Students in an interactive media degree
program learn how to use the latest software and equipment to produce
visual products such as Web animation, videos and games. Online degrees
in interactive media are available from a number of schools at the
associate's, bachelor's and master's degree level.
Overview of an Online Associate's Degree in Interactive Media
An online associate's degree program in interactive media prepares graduates for careers that will allow them to combine their creativity with design theory and technology. Students learn about digital video and audio, animation and Web-based applications. Graduates are prepared to work in Web design, graphic design or film, among other areas.Information About the Program and Requirements
Associate's degrees in interactive media can be completed entirely through online courses, although some schools may offer internships which must be completed in person. Students who are taking courses full time usually complete their studies in two years.Students planning on entering an online degree program need reliable access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Some programs may also require students to have a basic understanding of computers and knowledge of HTML. Additionally, interactive media students may need image editing and design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
Common Associate's-Level Courses
Students in an online associate's degree program in interactive media take general education courses in addition to core multimedia courses. Topics cover animation, digital imaging, information architecture, audio and video. Students use online course management systems such as WebCT to access lectures and assignments, in addition to communicating with instructors. Distance students also have access to additional resources, including online libraries and other learning tools.Digital Imaging Course
In a digital imaging class, students learn to use image editing software along with equipment such as scanners, printers and cameras to manipulate images. Skills covered include retouching, restoring and compositing pictures. Students also discover how to work with light, color and composition to create different effects.Typography Course
A course in typography introduces students to the applications of text for different uses, such as cards or ads. Students learn about different fonts and styles, along with what effect they have on an audience.Web Development Course
Students in a web development course learn about the design concepts and techniques used to build websites. Topics also cover coding languages used in the construction of Web pages, such as HTML, XHTML and Cascading Style Sheets.Animation Course
A course in animation covers the theories, practices and software used to create animated media. Students learn to develop ideas and create storyboards for animation projects. Courses also explain how to record and integrate audio into animated media.Database Course
Websites use databases to store user input and other data. This course explains how to manage databases and apply them to website development. Other topics covered include security and data backup.Career Information
Graduates with an associate's degree in interactive media may pursue careers as Web or graphic designers among other job opportunities in multimedia. Job growth for those working in graphic design is expected to grow at a rate of 13% between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), with the best opportunities for those who have Web design and animation skills. As of 2010, median salaries for Web designers ranged from $30,944 to $51,313, while median salaries for graphic designers ranged from $29,564 to $44,997, according to Payscale.com.Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Interactive Media
Online interactive media bachelor's degree programs teach students how to create and evaluate websites, work with digital images and animation, and evaluate user accessibility for different types of multimedia. Classes feature more in-depth study of cinematic technique, design aesthetics and 3D animation. Students also study the business aspects of video and interactive media production.Information About the Program and Requirements
A bachelor's degree program, either online or on campus, typically takes four years of full-time study. Depending on the school, students with an associate's degree may be able to transfer credits to complete the program faster. Many online bachelor's degree programs in interactive media consist entirely of online classes.Some media classes may require specific design software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Dreamweaver. Students should ensure that they have access to a computer with the technical specifications capable of running these programs.
Common Bachelor's-Level Courses
A bachelor's degree program includes general education courses, electives and core interactive media courses. Students can access coursework, lectures and assignments by signing into the school's website using content management programs, such as Blackboard. Students can also use these their accounts to participate in discussions with classmates and instructors.Video Course
A course in digital video teaches students how to create and edit video productions for the Web. Class topics cover the use of cameras and lighting equipment, video composition and production planning.Website Design Course
Students in a Website design course learn how to organize information and use design techniques to create effective sites. Topics cover HTML, XHTML, Web navigation and website design software, such as Adobe Dreamweaver.Database Management Course
Database management concerns the design and functionality of computer database systems and software, such as Oracle. Classes explain the use of database query languages, such as SQL, to organize and recall stored information.Project Management Course
Because interactive media productions involve the overseeing and management of multiple tasks and resources, students studying the subject take courses in project management. Topics include time management, budgeting, quality control and team management.Illustration Course
Students taking an illustration focus on drawing and design skills, along with form composition and style. Study covers both traditional drawing and digital illustration using software such as Adobe Illustrator.Career Information
Graduates of an online bachelor's degree in interactive media are prepared to work in careers as multimedia artists, illustrators or animators. They may be employed by companies or work as freelancers. Job opportunities for artists in these fields are expected to grow at a rate of 12% between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2010, median salaries for multimedia artists and animators ranged from $34,828 to $58,379, according to Payscale.com.Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Interactive Media
Master's degree programs in interactive media provide media professionals an opportunity to enhance their skills. Courses cover the latest technology and design theories for media used in digital platforms. Students may also have the opportunity to choose electives in their areas of interest, such as gaming or graphic design.Information About the Program and Requirements
Some schools offer master's degree programs in interactive media entirely online, while others offer hybrid programs that can be completed partially online and on campus. Coursework generally takes two years to complete. A master's degree program ends in a capstone which can consist either of a final project or a thesis.Students pursuing an online degree need a computer with high-speed Internet access and a Web browser. Students may also need specific software and peripheral equipment, such as Adobe design software and video and audio recording equipment.
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