Multimedia refers to the use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. With the rapid development and increased affordability of software and hardware technology for computers, multimedia is now commonplace. Graphics and multimedia have become part of our everyday experiences in learning, teaching, shopping, travel, movies, business presentations, and much more.
Multimedia artists and graphic designers work on how messages and information are visually presented to an audience. They translate ideas into visual messages for print and electronic media. According to the U. S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers held about 228,000 jobs in 2004, and employment is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. However, the best opportunities will go to people with formal education in graphic design and multimedia, and relevant experience.
Till some time ago, most people in multimedia and graphics design held a general computer degree. However, there are now plenty of specialized multimedia degree courses available. Several institutes offer graphic design and multimedia online degree courses. Examples are Capella University, Kaplan University, The Art Institute Online, and Westwood College Online. An online multimedia degree offers the added advantage of learning at your convenience. Some institutes, for example the ITT Technical Institute, offer a multimedia degree with an IT programming slant, that includes courses on GUI, animation design theory, and programming aspects of multimedia.
The goal of a degree in multimedia is to prepare students to perform tasks related to creation and design of interactive media products. In a bachelor’s degree program, through classroom and laboratory experiences, students are given a foundational core in information technology, including courses in software scripting, multimedia languages, database development, human-computer interface, network architecture, and so on. Apart from that, students may also undergo courses in drawing, painting, digital art, art history, photography, web site design, commercial graphics creation, etc. Additionally, courses to develop skills in critical thinking, logical ability, problem- solving, and general management are also part of such degree programs. However, shorter associate and certificate degree programs usually focus solely on the technical skills.
Graduates holding an online degree in graphic design and multimedia get employed with firms in advertising and public relations, web content, film production, etc., in positions such as production artists, graphic designers, web page designers, and multimedia designers. A number of multimedia and graphic designers also work with engineering, scientific and technical, and management consulting companies. Several also freelance or are self-employed. Average annual salaries for multimedia and graphic design professionals are more than $38,000, per BLS reports.
Graphic design and multimedia is a rapidly growing industry. An online graphic design degree can be the tool that could give your résumé the edge you need in the face of keen competition. If you have a creative streak, and the ability to quickly learn new technologies and use them to create newer and more exciting content, go get multimedia degree online today!
For more information Multimedia and Graphic Design visit www.keydegree.com
|
Furl
del.icio.us
Technorati
BlinkList
Digg
Google
StumbleUpon
My Yahoo