Online Graphics & Multimedia Degree Programs

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a digital picture may be worth a million. A career in graphics multimedia offers a unique fusion of technology and creativity. Degrees in this field lend themselves to jobs working with Web design, commercial art, print publications, and more. The employment opportunities are growing, and the salary potential is competitive.

Career Options in Graphics Multimedia

Web site usability studies indicate that the average site visitor spend 4 seconds on every 100 words of content on the page. With those statistics in mind, Web sites must use eye-popping graphics to hold a visitor's attention. And that's where you come in. Professionals with career training in graphics multimedia are experts in using art and imagery to make a Web site vibrant.

Graphics multimedia professionals typically hold positions with Web design firms, magazine producers, direct mail agencies, and more. They apply best practices in design to create persuasive messaging in line with business objectives.

Graphics and Multimedia Employment Outlook and Salary Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of graphic designers is projected to increase by 10 percent, or 26,000 jobs through 2016. Graphic designers found employment in various fields such as design services, advertising, newspaper publishing, as well as numerous freelancing positions.

In 2007, graphic designers earned a median salary of $41,280. Some of the top paying occupations could be found in the motion picture industry, accounting and tax preparation, the federal government, as well as commercial manufacturing.

Prospective Degrees and Coursework in Graphics and Multimedia

Many colleges, universities, and private design schools offer bachelor's degrees in graphics and multimedia. These degree programs often combine a liberal arts education with technical graphics training. A number of two- and three-year professional schools offer associate's degrees and certificates in graphics and multimedia, which traditionally focus solely on the technical skills.

A degree in graphics and multimedia can provide the skills and knowledge for professionals to succeed in this expanding field. While a degree in fine arts can include all kinds of visual media, from painting and drawing to sculpture to ceramics, a graphics and multimedia degree tends to focus only on print, electronic, and film media. Coursework toward a degree in graphics and multimedia may include:

• Principles of design
• Computerized design
• Commercial graphics production
• Web site design
• Studio art

Online Career Training Options

Online career training is typically a faster, cheaper way to earn your credentials over the traditional college route. The American Institute of Graphic Arts offers these poignant questions when searching for an online graphics multimedia program:

• Do the four-year university or college programs have enough breadth and depth in their major and studio courses?
• Do the four-year programs adequately prepare students for graduate study?
• Do the two-year programs have a focused development in marketable design-production specialties?
• Do they adequately prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions?

If you have a touch of creativity and an interest in design, then a degree in graphics and multimedia might be the right choice for your career path.

• Technology & IT