Art & Design Overview

While robots are quickly taking over math and science analysis, they cannot truly own a brand new, creative idea. That’s where you are needed. From animators, creative directors and fine artists to engineers and architects, there is a great need for creative problem solving and unique solutions to support every industry.

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and most healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities may differ depending on the type or specialty of the healthcare office they’re working in. Medical assistants are not to be confused with physician assistants, who are licensed and trained to do medical procedures with supervision from a physician.
Medical Assistant Role & Responsibility

Digital Art & Animation

A degree in Digital Art & Animation is a great undergraduate option for those seeking careers as an art director, animator, craft or fine artist, graphic designer, and web developer. Careers in animation may be found in advertising, gaming, TV or film as well as other industries such as live events and even in the medical field. Graduates can go on to become a Visual Effects Supervisor, Lighting Director, Motion Graphics Designer, 3D Modeler and more. Students can go on to pursue an MFA.

Role & Responsibility
  • Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation
  • Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
  • Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animation
  • Edit animation and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators, game designers, or clients
  • Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff (which may include actors) to review deadlines and development timeline
2020 Median Pay $77,700 per year | $37.36 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

62,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 16%
Employment Change 2020-30

9,900
How to become

Most special effects artists and animators need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills that many employers prefer.

Graphic Design

Graphic designers seeking a successful career ahead should consider an associate or bachelor’s degree. Students who pursue a bachelor’s in graphic design can learn how to use color, typography and photography and more to communicate information creatively. Once in the workforce, design professionals will need to stay on top of industry trends and technological advances to remain competitive in the job market.

Role & Responsibility
  • Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs
  • Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations to help deliver a message
  • Design layouts, including selection of colors, images, and typefaces
  • Present design concepts to clients or art directors
  • Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs
  • Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them
2020 Median Pay $53,380 per year | $25.66 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

254,100
Job Outlook, 2020-30 3%
Employment Change 2020-30

7,300
How to become

Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Candidates for graphic design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity and originality.

Music and Film Production

Students seeking a career in Music Production and Recording Arts can pursue a Bachelor’s of Science to prepare. Music recording, production, mixing and mastering can be used in music, film, television, gaming, theater, and multimedia professions. Graduates will walk away with practical skills as well as the critical theoretical knowledge needed to keep up with future technologies.

Role & Responsibility
  • Operate, monitor, and adjust audio, video, sound, lighting, and broadcast equipment to ensure consistent quality
  • Set up and take down equipment for events and live performances
  • Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment or computers, sometimes using complex software
  • Synchronize sounds and dialogue with action taking place on television or in movie productions
  • Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing on computers
  • Install audio, video, and lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
  • Report any problems that arise with complex equipment and make routine repairs
  • Keep records of recordings and equipment used
2020 Median Pay $50,000 per year | $24.04 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation  
Number of Jobs, 2020 138,700
Job Outlook, 2020-30 21%
Employment Change 2020-30 28,600
How to become

Educational requirements for audio and video, lighting, and sound engineering technicians vary from a high school diploma (completing courses in math, physics and electronics is helpful) to a college degree, depending on the position. Broadcast technicians typically need an associate’s degree. In addition to courses in math and science, coursework for prospective broadcast technicians should emphasize practical skills such as video editing and production management.

Fashion Design / Merchandising

The world of fashion design and merchandising is endless with courses and programs in visual merchandising, pattern making, textile design, fashion illustration, tailoring and merchandise marketing. From accessorizing to selling, there are many amazing skills you can apply in real life after graduation. One of the keys to your success will be securing an internship during your program so you can network and test out your newly learned skills.

Role & Responsibility
  • Study fashion trends and anticipate designs that will appeal to consumers
  • Decide on a theme for a collection
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) programs to create designs
  • Visit manufacturers or trade shows to get samples of fabric
  • Select fabrics, embellishments, colors, or a style for each garment or accessory
  • Work with other designers or team members to create prototype designs
  • Present design ideas to creative directors or showcase their ideas in fashion or trade shows
  • Market designs to clothing retailers or to consumers
  • Oversee the final production of their designs
2020 Median Pay $75,810 per year | $36.45 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

27,800
Job Outlook, 2020-30 0%
Employment Change 2020-30

100
How to become

Most fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. Employers usually seek applicants who are creative and who have technical knowledge of the production processes for clothing, accessories, or footwear.

Communication Design (BFA)

Another option for students interested in web design is a BFA in Communication Design. This degree demonstrates the power of creative and compelling messaging through web design, UX/UI, interactive and expressive typography for the web, motion graphics, branding, mobile design patterns, emerging platforms as well as data visualization, CSS animations and the latest mobile design guidelines and best practices for iOS and Android for UX and UI design.

Role & Responsibility
  • Use programming languages such as HTML or XML to write code for the website
  • Work with other team members to determine what information the site will contain
  • Determine the website’s layout and look and feel
  • Integrate graphics, audio, and video into the website
  • Create prototypes and mockups of websites or applications
  • Design and develop graphics
2020 Median Pay $77,200 per year| $37.12 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020 199,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 13%
Employment Change 2020-30 25,000
How to become

Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer web developer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, such as computer science or programming. Web developers need to have a thorough understanding of HTML programming. Many employers also want developers to understand other programming languages, such as JavaScript or SQL, and have knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash. Throughout their career, web developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.