Starting Salary
​39k

Job Growth:
Rising Need

Salary
39k - 70k

Check

Out

Digital

Media
Course Description
Students will experience an overview of graphic design, video production, game design, and animation.  Topics of study include: graphic design, digital photography, digital video production, 2D and 3D animation techniques, and video game design. Both raster and vector-based design software will be utilized to provide creative, practical solutions to graphic design challenges.  Students will create both complex animations and working video games using a variety of tools, including Adobe Animate, Autodesk 3dsMax, GameMaker Studio, Unreal Engine, Blender and Dragonframe. 

Concurrent Enrollment Credits
 Tompkins Cortland Community College
-COMM 111: Foundations of Digital Editing (1 credit)
-COMM 112: Foundations of Motion Graphics (1 credit)
-COMM 115: Introduction to Digital Video (3 credits)
-COMM 145: DVD Authoring (1 credit)
Course Content
  • Graphic design and publishing
  • Digital video production and visual effects
  • Video game development
  • 2D and 3D animation techniques
  • Digital commercial and studio photography
  • Logo design
  • Specialty vinyl, screen and print graphics
  • Audio production
student with slr camera Picture
Image was taken pre-pandemic.
student with graphic Picture
Image was taken pre-pandemic.
Career Opportunities Can Include:
  • Software Engineer
  • Flash Designer
  • Web Developer
  • Game Developer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Digital Artist
  • Game Art
  • Animation Designer
  • Animation System Programmer
  • Video Editor
  • Video Systems Technician
  • Video Production Coordinator
  • Digital Video Analyst

College Agreements with:

Mike Blegen

Digital Media Teacher

I first became interested in teaching as a career during my time in Costa Rica as a Peace Corps volunteer.  Out of all the projects that I worked on, I found teaching to be the most rewarding.  When I returned to the US, I worked in the tech industry for a number of years before taking the plunge and getting my Masters in Education.  Initially, I taught Biology, but when a position teaching Computer Technology opened up at TST BOCES, I jumped at the opportunity.  After teaching Computer Technology for 8 years, I created a new class at the Career and Tech Center - Digital Media Technology.  I’ve been teaching at the Career and Tech Center for over 20 years now.  During my spare time, I enjoy playing music, martial arts, and woodworking.

Open House

Testimonials

Dr. Chris Xaver
Program Chair of Communication & Media Arts at Tompkins Cortland CC

"Despite what many think, learning media is not something you can honestly really do at home.  Yes, you can noodle around with the programs and teach yourself enough to do it but to really deeply know, you need a professional to take you deep into the programs and to help you understand why you want to push beyond using templates to take media production to professional levels.  Mike Blegen is so invested in learning himself and is so forward-thinking, his students are at the very top when they arrive to us as transfers.  He is an intelligent teacher with a broad and deep knowledge of the field.  His students are focused, motivated, and talented.  Plus, everyone LOVES this man.  I just appreciate it when we get one of his students so we can take credit for all of his fantastic work!"

Brandon Emerick
Employed at U of Buffalo \  Lansing 2012 Alum

"The Digital Media Technology program provides excellent opportunities for students to develop proficiencies across a multitude of mediums. The program allows students to gain experience utilizing traditional drawing methods as well as introducing them to digital programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Students feel empowered to explore the mediums that they have a passion for; whether that is in their sketchbook, on the computer, or utilizing a camera. Students are able to call on these skills after they have completed the program and are moving on into the workforce or furthering their education."

Nora Hernandez
2022 Newfield Alum

"Taking part in the Digital Media Program here at Career and Tech has definitely been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my education. So far, the program has taught me a great deal about graphic design and publishing, as we’ve worked extensively with relevant softwares like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator -- (with even more to come!) It’s all a very fun and hands on experience, with a great teacher and healthy work environment."

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