A degree in fine art, digital art, multi-media art or other related field can prepare you for a career as a digital media artist, multi-media artist, animator, graphic designer, or video game producer. A digital media degree program teaches students how to use digital technology to create images to use in film, video, publishing, and advertising campaigns. Because the technology used to create digital art is difficult to master without training, digital media graduates are in high demand. This means, aspiring digital media professionals must begin the journey from student to multi-media artist or animator by enrolling in a top digital media degree program.
Most art schools offer some or all of the degrees listed above, while many technical schools offer the degree as well. Most traditional colleges and universities have a department of art or multimedia art and many offer the option to take courses online. Depending in the institution, several formats may be available including traditional (entirely on-campus), online (entirely online), or blended format (both online and on-campus).
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits roughly 300 art colleges and art programs across the U.S. Many art schools and art programs, have also been accredited regional agencies such as the Western Association of Schools and College (WASC), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Many working and continuing/adult education students as well as students with major scheduling conflicts find that the blended or online option is much easier to manage. Online students may also opt for this format if the school of their choice is too far to commute. In some cases, students would prefer not to relocate, so they may choose the online option as well.
While both the online option and the on-campus provide a high quality education for students, there are several differences that mat not work for some students. The online option might be more difficult as students are expected to be very disciplined and organized. They must also work very well unsupervised. It is the student’s responsibility to log in for a specific number of hours per course, to turn in assignments on or before set deadlines, and to post to discussion boards in a timely and professional manner. A significant portion of the online students grade depends on participation. This is not really the case in on-campus environments where the student need only show up and listen to the lecture.
Some students might also miss the face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, while others might see this is as a distraction. So, when it comes to making the decision to choose an online program over an on-campus program, it really boils down to a matter of preference as both types of degrees are valid in the career world.
When applying for online digital media degree programs, all you have to do is check to make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency. Visit the U.S. Department of Education at Ed.gov for listings. Also, accredited online programs should have the same curriculum requirements as traditional programs. Review the digital media curriculum for a top school such as The Art Institute of Chicago. Compare it to the program you have chosen. If the curriculum for the program you have chosen seems a little off and the school has not been accredited by a recognized agency, you should think twice before applying.
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