Graduate Certificate in Digital Creature Animation - Technical Direction

at Sheridan College - Trafalgar Road Campus, Oakville Canada

Writing music for screen and stage today is about teamwork. In this program, you'll collaborate with your peers in our renowned arts programs and bring projects to life with music. You'll compose music for animation, video games and apps, film, TV and musical theatre. No other music composition program offers access to these arts programs or provides the broad skill set clients and employers want.

Broaden your skill set
Composing music for screen and stage means being able to take on multiple roles. In this program, you'll develop a broad skill set. You'll learn orchestration, recording, mixing and editing. Using the latest technology, you'll compose music for several of Sheridan's arts programs, and create a workplace-ready demo reel that showcases your ability to work in a variety of media.

Become the complete package
This program brings music and technology together. Many of our students have either a formal music background or technical experience, but not both. This graduate music certificate builds on your existing skill set, while bridging any gaps in experience you may have. You'll have classes in music composition, as well as the technical aspects of recording, mixing and sound design

In Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program, you'll gain experience with many platforms and environments. Using cutting-edge computer systems technologies (such as Android, iOS and Unity) and industry standards (such as Java, Oracle, C, C# and .NET), you'll learn to create solutions to real-world problems.

Program Highlights

• Software development in Java, Java EE, C, C# and .NET.
• Web technologies and web application development.
• Database technologies and database administration.
• Direct, hands-on instruction.
• A capstone project in your final year where you'll follow industry best practices to design and develop a real-world software solution from start to finish.

Gain valuable, practical experience
During your time at Sheridan, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a co-op placement where you can get paid workplace experience in software development and network engineering. You may be able to earn a high-paying co-op placement, and many of our students are hired by their co-op employers after graduation. You'll need to fill out a separate co-op application and enrolment is limited.

The Sheridan Media Fundamentals program offers foundation curriculum in film, broadcasting, journalism and digital media:-

Gain great skills:-
You'll acquire basic skills and concepts in:

• Web and computer technology
• Sound and camera
• Television and film production
• Media history
• Communications theory
• Visual design
• Radio

Sheridan's Computer Science degree provides a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge, specialized courses and hands-on experience.

Specialize in game engineering, data analytics or cloud computing
Stand out from the crowd by specializing in one of three growing fields of computer science: game engineering, data analytics or cloud computing. You'll be introduced to each of these areas in your first year of studies. Beginning in your second, you'll take eight courses in the area of your choice. Each field requires specific skills not taught in traditional diploma and degree programs.

Build a strong foundation in computer science
Not a computer expert? No problem! You'll begin with the basics in your first year, learning about computer programming, networks, mathematics, scripting and database modelling. More than 80% of our Computer Science degree curriculum consists of core courses designed to develop fundamental skills that will prepare you to work in all areas of computer science, both now and in the future.

Internship, co-op and applied research opportunities
At Sheridan, we believe the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Between your third and fourth year of studies, you can work for our industry partners through a four-month internship or a paid co-op placement that can last up to 16 months. You can also sharpen your research skills by providing computer science support to any of Sheridan's various applied research projects.

Enjoy flexible pathways
It's always good to keep your options open. Our Computer Science degree shares many common core courses with our Mobile Computing degree, making it easy to transfer from one to the other. If you want to change specializations after two years, you'll only need to make up two courses.

Sheridan's Computer Programming diploma program offers highly marketable skills in the field of information technology.

The most up-to-date curriculum

• Sheridan's dedicated professors are constantly working to keep the program current within a rapidly changing industry. A practical applied approach is taken with an emphasis on individual programming skills including the mobile environment, communication skills, problem solving and teamwork.

Mobile computing

• The applied approach is facilitated by an interactive classroom experience each student has their own personal laptop and the most current versions of industry standard computer programming software available through Sheridan. We offer a well-respected computer programming college credential that will give you many workplace options and pathways to further study.

Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Use documented solutions to troubleshoot problems associated with software installation and customization.
  • Develop, test, document, deploy, and maintain secure program code based on specifications.
  • Perform routine maintenance on a database.
  • Apply knowledge of networking concepts to develop, deploy, and maintain program code.
  • Gather and document required information and assist in an analysis of a business.
  • Use relevant methodologies, policies, and standards to develop secure program code.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with clients.
  • Conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.
  • Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Can corporate communications be considered an art form? That's how Sheridan approaches the subject. It's a unique approach among business communications programs, and it produces student work that stands out. The courses in this program feature hands-on, project-based assignments. You'll be working for real-world clients, not just doing classroom exercises.

Hands-on, project-based assignments

• Write persuasive and informative copy for internal and external publications, news releases, conference presentations, speeches and public service announcements.
• Express yourself in a variety of public forums such as media interviews and news conferences.
• Create websites, blogs, podcasts, video content, email blasts and other online communications.

Fast-track to employment
It takes less than a year to earn a Public Relations – Corporate Communications graduate certificate from Sheridan. You'll build a portfolio, get real-world experience and master both practical and theoretical aspects of business communications. You'll spend the last five weeks of the program in an onsite job placement, working with professionals.

Additional information
Sheridan not only emphasizes the critical, analytical and strategic skills prized by employers in corporate communications and public relations, it weaves social media and diversity communications into all aspects of tactical delivery. You'll do more than write catchy prose; you'll learn how to generate buzz, influence attitudes and motivate behaviour.

Sheridan students have taken top honours in the Canadian Public Relations Society's (Hamilton Chapter) Pinnacle Awards for excellence in Public Relations.

Additional skills provided by the program

• Producing internal corporate communications plans and activities — the fastest-growing segment of the industry.
• Preparing strategic plans, crisis responses, media campaigns, fundraising initiatives and other planning documents.
• Developing strategic communication campaigns that integrate all of the above elements.

Computer systems engineers are always in demand with the increasing role of technology in business.

Learn the latest computing technologies

• In this program, you’ll build your skills and knowledge in multiple computing platforms and environments. You’ll learn to apply the latest technologies to solve real-world problems with:
  • iOS and Android application development
  • Java, and Java Frameworks, C#, .NET and .net server development
  • Web technologies and web application development
  • Oracle and SQL server
  • Version control

Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  • Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  • Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
  • Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
  • Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
  • Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
  • Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
  • Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
  • Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that align with industry best practices.
  • Construct an end-to-end information system consistent with client requirements and industry best practice.

Get hands-on experience

• The third year of our systems engineering program features Capstone-Based Learning (CBL), a uniquely Sheridan approach to curriculum delivery. In the Capstone course, you

Turn your diploma into a degree

• After earning your Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma, you can apply to bridge into Year 3 of one of these Sheridan degree programs: Honours Bachelor of Applied Computer Science (Mobile Computing), or Honours Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (Information Systems Security). 

Co-op Option

• Students in this program may apply to the co-op program during their second academic semester. Enrolment in the Co-op program is limited through an additional co-op application process that takes place at the end of the first year. Students in the co-op program are eligible to complete three co-op work terms prior to graduation. The program-specific academic standard required for participation in co-op can be found here: Academic Standards for Co-op and Internship.
• Co-operative Education is a form of work-integrated learning that links classroom learning with paid or unpaid work experience within a professional environment. Co-op work terms are related specifically to the academic studies of each student. The work terms provide an opportunity to learn by doing. You’ll apply theory to practice, develop a meaningful view of the working world, and cultivate an awareness of yourself as a professional.
• Students receive in-class and 1-on-1 career education support to help prepare for the work term. The co-op component is delivered by Sheridan’s Co-operative Education Office, which facilitates over 1,800 Co-op/Internship work terms per year Sheridan-wide. Learn more about Co-operative Education and Internships at Sheridan.

In response to high employer demand, Sheridan has developed Ontario’s first four-year interaction design bachelor’s degree.
A unique, multidisciplinary program
In response to high employer demand, Sheridan has developed Ontario's first four-year interaction design honours bachelor's degree. Our unique, multidisciplinary interaction design program cultivates a big-picture perspective and diverse set of skills, laying a foundation for interaction design careers and fostering entrepreneurship.

What you'll learn:-

• Design theory and process.
• Visual communication and visual culture.
• 2D and 3D design.
• Digital media design and production.
• Physical computing and sensors.
• Programming a variety of devices.
• Business practices and entrepreneurship.

Sheridan now offers a four-year bachelor's degree in game design.
A program incorporating material from multiple disciplines
To complement core game design courses, you'll study:

• Game design and mechanics
• Level design
• Programming and technology
• Game narrative and audio
• 2D and 3D art and animation
• Professional development and project management

Professors with industry experience:-
As a world-renowned leader in digital media and animation, Sheridan is uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of game designers. Our professors' expertise, technology savvy, and industry experience offer students an unmatched foundation for careers in the game design industry.

Sheridan’s Bachelor of Animation program is designed to prepare you for a wide variety of employment opportunities within the dynamic and ever-growing field of animation. In our Animation degree program, you’ll learn from industry professionals, using the same techniques and tools that you'll eventually need in the workplace. Using state-of-the-art software and hardware, you’ll create your own stories, designs, characters and layouts, and produce your own films.

Sheridan’s animation program emphasizes classical principles of animation in a variety of forms, including 2D digital, 3D and stop motion. You’ll learn the art of storyboarding and hone your life drawing, layout and digital painting skills. Working collaboratively or individually on productions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all aspects of animation filmmaking.

After Year 3, you’ll gain professional experience during a three-month work placement. And at our annual Industry Day, employers will fly in from across North America to meet you, see your work and conduct interviews.