ESCC Fine Arts adding Digital Multimedia program
Enterprise State Community College will offer a new Digital Multimedia program through the College’s Fine Arts Division starting this Fall 2021 semester.
“This program was actually the brainchild of Dr. Jean Johnson, retired ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair,” current ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said. “Since her retirement, we have been working to get this program up and running.”
This program will help meet the growing need for graphic designers, producers, and other multimedia artists. According to the 2021 Statewide List of In-Demand Occupations, Graphic Designers, Music Directors, AV Equipment Technicians, and Producers and Directors are listed as in-demand careers, with median annual salaries ranging from $33-58,000. Additionally, Graphic Designer is also listed on the Region 6 In-Demand Occupations list.
Thomas said the program would also provide skills training in a field of interest for many in the area.
“After many inquiries from prospective students, Vice President/Dean of Instruction Daniel Long encouraged us to start the program, so we revised the program curriculum and submitted the application for approval,” he said.
Digital Multimedia will be a two-year associate degree program that is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers using multimedia, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game, and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, and photography.
The program will consist of 65 credit hours. Classes in this program will include Two-Dimensional Composition, Digital Photography, Computer Graphics I, and Digital Video Production. Students will also learn to use video and audio recording equipment and software as part of the program.
Practicum Field Experience will be required to graduate from the program. This will be completed through projects completed with various College departments or with outside industry partners if requested.
“The program will certainly add to the Fine Arts technical programs, and we are excited about getting started,” Thomas said.
Scholarships are currently available for this program. Students interested in applying for a fine arts scholarship can contact Dr. Ken Thomas at kthomas@escc.edu.
Cutlines: Art Instructors Lynn Ledbetter, left, and Leslie Gibson will be teaching some of the core classes that will be offered through the Digital Multimedia program.