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Digital Media Communication
What Will I Learn?
Students enrolled the Digital Media Communication program at Heartland will learn to create a variety of media for the digital environment. Media types include: web pages, print materials, interactive programs, videos, digital stills, audio programs and animation. Students can choose to focus in one of four option areas: Web Application Developer, Web Media Designer, Communication Graphics and Digital Imaging.
What Is The Occupational Outlook?
While data is available, exact numbers are difficult to find due to the emerging nature of this field. Graduates of this program would be eligible to find employment in a number of areas; data on several of those related professions is listed below.
In general, professional and technical occupations are expected to show the largest gains in employment over the next five years.1 In particular, the occupational category of graphic designer is rated “very favorable” in terms of job outlook and growth for Illinois with median wages at $14.82.2
A needs assessment research report contracted through ISU in 2000 also supports the continued demand for individuals in computer-related occupations.3
The category of desktop publisher is expect to “grow much faster than average” according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with a median annual salary of $30,600.4 Currently, the “desktop publisher” category in the Occupational Outlook Handbook encompasses several of the possible careers for graduates of this program.
What Are My Options?
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Digital Media Communication, is designed to prepare producers with a solid core of knowledge and skills that can be transferred to positions in industry, business, health care, communications, utilities, government or other sectors. Upon completion of the program students will be able to seek entry-level employment with media outlets, marketing departments, advertising agencies or any organization with a presence on the World Wide Web or who hope to have a presence on the web.
The Web Application Developer certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers as World Wide Web application developers. The comprehensive program provides students with skills in computer and Internet fundamentals, designing effective interfaces, coding HTML, providing application through a web interface and troubleshooting technical problems. Students will able to seek a variety of positions related to web application development.
The Web Media Designer certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry level careers as world wide web site designers. The comprehensive program provides students with skills in computer and internet fundamentals, designing effective interfaces, coding HTML, creating graphics and troubleshooting technical problems. Students will able to seek a variety of positions related to web-site design.
The Communication Graphics certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level as commercial graphic designers. The comprehensive program provides students with skills in computer and art fundamentals, creating effective designs with an audience in mind, and troubleshooting technical problems. Students will be able to seek a variety of positions related to graphic design.
The Digital Imaging certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level as photographers or video producers and motion graphic designers. The comprehensive program provides students with skills in computer and art fundamentals, creating effective designs with an audience in mind, and troubleshooting technical problems. Students will be able to seek a variety of positions related to digital imaging.
- Illinois Job Outlook 1999-2006, http://www.icicc.state.il.us/JOIB/JOIBOnline.htm
- IDES, Employment information, http://www.workforceinfo.state.il.us
- Career Education Needs Assessment Report, Heartland Community College, March 2000.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Department of Labor. http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos276.htm
