIG 2280 – Portfolio Development for Media Artists (3): Guides students in curating a professional portfolio for academic or career advancement.

Transfer and Career Pathways

This program meets the Florida Department of Education guidelines for A.A. transfer to:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Communication, or Film
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation or Digital Arts
  • Entry-level media roles (editorial assistant, junior animator, digital content creator)

Accreditation and Recognition

This A.A. program adheres to the Florida Common Prerequisite Manual and the Statewide Articulation Agreement, ensuring transfer to Florida’s public universities. Its animation and film focus draws curriculum inspiration from international art colleges.