Study Multimedia Production: Degrees at a Glance
Multimedia production programs teach students to create and design interactive media for use in entertainment and communications. Aside from multimedia production, programs also might be offered under the title digital media production or new media. Digital media or multimedia production also might be offered as a concentration within a communications program.
Students can use multimedia production training to go into a variety of media-related careers. However, many careers in this field are highly competitive due to a limited number of positions. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that film and video editors would see only five percent job growth between 2010 and 2020.
| Training | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People interested in learning more about media on a variety of levels | Individuals who wish to enter careers related to multimedia |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Multimedia artist or animator ($61,000)* - Film and video editor ($53,000 - this salary is more common for people with several years of experience)* - Video game designer ($54,000)** - Producer or director ($71,000 - this salary is more common for people with 1-5 years of experience)* | Career paths for the bachelor's degree are similar to those with training, although there might be more advancement opportunities for candidates holding a bachelor's degree |
| Time to Completion | Varies by program/course | Four years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Varies by program/course | - Project or capstone (varies) - Internship |
| Prerequisites | Varies by program/course | - High school diploma or GED - SAT or ACT scores - Prerequisite courses (varies) |
| Online Availability | Some | Rare |
Source: *BLS (May 2011 figures), **Payscale.com
Training in Multimedia Production
Training in multimedia production is offered at a variety of levels, from non-degree workshops to master's programs. Stand-alone courses are rare, though they do exist. Certificate and non-degree programs usually focus on specific aspects of multimedia production, such as video editing, 3D animation, web media or storytelling, though others offer a broad introduction to the field. Coursework for some certificate programs might be applicable toward a degree.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can select the level of training necessary to meet individual goals
- Some programs do not require enrollment in a degree program
- Might not require a large time and/or monetary commitment
Cons
- Might need additional education for some career paths related to multimedia
- Training that focuses solely on multimedia might not give you a broad education in other areas
- You might need additional experience to compete against applicants with more education
Common Courses and Training Requirements
Depending on the multimedia training program you choose, the requirements and length of time necessary for completion will vary. For example, a stand-alone course might take a few months, while a master's degree program could take at least a year. Programs might be designed to introduce a number of subjects at a basic level or be focused on teaching one area in depth. Broader programs tend to cover subjects such as video, animation, HTML, photography and computer graphics. Some programs also include a project.
Online Degree Options
In general, multimedia production training programs are not offered online. Those that do offer online options tend to be hybrid programs, where some of the courses are offered online and others are offered on-campus. Often, courses that are offered online are also available on-campus, and the curriculum is the same between the two. You can also find related training through online programs in areas that include multimedia design and multimedia studies.
Standing Out With This Degree
Previous experience in the field you wish to enter, whether it's film or television, video games or computer graphics, can greatly increase your likelihood of getting a position. Additionally, having some business savvy and the ability to communicate with other members of a creative team might be beneficial. To develop skills in these areas, you might consider taking elective business and communication courses during your training. Some positions, such as director and producer, also will benefit from leadership and management skills. Being able to navigate field-specific software will prove beneficial to many careers within this field.
Bachelor's Degrees in Multimedia Production
Bachelor's degrees in multimedia production, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Video and Media Production or a BFA in Digital Media Production, are typically 4-year programs offered by colleges and universities. Some programs are degree completion programs, which require you to have previous education in the field, such as from an associate's degree program. Multimedia production also might be offered as a concentration within a larger program in a related area like communications. Bachelor's degree programs tend to introduce students to a variety of multimedia topics as opposed to focusing on a single skill.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Employers of multimedia professionals might prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree
- A multimedia degree is applicable to different creative fields
- Many degree programs offer hands-on opportunities
Cons
- Additional on-the-job training might be necessary for some multimedia careers
- Might be competing for positions against applicants with less education and more experience
- Might need to take prerequisite courses to enter a bachelor's degree program in this field
Common Courses and Training Requirements
Bachelor's degree programs in multimedia production typically require 120-130 credit hours' worth of coursework. This tends to be divided among classes on design, production and other creative topics, as well as general education courses. Many programs also include a project, an internship or both. There might be different course tracks within a single program so students can choose which courses are most applicable to their goals.
Courses you might take include:
- Television production
- Video game design
- Fiction scriptwriting
- Video editing
- Web design
Online Degree Options
Because of the hands-on nature of this field, online bachelor's degree programs in multimedia production are not common, and the programs that are available often are offered by for-profit schools. Programs that are offered online also might be offered on-campus. If you're interested in an online bachelor's degree program, you can find programs related to multimedia production, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.
Standing Out With This Degree
As a multimedia artist, you might consider joining a professional organization. These groups tend to be specific to a certain area or position, such as the International Cinematographers Guild. Often, there are experience requirements that must be met for membership. Benefits of belonging to a professional organization might include medical coverage, retirement programs, networking opportunities and legal representation. Additionally, subscribing to an industry publication can help you stay on top of new developments in the field. For example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has a magazine called Multimedia that comes out quarterly.
