Multimedia and Intermedia

Overview

Programs in multimedia and intermedia teach people how to create works of art using more than one media at a time.

This program includes topics such as:

Techniques to work in several dimensions
Multimedia computer software
How to combine video, sound, color, photos, and design

Portfolio

Students begin to develop their professional portfolio during college. This includes samples of work from team projects and independent projects. Projects completed during their senior year and internship are important to their portfolio.

Schools

Several community colleges or independent art schools offer certificate or associate degree programs in multimedia and intermedia. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years to complete.

Many independent art schools, colleges, and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in multimedia and intermedia. A BFA degree usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in multimedia and intermedia. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. A few schools offer doctoral (PhD) degree programs, which usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Art
Art Appreciation
Art History
Computer Graphics
Computer-assisted Art
Computing Systems
Film and Videotape
Principles of Advertising

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, with significant course work in computer science, design, and art; good grades; and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Portfolio review and personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Communication Theory
Computer Animation and Imaging
Desktop Publishing
Digital Culture and Media
Digital Journalism
eCommerce
Electronic Arts Theory
Graphic Design
Interactive Marketing
Intermedia Companies
Modeling
Multimedia Projects
Multimedia Publishing
Music Electronics
Network Management
Sequential Graphics
Studio in Computer Art
Studio in Sound
Video
Visual Design and Visual Effects

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Independent art and design schools often focus more intensively on studio work and career preparation. Colleges and universities require more credits in general course work. Most art programs teach computer techniques in visual arts.

Some multimedia programs focus on the combining traditional art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and photography, with new digital techniques. Others focus solely on digital art and design, with a focus on website and graphic design or digital photography.

Many people pursue their MFA because these programs typically encourage individual, original projects and allow them to work in advanced positions after they finish their degree.