Multimedia Arts and Sciences
Mission
The Multimedia Arts and Sciences program works in close collaboration with arts and sciences disciplines. Based on their choice of concentration, students develop a solid foundation in 2-3D animation, audio and video production and interactive web design. Through a balance of courses in theory, criticism and practice, students develop an understanding of design principles as applied to digital media. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, students will have the technical experience, theoretical background and problem-solving skills necessary for careers in multimedia or for graduate school.
Program Objectives
- Teach students the current technical considerations and skills involved in the digital manipulation of text, image and sound.
- Develop the student’s ability to make aesthetic choices in communication, visualization and ideation.
- Cultivate student skills in written and oral communication.
- Involve students in individual and collaborative creative projects.
- Instill a sense of mission in the students about the positive contribution they can make in shaping culture and society.
- Maintain a high standard in the evaluation of student performance.
- Integrate ethical, historical and theoretical dimensions of the creative process into the realm of digital media.
- Prepare students for professional careers in such fields as entertainment, publishing, science, the arts, education or post-graduate fields of study.
Curriculum
The Multimedia Arts and Sciences major requires 39–41 hours: 27 hours from core courses, 6 hours selected from courses in the Foundation and Aesthetic and Social Awareness units, and 6 hours from courses in an emphasis area. Emphasis areas include computer animation, interactive and Web design, audio and video production. Senior core courses include a senior capstone class and a proseminar and portfolio class. Special topics classes are offered as opportunities to focus on particular aspects of multimedia that are not covered in regular catalog courses.
Minor
The minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences is designed for students seeking an introduction to the interdisciplinary applications of computer-based media. The minor enables students from a variety of majors to:
- Learn the technical considerations involved with computer-based manipulation of image, text and sound.
- Develop aesthetic abilities and problem-solving skills required in creating effective communication in digital environments.
- Understand the interrelationships of multimedia to various professions and fields of study.
A minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences requires 22–24 credit hours, including 18 hours of MMAS courses.
Faculty
The Multimedia Arts and Sciences program includes six MMAS core faculty members in addition to professors from Art, Drama, Computer Science, Mass Communication and Music.
Internships in Multimedia Arts and Sciences
- Participating companies include:
- Accent WebDesign Designs, Asheville
- Advanced Data & Network Solutions Inc., Asheville
- Biltmore Estate, Asheville
- Blue Barnhouse, Asheville
- Bonesteel Films, Asheville
- Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville
- FastFwd Design, Asheville
- Garcia Associates, Natural & Cultural Resource Consultants, Bozeman, MT
- Ironwood Media, Asheville
- JukeBox Alive, Asheville
- Music and Art Management Inc., Asheville and New York
- Oliver Media, Asheville
- Penstock Productions, Asheville
- Rock Creek Studios, Asheville
- UNC Asheville Ramsey Library Special Collections
- URTV, Asheville
- Western North Carolina Heritage Project, Asheville
Post-Graduate Opportunities
In addition to employment options at many companies nationwide, students graduating with a degree in Multimedia Arts and Sciences attend graduate schools that include:
- Art Institute of Chicago, Master of Fine Arts, Studio, Art and Technology
- Boston University, Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design
- Brooklyn College, Interactive Arts Program
- Carnegie Mellon University, Human-Computer Interaction Telecommunications Program
- New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, Interactive Telecommunications Program
- Parsons School of Design, Master of Fine Arts
- Savannah College of Art and Design, Master of Fine Arts, 3D Animation
More Information
Multimedia Arts & Sciences
159 Karpen Hall, CPO #2115
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8509
828.251.6550