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Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia

Program Description

Just the Facts

Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:



Additional Information

Multimedia programs teach you how to combine art and technology to present text, images and sound in digital form.

"It is a very interesting fusion of art and technology," says Carol Sill. She is the program manager of the new media department at a film school.

This fusion cannot happen without artistic talent or technical training. And a number of schools offer such training.

Technical colleges and universities offer multimedia programs. Some schools may call their programs new media or interactive media. Some programs may last a year or less. Others may be full four-year degree programs.

Courses cover the many different technical and artistic aspects of multimedia designs. You will learn how to edit and encode different kinds of media using different programs and languages.

One course may teach you how to design a website using raw HTML. Another course may teach you how to get the most out of Photoshop. Or you may learn how to animate graphics. You may also learn about art and its various periods and movements.

Many programs also offer internships or require you to gain experience in a professional environment.

You must like to work with computers. You must also have a creative bent. And you need to enjoy solving problems. You must also be willing to do whatever is necessary to finish products on deadline. That may mean working long hours.

"It is a lot of work with a lot of deadlines and a lot of intensity and a lot of reward," says Sill.

Entrance requirements vary. You will likely have to submit a portfolio. IThat's a collection of your work in the field. It may include illustrations, sound and video recordings and websites. Your portfolio could make or break your application.

As for specific high school courses, Sill says students should take courses in art and technology.

Take courses in computer science. Study graphic design and drafting. Learn how to use recording devices like video cameras. "If [students] have any video work, that is really wonderful," says Sill.

Experience in stage design and production is also valuable, says Sill. So is any musical experience.

Also, look for experiences and activities that allow you to solve problems and be part of a team.

"Two of the things employers look for in potential employees are problem-solving skills and the ability to work on a team," says Cathy Flight. She coordinates the multimedia studies program at San Francisco State University.

"Doing anything outside of class that stretches your imagination, gets you to look at things from different perspectives, and which gets you collaborating with other people can you serve you well down the line."

Costs vary, but tend to be on the high side.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Artists and Related Workers

MultiMediator
A resource site about multimedia

Berkeley Multimedia Research Center
It studies and develops multimedia

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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