Multimedia Arts

Associate of Applied Science degree in Multimedia Arts

Enter the dynamic world of media arts as you study photography, filmmaking, and motion graphics in the Visual Communications program

Degree Overview

The AAS degree in Multimedia Arts is a unique path of study that is mostly separate from the other degree tracks within the Visual Communications program. Students earning this degree will take courses in photography, motion graphics/animation, and filmmaking.

Starting the degree track with a cohort of other students in the fall, all Multimedia Arts students take the initial software class (joined by other VC students) before diverging into degree-specific classes. Students within the other degree tracks, and experience a range of cutting-edge media equipment, facilities, and techniques.

All of this coursework culminates in a demo reel or staged exhibit that ranges in form and media depending on the student’s area of focus. This capstone experience is a way to introduce you to the local business community, and is held at the end of spring term your final year.

Careers

Students earning the Graphic Design AAS can work in a number of different positions, including:

• Social Media Content Producer/Manager
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Animator
• Freelance Photographer
• Photographer's Assistant
• Videographer

Job Outlook

Outlook varies depending on the sub-specialty that the student chooses to pursue. Job information for the state of Oregon can be found at qualityinfo.org.

Required Hardware & Software

All Visual Communications students are required to purchase their own personal computer and software. This includes owning a Mac or Windows computer that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud software taught in the program (Photoshop, Premier Pro, and others). Most students qualify for a discounted student subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. It is OK to wait to purchase this equipment until after classes begin in September, as your instructors may have additional advice and requirements to share with you. Please contact the Program Chair for more information.

Multimedia Arts student are also required to purchase a multi-terabyte hard drive and a digital camera that provides manual controls and high definition video capabilities. Again, it's OK to wait until fall to make these purchases.

Multimedia Arts AAS Degree Outcomes

Students completing the degrees should be able to:

• Work with others in the creation and production of original ideas and graphic design, interactive media, or multimedia arts.
• Research and present design solutions to communication projects.
• Use current and evolving industry standard methods and processes in the production and crafting of graphic design, interactive media, or works of multimedia, including photography, filmmaking, and motion graphics.
• Articulate and apply the trade practices, ethics, and copyright laws related to graphic and/or multimedia arts.
• Participate in a client-designer relationship in the implementation and evaluation of projects.
• Organize and present a portfolio of work that gives evidence of the skills, knowledge, and abilities to begin a graphic design, interactive media, or multimedia arts career or transfer to a four-year college for additional study.

Course of Study for Multimedia Arts

VC Students: Be sure to pick the course of study that matches your entrance year to the program (year of fall of first term).

2026, 2025, or 2024 Multimedia Arts Track

2023 Multimedia Arts Track

Overview Sessions

If you would like information about graphic design and other degree options at Chemeketa, we invite you to attend an overview session of the Visual Communications program. During the session, a VC faculty member presents on the program options, shows student work, provides information about the application process, discusses transfer and career possibilities and answer all your questions.

The next overview is Wednesday November 4th, 2026; 4:30–6:00 PM in Building 4/225 on the Salem campus in Building 4, room 225. Everyone is welcome and reservations are not required.

For More Information

For more information about graphic design or other degrees or classes offered by the VC program, contact the Program Chair Peter Hoelter at peter.hoelter@chemeketa.edu or 503.399.6475.