Interactive Media Degrees

Overview

If you are looking forward to become an interactive designer, animator, special-effects artist, or computer artist, then the interactive media program would be the right choice. Internet and interactive media design and development is a fast growing field that has many available lucrative positions open to talented media programmers. It is a great choice of degree that is both interesting to learn as well as lucrative. Individuals who are interested in creating everything from DVD menus to website navigation and touch screen media will benefit a lot from this degree. Pursuing an interactive media degree program, you will learn how to make interactive programs using the web, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and kiosks.

A degree in interactive media includes hands-on media design projects that help students build a professional portfolio. Most programs will teach you programming languages like JAVA, flash, scripting, and HTML so that you can find your way around any sort of media. The best understood application of interactive media is probably video games, but it is certainly not limited to games. Some of the other interactive media may include computer tutorials, educational programs, and also interactive marketing.

Benefits

After completion of the course, you can work in a variety of organizations like ad agencies, media companies, and in-house or corporate media departments. The degree includes courses in fine arts, graphic design, and computer technology with studio lessons in drawing, illustration, graphic design, and animation. There are quite a few entry level careers options available for the graduates of this degree program. With an advanced degree and experience in the field, interactive media professionals can move into higher positions and work on larger and more complex projects with corresponding increases in income. They can work as webmaster, web designer, animator, graphic designer, or Internet designer.

Costs

The tuition fee for the interactive media design degree varies with the college and the degree, whether it's a bachelor or master degree. Some colleges may also require an enrollment fee or application fee. The cost also includes the accommodation expenses and any material provided by the college for the degree.

Schools

There are many schools in the U.S that offers an interactive media degree. Some of them are DePaul University - College of Computing and Digital Media, Marist College, and Whatcom Community College. Some of the colleges offer this degree as a separate degree, but some others form it a part of any of its related degrees. You can also take up the degree online.

Testing & Preparation

To pursue an interactive media degree, you are expected to have taken up the Basic Skills Assessment [COMPASS] and the technology skills test. Based on the results of these tests, you may be given some basic training initially.

Financial Aid

Students can take advantage of the various forms of financial aid options available to them. The usual student loans like the Stafford loans and Pell grants can be taken. Some of the colleges like the North Central College also offer financial aid to their students.