Several majors help prepare students for careers in multimedia design. From programs that have a marketing focus to majors that prepare students for journalism-centered multimedia positions, there are a lot of options interested students may decide to pursue.
Understanding What Multimedia Design Is
Artists and developers who work in multimedia design represent one of the groups of self-employed workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in one of these fields enjoy median salaries of $72,000 a year. Multimedia design professionals work in a range of industries, from movies and TV to software companies.
Because multimedia design encompasses such a wide variety of positions, there are several options for majors that provide solid foundations for this type of work. Many schools offer degrees that specifically focus on multimedia design, making it easy to take the required courses.
Multimedia Design and Its Focus
Multimedia design involves a broad range of applications from websites to video games. One of the best things for students pursuing these types of programs is the range of career options that will be available post-graduation. Students who earn a degree in one of these programs customarily have a background in two kinds of media, such as animation and website design, or computer graphics and video. For example, many companies that provide web design services require designers with training in more than one aspect of design. There is no shortage of possibilities open with one of these majors.
Animation-Related Degrees
Animation degrees, especially at the bachelor’s level, provide the foundations for students interested in multimedia-related careers. When these programs are part of another concentration, such as fine arts, drawing, painting, and other studio classes may make up a part of the curriculum. Computer programs used in design also play a role in the coursework.
One of the advantages of studying animation is the demand for professionals of this background in many industries. There is always a demand for animators in the movie and TV industry, as well as the gaming industry. Professionals with animation skills also find their talents in demand with website design companies.
Computer Graphics as a Design Focus
Computer graphics are something we encounter every time we watch TV. Even though many people think of computer graphics mostly in the context of special effects used in movies or TV shows, they are also common in news and sports settings. Examples include news tickers, infographics displayed on-screen, and score boxes.
These types of graphics, like many others, are also commonly used on websites. Because computer graphics covers such a broad range, any training in this field will increase a graduate’s odds of finding suitable employment. A background in computer graphics will allow strong skills development to cover multiple types of positions that may be available.
Fine Arts as an Option
Many professionals who work in multimedia design find employment as a result of having a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree. It is common for people to assume that one of these types of degrees relates to studio art alone. However, many of these degrees commonly offer concentrations in multimedia design as an alternative or in addition to studio art.
One of the advantages of studying in the context of a fine arts program is an increased range of possible career opportunities. According to CNBC, many employers requiring professionals for entertainment media prefer prospects with the skill set that graduates in Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs possess. In addition to working in high-demand tech fields, graduates may find chances to work in other settings, such as museums, that can also use their skills.
Courses That Make Up These Programs
The individual courses required as a part of one of these programs may vary depending on the degree level, the college or university itself, and the specific degree concentration. However, all of these programs will include working with specific computer programs used for art and design-related work. These programs range from image editing and manipulation to video editing.
Art-related courses, such as color theory, are beneficial and likely to be a part of the required curriculum. Depending on whether the coursework involves art or science focus, classes might include options that would otherwise be a part of art majors like art history or science courses that would be part of a Bachelor of Science degree, such as physical or natural science electives.
With several majors that students can choose when pursuing a career in multimedia design, prospective students will have excellent chances of finding the perfect degree program.
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