Degree Overview: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree in Interactive Media
Majors Overview February 4, 2015Those looking to apply their artistic skills to modern technology and improve on their talents should look into Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs specializing in interactive media. Students will be taught techniques to create interactive programs with graphic art programs, digital design interfaces, and the Web.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree Programs in Interactive Media
Students enrolled in an interactive media degree program are likely to be involved in hands-on design projects that would help them create a professional portfolio. Students can expect to become adept in programming languages such as HTML, scripting, Java, and Flash.
Studies in computer technology, graphic design, and fine arts are integrated in the coursework of most programs, with studio lessons in animation, illustration, and drawing.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Submission of an art portfolio, in addition to an application may be required of students enrolled in some programs.
Coursework
Students enrolled in the B.F.A. degree program in Interactive Media have to complete at least 120 semester hours, which usually spans four years. The curriculum may also include general education classes, including liberal arts courses that would include history, English, science, and math. Coursework emphasizes the creation of digital art, in addition to studio work and may include these topic areas:
•3-D animation
•Web publishing
•Web design
•2-D animation
•Multimedia authoring
•Desktop publishing
•World art
•Visual Basic programming
•Mass communication
•Computers
Career Choices
Those that successfully complete the degree program can seek work in various organizations, such as media companies, advertising agencies, digital gaming companies, and graphic design studios, and may choose from job titles such as:
•Digital game developer
•Computer artist
•Graphic artist
•Animator
•Interactive designer
•Special effects artist
•Website designer
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 6% has been predicted for multimedia artists and animators over the 2012 – 2022 decade, while growth rates of 7% and 20% are expected for graphic designers and web developers, respectively (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, multimedia artists and animators banked an average annual wage of $61,370, while graphic designers earned $44,150, and web developers took home $62,500.
Continuing Education Choices
More career opportunities and an improved portfolio could result from earning an advanced degree. Bachelor’s degree graduates can opt for continuing education by earning a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Interactive Media, which would help them further their career opportunities and improve their portfolio as well as allow them to seek teaching jobs.
Alternatively, they can pursue graduate degree programs in digital animation, computer art, or web design, among other related fields.
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