Digital Media Certificate

Certificate
HEGIS #5012
Chairperson: Scott M. Hathaway
Brahan Hall, Room 124, (518) 629-7347

Digital media has become an integral part of life in the 21st century. Companies rely on the Web and e-commerce to grow their markets and compete as never before on a global scale. Practitioners in this field combine creativity and technology to create such interactive products as CDs, DVDs, websites, blogs, podcasts, wikis and video-streaming for use in advertising, training, education and entertainment. The Digital Media certificate program is a concentrated course of study designed for students interested in developing or enhancing professional expertise in the field of digital art. Its goal is to fortify students with the skills used in the digital creation of web-based content, animation, digital design for print media and digital video production. Core classes offer a strong foundation in the history, theory and studio practice of digital media, as well as in the use of basic software.

Students in the Digital Media certificate program will receive a sequence of study that will offer them artistic and technical skills vital to the contemporary media design workplace. Students will be trained to use industry-standard equipment and software and will assemble a print and digital portfolio for job interviews or transfer for further study that will demonstrate skills in design, digital imaging, animation, video editing, layout, web-based and interactive media.

Students will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate mastery of skills involved in the graphic design field
• Create effective visual communication
• Operate computers and a range of software used in design, web and interactive media
• Present a professional portfolio

The coursework is intended to provide suitable preparation for entry-level employment in computer design and publishing. It would also be suitable for those individuals already employed in the field, to upgrade and expand their skills.

Career opportunities exist for graphic designers in advertising agencies, design firms, newspapers, magazine, television stations, web and multimedia production companies, retail stores, printers, government agencies and corporate in-house art departments.

The nucleus of courses provided in this certificate program also will be essential to students looking to transfer to four-year degree programs in areas such as digital media, graphic design, computer animation, electronic art and new media.

Program Entrance Requirements