Web and Interactive Media

Area of Study: Visual Communication and Design
Degrees/Certificates:
Associate of Applied Business degree in Visual Communication and Design, Web and Interactive Media
Short-Term Certificate in Visual Communication and Design, Game Design
Certificate of Proficiency in Visual Communication and Design, Web Design and Development
Post-Degree Certificate in Visual Communication and Design, User Experience Design
Academic School: Creative Arts

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) offers an Associate of Applied Business degree in Visual Communication and Design, with a concentration in Web and Interactive Media. The following three certificates are also available within this concentration: a Short-Term Certificate in Game Design, a Certificate of Proficiency in Web Design and Development, and a Post-Degree Certificate in User Experience Design.

Tri-C’s Web and Interactive Media curriculum integrates the latest interactive and online media applications and technologies with principles of visual communication and design. The program offers two tracks for specialization: Game Design and Web Design and Development. All students receive a solid technical foundation in design layout for both print and web, raster and vector graphics, 3D graphics and modeling, 2D and 3D animation, interactive and online media, app design and best practices for integrating typography, illustration, photography, animation and video into emerging user interface (UI) technologies. Throughout the program, technical skills are developed through an exploration of the fundamental concepts of form, design, communication, aesthetics and creative problem-solving. The Game Design track focuses on the fundamentals of 2D and 3D game design for various platforms, including console, computer and mobile devices, providing students with applied experience using industry-standard tools and techniques to develop games for a broad audience. The Web Design and Development track focuses on web-based media, including coding basics for HTML, CSS and JavaScript, as well as industry-standard prototyping for rich interactive experiences. You will learn to design modern, dynamic UIs from the ground up. These programs assume you have no prior coding experience.

Tri-C’s Web and Interactive Media faculty is made up of working professionals with diverse educational backgrounds and work experiences. Through hands-on instruction, project-based learning and using industry-standard workflows and technologies in class, Web and Interactive Media students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the commercial arts. Students graduate from the Web and Interactive Media program with a strong, interdisciplinary professional portfolio showcasing their web and interactive interests and skill sets for potential employers and clients.

Career Outlook

Graduates from the Web and Interactive Media program are prepared for the following positions:

• 2D and 3D animator
• Digital game developer
• Front-end developer
• User interface designer
• Web designer

With additional experience and training, graduates can aspire to the following positions:

• Interactive media designer
• Web developer
• Senior front-end developer
• UX designer