The Multimedia Certificate Program offers an intensive, hands-on introduction to the most popular tools used to create multimedia content for commercial, professional, educational, and entertainment purposes.

This nine-month program consists of six 3-credit courses taken over three quarters. Students also have the option of enrolling in a related course, Introduction to Web Publishing.

Autumn
Introduction to Multimedia Design and Production

Covers the core concepts and practical skills involved in multimedia design and production, whether designing media for output to the web, DVD, CD-ROM, kiosk or other method of distribution. Explores the fundamentals of multimedia design, linear and nonlinear storytelling, and the role of interactivity from aesthetic and technical viewpoints. Includes a survey of industry-standard multimedia production tools through 3D modeling. The course concludes with an introduction to graphic design for multimedia, and Adobe Photoshop basics. Participants plan and build a multimedia project using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on working knowledge of the Windows environment; and (2) an understanding of web development using HTML, or completion of Introduction to Web Publishing or a similar course.

Digital Imaging with Photoshop

Builds on digital imaging foundations learned in Introduction to Multimedia Design and Production . Participants use Adobe Photoshop in this hands-on course to develop understanding and skills in:

• Image creation, editing and enhancement

• Layers, masking, filtration, image compositing and special effects

• Retouching and image repair

• Creating a multimedia interface for the web or CD-ROM

• Basic animation

• Painting tools and color correction

Upon completion, students are able to:

• Acquire and create image elements for use in multimedia projects

• Implement a majority of the features of Photoshop for multimedia applications

• Apply the primary tools used to create and prepare images for multimedia projects.

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on working knowledge of the Windows environment; and (2) familiarity with graphic design principles and Adobe Photoshop basics, and (3) an understanding of web development using HTML.

Winter
Multimedia Authoring on the Web

Covers two popular and related technologies for streamlining the creation and management of interactive web sites. Participants gain familiarity with the Dreamweaver MX workspace, and learn to produce and manage web sites, edit existing web sites, and use templates for design consistency. They take Dreamweaver MX and static web pages to the next level by learning how to use cascading style sheets, forms, layers and rollovers. This course introduces the tools and features of Macromedia's Flash MX application, and the steps to build animated graphical content for the web.

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on familiarity with the Windows environment; and (2) an understanding of web development using HTML.

Multimedia Authoring Using Advanced Flash Techniques

Examines advanced techniques of the Macromedia Flash MX authoring environment for developing multimedia presentations. Participants go beyond basic animation capabilities of Flash MX to explore interactive features and site integration techniques. Topics include:

• Incorporating interactivity, sound and video

• Animated button effects

• Using scenes to create complex movies

• Movie clips and manipulation

• Object manipulation and special effects

• Building a pre-loaded movie

• Optimization, plug-in detection, pre-loaders, and loading multiple movies

• Introduction to ActionScripts

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on familiarity with the Windows environment; and (2) the Flash concepts and tools covered in Multimedia Authoring on the Web , or similar experience.

Spring
Digital Video and Motion Graphics

Introduces the art of digital video editing using Adobe Premiere, and the process of producing digital visual effects and animation using Adobe After Effects. Participants use Premiere to digitize, import and manipulate video media and examine transitions, filters and graphics animation. Output and distribution concepts are addressed with strategies for applying them. Attention is given to After Effects for creating motion graphics and visual effects for video, multimedia and the web. Participants explore the creation and manipulation of layers, masks and key frame animation, as well as techniques for creating multi-layered compositions.

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on familiarity with the Windows environment; and (2) the concepts and tools covered in Multimedia Authoring on the Web , or similar experience.

Audio, DVD and Multimedia Production

Begins with an overview of production and delivery of high-quality audio files for multimedia projects. Participants create, edit and mix music and sound effects. The course also considers DVD technology for multimedia production. Coverage includes a review of the DVD family of formats, the DVD production process and DVD authoring tools for multimedia projects. Participants have the opportunity to develop basic DVD authoring skills with Adobe Encore.

Prerequisites : (1) Hands-on familiarity with the Windows environment; and (2) the concepts and tools covered in Digital Video and Motion Graphics , or similar experience.

For more information and application instructions, please see the UW Extension website.