Field of Study: Web Page and Multimedia Design

Introduction

Web page and multimedia design programs prepare people to design websites or images, graphics, and sounds for the World Wide Web. Students learn Internet theory and web page standards. They learn elements of web page design. They also learn to use various forms of media elements for websites.

Overview

There are millions of websites, and it seems like anybody with a little free time can make one. Yet, what makes a good website? There are many opinions about this. However, most agree that visitors respond to color, easy navigation, and a few bells and whistles that make the site interesting. The site must change from time to time, too. Otherwise, there isn't much point in visiting again. And then there are things like chat rooms, discussion boards, animation, privacy, security. . . Phew, that's a lot! Maybe it's not so easy to make a good website seem effortless. If you like art, design, and computers, you could put your skills to use as a multimedia web page designer.

In web page and multimedia design programs, you take several computer science courses. This includes learning different web programming languages, such as Javascript, XML, and HTML. You also take courses about computer networks, database management, and operating systems (Max OS X Tiger or Window XP). In addition, you take many technology-focused courses. You learn how to combine video, sound, color, photos, and design. In addition, you also learn how to work with clients to make sure their ideas are translated into an effective web presence. Finally, you learn how to work with digital video, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and digital recorders. This allows you to link different technologies together.

Many programs - found in community colleges, technical institutes, proprietary art schools, and traditional four-year colleges and universities - offer associate and bachelor's degrees in web page and multimedia design. Some two-year degrees can be transferred to a four-year program.

College preparation

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

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.

Computer Graphics
Computer Science and Programming
Art

Typical course work

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Color Theory
Computer Animation
Computer Graphic Effects
Computer Hardware Systems
Database Management
Digital Audio and Video
Digital Photography and Editing
Operation Systems
People/Computer Interaction
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Theory of Design
Two- and Three-Dimensional Design
Web Authoring Systems
Web Publishing

Things to know

The very nature of web page and multimedia design programs means that you'll be able to study and work in state-of-the-art computer facilities. You'll be able to work on the latest computers and with the latest digital and multimedia software.

Similar fields of study

Careers you may qualify for

Animators and Multimedia Artists
Computer Programmers
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Graphic Designers
Technical Writers
Web Developers
Writers

Resources

International Webmaster Association
http://www.iwanet.org/
Click on "Certification."

Schools that offer program

Click on the school name to see a list of their programs related to this field of study.