Multimedia Arts and Technologies (MAT)
Department website: https://www.sbcc.edu/multimedia/
Multimedia Arts and Technologies (MAT) Overview
The 2 tracks in the Multimedia program aim to blend creativity, technical skills, and interactive design to prepare students for careers in media design, 2D and 3D animation, and game development.
Our classes cultivate innovative creators who integrate artistic vision with technical expertise through a balance between conceptual exploration and hands-on practice. The program empowers students to design compelling visual narratives, produce high-quality digital content, and build immersive, real-time experiences using contemporary tools and game engines such as Unreal Engine. Emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration and industry-relevant workflows, the program prepares graduates to adapt to evolving technologies and contribute meaningfully to the creative industries and digital culture.
Paths towards degrees in MAT
MAT offers 2 tracks: Media Arts and Animation and Gaming. You can work to obtain a Certificate or an Associate's degree in each one of those fields. The combination of our classes give students a strong foundation for entry into the workforce as well as for advanced study at other colleges and universities.
We are also part of an interdisciplinary program, together with the other departments in the Digital Arts Center (DAC), that encourages students to define their own specialization towards careers in Digital Content Creation. This can be achieved as a Certificate or an Associate degree. Many of our level 1 classes are offered as dual enrollment in the high schools in Santa Barbara.
Media Arts track
The program provides a foundation in digital media content, design and development, online communication and interactivity.
We provide a solid foundation in computer graphics, from digital imaging and image creation, to illustration and simple animation, using bitmap and vector-based graphics. We use state of the art and industry standard software in our classes. We offer a temporary Adobe subscription to students currently taking our production classes.
Our intermediate classes will help you develop a sense of timing for Motion Graphics and time-based media. They will give you a foundation in interaction design with both Mouse and Touch events (for computer and mobile design devices).
We will help you understand and make decisions when designing interfaces (UI) and to use good design thinking that focuses on the needs of the user, when ideating, sketching, prototyping and testing interactive projects, to generate good User Experience. Our classes provide you a foundation in Web technologies, exploring the evolution of the web and the current trends in website creation. All classes make emphasis on creating pieces towards a Portfolio and the program culminates in the creation of a personal online portfolio that will help you in the next steps in your career.
Animation and Gaming track
The Animation and Gaming track establishes a foundation in classical animation, character design, and 2D animation, fostering originality and a distinct artistic voice across digital media platforms. Introductory courses emphasize visual storytelling, narrative development, and a critical understanding of aesthetics and representation.
As students progress, they gain comprehensive experience in 3D animation workflows, including modeling, materials, lighting, and rendering, with a focused emphasis on creating assets for game environments. The program also develops proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, widely used in professional animation and entertainment production.
In addition, students explore interactive design through game development, using Unreal Engine as a platform for prototyping and building real-time experiences.
Uses of 3D animation outside the entertainment industry
3D technologies are widely used for visualization in technical, scientific and educational fields. Companies in fields from aerospace to microbiology hire specialists in 3D production.
Game Engines are currently used in Game and Film Production and in Virtual and Augmented Reality. Environmental Design (defining a world with landscape terrains, vegetation, lighting parameters, weather range and whatever elements needed to present a credible environment) is the top-level job in the Entertainment industry right now.
Career Opportunities in MAT
MAT programs prepare students for careers in:
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2D Animation and Character Design
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Motion graphics/motion animation
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3D Animation
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3D Modeling and asset creation
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Environment Design and Game Art
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Game Prototyping
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Interaction Design
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UX/UI design
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App Design
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Web Design/Development
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Social media management
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Media Art Production and Digital Imaging
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Creative technologist
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Digital Illustration
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Digital marketing
Quick facts about employment
Extracted from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Special Effects Artists and Animators, report for 2025-2026. LINK
The median annual wage for special effects artists and animators was $99,800 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,630.
In May 2024, the median annual wages for special effects artists and animators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
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Software Publishers
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Computer Design and related services
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Motion picture and video industry
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Gaming industry
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Advertising, public relations and related services
Employment growth is projected due to demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. Additional special effects artists and animators will likely be required to meet increased demand for these enhanced visual complexities.
Furthermore, continued demand for computer graphics for mobile devices, such as smartphones, is projected to lead to more job opportunities. Special effects artists will be needed to create animation for games and for mobile applications.
However, technological advancements may affect the role of special effects artists and animators. Some routine animation and special effects tasks produced by artificial intelligence (AI) may dampen demand for this occupation.
Associate Degrees
- Animation and Gaming, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Digital Content Creation (AS)
- Media Arts, Associate of Arts (AA)
Certificates of Achievement
- Animation and Gaming, Certificate of Achievement (C)
- Digital Content Creation, Certificate of Achievement (C)
- Media Arts, Certificate of Achievement (C)
Skills Competency Awards
- Media Design and Development, Skills Competency Award (SCA)
- Mobile Media Core, Skills Competency Award (SCA)
- Web Marketing and Media Design, Skills Competency Award (SCA)
Department Award
Multimedia Arts and Technologies (MAT)
MAT 103 Introduction to Multimedia (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Provides a comprehensive look at the concepts and principles of digital media and computer graphics, and the consequences and influences in our current world. Elements of sensorial perception, psychology and narrative regarding media will be explored. Analysis of photography, film, animation, video and gaming, regarding elements of linear and interactive structures including history, aesthetics, and their cultural significance.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area C, SBCCGE Area 3
Transfer Information: CSUGE Area C1, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 105 Survey Of Multimedia Tools (3 Units)
Course Advisories: MAT 103.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Overview of tools and applications used to produce interactive multimedia, including software applications, peripherals and hardware. Major applications for design, photo processing, web design, authoring and video. Evaluation and description of the strengths of each program and potential for integration of production applications.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 109 Informational Graphics for the Web (0.5 Units)
Hours: 9 (9 lecture)
Overview of how to create and publish on the web; informational graphics, with typical office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FileMaker, etc.).
MAT 111A Photoshop for Media Production (1 Unit)
Hours: 36 (9 lecture, 27 lab)
Short class in computer graphics using Adobe Photoshop. Students discover and practice organizing image-content into layers, layer groups and paths, to then export content into different file formats. Students get introduced to production techniques in Animation and media production. The long class in Digital Imaging (MAT 131) is also highly recommended to cover image creation.
MAT 112 Digital Drawing (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Introduction to digital drawing through the powerful art tool Adobe Illustrator. Create vector-based artwork that translates well to other graphic software and media. Create icons, characters, illustrations, interface elements and patterns. Work with type, native 2D shapes, 3D effects and vectorized bitmaps.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 116 Interactive Design I (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Introduction to principles of Interactivity through the production of projects that use animation, interactive storytelling, interface design and responsive maps. Students learn to structure non-linear content and are exposed to principles of user experience, working with a variety of graphic and audio assets.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 118 2-D Animation techniques (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students will develop stronger skills in 2-D digital Animation. We will work with timing, storytelling, audio syncing, stop-motion, rotoscope and matting techniques. We will explore and recognize styles and techniques, incorporate both vector-based and bitmap graphics, and integrate photographic and video material.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 121 Computer Interface Design (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Building Graphic user-interfaces (GUI) through the principles of computer interaction: window, icon, menu and mouse activity. Strategies to organize information on an interactive screen. Case Studies: Computer, Web and Mobile devices/Apps. Behavior, Usability(UX)and basic Prototyping. Good digital graphic-skills required.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 131 Digital Imaging I (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
An introduction to the image processing capabilities of PhotoShop to create and edit images and to prepare images for various media. No prior knowledge of PhotoShop is required. Includes Tools Selection, Channels, Layers, Filters, Text, Brushes, Effects, Masks, Adjustment Layers.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 132 Digital Imaging II (3 Units)
Course Advisories: MAT 131 and 112.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Advanced Photoshop course building on skills presented in MAT 131. Students work on projects that challenge their creativity and technical ability, and develop complex commercial and surreal projects working with image manipulation software.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 134A Classical Animation I (3 Units)
Course Advisories: ART 120.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Basic principles of animation through drawing and other media. Includes analytical understanding and depiction of anatomy, perspective and the movement of things in the real world.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 134B Classical Animation II (3 Units)
Prerequisites: MAT 134A.
Course Advisories: ART 120.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Further study and application of animation principles through drawing, with emphasis on character development, timing, action analysis, and compositing the scene.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 136 Introduction to 3D Animation (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Fundamentals of 3D animation including modeling, animation and rendering. Focuses on computer animation tools and techniques, and builds a solid foundation for developing character animation and special effect sequences.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 137 Visual Effects for Film, Television and Gaming (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Course on visual effects using 3-D and Compositing software to complete the scene production. Utilizing particles, rigid-bodies and soft bodies, students apply techniques for creating natural phenomena, such as waterfalls and blowing leaves. Also explored are methods for simulating physical interactions, such as a chair falling down a staircase.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 138 3-D Character Animation (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Advanced 3-D computer animation course on character animation, including character design, modeling techniques for bodies, heads, hands and feet, skeletal and muscle systems, facial animation and lip-syncing to dialogue.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 139 3-D Lighting And Rendering (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Advanced 3-D computer animation course on the art and science of lighting and rendering. Techniques for creating photo-realistic computer-generated imagery explored, including lighting, shadowing, texture mapping and shader manipulation.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 141 3-D Modeling (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Fundamentals of 3-D modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering. Focus on 3-D modeling tools and techniques. Builds a solid foundation for designing and modeling products, characters, sets and props for animation, product advertisements, movies and video games.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 145 Video Game Design (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Introduction to the design and development of video games. Focuses on the elements that make computer games compelling and the basics of game mechanics and environments to their stories and social experiences. Covers industry workflow from theories and practices to a hands-on AAA game engine. No programming experience is necessary.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 149 Social Media and Online Content Creation (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of creating effective digital content for online platforms. Through integration of a variety of social networking applications, students discover and practice online content creation and discover how networks and communities with shared professional and personal interests develop their work. Through hands-on projects, students create and manage content for platforms, gaining experience in web principles, analytics, optimization, and ethical considerations in digital media.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 153 Web Design I (3 Units)
Course Advisories: Art 140.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students focus on design principles, including: usability, color, layout, fonts, negative space, image quality and placement. Students learn: designing with grids, designing for different screen environments, sizing and optimizing photos. Proficiency in Photoshop required.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 154 Web Design II: Integration (3 Units)
Prerequisites: MAT 153.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students create a web site from scratch using HTML5, CSS3 & jQuery. You will learn how to employ bootstrap, responsive design, custom Wordpress themes, PHP contact forms, and organic Search Engine Optimization. Requires proficiency in Photoshop.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 164 Online and Mobile Marketing (3 Units)
Same as: MKT 164
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Introduction to those components needed to develop effective online and search engine marketing (SEM) strategies. Emerging digital media and mobile advertising campaigns are emphasized. Includes search engine optimization (SEO), paid placement ads, keyword identification, placement strategies, SEM research and management tools, and WAP advertising applications in mobile marketing and video advertising.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 167 3-D Environments Design (3 Units)
Course Advisories: MAT 136, MAT 141, MAT 145.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Introduction to the design and creation of a 3D environment for a game or visualization. Students practice with techniques and workflow towards the creation of 3D assets, and bring them into a modern rendering engine, to create there the Environments or worlds where the project will take place. Students complete a 3D portfolio piece from their own inspiration.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 168 Serious Game Prototyping (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Prototyping games for virtual reality, simulations, education and marketing. Topics include game play, game-based learning, game concept development and game prototyping. Students explore game prototyping through hands-on projects.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 205 Portfolio Development (3 Units)
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Guides students as they develop and refine media pieces towards the personal online portfolio that they will need for job interviews, freelance work and transferring to other institutions. Assignments will help students define their strengths and present their skills through projects in a compelling way, showcasing: animation, motion graphics, interactive prototypes (UI and UX), concept art or character design in accessible online formats. Online presence, resumes, and demo reels are covered.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
MAT 216 Interactive Design II - Simple Games (3 Units)
Prerequisites: MAT 116.
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 lab)
Students further develop skills in interactive production by prototyping projects like simple games and apps. They work on interactive environments to develop portfolio pieces and discover, first hand, about issues in user experience.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
MAT 290 Work Experience In Multimedia (1-4 Units)
Course Advisories: MAT 101, MAT 110.
Hours: 216 (216 lab)
Supervised employment of students with the intent of creating student awareness of work opportunities, assisting them to acquire desirable work habits, and providing them with experiences in multimedia and related industries. Students perform assigned responsibilities as an employee, follow employer's policies, write individual learning objectives, keep a record of time worked, fill out a student data sheet, and secure an employee evaluation. Course restricted to 3 repetitions
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable