Colleges with Online Courses in Multimedia Communications: How to Choose

Colleges offer multimedia communications courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in both online and hybrid formats. Online certificate programs are also available in related disciplines, such as digital imaging, Web design and contemporary communications. Students should consider career goals and expectations when choosing program levels and online schools.

How to Select Colleges with Online Multimedia Communications Courses

Award Levels

Online degree programs in multimedia communications can lead to awards such as associate's degrees in multimedia communications, bachelor's degrees in visual media or visual communications and master's degrees in visual media or interactive communications. Some schools also offer multimedia-related certificates in digital photography, web design or digital imaging. It's important for students to decide which certificate or degree level will lead them toward their desired career goal before selecting an online school.

Career Goals

Multimedia content developers, Web graphic designers and digital illustrators often have formal educational backgrounds in multimedia communications. Individuals contemplating online multimedia communications schools first need to select which program level accesses their ideal careers. Associate's degree programs can lead to careers involving Web design or digital illustration. Bachelor's and master's degree programs prepare individuals to seek careers in broadcast production and interactive multimedia development. Certificate programs are suitable for professionals looking to sharpen existing skills or add new skills to their multimedia repertoire.

Program Type

Another consideration for students choosing online multimedia communications schools is content delivery method. Is the program delivered completely online or is it a hybrid, offering both virtual and on-campus components? Multimedia communications programs that are delivered entirely online expect students to own or have access to high-speed Internet computers, preferably Macs, and various multimedia software programs, including Adobe Design Premium.
Hybrid programs may deliver lectures online, but require students to utilize on-campus computer labs or multimedia production studios. Students may also be required to attend on-site orientations or departmental programs. Most distance learning multimedia communications programs require students to complete internships with online-focused broadcasters or video publications. It's important to know whether the online school secures placement for these opportunities or if it's the student's responsibility.

Common Online Multimedia Communications Programs

Certificate in Multimedia Communications

Multimedia graphics, graphic design and digital illustration make up common coursework in online certificate programs for multimedia communicators. Many programs award certificates in specific media specialties, such as digital layout and design, digital illustration, Web authoring or contemporary communications. Credits for such certificate programs can often be applied to associate's degree programs in multimedia arts. Many are offered entirely online and require only several courses for completion. Students access instructors, students, assignments and projects through content delivery systems, which may require Internet-accessible computers, e-mail, video-conferencing and multimedia or graphic design software.

Associate's Degree in Multimedia Communications

Online multimedia communications associate's degree programs can be pursued entirely online or in hybrid format. These programs often emphasize visual literacy and offer hands-on experience with multimedia and graphic design software. Coursework may include multimedia design, Web authoring, digital imaging and website animation. Courses may also be available in traditional and multimedia graphic design, advertising and branding.
Students in online or hybrid multimedia communications associate's degree program may be required to own or have access to computers with high-speed Internet, e-mail and the latest design and editing software, such as Adobe Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Many programs require practical internships or capstone projects with external companies, organizations or publications prior to graduation.

Bachelor's Degree in Visual and Multimedia Communications

Distance learning multimedia communications bachelor's degree programs can be offered entirely online or in hybrid format. Most teach students about short-form production and emphasize media specialties, such as fashion journalism, music for video content, sportscasting or interactive multimedia development. Programs also emphasize individual artistic ability, traditional graphic design principles and state-of-the-art communications technologies.
Students gain advanced multimedia and Web-based technical skills that teach them how to blend text, sound, graphics and animated images in various computerized environments. Scriptwriting, broadcast production and multimedia editing are common courses. Students also learn how to create webisodes, podcasts, mobisodes and blogs.
Online course management systems, such as Blackboard, allow students to upload assignments and communicate with each other as well as instructors. Required equipment may include Internet-accessible computers, digital and traditional video cameras, e-mail and Web-based video production software. Students frequently use discussion boards, chats, instant messaging and e-mail to stay in touch with instructors and fellow students. Hybrid programs often offer general education courses online, but expect students to complete major-related courses on campus. Both online and hybrid programs offer access to online libraries and technical support.

Master's Degree in Multimedia Communications

Online multimedia communications master's degree programs often emphasize media specialties such as game development, music for video integration, multimedia broadcast production or interactive communications. They also prepare students to take traditional, linear media forms and transform them into interactive, multimedia outlets. Students may take courses in video production, game development, advanced visual media, music integration and 3-D animation. They also study traditional drawing, storytelling and painting.
Many distance learning multimedia communications master's degree programs require computers with high-speed Internet, Adobe design software, video editing software, camcorders, audio recording devices, microphones and handsets. Students need to be comfortable working independently online and with fellow graduate production students via content management systems.