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Media Arts

Media art covers a wide range of visual artwork that can be done in many mediums, such as TV, computer and movies. It combines the elements of audio, video, animation, still images and text to be delivered in an interactive format. Like web design or multimedia industries, media art focuses on digital forms of images and audio, web site design and visual design. In media arts programs, you’ll learn how to use the technology that enhances the commercial arts without veering away from your creativity. Your original ideas are brought about through technical developments that will make your work stand out from the others. This form of art can be for commercial use by businesses, advertising agencies, educational institutions and government agencies.

The career opportunities in media arts vary depending on the work you would like to do. Multimedia artists practice media art in their everyday work, as they work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising and computer systems design services. They often draw images by hand and use computers to create pictures that form animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs and computer games. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaried multimedia artists made about $51,350 in annual median earnings in 2006. Graduates could also work in advertising, newspapers, periodicals, software publishing and book publishing as graphic artists who work on layouts, designs and illustrations. Others may prefer working on computer systems design or motion picture and video industries. The career avenues and opportunities are endless for media arts professionals. Here are some entry-level jobs for media arts majors: Computer generated lighting, compositing and rendering, storyboard artists, texture artists, computer modelers, computer generated special effects artists, broadcast graphics artists, background painters, forensic artists, video post-production artists and more.

Because media art is a culmination of different art forms, many of the courses overlap for other programs such as web design, animation or visual communication. For an online media arts program, you can expect to take classes like media arts and animation, which begins with a foundation in drawing, color, character design and computer applications. Students will study advanced 2-D and 3-D animation principles as well as story development, background design, layout and special effects while under the guidance of an industry-experienced instructor. Throughout your program, you will learn and frequently use specific software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects and Discreet’s 3D Studio Max. Knowledge of software, computers and technology is necessary in this field because the majority of your work will be done in many different formats. Students may also learn about multimedia authoring and web design tools and issues.

Top Online Universities

More Info from the University of Phoenix
A.S. in Web Design
B.S. in Web Development
Cert. in Visual Comm.
University of Phoenix - Certificate, Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. - The most widely recognized online university in the world, the University of Phoenix's campus and online web design programs include; Associate of Arts in IT / Web Design and BS in IT-Multimedia and Visual Communication.
More Info on the University of Phoenix
Kaplan University
Internet & Website Dev. Cert.
A.S. in Web Development
BS in Web Design
Kaplan University - Bachelor's Degree. Kaplan's online bachelors web design program provides students with the skills they need to start their web design career immediately upon graduation, while also offering flexible and affordable classes.
More Information on Westwood College
International Academy of Design and Technology
AS in Web Design
BFA in Graphic Design
International Academy of Design and Technology - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. - A top 10 online web design school, IADT's Associate in Web Design and Bachelor in Graphic Design programs are some of the top rated online web design university programs based on student surveys.
International Academy of Design & Technology
Post University
B.S. in Computer Info. Systems
Post University - Bachelor's Degree. - Offering several degrees that are in high-demand, Post University is dedicated in helping students develop specific knowledge that is appealing to employers in the field. Their B.S. in Computer Information Systems degree will provide students with a core knowledge of programming and system design..
Post University
American InterContinental University
A.A.B.A. in Visual Comm.
BFA in Digital Design
American InterContinental University - Bachelor's Degree. - With a consistent top 10 ranking among online web design schools, AIU Online's Bachelor in Visual Comminication - Web Design and Bachelor in Digital Design are considered two of the best web design degree programs available.
American InterContinental University
Rasmussen College
AS in Web Design
Rasmussen College - Associate's Degree. - Rasmussen College Online's top ranked job placement statistics make its Associate's in Web Design online program one of the top online web design programs for career-oriented students.
Rasmussen College
Herzing University
A.S. in Graphic Design
B.S. in Graphic Design
Herzing University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. - Herzing University offers two of the top online programs for Graphic Design. Their hands-on training allows students to gain practice and experience in this exciting field while being able to utilize their artistic talent.
More Information on Herzing University
Bryant & Stratton College

A.S. in Media Design
Bryant & Stratton College - AS in Media Design. Individuals interested in design and imaging will find Bryant & Stratton College's Associate's in Interactive Media Design degree ideal for their future goals. The program will provide students with a solid background in media design through their hands-on training and experienced professors.
More Information on Bryant & Stratton College
Penn Foster College

A.S. in Graphic Design
Penn Foster College - AS in Graphic Design. Penn Foster College prepares students for an exciting career in graphic design with their Associate's in Graphic Design Technology degree, which also gives students the opportunity to work from home at their own pace.
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Devry University
A.S. in Web Design
B.S. in Web Development
B.S. in Game Programming
Devry University - Associate's Degree. - With top notch financial aid packages, DeVry University's online Associate in Web Graphic Design program is a top rated web design degree for those looking for a quality accredited degree for a cheaper price.
Everest University
A.A. in Computer Info. Science
B.A. in Computer Info. Science
Everest University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Everest University offers Computer Information Science degrees that will teach students techniques to implement and apply to computer systems to help them create new programs or update existing ones. With this degree, students will be able to enter the fast-paced computer industry in no time.
More Information on Everest College
Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online
AS in Media Design
BS in Media Design
BS in Graphic Design
Diploma Web Design
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online - Diploma, Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online degree program in Web Design / Media Design programs are fast and affordable degrees which incorporate cutting edge design techniques, making them some of the best web design school programs for practical job skills.
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Westwood College Online
A.S. in Graphic Design
B.S. in Web Design
B.A. in Visual Comm.
Westwood College - Bachelor's Degree. - Westwood's web design programs are ranked among the USA's best web design degrees due to their small class sizes, top professors, and flexible class schedule. Westwood College is the premiere online desitation for students seeking to start a new, exciting career in Web Design.
More Information on Westwood College

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