A Q&A on the Multimedia Major with School of Communication Faculty
"Multimedia is a perfect major for students who are curious, motivated and excited by new things. It really is a jack-of-all-trades major. It allows students the opportunity to learn writing, web design, photography, video production and more. Students in the program are well-rounded, have diverse skills and interests and love playing with new technology. Multimedia students are perfectly suited to work at small businesses and nonprofits that appreciate someone who can do it all."
School of Communication Professors Tatyana Dumova and Heather Starr Fiedler answer questions about the B.A. in multimedia program.
Tatyana Dumova, Ph.D.
What makes Point Park’s B.A. in multimedia program distinctive?
In a nutshell, multimedia is a technique that employs several media for communicating ideas and messages. The multimedia major is a program for those who love technology, are at ease with technology and want to grow professionally with technology focusing on innovation and quality. With an emphasis on personalized learning and student-centered pedagogy, our primary goal is the success of each and every student.
What should prospective students and their parents know about this program?
Multimedia technology evolves with the times, and this major is very flexible. Students learn creating and maintaining webpages, digital imaging techniques, designing graphics and illustrations, typography, photo and video editing, podcasting, writing in digital environments, producing multimedia content for social media platforms and developing a digital mindset in the process. Graduates with this degree help organizations to integrate and maximize value from digital technology.
Why should you choose to major in multimedia at Point Park?
Our program is designed in such a way that it keeps the windows of opportunity open, and students can expand in any direction they feel as their calling in terms of all things digital. Students are able to expand and grow into any area of their choosing and liking. There is a lot of room for developing personal creativity while learning to navigate digital spaces.
Tell us about the hands-on opportunities students have in this program.
In addition to teaching fundamental concepts and principles, the program provides opportunities to develop versatile competencies in hands-on classroom projects using industry-standard computer software, publishing class work in professional settings, and engaging in student media, internships and co-ops. You can gain hands-on professional experience through Wood Street Communications initiative connecting Point Park students with Pittsburgh nonprofits and interact with professionals through the Center for Media Innovation and Center for Sports Media & Marketing.
How will this program make you career-ready?
With a B.A. in multimedia, you will have the option to pursue careers in various fields ranging from web and e-publishing to multimedia reporting and digital media production to digital marketing, education and professional training. Some of the popular career paths are Multimedia Specialist, Multimedia Content Editor, Multimedia Producer, Multimedia Designer, Multimedia Illustrator, Graphic and Web Designer, Web Editor, Digital Content Specialist, Social Media Specialist and Video Editor.
Where have graduates of your program landed internships and jobs?
Multimedia students have pursued internships with iHeartMedia, Inc., Nartak Media Group, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Red Caiman Studios, among others.
After obtaining their multimedia degrees, the graduates of the program have landed jobs at Apple Box Studios, Imagebox, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Geisinger Health Plan, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, United Steelworkers, Tony Mazzocchi Center, Uber Advanced Technologies Group, MSC Retail, VentureLink at NJIT, ZONE 28, Team Liquid, UniversityTees, Reimagine Main Street, and Boy Scouts of America: Lake Erie Area Council, Stage AE, CBRE, SPARQ Designs, AE Works, Barnes & Noble, Mid Atlantic Capital Group, Bulldog Office Products, American Eagle and Matthews International Corporation, among others.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Evolving job market and increasing demand for specialists with digital skills call for graduates who are able to communicate effectively across various channels and platforms, manage multiple tasks and deadlines, work as a team, and stay current on technological change. This degree addresses the ongoing demand for technology oriented careers in this age of ubiquitous technology and universal connectivity.
— Tatyana Dumova, Ph.D., professor
Heather Starr Fiedler, Ph.D.
Why is the Downtown Pittsburgh location an advantage to multimedia students?
Our campus in Downtown Pittsburgh is such an exciting location for communication students. Not only are we in the center of arts, culture and business, but there are unlimited opportunities to internships, jobs and service projects.
Students can walk right out the door and have instant access to design examples on business storefronts, photography of the rivers and urban parks and video packages with industry leaders.
What makes multimedia a resilient career field, even during challenging times like the current COVID-19 pandemic?
Multimedia students are trained to be lifelong learners. Technology is constantly changing, so in order to keep up, multimedia students must be nimble and adept at keeping up with new technologies and trends. These skills allow them to adapt not only to the latest, greatest software, but also to industry shifts like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Multimedia is a perfect major for students who are curious, motivated and excited by new things. It really is a jack-of-all-trades major. It allows students the opportunity to learn writing, web design, photography, video production and more.
Students in the program are well-rounded, have diverse skills and interests and love playing with new technology. Multimedia students are perfectly suited to work at small businesses and nonprofits that appreciate someone who can do it all.
— Heather Starr Fiedler, Ph.D., professor
More About: School of Communication, Center for Media Innovation, internships, social media, multimedia, Wood Street Communications, Downtown Pittsburgh, Center for Sports Media and Marketing, graphic design, faculty