Media Design
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In a world full of distractions, captivating visuals cut through the clutter. As a media design major, you’ll learn to use graphic design, photography, video, digital illustration and animation to tell stories that make an impact.
This flexible interdisciplinary major allows you to blend courses in art, communication and media, expanding your messaging and content development skills. You can also add a minor to customize the program to your career interests — for example, a business minor to focus on marketing, data science to specialize in infographics, history to partner with museums, film studies to explore video production or editing, or biology or environmental science to work in scientific communication. Wherever your creative talents take you, you’ll be equipped to create effective multimedia content that engages and inspires your audience — a sought-after skill set in a wide variety of fields.
The Alverno difference
Alverno is well known for its innovative curriculum and outstanding teaching. Instead of letter grades, we focus on real-world skills and helping you achieve your highest potential. Our focus on the 8 Abilities will strengthen your communication, leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which will help you excel in the workplace.
Your creativity will flourish in Alverno’s supportive, empowering environment. You’ll form strong relationships with your instructors, who will nurture your development as a media design professional. You’ll explore the fundamentals of design and media theory and learn how to make beautiful, technically sophisticated digital media using creative tools from the Adobe Creative Cloud and other applications. And because our students work on projects for actual clients, you’ll have experience solving real-world communication challenges before you even graduate.
Your artistic playground will include Alverno’s Art and Cultures Gallery, light-filled art classrooms and studios, and the Mac lab. Outside of class, you can participate in our annual juried art competition, learn gallery management skills, apply for work-study job opportunities to learn behind-the-scenes aspects of managing art exhibition spaces, and get involved with the Creative Entrepreneurs student organization. Many media design majors also sharpen their skills by designing websites and print marketing pieces for other student organizations on campus.
“I selected Alverno for its sense of community. Here, I have learned to be confident in myself. I have grown into a stronger person and also a stronger artist. I was scared to put my work out there, and now I think of myself as an artist.”
— Kathryn, media design major
Coursework
All Alverno students must complete 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll begin your media design courses during your freshman year, as well as your general education requirements. You’ll study analytic drawing, 2D and 3D design, graphic design and illustration, digital art, new media, self-employment in the arts, grant writing for artists and educators, and more. Your studies will culminate in an internship in your field, a senior seminar and an exhibition of your professional portfolio in the campus gallery.
Field education
There’s no shortage of resume-building opportunities in Milwaukee’s vibrant arts culture. Our students have interned with the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, Marcus Promotions and the United Performing Arts Fund, along with advertising agencies, web development firms, and digital and social media marketing departments at companies.
Career opportunities
This versatile major prepares you for diverse career paths in private companies, nonprofit organizations or freelance creative ventures. Depending on your interests, you might work as a photographer, illustrator, animator, graphic designer, web designer, media consultant, social media marketing specialist, or as a design coordinator for galleries, museums and other public spaces.
Admission requirements
Your first step is to apply for admission to Alverno by completing the free application at alverno.edu/apply. You should mark your intended major as media design.
For your first three semesters at Alverno, you’ll be matched with a professional academic advisor who gets to know you and guides you through your education, helping you chart your path and register for classes. After that point, you’ll be paired with a faculty advisor who will support your success to graduation.
GET IN TOUCH!
Have questions about studying at Alverno? We invite you to connect with our Admissions team to learn more.
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