Associate's degree programs are structured to provide students with the technical skills they need to learn industry standard software to produce web animation, video games, interactive CDs, and more. Students are also encouraged to develop their creative and artistic design abilities as they build their portfolios. Students should be prepared to spend long hours in their school's design studios as they work on creating class projects and developing their portfolios.
Most associate's degree programs include basic courses in multimedia, design software, drawing, animation, and more. In addition to core courses, associate's degree students can take electives to get additional training to develop their design skills in certain areas.
Students who know they want to focus on a particular area may want to choose a school that offers a degree program in that area. For instance, if you're interested in animation, choose a school that offers an associate's degree in animation. You'll still get the solid foundation you need in multimedia design, but you'll spend addition time on your area of interest.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You may not need a more advanced degree to succeed as a multimedia designer
- This degree can provide the technical design skills you need to develop a strong portfolio
- In 2010, 59% of multimedia artists were self-employed, so this could be a good freelance career*
Cons
- May have to compete with cheaper overseas labor for jobs
- If your technical or creative skills aren't strong, an associate's degree may not be enough education for some of the most desirable jobs
- May have limited opportunities to specialize in your desired area at this degree level
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
Most associate's degree programs require roughly 60 total credit hours under the semester system, but programs from schools on the quarter system require roughly 90 credits for completion. All programs have a general education requirement that must be met and they all provide basic training in the core areas of multimedia design. However, some schools offer additional courses, or degree specializations, to allow for more in-depth training in certain multimedia design areas. For instance, students who choose specializations in animation, game design, or web design will likely take the same core multimedia design courses. For the remainder of their degree program they will take courses in their area of specialization. Most degree programs also require a final portfolio project or capstone project.
Common course topics for a multimedia design degree include:
- Multimedia
- Computer graphics
- Multimedia technologies
- Game design
- 3D Animation
- Graphic design
- Web design
- Drawing
Online Degree Options
Online associate's degree programs in multimedia design are available. These degree programs are offered by schools that operate fully online and by those that also offer on-campus degree programs. The curriculum for each type of degree program is roughly the same. For the schools that offer both online and on-campus programs, there is virtually no difference in the courses offered.
Stand Out With This Degree
According to the BLS, to succeed with this degree, you should have artistic ability and a solid foundation in the technical aspects of multimedia design. However, potential employers may overlook a weakness in one area if you're strong in the other. For instance, if you're not strong in both areas, you should either have impressive technical skills or have a strong portfolio.
If you're noticeably weak in one of those areas, you can either spend more time developing your strength, or you can spend more time on overcoming your weaker area. Throughout your degree program, you'll build your portfolio. You may want to consider that project the most important professional tool you have to help you get the jobs you want after you graduate. If possible, try to find work as an intern before you graduate to give you more opportunities to hone your skills. Furthermore, consider taking additional courses, if needed.