Do you spend your free time creating images, videos, or other computer based projects? If so, the multimedia arts and communication program might be the perfect place for you!
Allan Hancock College’s multimedia program provides a comprehensive foundation in the electronic arts, which are at the core of our increasingly audio-visual culture. The program’s project-based multimedia training fosters artistic and technical skills in digital media including imaging, video, audio, animation, and interactive interface design.
Students will have the opportunity to build their own emphasis in web design, video post-production, or animation depending on choice of electives. Students will also become proficient in the use of industry-standard software including: Flash, Photoshop, After Effects, Dreamweaver, Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack, DVD Studio Pro, and others.
The Associate Degree in Multimedia prepares students for entry-level employment in the creative industries or to transfer to a four-year program in digital media.
This program helps you to:
- analyze and explain diverse multimedia products in terms of design, techniques, and point-of-view
- employ a range of software programs to create and manipulate digital imagery, audio, animation, and video
- design, build, test and present animations, motion graphics sequences, interactive applications and website designs
- plan and prepare a project proposal for presentation to a client
- produce work for a reel or digital portfolio that showcases individual multimedia competencies
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for GRPH 108.
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ART 108.
Introduces students to the use of Apple computers and Adobe Photoshop for developing and editing digital images for use in graphic design, photography, web, video and motion graphics production. Students will learn raster image resolutions, file formats, color systems and professional creative practices for acquisition, creation, editing and processing for various industries including printing, digital publishing, animation, and video editing.
A hands-on overview of computer operations, industry standard software and equipment common to digital visual communication. Students will apply art and design theory in the exploration of tools used in vector graphics, digital imaging, motion graphics and animation, and digital media interface design. Topics include media development, interactivity, file formats, storage and file management, industry trends and career options. Familiarity with current design software, hardware, input, and output devices will be established. Assignments integrate digital tools, techniques, and creative design using text and image, digital video and audio, and interactivity. The course is not open to students who are enrolled or have completed GRPH 129.
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
16.5-18
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
The course explores how multimedia transforms experiences of creative expression and communication and impacts our cultural, business, and personal lives. Topics include project planning, development, and exploration through multiple projects. Projects include art for interaction, web imagery, animation, motion graphics, UI/UX, gaming, visual effects, video production, and transmedia storytelling. Course software: Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software.
An introduction to the skills and tools necessary for producing modern responsive web design for a variety of media devices. Students will learn how the combination of flexible grids, layouts, optimized images and the intelligent use of CSS media queries create easy reading and navigation for the end user. Software taught: Adobe Creative Suite. Languages learned HTML and CSS.
A MINIMUM OF 9 UNITS SELECTED FROM ANY ONE OF THE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION BELOW:
OPTION A: EMPHASIS IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
OPTION B: EMPHASIS IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Responsive Web Design |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
OPTION C: EMPHASIS ON ANIMATION
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Introduction to Digital Art |
3 |
|
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction To Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production |
4 |
|
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
or |
||
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
or |
||
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
|
Applied Design Graphics Lab 1 |
0 - 1 |
|
Sound Production Techniques |
3 |
|
Electronic Music MIDI Recording |
3 |
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC Math Competency requirement.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Total Units:
15 to 17
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to film and video production techniques including cinematography, sound, recording, and video editing. Students make a variety of short video projects that involve narrative story telling and documentary filmmaking techniques. No personal equipment required. It is recommended that students enroll in FILM 380 for additional lab time.
An introduction to the equipment, terminology and procedures of sound engineering. Combines lectures and demonstrations with hands-on use of equipment. Students will have the opportunity to use professional sound recording and processing equipment in various recording and mix-down situations. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Film 120.
A MINIMUM OF 9 UNITS SELECTED FROM ANY ONE OF THE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION BELOW:
OPTION A: EMPHASIS IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
OPTION B: EMPHASIS IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Responsive Web Design |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
OPTION C: EMPHASIS ON ANIMATION
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Introduction to Digital Art |
3 |
|
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction To Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production |
4 |
|
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
or |
||
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
or |
||
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
|
Applied Design Graphics Lab 1 |
0 - 1 |
|
Sound Production Techniques |
3 |
|
Electronic Music MIDI Recording |
3 |
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
16 TO 20
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to a variety of international film styles, themes, and directors, as well as to the art of the documentary and experimental film. Emphasis is placed on ways films communicate through acting, photography, sound, and editing.
An introductory course on the tools of digital photography including cameras, scanners, printers and Adobe Lightroom software. Topics include image capture, enhance enhancement and presentation including ink jet prints and digital slideshows. For this course Mac skills are useful, but not essential.
A MINIMUM OF 9 UNITS SELECTED FROM ANY ONE OF THE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION BELOW:
OPTION A: EMPHASIS IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
OPTION B: EMPHASIS IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Responsive Web Design |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
OPTION C: EMPHASIS ON ANIMATION
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Introduction to Digital Art |
3 |
|
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction To Animation |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Animation |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production |
4 |
|
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 1 |
3 |
|
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
or |
||
3D Computer Animation 2 |
3 |
|
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
or |
||
Computer Video Editing |
3 |
|
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
or |
||
Introduction to Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
or |
||
Digital Video Post-Production |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Intermediate Motion Graphics |
3 |
|
Game and App Design |
3 |
|
Web Portfolio & Social Media |
3 |
|
User Interface Design |
3 |
|
Applied Design Graphics Lab 1 |
0 - 1 |
|
Sound Production Techniques |
3 |
|
Electronic Music MIDI Recording |
3 |
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 37 units is required for the associate in science degree.
Required core courses (28 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART 101 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
or | ||
ART 106 | Art of the 20th Century | 3 |
or | ||
FILM 101 | Film as Art and Communication | 3 |
ART 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
or | ||
GRPH 108 | Design 1 on the Computer | 3 |
FILM 110 | Introduction to Motion Picture and Video Production | 4 |
GRPH 112 | Digital Imagery | 3 |
MMAC 101 | Introduction to Multimedia | 3 |
MMAC 112 | Responsive Web Design | 3 |
PHTO 170 | Digital Photography | 3 |
MUS 115 | Introduction to Sound Recording & Mixing | 3 |
MMAC 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
or | ||
GRPH 129 | Digital Tools for Visual Media | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 9 units selected from any one of the areas of concentration below:
Option A: Emphasis in Digital Media
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MMAC 125 | Computer Video Editing | 3 |
MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option B: Emphasis in Interactive Media
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
GRPH 118 | User Interface Design | 3 |
MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
Option C: Emphasis on Animation
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART 107 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 |
ART 115 | Introduction to Animation | 3 |
or | ||
FILM 115 | Introduction To Animation | 3 |
or | ||
MMAC 115 | Introduction to Animation | 3 |
FILM 111 | Intermediate Motion Picture and Video Production | 4 |
FILM 117 | 3D Computer Animation 1 | 3 |
or | ||
MMAC 117 | 3D Computer Animation 1 | 3 |
FILM 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
or | ||
MMAC 118 | 3D Computer Animation 2 | 3 |
FILM 125 | Computer Video Editing | 3 |
or | ||
MMAC 125 | Computer Video Editing | 3 |
FILM 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
or | ||
MMAC 126 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
FILM 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
MMAC 128 | Intermediate Motion Graphics | 3 |
MMAC 114 | Game and App Design | 3 |
GRPH 116 | Web Portfolio & Social Media | 3 |
GRPH 118 | User Interface Design | 3 |
MUS 116 | Sound Production Techniques | 3 |
MUS 117 | Electronic Music MIDI Recording | 3 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
- Animation
- Film and Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia
- Photography
- Sound Technology
- Web Design
Contact Information
Professor of Art and Design
jhood@hancockcollege.edu
Allan Hancock College
805-922-6966 ext. 3705
800. S. College Bld. F
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Darlene Vera
Administration Assistant II - Fine Arts
darlene.vera@hancockcollege.edu
Allan Hancock College
805-922-6966 ext. 3252
800. S. College Bldg. F
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Faculty
Sian Geraghty
Assoc. Professor of Media Arts
sian.geraghty@hancockcollege.edu
805-922-6966 ext. 3252
Building F - Office F-203
Location
Santa Maria Campus
Bldg F