The Art Institute of Charleston Design Area of Study
Web Design & Interactive Media -
The program in Web design & interactive media prepares students for careers designing and developing Web sites and interactive/multimedia communication. Design for the World Wide Web and interactive media is a dynamic and rapidly evolving multi-billion dollar industry that includes products running not only on conventional computers but also on devices such as kiosks, museum displays, personal digital assistants, and cell phones. Web design and interactive media are an essential part of businesses worldwide, as well as the education, scientific, and entertainment industries.
Students begin the program by developing artistic skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce students to Web standards, scripting, information architecture, interface design concepts, media integration and team-based project skills. Students continue to develop their Web skills, while learning programming and scripting techniques using Flash and JavaScript for design, animation, and data handling. Advanced classes help students develop creative communication strategies, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while maintaining holistic, goal-oriented design and perspective on their projects.
Throughout the program, students have access to industry-related technology and work with faculty who are experienced professionals in various aspects of the Web design & interactive media field and bring their practical experience and their own projects into the classroom. Throughout the program students learn to give, receive, and respond to critique of their work by industry professionals and faculty, as well as their classmates.
With my new skills, I can be...
Interface designer
Flash designer/developer
Usability evaluator
Web developer
Media integrator
Digital media producer
Project coordinator
Web designer
Web master
(entry-level positions)
Associate in Arts
After developing an interactive portfolio, students in the associate degree program may enter the field of Web design & interactive media as front-end Web site designers or developers. Many associate degree students choose to continue in the bachelor?s program. Courses in the associate program transfer fully into the bachelor?s program if students wish to continue their studies at the more advanced level.
Web Design & Interactive Media - Bachelor of Fine Arts
The program in Web design & interactive media prepares students for careers designing and developing Web sites and interactive/multimedia communication. Design for the World Wide Web and interactive media is a dynamic and rapidly evolving multi-billion dollar industry that includes products running not only on conventional computers but also on devices such as kiosks, museum displays, personal digital assistants, and cell phones. Web design and interactive media are an essential part of businesses worldwide, as well as the education, scientific, and entertainment industries.
Students begin the program by developing artistic skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce students to Web standards, scripting, information architecture, interface design concepts, media integration and team-based project skills. Students continue to develop their Web skills, while learning programming and scripting techniques using Flash and JavaScript for design, animation, and data handling. Advanced classes help students develop creative communication strategies, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while maintaining holistic, goal-oriented design and perspective on their projects.
Throughout the program, students have access to industry-related technology and work with faculty who are experienced professionals in various aspects of the Web design & interactive media field and bring their practical experience and their own projects into the classroom. Throughout the program students learn to give, receive, and respond to critique of their work by industry professionals and faculty, as well as their classmates.
With my new skills, I can be...
Interface designer
Flash designer/developer
Usability evaluator
Web developer
Media integrator
Digital media producer
Project coordinator
Web designer
Web master
(entry-level positions)
Bachelor of Fine Arts
In advanced courses in the bachelor of fine arts program, students focus on conceptual problem solving, content and usability research, accessibility principles, and design of interactive communication solutions. They expand their understanding of the structure and technologies of Web and interactive media projects, and learn techniques for designing and managing large projects. They develop these projects, often for real clients from the non-profit sector. Finally, students produce their own professional-quality, digital portfolios as interactive media presentations of their work and abilities.
Students gain professional experience through internships, freelance work, or communityservice projects. Students with a bachelor of fine arts degree are prepared to enter the workforce in such positions as interface designers, Flash designers/ developers, usability evaluators, Web developers, media integrators, creative directors, digital media producers, or project coordinators in fields such as marketing, corporate communications, or advertising. Some graduates start their own companies, and many continue to freelance in the field.