Interactive digital communications is an essential part of the business, education, and entertainment industries. This has led to entry-level employment opportunities for an individual designer who can create interactive information services through a combination of sound, graphic arts, text, and video. The Associate of Science degree program in Web Design & Interactive Media was created to prepare today?s students for entry-level careers in this field. Coursework begins with drawing and design, digital image manipulation, interactive media design, scriptwriting, sound, video, and animation, then progresses to interactive information and Web design, all under the guidance of faculty members, many of whom are recruited from this fascinating industry. At graduation, students have an individualized digital portfolio to showcase for prospective employers the practical skills and technical expertise they have acquired.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To receive an Associate of Science degree in Web Design & Interactive Media, students must: receive a passing grade or credit for all required coursework; earn a minimum of 90 quarter credits; achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; meet portfolio or other requirements as outlined by the program; and satisfy all financial obligations to The Art Institute.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:
? Use industry-specific computer software programs within the context of producing concrete projects including the technical aspects of pre-press, output, and quality reproduction, as well as Web design.
? Develop solutions for complex design problems.
? Create effective information structures appropriate to a specific audience.
? Design user-center interfaces appropriate to a specific audience.
? Create and adhere to style guides.
? Design and produce effective identity packages for both print and screen.
? Demonstrate professional presentation, and articulate knowledge of animation and visual problem-solving skills.
? Seek entry-level career opportunities as Web page designer, Web site designer, or production artist.

The Bachelor of Science program in Web Design & Interactive Media assists students in gaining an advanced understanding in interactive media and Web design. The bachelor?s program provides a theoretical and hands-on approach to education that offers a theoretical foundation and general education to aid students in the development and maturation of their artistic abilities and to solidify their technical skills. By working in classrooms and computer labs, a foundation in drawing and design, image manipulation, interface design, scripting, sound, video, and animation is developed. More complex coursework employs authoring tools to integrate text, sound, graphics, animation, and video to complete interactive projects.

The program introduces the structure of online games, information design, interactive authoring, Web animation, and e-commerce applications. The individual interested in this field is one who feels comfortable with and challenged by technology, and who has specialized skills as a designer or technician. Faculty, many of whom are industry professionals, are committed to helping students combine their creative abilities with technical skills for entry into interactive design related professions including e-commerce, entertainment, publishing, education, and marketing.

Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:
? Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in interactive media.
? Apply basic research methods in interactive media, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
? Apply the language and concepts of the field of interactive design through effective communication and design.
? Acquire and disseminate digital information and use computers and other technology for a variety of purposes.
? Demonstrate a strong foundation in color theory, design, digital image manipulation, multimedia system design, scriptwriting, sound, video, animation, Web programming and interface design for the purposes of branding and business optimization.
? Apply the principles of form and function to produce design and business solutions appropriate to a particular client or target audience.
? Seek entry-level positions leading to careers such as interface designer, digital media producer, multimedia producer, multimedia scriptwriter, computer-based training designer, Web designer, and Web script language developer in such fields as law, medicine, science, engineering, architecture, education, corporate communications, consumer information delivery, and advertising.

Graduation Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Web Design & Interactive Media, students must: receive a passing grade or credit for all required coursework; earn a minimum of 180 quarter credits; achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher; meet portfolio or other requirements as outlined by the program; and satisfy all financial obligations to The Art Institutes.