Reasons to Earn a Master of Arts Degree in Computer Arts
A Master of Arts in Computer Arts allows students to have the best of two worlds, so to speak. Students are encouraged to use their artistic side to creatively solve problems, and they are taught to use the latest technology to perform their work. Computer arts graduates are the multimedia artists and animators who make the dazzling animation and effects on video and computer games, and they create the realistic special effects in movies and television shows. They use computers and special software to perform their work.
Career Possibilities
Occupational Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, employment of the occupation of artists and related workers is projected grow faster than the average for all occupations. In particular, multimedia artists and animators will be more in demand due to higher consumer demand for more realistic video and computer games and movies and television special effects. Employment for general graphic designers is projected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations.
Salary Information
According to Salary.com, median annual earnings for salaried artists were $47,282 as of March 2008 reportings; whereas, median annual earnings for web production artists were $52,799. Median annual earnings for graphic designers were $45,599 as of March 2008 reportings.
Degree Specifics
Coursework Requirements
Students studying computer arts get a mixture of traditional art concepts with cutting edge technological instruction. Some common courses, include the following:
- Typography for Digital Masters
- Web Technology
- Interactive Design and Concepts
- Principles of Usability
- Art Historical Awareness
Skills You Will Learn
Computer arts degrees are technical by nature. Common skills taught include the following:
- Manage multimedia elements, such as audio and video recording, editing and various formats
- Know how to construct and embed interactive components using technical tools, such as HTML, ActionScript, JavaScript, CSS, PHP, XML, and Flash
- Adhere to project development standards and guidelines
- Communicate purpose to user through an interactive experience
- Able to use digital photography and motion graphics on projects
