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Individuals interested in pursuing a career in digital arts, graphic design and multimedia can attend a multimedia university or multimedia schools online or offline. Multimedia classes and degree programs give students the chance to work with the latest technologies while developing their creativity skills in creative design, visual arts and visual communication. A number of schools offer different types of multimedia training programs where students complete both hands-on and classroom courses and develop technical competencies for a rapidly growing field.
Types of Multimedia Training Programs
A multimedia education covers a wide range of courses in fields such as web design, digital audio and video production, 3-D modeling and even animation. Students who successfully complete multimedia classes and a multimedia degree at the bachelor's or master's level can pursue several attractive career paths in an emerging field.
Multimedia training programs give students the advanced skills and training they need to work in a high-tech, highly dynamic work environment and industry, and use various programming application and tools to produce graphic arts, presentations and 3D images amongst others.
Schools that offer multimedia training programs may require students to complete multimedia classes in the following key areas:
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Visual design
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2D animation
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Interactive design
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Motion graphics
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3D animation
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Special effects
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3D modeling
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Interface design
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Interactive design
Getting a Multimedia Degree
In order to complete a multimedia degree at the bachelors or master's degree level, the student may be required to take both general education courses and specialized courses that help them build a digital portfolio and develop strong 2D and 3D techniques and abilities.
Multimedia schools may offer several types of bachelors and masters degree programs in fields of:
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Digital design and animation
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Information technology and web development
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Computer animation
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Graphic design
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Multimedia and visual communications
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Media arts and animation
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Web design and multimedia
Some multimedia schools offer online programs where students can complete an accredited program that includes all the basic courses and training in special software such s 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver. In most cases, the student will be eligible for a discount on software programs so that they can work through training modules and other assignments at their own pace, at home. Many multimedia schools that offer online programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Students may also consider completing an online certificate. Online design certificate programs give students the basic knowledge and training they need to pursue jobs in the field of digital arts, web design, graphic design and marketing if they have completed a degree program in another field. Online design certificate programs available form a multimedia university or multimedia college include:
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Web Design Certificate
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Digital Arts Certificate
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Multimedia Certificate
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Graphic Design Certificate
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Business Marketing Design Certificate
Skills Developed at a Multimedia College
Completing courses at a multimedia college gives students a chance develop the specialized skills they need to be successful in a growing industry. Many students pursue multimedia jobs in areas such as graphics creation, programming, and audio and video production. Others are involved with developing marketing materials, 3D presentations or prototypes for clients. When attending a multimedia college, students learn how to perform the following tasks:
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Manage and schedule projects
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Use computer software such as Macromedia Flash, Photoshop and Dreamweaver
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Create prototypes and storyboards
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Research target audiences
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Evaluate a customer's needs
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Create project proposals
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Render videos and images
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Develop marketing materials
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Use presentation software programs
Students who wish to be successful in the field of multimedia, graphic arts and digital design must have very strong creative skills and the ability to work with the latest programs and technologies.
Careers After Attending a Multimedia University
After a student completes general education requirements and specialized courses at a multimedia university, they can explore a number of career paths in the fields of advertising, entertainment, video game design, animation, and graphic design. Some graduates of multimedia schools choose to work on a freelance basis where they provide services to companies on a contract basis. Others may choose to serve as professional consultants and work with a company's creative team to develop and execute various projects.
A wide range of opportunities exists for students who successfully complete a degree program or multimedia classes at a multimedia college. Entry-level and management jobs for graduates are available in areas such as:
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Computer Modeling
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Texture Artistry
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Storyboard Artistry
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Computer Generated Lighting
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Compositing and Rendering
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Broadcast Graphics Artistry
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Forensic Artistry
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Background Painting
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Video Post-Production Artistry
What to Expect at a Multimedia School
Training programs at a multimedia school are typically a combination of classroom instruction and digital studio training where students use the latest software and technologies to work on various projects. Students may work on creating prototypes or sample marketing presentations, working with the latest 3D modeling techniques, or participating in collaborative projects to create animation , graphics, audio and video for a computer game or similar project. In some cases, the student may be able to participate in workshops, lectures and special events to enrich their learning experience.
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