Digital Media Technology
Overview
The Digital Media Technology degree program emphasizes the study of processes and management of web development, digital media, gaming, animation, simulation, image capture, and multimedia production.
The Digital Media Technology program is designed to prepare technical or technical management-oriented professionals for employment in creative, advertising, educational, and other commercial environments.
According to IBISworld.com, digital media, web development, gaming, animation, simulation, and related services combined account for more than 400 billion dollars of the United States economy. At the time of this writing, over 100,000 available jobs related to the aforementioned areas are listed on job posting websites such as talentzoo.com, monster.com, and indeed.com. In total the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there to be 300,000 positions added to the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media sectors by 2026.
Students will complete 36 hours in required courses and must complete 3 courses in one focus area.
REQUIRED COURSES
The degree in Digital Media Technology at Eastern Illinois University has required courses that provides students with a balance of management and supervision skills needed to be successful in leading cross functional teams in web development, digital media, gaming, animation, simulation, image capture, and multimedia production. Click here to learn more about the Required Courses for this degree.
GAME DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREA
Game Development, Interactive Media, and simulation are areas where there is a demand for technically proficient individuals with multiple skillsets ready to handle any task. The Entertainment Software Association projects the need for thousands of Multimedia Animators, Technical artists, and other Game Development professionals by 2026. The outlook for this career is as fast as average, with an 8% growth during this time frame. Click here to learn more about the Game Development Focus Area.
WEB DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREA
Web Development is a profession where there is an incredible demand for talented individuals with a variety of skills. Businesses need front end developers, search engine specialists, content managers, and people talented in UI/UX design. Nationally the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be a 27% increase in the number of Web Developers required to meet commercial needs each year until 2026. Click here to learn more about the Web Development Focus Area
VISUAL EFFECTS FOCUS AREA
People that work in visual effects create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Projected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Click to learn more about the Visual Effects Focus Area.
MEDIA COMMUNICATION FOCUS AREA
In this diverse focus area individuals have the opportunity to explore opportunities in video, audio, journalism, and other media communication related industries. Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. Click here to learn more about the Media Communication Focus Area
AUDIO TECHNOLOGY FOCUS AREA
Overall employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected to stem from businesses, schools, and entertainment industries seeking to improve their audio and video capabilities. They will need technicians to set up, operate, and maintain equipment. Click here to learn more about the Audio Technology Focus Area
DIGITAL ART AND DESIGN FOCUS AREA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of digital art and designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028. Digital artists and designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Click here to learn more about the Digital Art and Design Focus Area
Degree: Digital Media
Completion time: 43-45 hours required for the major and 120 hours required for graduation
Internships:
Interested in the jobs that are available for people with a degree in Digital Media Technology? Take a look at the opportunities from multiple places that are searching for talented people.
Current students may also complete an internship. Contact the Digital Media Program coordinator Dr. Gabe Grant at gjgrant@eiu.edu to inquire about current opportunities.
Resources
- Degree Plan
- Program Information in EIU Catalog