Earn an Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia
Majors Overview April 7, 2014Individuals who are technically and visually crafty may want to look into an associate’s degree program in Graphic Design and Multimedia; this will prepare them for careers in industries including television, motion picture production, and advertising. Further education will prepare students for creative positions.
Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree Programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia
Students enrolled in computer-intensive associate’s degree programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia are imparted coursework that combines graphic design elements with various multimedia components, including sounds, videos and animations. They are taught graphic design principles that would apply to multiple content delivery channels, such as the Internet, motion pictures, television and print media. Schools offer associate’s degree programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia in different formats, such as an Associate of Science (A.S.) or an Associate of Art (A.A.) degree program.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria in an associate’s degree program in Graphic Design and Multimedia typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students are also required to be able to grasp new technological concepts and have general computer knowledge.
Coursework
Coursework in associate’s degree programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia generally combines classroom lectures and hands-on experience. Students are taught project management skills, problem solving abilities, standard software usage and design fundamentals. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Multimedia production
•Photography
•Web design
•Digital imaging
•2-D illustration
•Drawing and composition
•Graphic design
•Art history
•Video production
Career Choices
Graduates of associate’s degree programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia can pursue entry-level technical careers in the motion picture, television or advertising industries. Those seeking positions involving artistic or creative abilities would require additional training or education. Graduates may seek various career positions such as:
•Graphic designer
•Multimedia animator
•Production technician
•Graphic design assistant
•Multimedia artist
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates who complete an associate’s degree program in Graphic Design and Multimedia can use it as a stepping-stone towards earning a bachelor’s degree in the arts. Some schools allow credits earned to be transferred towards admission to a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Web Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia or a related area. Recruiters for creative positions, such as a graphic designer or artist, usually prefer candidates who hold bachelor’s degrees (<strong><a href=”http://www.bls.gov/” target=”_blank”>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a></strong>). After they complete a bachelor’s degree program, some students may choose to enroll into a master’s degree program in Graphic Design or a related area. Coursework in these programs is devised to hone existing technical and artistic skills, and help develop a portfolio. After they complete one of these programs, students may seek teaching jobs in postsecondary schools, or pursue other professional opportunities.