 |
|
| Home |
| Faculty |
| FAQ's |
| IMM Degree |
| Web Degree |
| IMM Certificate |
| Web Certificate |
| Student Projects |
| Careers |
FAQ's
- What is interactive multimedia?
- What are the differences between the web development and interactive multimedia programs?
- What are the job opportunities?
- What are the starting and average salaries in the field?
- Is creative or artistic ability helpful?
- How long will it take to complete each program and what will it cost?
- What are the necessary background skills needed for each course?
- What types of hands-on projects will be done? Will the projects be useful in job-hunting?
- What software or programs will I learn by taking the IMM classes?
- Which classes should I take and in what order?
- When and where are courses offered?
- Which courses can be taken online?
- Why are some of the required classes " DPR", instead of "IMM"?
- Are there any co-op opportunities?
- If I want to get a four-year degree, which colleges in the area offer web or IMM bachelor degrees?
- Where can I find examples of student's work?
- What is interactive multimedia?
Interactive multimedia is the use of various forms of audio and visual media, such as graphics, animation, sound, and video to engage a user in a presentation.
- What are the differences between the web development and interactive multimedia programs?
The certificate programs in Web Development and Interactive Multimedia are designed to give the students a foundation in either web design, or multimedia development. Once students complete the certificate they are prepared to continue on into the Interactive Multimedia Associates Degree program or apply for entry-level positions that require minimal background and experience.
The Web Development Certificate focuses on tools and skills necessary to design, develop, and maintain web sites. So if a student is interested in focusing on Internet technologies, this would be an excellent starting point.
The Interactive Multimedia Certificate includes courses geared to designing and producing computer-based training applications and other multimedia programs. This would be the program of choice for students interested in creating multimedia applications and CD-ROMs.
The Interactive Multimedia Associates degree program combines the courses required for both certificate programs and also includes programming courses and higher level software used for new media technologies.
The Web Development Associates degree program provides students with necessary skills for creating and managing web sites using the most current technologies. The degree is multi-disciplinary and exposes students to the design, networking, and programming areas of the field.- What are the job opportunities?
The growth of the World Wide Web has brought about a whole new era in technology. In 1995, less than 3% of Americans had access to the Internet. Today, more than 20% of U.S. households regularly access the Internet and that number is growing with each passing day. Worldwide there are approximately 171.25 million users online. As a result of the increase, an entire industry has arisen. Companies who develop for the Internet are now providing a wide variety of services and products online - selling almost anything imaginable, producing newspaper and magazine-style publications, travel agencies, employment agencies, building brands and developing online game networks. Where it will end is anyone's guess. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) took the top 10 fastest growing occupations in 2000 and projected what they would be in 2010. The top five all deal with computer technology.
- What are the starting and average salaries in the field?
Depending on background and experience in the field, you can expect a starting salary of about $18K-$20K. Average salaries range from $24K-$35K. But hey, don't just take our word for it, get up-to-date profiles of professionals in the field. Find out about their education and training background, salaries, etc. at U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://bls.gov/emp/home.htm)
- Is creative or artistic ability helpful?
Individuals with successful careers in web and multimedia development have common characteristics:
- They have talent and skill
- They are organized
- They have good ideas and are creative
- They are willing to invest time and energy to keep up with advances in technology
- Most importantly they possess the ability to work individually and as a member of a team
Typically multimedia and web applications are the products of teamwork. A composite of individuals working together to create a finished product. So even if you do not have any artistic talent, your skill may be in some other area such as video or programming. You may not have a knack for computer programming, but your creative and artistic ability can add significant value to a team's effort. The key will be to find where your skills and abilities fit into the scope of multimedia and web development.
- How long will it take to complete each program and what will it cost?
If attending full-time, the Associates Degrees will take 4 semesters (2 years). Both of the certificate programs will take 3 semesters (approximately 1-1/2 years with summer sessions) to complete on a part-time basis. For Current tuition and fee information.
- What are the necessary background skills needed for each course?
High school level abilities in reading and math are required. All of the computer related courses in the program require previous experience in using a computer. More specifically, how to use Windows; navigate with the Start button, task bar, and mouse; how to save files and organize them into folders; use floppy disks and CD-ROMs. If you have no prior experience using a computer, taking DPR 100 - Introduction to Computers in your first semester is recommended.
- What types of hands-on projects will be done? Will the projects be useful in job-hunting?
This varies course by course and faculty member to faculty member. For example, in IMM 100 - Interface Design Using Director you will storyboard a project using Macromedia Director. In IMM 120 Web Page Design and Development you will design and develop a website. In IMM 201 Audio and Video for Multimedia you will create and edit sounds and videos. All of your projects become part of your personal portfolio to show potential employers when looking for a job.
- What software programs will I learn by taking the IMM classes?
- Macromedia Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Director, and Authorware
- Sound Forge XP
- Adobe Photoshop
- Ulead Media Studio Pro
- Umax Magic Scan
- FusionRecorder
- MoviePlayer
- Ulead Video Editor
- Map This
- GIF Construction Kit
- Which classes should I take and in what order?
It is recommended that you follow the semester to semester course outline for the Associates Degree program as listed in the Course Catalog. The courses for the certificate programs can be taken based on completion of the course prerequisites.
- When and where are courses offered?
The majority of classes are offered Monday through Friday, day or evening, during the regular academic year (September to May), at the Marple Campus. There are limited offerings during the summer sessions and on weekends. The 100 level courses (IMM 100, 110, 120 and 122) can also be taken at the Exton Campus.
- Which courses can be taken online?
The following courses are currently available as online courses:
IMM 100 - Interface Design Using Director
IMM 110 - Multimedia Graphics and Design
IMM 120 - Web Page Development
IMM 122 - Programming for the Web
Beginning January 2005, the following courses will be offered as hybrid classes. Half the course time is spent in the classroom, the other half is spent online and in lab sessions.
IMM 205 - Flash
IMM 201 - Audio and Video for Multimedia- Why are some of the required classes " DPR", instead of "IMM"?
The programming courses offered by the college are listed as "DPR" classes.
IMM courses are specific to the Interactive Multimedia curriculum. Some of the required classes are listed as "DPR" because they are offered as part of the college's Computer Science curriculum which was the code for Data Processing.
- Are there any co-op opportunities?
These opportunities change from semester to semester. Visit the college's co-op website for more information, or visit the co-op office on the main campus in room 1305.
- If I want to get a four-year degree, which colleges in the area offer web or IMM bachelor degrees?
Visit our General Links page for a list of colleges.
- Where can I find examples of student's work?
Visit our Student Portfolio for examples of student projects.