The Certificate Program in Multimedia Applications

Available on campus or online

Recent advances in digital technology and fiber optics have revolutionized the way we live and learn. Multimedia is used today in movies, education, entertainment, marketing, advertising, information services, teleconferencing, publishing, interactive television, and product demonstration. With the rapid transfer of information and the growing need to present this information in a powerful way, individuals with the skills and knowledge to communicate effectively will flourish in the multimedia industry.

The Multimedia Certificate Program at UMass Lowell is interdisciplinary and draws upon the expertise and knowledge of several departments, colleges, and centers within the University, as well as outside expertise from industry professionals.

You can now earn the Certificate in Multimedia Applications on campus or online! Fueled by popular demand and funded in part by a grant from the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the University of Massachusetts is pleased to announce the migration of its premier multimedia certificate program to an online format.

Required Courses: (4)

90.230 Introduction to Multimedia - Available Spring 2012!
90.231 Graphics for Multimedia and the World Wide Web - Available Spring 2012!
90.232 Desktop Video Production - Available Spring 2012!
90.247 Web Authoring: Flash® - Available Spring 2012!

Electives - Choose 2:

70.262 Digital Imaging and Photography: Photoshop®* - Available Spring 2012!
70.264 Computer Graphics & Illustration* - Available Spring 2012!
70.291 Introduction to Graphic Design*
70.376 3D Computer Animation*
70.379 Website Design - Available Spring 2012!
70.384 Advanced Website Design and Development - Available Spring 2012!
78.201 Introduction to Audio for Multimedia and the World Wide Web
90.238 Website Development: Microsoft® Expression® Web - Available Spring 2012!
90.250 E-Commerce on the Web - Available Spring 2012!
90.291 Introduction to DHTML - Available Spring 2012!
90.306 Introduction to XML - Available Spring 2012!
90.346 Digital Media Delivery - Available Spring 2012!
90.347 Rich Web Development: Advanced Flash®

*Indicates courses that are only offered on campus (not online).

Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete all courses, generally consisting of both required courses and electives. Students may complete the certificate program at their own pace, enrolling in one or two courses each semester. Courses on-campus typically meet one night per week, three hours each night, during the Fall and Spring semesters. Online students generally log on to their course site one or more times per week to retrieve lectures and assignments or to participate in a chat session. For more information on online courses, visit our online program home page.

In addition to the Fall and Spring semesters, students may also have the opportunity to accelerate their programs of study during two concentrated six-week Summer sessions. Online courses are also offered during the Summer semester, but typically run from May through August unless otherwise noted. All students should anticipate at least two hours of preparation for every hour of classroom instruction. Students are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better to receive the certificate.

Application into the Program

Those who wish to enroll in the certificate program should submit a completed application form and arrange to have their official high school transcript or GED sent to Continuing Studies. Applications, transcripts, and other correspondence should be sent to: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Admissions/Online and Continuing Education, Dugan Hall, Room 110, 883 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854-5104. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to students.

Registering for Courses

Continuing Studies offers courses during the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Information about current course offerings, schedules, and registration procedures is published regularly on our website. If you would like to receive a printed Course Bulletin, please contact our Faculty and Student Support Center at (978) 934-2474.

You may take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet the particular course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

Transfer Policy

With the program coordinator's approval, one course may be transferred from another accredited institution to satisfy undergraduate certificate program requirements. The course should be equivalent to UMass Lowell instruction, applicable to the intended program, and the student must have received a grade equivalent to a C- (1.70 on a 4.00 scale) or better.

Academic Advising

Program Coordinators and Faculty and Student Support Specialists are available by appointment to help students determine appropriate course loads, discuss admission requirements, and review the transferability of courses. For online advising, email us at Continuing_Education@uml.edu. To schedule an appointment with a Program Coordinator or Faculty and Student Support Specialist, please call Online and Continuing Education at (978) 934-2474. General academic advising is also available at the Faculty and Student Support Center on a drop-in basis, located in Southwick Hall, Room 202 on UMass Lowell North. Call (978) 934-2474 or stop by the office Monday through Thursday between 8:30am-8:00pm and on Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm.

Awarding of Certificates

Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students must submit a completed Certificate Petition Form to Online and Continuing Education. Upon verification, students will be mailed their certificates. Receipt of the certificate will be noted formally on the student's transcript with an award date of October, February, or June.

Tuition

Please refer to our current course listings published online each semester for up-to-date pricing information or refer to the Online and Continuing Education Course Bulletin each semester.

For More Information

For additional information on any of our programs, call Online and Continuing Education at (978) 934-2474 or email Continuing_Education@uml.edu.

For information on Financial Aid, call the Financial Aid Office at (978) 934-4220.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information

Completion rates, median loan debts and program costs are outlined for each certificate program.

Undergraduate Certificate Gainful Employment Disclosure Information

Course Descriptions

70.262 Digital Imaging and Photography: Photoshop®

This course will offer the student a transition between traditional photographic imaging and digital photographic imaging. The course will cover the fundamentals of digital scanning, digital capture and image manipulation. Image preparation for other media will also be explored. Basic familiarity with the Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh or Basic Windows proficiency. Special Notes: This course will not transfer directly into the Art Department's BA/BFA day school degree program, but certain two-course clusters may be accepted for transfer upon department approval.

70.264 Computer Graphics & Illustration

Students will produce a number of illustrations, using computer illustration and imaging software. Topics include methods for rendering artwork, capturing an expressive illustrative style, and portraying different moods or messages within the illustration. Students will learn to illustrate effectively using the many tools available to them within several software applications. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh/Windows familiarity Special Notes: This course will not transfer directly into the Art Department's BA/BFA day school degree program, but certain two-course clusters may be accepted for transfer upon department approval.

70.291 Introduction to Graphic Design

Exercises, lectures and projects will introduce students to graphic design principles and techniques. Course will begin with a fundamental study of image, form, and space relations, then cover such topics as working with grids, typography basics, page layout, the introduction of color, rendering techniques, history, and more. Students will be assigned a series of projects to enhance their visual communication skills. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh or Windows proficiency Special Notes: This course will not transfer directly into the Art Department's BFA day school degree program, but certain two-course clusters may be accepted for transfer upon department approval.

70.376 3D Computer Animation

This course teaches the fundamentals of computer animation using 3D modeling, authoring and digital video imaging software. Students will learn how to create complex 3D objects and environments. Animation sequencing, editing, and compositing will be covered. Projects will take form as animated clips. Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 70.264 or 90.231 or instructor permission. Special Notes: This course will not transfer directly into the Art Department's BA/BFA day school degree program, but certain two-course clusters may be accepted for transfer upon department approval.

70.379 Website Design

This course will focus on the creation of visual content for the web and will explore what constitutes a visually exciting and engaging site. Other topics that will be covered are: file formats, compression, web color strategies, and platform standards. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Basic HTML and Photoshop familiarity required.

70.384 Advanced Website Design and Development

This advanced-level course is designed for students who have completed Website Design (70.379). The course will cover advanced topics such as user-centered design, information architecture, testing, and usage analysis. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their design, development, and conceptualization skills. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 70.379

78.201 Introduction to Audio for Multimedia and the World Wide Web

This course provides participants with the technical background in audio they will need for effective Multimedia and Web-based use of sound. Topics begin with the fundamental concepts of audio signals, recording and reproduction systems, and proceed to a more in-depth understanding of digital audio recording, signal processing, and data compression. Parameters such as sample rate, bit rate and dither will be linked to sound quality issues of frequency response, noise floor and dynamic range so that informed decisions can be made about sound performance versus data requirements. The course will explore the audio concepts and capabilities unique to Audio Compact Disc, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD-Rom, MP3 and streaming. Students' projects will integrate audio into Multimedia and/or Web-based products satisfying priorities for sound quality, media effectiveness, user experience and bandwidth constraints. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Introduction to Multimedia or HTML recommended

90.230 Introduction to Multimedia

Provides participants with an overview of multimedia and its professional applications in training, education, marketing, and entertainment. Scanning images, digitizing video and audio, and exploring the design and production of interactive multimedia are the focus of this class. Includes technical/hardware considerations and production procedures pertinent to interactive multimedia. 3 credits. Prerequisite: P: Basic Macintosh or Windows proficiency

90.231 Graphics for Multimedia and the World Wide Web

The focus of this class is on the basic components of shape, color, texture, typography, and images as they are applied to multimedia and web interface design. Other topics covered include scanning, image editing, resolution and color palettes. Students will work on projects that integrate elements such as buttons, navigation bars, and background images to communicate creative visual information. Photoshop will be used. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.230 Special Notes: Formerly Graphics for Multimedia

90.232 Desktop Video Production

This course will focus on introductory desktop video production techniques. Using desktop editing software, students will complete projects including photo montages, interview sequences, storyboarding, pre-production planning and a five minute final project. Some experience with PhotoShop or similar software and access to a digital still camera or scanner is helpful for success in this course. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.230, familiarity with FTP software helpful

90.238 Website Development: Microsoft® Expression® Web

This course focuses on the design, development, and implementation of websites using available visual development tools. Each participant will design, build, and maintain their own websites. Topics covered include: basic navigational structure; page layout incorporating tables and CSS; graphical design and placement; image maps; streaming audio and video; and basic website administration. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.291; 90.231 recommended

90.247 Web Authoring: Flash®

This course will demonstrate how to use web authoring applications to create cutting-edge interface, navigation, and streaming animation. Using open standard vector formatting, you can create interactive capabilities on the web similar to CD-ROM screens. Learn how to use drawing tools to create websites that include sound, clickable buttons, interactivity, and exciting animations. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.230 or 90.231 helpful; programming familiarity

90.250 E-Commerce on the Web

This course examines the impact of emerging technologies on how we conduct business in a wired world. Topics include: ingredients for a Commerce-Enabled Web site from hardware and software to necessary operational processes; copyright, authentication, encryption, certification, and security; on-line payment strategies (SET, E-cash, check, and charge) and companies offering solutions: E-Commerce Business Models. 3 credits.

90.291 Introduction to DHTML

Starts with the basics of Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language using the tool that most professional Web developers use - HTML-Kit. The course covers the W3C standards for HTML 3.2 and 4.0, Web protocols, Web server basics, Web design theory, and provides a survey of JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets, XML, Perl, and Dynamic HTML. 3 credits.

90.306 Introduction to XML

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) picks up where HTML leaves off. If you've studied HTML, you've learned the Web's formatting language. To structure content on the Web, you will need to learn XML. In this introductory course, you will learn basics of XML and the DTD (Document Type Definition), XSL (the style sheet for XML), and CDF (Channel Definition Format) commonly used in push technology. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.291; students should have a mastery of DHTML and be familiar with database concepts

90.346 Digital Media Delivery

Focused on the delivery of digital media, this course will explore digital media formats, file types, hardware and transmission methods. Students will gain an understanding of current delivery systems, the growth of the industry, and emerging technology and trends. Each student will examine the theory behind digital content, how it is delivered via the internet and in local environments, and what are the inhibiting factors to integrating digital content within web pages. Students will be responsible for several digital media projects. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Students should have a basic understanding of HTML and FTP. There are no required software or books for the course, all of the applications are available through free downloads. Note: basic internet headset/microphone is required.

90.347 Rich Web Development: Advanced Flash®

This course picks up where other Flash courses end. Go beyond developing animations; learn how to use Flash to develop complete interactive websites, to develop presentations for Web/CD/DVD delivery, and to develop applications for internet, intranet and alternate devices. Learn to understand and write ActionScript (Flash's programming language) and design in OOP (Object-oriented programming). You'll learn how to use sound, buttons, interactivity, and animations to enhance the user's experience. Learn the fundamentals of Flash Communication Server, Flash Remoting and Flash-Database Integration. 3 credits. Prerequisite: 90.247