Degree Overview: Associate of Interactive Media Design
Majors Overview July 5, 2013Schools that offer degree programs in interactive media design commonly supplement them with courses in other subject areas, such as web design, game design or graphic design. An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree may be earned by students through various degree programs. Students enrolled in these programs are prepared for entry level jobs in electronic media with a specialization in areas such as design or marketing.
Associate Degree Program in Interactive Media Design
Students enrolled in these degree programs can expect to gain the knowledge and skills they would need to seek entry level jobs with companies that specialize in website design and electronic publication, corporate training developers, advertising companies, and production and multimedia design firms. Coursework typically covers designs of interactive DVDs, development of websites, and production of videos and graphics. Admission criteria usually require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma; while students may benefit from being technical savvy or having aesthetic sense, there is no formal requirement of these qualities.
Program Coursework
Interactive media design associate degree program will provide students with a background in industry-standard software. As part of the curriculum, students will have the opportunity to develop portfolios of their work to show potential employers. There are numerous courses for students to select from that include the following:
•Scripting and programming
•Game design
•Video authoring
•Video production
•Graphic design
•3D modeling
•Interactive design
•Digital imaging
•Typography
•Web design
Career Options
Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required for most positions in media arts and graphic designs, students will often obtain technical positions after completing an associate’s degree program in interactive media design. Students who have earned their associate’s degree can obtain the following entry-level positions:
•Programmer
•Multimedia animator
•Production assistant
•Graphic design technician
Continuing Education Information
Interactive media design associate degree program graduates may opt for continuing education through enrollment in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in interactive media or related fields of study, such as web or graphic design. Foundational liberal arts courses are generally combined in these programs with program-specific courses related to interactive media arts. Students who have earned their bachelor’s degree may decide to further their studies by pursuing a master’s degree program in interactive media or related areas. Coursework includes in-depth practical and theoretical instruction and in most cases, the programs culminate in a written or project-based thesis.
