Online Education (multimedia And Visual Communication Degree)

By Author: John Srob
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Visual Communications Degree

A visual communications degree, providing skills in such areas as Graphic Design, Web Design, Interactive Media and Multimedia Design, has increased dramatically in popularity, along with the growth of the Internet and web-based advertising methods. The visual communications degree program has become a desired skill set for every company that has a website, as the ability to send a consistent, clear message to all who visit a site has increased in importance. The need for people with communications skills has increased significantly and will continue to increase in the coming years for both media type jobs and many business corporations who have expanded internal lines of organization with employee and shareholder newsletters or websites.

This professional course of study can vary in length from an Associate's to a Bachelor's award, depending on the time commitment each student can make. A potential student should consider their areas of interest and talent when determining in which area to pursue a specific course of study in a visual communications degree program, as there are different ...
... kinds of career plans available. Those with stronger artistic skills may be more interested in studying Graphic Design, which focuses on broader approaches to media usage, while a career in Multimedia Design focuses more on the unique visual aspect of web pages or computer programs.

Each potential student should research the different kinds of visual communication degree programs being offered in order to determine if the course topics being covered are of interest to them. It is also helpful to find out what requirements each institution has for entry level students. A high school diploma or GED is usually the minimal requirement, while some schools may require experience in advance or internships while enrolled. Students can choose from accredited universities to institutes that specialize only in a visual communications degree program. Costs can range according to the type of study, institution offering the degree, and reputation and accreditation of the institution. Financial aid and payment terms are often available for a visual communication degree program.

Both brick and mortar universities as well as online universities throughout the country now include communications within their course offerings. Students can make their own choice about how to earn a visual communications degree based on their location, their financial situation, and their availability to attend classes. This flexibility has grown with the increasing number of institutions now offering visual communication degree programs.

Such educational courses of study include coursework in both concept and hands-on instructional techniques. Topics on the basics of color, theory of design and communication are offered along with project-based work that gives the student the opportunity to create projects in the same manner that would be expected of them on the job.

Graduates can look for positions within the advertising industry, computer software industry, the entertainment and media industries, and the marketing industry. People with a visual communications degree can also consider working freelance, providing their skills on a project by project basis to companies. In Romans, 12:6, Paul notes that we all are given different skills: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us."

Online degree program in Visual Communication is aimed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to make creative solutions for design problems. You will learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative graphic solutions. The major courses educate the student in traditional and computer-based design concepts and technical skills necessary for the professional designer.

Some of typical courses are: Design Principals, Color Theory, Computer Graphics, Lettering and Typography, Photoshop, Computer Illustration, Multimedia, Computer Animation and Web Design. If you graduate successfully, the career prospects are enormous, depending on the specialization as Graphic Designers, Internet Web Designers, New Media Production Designers, Graphic Communications, Multimedia Designers, and Graphic Designers for interactive Media, Digital Video Editors, and Commercial Production utilizing non-linear editing.

A Bachelor degree is made to prepare students with the design, marketing and technical skills necessary to advance in the field of Visual Communications. In addition, the combination of management and general education courses in the program help students apply skills in general management, critical thinking, logic, communication, and problem solving to workplace challenges.

Apart from Bachelors degree, you can also do Masters and doctoral degrees online in this area. Job areas can vary from typical design companies, web development companies, event management companies and even movie industry. Some of the talented professionals turn out to be successful freelancers. In this industry, talent is the key success factor. So in this context, an online degree is not far from a real classroom degree.

Visual communications degree programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers in commercial art and design. Students have the option to choose to focus on an area of interest within the field. Students with strong artistic abilities may be best suited to work as graphic designers, whereas those who focus on multimedia design may be more interested in designing web pages and computer programs. Every company that has a website can benefit from the skills that graduates of a visual communications degree program obtain.
Types of Visual Communications Degree Programs
An associate’s degree in visual communications is an excellent choice for students who are interested in entry level positions within the field. Associate’s degree programs generally require two years of study. Coursework may include visual literacy, design solutions, marketing fundamentals, ethics, business and other general education courses. Job opportunities for graduates of a visual communications associate’s degree program might include advertising specialist, graphic design assistant, communications specialist, gallery assistant, production assistant and other similar positions.
A bachelor’s degree in visual communications would suit anyone who is interested in becoming an animator, graphic designer, web designer, flash animator, advertiser, or computer application developer. This type of program will provide students with a solid foundation in both design and business. Students will become familiar with popular software applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Pagemaker, and Flash. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program will be skilled professionals in the disciplines of advertising design, website design, graphic design, illustration, animation, digital design and multimedia.
Job Opportunities for Visual Communications Degree Holders
Visual communications professionals can find work in design companies, web development companies, event management companies, the movie industry, and other areas. Others find freelance work as consultants. Talent is the key success factor in the field of visual communication, but job seekers can achieve a competitive edge by earning a degree.

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