Program Description
Complete your Multimedia Communications, Associate in Applied Science (AAS). In an age where creativity is the engine of economic growth the job market needs imaginative individuals with strong technical and visual communication skills. This program prepares students for entry level employment in a variety of multimedia careers including digital video, multimedia content development for the web, digital photography, digital illustration, and design for print and web publications. Foundation courses provide students with hands-on experience using a number of multimedia and graphic software applications. Core courses teach students visual literacy and a solid foundation of multimedia concepts and skills. Capstone courses offer a unique opportunity for students to interact with business while creating a collective portfolio of student work. Students are required to have access to Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection software (student edition), supply their own digital still and video camera, Adobe Creative Cloud, personal website including domain and webhosting for Portfolio and subdomains for web-based projects, a digital camera for photography and video, and books for this degree option. Students can choose to complete this degree entirely online or on campus. Visit our website at: pencol.edu/program/multimedia-communications.
Program Length: 6 Quarters
Program Code: DMWMCAPT
Career Opportunities and Earnings
There is a high demand for talented people with digital video and web graphic design skills; and an increasing number of employers are seeking workers with knowledge of multimedia communication tools. Graduates may find positions with a variety of multimedia oriented companies and organizations in the public and private sectors.
- Digital illustrator
- Digital photographer
- Digital videographer
- Multimedia content developer
- Print production artist
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes.
Program Outcomes
When this program is completed, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts, terms, tools, and methods used to create digital video, illustrations, page layout documents, and web based multimedia content
- Plan, film, and edit, and publish digital videos on the internet
- Digitize, manipulate, and prepare photographic files for print and web publication
- Plan, create, implement, test, and manage multimedia tasks
- Produce a website portfolio that showcases individual multimedia competencies
Special Features
- Encourages students to explore the role interactive and multimedia technologies play in society and how they contribute to art, business and education
- Up to date curriculum that adapts to the rapidly changing field of multimedia
- Significantly more cost effective than most private and public schools
- Degree can be earned online or face-to-face at the Port Angeles campus
Program Prerequisites
Students entering this program should have good computer knowledge and skills to type and operate a computer. Online students should complete HUMDV 101 or have successfully completed an online course. College-level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English, math, or applied math courses in this program. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework. The placement test will help determine placement level if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level.
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $250
- Computer which meets the system requirements of required software*: approximately $1,400-$1,700
- Adobe Creative Cloud for Education’ or ‘Adobe Creative Cloud’ (Education edition available with use of Peninsula College student email address): approximately $20 per month
- E-Portfolio website hosting and domain registration: approximately $175 per year
- Digital camera: $500-$1000
*Please confirm the computer you have access to meets the system requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro: helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AAS. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
First Quarter (Fall)
This course concentrates on the creative and practical exploration of computer graphics and page layout design. Students will explore basic concepts of digital media, terminology and acquire hands-on experience working with industry standard page layout and illustration software. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Learn fundamental concepts and skills of multimedia content development and website design. Students will create multimedia elements with Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and open-source applications. Manipulate photographs, design animated web banners and graphic rollover buttons. Explore interface design and embed multimedia presentations in a webpage. Good computer file management and typing skills is recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Designed to teach students the principles of digital photography with an emphasis on the discovery of solutions for artistic challenges to composition, lighting, color and photographic technology. Students will explore the cultural influences of visual communication and the evolution of traditional photography into the digital age. Good computer and file management skills are recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 4
Second Quarter (Winter)
This course introduces students to digital video, audio, motion graphics, and digital filming techniques. Students will plan, film, edit, and stream short digital videos on the internet. Students enrolling in this class must supply their own digital video camera and have good computer skills. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Provides fundamental digital imaging skills. Learn to scan, optimize, enhance, colorize, and combine photographs. Emphasis will be placed on editing photographs, color management, and acquiring a basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop. Good computer and file management skills are recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Develop and market a business presence and webpage on the Internet with social media and open source web applications. Explore online consumer behavior and Internet marketing campaigns. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Third Quarter (Spring)
College mathematics used in professional and technical programs. Content includes mathematical modeling and applications employing numerical operations; measurements; geometry; linear and nonlinear equations; exponent, radical, and polynomial operations; functions; formulas; plane analytical geometry with graphing; and an introduction to trigonometry. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Introduction to documentary styles, filmmaking, directing, and production management, web promotion, broadcast, and screening. Students will learn the critical production decisions involved in documentary digital video production while producing short films. An overview of production methods such as idea development, research, proposal and scriptwriting, budgeting, and working with cast and crew with innovative collaborative tools. Students will discuss rights clearances, common challenges, and ethical issues. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Emerging technologies and new digital literacies require content creation that is retentive, absorbing, interactive, and social. Learn about media such as augmented reality that includes digital input overlapping the real-world environment, virtual worlds, and experiential projection spaces. Good computer file management skills recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Fourth Quarter (Fall)
Study of two and three dimensional art concepts. Lectures and selected art projects. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)
Credits: 5
Examines vital issues for people who use mass media or are affected by it. Emphasis on freedom of expression, censorship, fair trial, privacy, ethics, law, media economics, technology, effectiveness in communicating to audiences and relationships to social, cultural, and political values in the United States and throughout the world. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)
Credits: 5
Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)
Credits: 5
Fifth Quarter (Winter)
Course takes students beyond the basics of digital photography as they increase the depth of their aesthetic expression and photographic technique. Students will complete a series of directed projects designed to stimulate creative ideas, expand visual communication skills, improve composition, and develop their own unique body of work using digital cameras and photographic technologies. Students supply their own camera. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Introduction to computer illustration with Adobe Illustrator. Learn basic through intermediate computer drawing skills, and use precision digital art production tools. Create professional quality vector graphics for printed materials, multimedia projects, and web presentation. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Sixth Quarter (Spring)
Use practical techniques to professionally manipulate photographs and automate digital image production tasks. Create special effects for type, photos, and web graphics with industry standard software (Photoshop). Students will produce an informational multimedia presentation on the topic of a global issue, and design a webpage portfolio to showcase course projects. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Students will produce a website portfolio of digital media and artwork that showcases creative and technical skills. This capstone course is to guide students through the process of creating multimedia web portfolios for the need for college transfer applications and employment in related fields. Students will select, organize, develop, and present a collection of work that exhibits individual efforts, progress, and achievements. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Project based class teaches students how to create visual effects that enhance live performances through video, projection mapping, sequencing, lighting, music, and imagery. Apply special effects, best practices, and real-world considerations of integrating digital media and projections for theater, concerts, or live performances. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:
- The quarter you begin
- How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
- Your math and English placement; Learn more about placement options by visiting the Assessment and Placement website.
- If you start in our Transitional Studies program