Degree Overview: Associate of Multimedia
Majors Overview August 6, 2013In this article, you will learn about the associate degree programs in multimedia, as well as receive information on continuing education and possible career opportunities to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Multimedia
Production-based coursework in an associate degree programs in multimedia studies combines the disciplines of technology, communication, design and art. Students are taught the application of these concepts at every stage of media production, including, planning, storyboard writing, editing and final release or publication, in the process combining sound, graphics, text and visuals.
Graduates are expected to have the skills needed to produce original web, video and print content for various media, business and entertainment clients. A portfolio component is included in most degree programs, and a cooperative work or internship component involving clients and businesses is also often included to improve the employment prospects of students. Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Art (A.A.) degrees are awarded through multimedia programs offered at schools. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Since associate degree program in multimedia helps students develop hands-on technical design and production skills, much of the coursework is geared toward creating multimedia products for online, video, and print delivery. In addition to gaining a theoretical understanding of media concepts and mass communications, students take courses in:
•Ethics for media communications
•Multimedia editing
•Illustration and animation
•Computer graphics
•Digital communication and arts
•Web design
•Audio and video production
•Visual and graphic design
Career Options
With an associate’s degree in multimedia arts, design, or communications, graduates will be prepared for a wide range of entry-level technology and creative-based careers. Self-employed or freelance work may appeal to some graduates of multimedia degree programs, while others may choose to work for web design companies, animation studios, multimedia production companies, electronic and print media outlets, television stations, design firms, or other private corporations with multimedia production needs. Individuals may obtain the following job titles:
•Web designer
•Graphic artist
•Illustrator
•Animator
•Media editor
Continuing Education Information
A wide array of careers is open to associate degree holders in the video, art, graphic design and multimedia industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An associate degree may suffice to get contract-based, independent or freelance work, or to get jobs with some employers, provided a strong portfolio has been developed by an individual who has built up a network of business contacts and showcased his or her competency by garnering work experience. Additional undergraduate education in communications or media may be pursued by some media professionals to improve their job prospects.
Bachelor’s degrees are held by 8 out of 10 graphic designers, 6 out of 10 multimedia artists, and half of all film and video editors (source: www.onetonline.org). Multimedia professionals need to pursue continued education to stay abreast of advances in the field including improvements and updates to web-based media, electronic media formats, and digital technology.
