Digital Media Specialist, A.A.S.

As technology has changed, computer-based media has become a popular communication technology.  The digital media specialist degree introduces students to essential web design software, basic troubleshooting, help desk technical skills, and business-centered official applications such as document processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.  The digital media specialist degree also introduces students to computer graphic design software and computer programming, animation, and web design.  The course focuses on informational, business, commercial, entertainment, and game-based applications.  This degree incorporates vendor certification training, specifically in Adobe certifications, for students preparing for entry-level employment or career advancement in a variety of occupations within the digital media field.

Program Overview

A student pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Media Specialist must complete the requirements for the general education core and the technology core.  With the exceptional growth being experienced in the Eastern Panhandle, well-trained digital media specialist support personnel are essential for business and industry.  The Digital Media Specialist A.A.S. degree provides students with the training needed for employment upon graduation.

Students completing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Media Specialist will understand and be able to demonstrate basic skills in writing, reading, math, and decision-making and communication, graphic design skills, web page design skills, presentation, and publication design skills, and business-centered office applications to be prepared for employment within the ever-changing information technology field.

Students in the Digital Media Specialist Degree Program will:

• Complete hands-on activities that help develop computer application fluency and fundamental technical skills.
• Employ business-centered and professional applications for document processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation design.
• Complete project-based activities, which incorporate publication and document creation, design skills, electronic presentation skills, and web design skills to prepare for the work environment.
• Utilize essential web design software, graphic design software, and animate software to create digital and/or print publications.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and help desk technical skills to aid in computer support training.

Career Opportunities

Students in the digital media specialist degree program complete hands-on activities that help develop computer application fluency, design theories, and fundamentals technical skills.  They complete project-based activities, which incorporate publication and document creation and design skills, electronic presentation skills, and web design skills to prepare for the work environment.  Upon earning a degree, digital media specialist graduates may pursue entry-level employment in a variety of business, government, and educational institutions.  A Blue Ridge Community and Technical College training in graphic design, web design, and publication development and design applications will add value to the workplace.