Top Multimedia Schools in Louisiana: 2024 Guide to Digital Arts Education

Looking for top multimedia schools in Louisiana? This guide highlights the best programs, their unique features, and what you can expect as a student. Discover the leading options for multimedia education in Louisiana.

  • Louisiana State University’s Digital Media Arts & Engineering program offers a master’s degree that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world projects, providing access to industry-standard tools and a $29.3 million Digital Media Center.
  • Louisiana State University Shreveport’s Digital Arts Program provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with hands-on experience in various digital and traditional art forms, supported by award-winning faculty and comprehensive course offerings.
  • Tulane University’s Digital Media Production program features a curriculum that develops skills in filmmaking, screenwriting, and audio production, with access to advanced technology and industry connections to boost career prospects.

Louisiana State University (LSU) Digital Media Arts & Engineering

Nestled in the heart of Baton Rouge, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Digital Media Arts & Engineering (DMAE) program is a beacon of innovation and creativity. Located within the state-of-the-art Digital Media Center, this program offers a practice-driven master’s degree that focuses on:

  • Game development
  • Film effects
  • Animation
  • Web development

The DMAE program is distinctive for its interdisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between the College of Art & Design and the College of Engineering.

The DMAE program curriculum encompasses courses in:

  • Video games
  • Interactive design
  • Visual effects
  • Animation

This comprehensive education equips students with the skills needed to excel in various forms of digital media. The program’s digital art concentration emphasizes real-world projects and professional preparation, ensuring that graduates are ready to meet the demands of the competitive digital arts industry.

The Digital Media Center, a $29.3 million facility, is shared with Electronic Art’s North American Test Center, providing students with access to industry-standard tools and resources. This unique environment fosters creativity and innovation, making LSU one of the top choices for aspiring digital artists.

Professional Tools

One of the standout features of the LSU DMAE program is the access to professional tools such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and the Red Scarlet 4K camera. These industry-standard tools are essential for creating high-quality digital art, interactive designs, and animations. Students also have access to advanced software like Adobe Suite, Ableton Live, Dragon Frame, Clip Studio, and Avid Pro Tools Studio, which are integral to the program’s curriculum.

Gaining proficiency in these tools not only augments students’ skills but also aids in establishing a strong professional portfolio, a key component for breaking into the job market. Courses in the program include in-depth training in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, focusing on color and vector illustration, which are vital skills for any digital artist. This hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology prepares students for successful careers in the digital arts industry.

Real-World Projects

With a focus on real-world projects, the DMAE program at LSU promotes collaboration among students from diverse disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach involves students from:

  • College of Art & Design
  • College of Engineering
  • Music, Theatre and Dance
  • Communication
  • Cinema Studies
  • Art
  • English

Such collaboration is essential for creating projects that have real-world applications.

Students work in studio environments, simulating professional settings where they can apply their skills to practical projects. These projects often involve teamwork with:

  • digital artists
  • programmers
  • musicians
  • researchers

This fosters a comprehensive learning experience. By working on these interdisciplinary projects, students build a relevant and robust professional portfolio that showcases their capabilities to future employers.

Career Preparation

The DMAE program at LSU is dedicated to setting students up for successful careers. The practice-driven approach of the master’s degree ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in competitive fields such as:

  • UX design
  • Game design
  • Web development
  • Illustration
  • Visual effects artistry

The program’s curriculum is tailored to meet industry needs, maximizing students’ career potential.

Graduates of the DMAE program are well-prepared to enter various digital media fields, thanks to the comprehensive education and hands-on experience they receive. From UX design to video game software engineering and interactive sound design, the career opportunities are vast and varied. The program’s focus on professional portfolio development further enhances students’ employability, making them highly attractive to potential employers.

Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) Digital Arts Program

Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Arts that equips students with a diverse set of skills in:

  • Photography
  • Animation (2D and 3D)
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Graphic design
  • Interactive design
  • Modeling

The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in Shreveport, helping them build a strong portfolio that showcases their talents.

The curriculum at LSUS continuously evolves to keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring students are prepared for various careers in the digital arts industry. The program’s focus on practical knowledge and real-world applications makes it an excellent choice for aspiring digital artists. Moreover, the award-winning faculty at LSUS brings a wealth of expertise and recognition to the program, further enhancing its reputation.

Students at LSUS benefit from a comprehensive education that covers both traditional and digital art forms. This blend of skills prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

  • Graphic design
  • Web design
  • Animation
  • Illustration
  • Video game design
  • Advertising
  • Film and television production

This makes the LSUS Digital Arts Program a top choice for those looking to pursue a career in the creative industries.

Course Offerings

The digital arts major at LSUS includes a variety of courses designed to equip students with essential skills in the field. Students must complete a minimum of 63 semester hours of art, covering topics such as:

  • digital illustration
  • game design
  • Photoshop
  • 3D animation

These courses provide a solid foundation in both traditional and digital art techniques, ensuring students are well-prepared for their careers.

Developing a comprehensive skill set highly valued in the industry, students acquire proficiency in software like:

  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • After Effects
  • Maya

They also master techniques in 3D animation. The diverse course offerings at LSUS ensure that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for various roles in the digital arts sector.

Hands-On Experience

LSUS offers hands-on experiences that are vital for students to build a professional portfolio and acquire practical knowledge. Internships in Shreveport and beyond allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, working on projects for actual clients. These experiences are invaluable for students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Students in the Digital Arts program at LSUS have the opportunity to work on projects in social media, public relations, and design, providing them with a broad range of experiences. This practical approach to education ensures that graduates are well-equipped to handle the demands of their future careers.

Faculty Expertise

Renowned for their expertise and contributions, the faculty of LSUS’s Digital Arts program commands respect in the field. Professors have received awards such as the People’s Choice Award and Best of Show from the American Advertising Federation, highlighting their excellence in the industry. This recognition not only enhances the program’s reputation but also provides students with access to top-notch education and mentorship.

Faculty members frequently win ADDY awards, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire students. The award-winning faculty at LSUS plays a crucial role in guiding students towards successful careers in the digital arts industry.

Centenary College of Louisiana Communication Arts Program

Centenary College’s Communication Arts Program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for real-world, professional careers in the digital arts. Students can choose to focus on concentrations such as Creative Strategic Content, Film/Television/Video, or New Media Design. The program emphasizes hands-on studio workshops that provide practical experience in various aspects of media production.

Centenary College’s Communication Arts Program is designed to hone skills in areas such as strategic planning, content development, professional writing, and digital film and audio production. Additionally, it also focuses on cultural analysis and design communication. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the demands of the modern media landscape.

Centenary College’s Communication Arts Program, which seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, is an excellent choice for aspiring digital artists.

Concentrations

The Creative Strategic Content concentration at Centenary College emphasizes:

  • Strategic communication
  • Social media marketing
  • Public relations
  • Multimedia journalism
  • Podcasting
  • Sports information

This concentration prepares students for various roles in media and communication industries, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital landscape.

The Film/Television/Video concentration covers scriptwriting, production, promotion, and distribution of audio/visual media. Meanwhile, the New Media Design concentration focuses on multimedia, web, user-interface, and digital graphic design, including applications in branding and campaign management. These diverse concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

Studio Workshops

Centenary College offers studio workshops that provide hands-on learning experiences in film production. These workshops involve students in writing, shooting, and editing films, giving them real-world experience in the industry. Participating in film festival competitions further enhances students’ practical skills and prepares them for professional careers.

The green screen production studio and other state-of-the-art facilities at Centenary College enable students to engage in creative projects and develop their technical abilities. These hands-on experiences are crucial for building a strong professional portfolio and gaining practical knowledge in media production.

Alumni Success

Centenary College’s Communication Arts Program has a track record of producing successful alumni. For instance, Teri Johnson, the Manager of Game Operations and Creative Services for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team, is a notable graduate. While at Centenary, Teri wrote and self-published three poetry books and received multiple ADDY awards, demonstrating the program’s ability to foster creative and professional growth.

The program’s emphasis on internships and real-world experiences contributes significantly to students’ career success. By providing opportunities to gain professional experience, Centenary College ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields.

Tulane University Digital Media Production Program

Tulane University’s Digital Media Production program is designed to develop skills in content creation, storytelling, and media manipulation. The program emphasizes the development and refinement of digital media skills across various disciplines, including filmmaking, screenwriting, audio production, and interactive media. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in digital media.

The program offers a variety of courses and immersive learning experiences, providing students with the opportunity to hone their skills in a real-world context. By requiring students to declare a major in another discipline before declaring the Digital Media Practices coordinate major, Tulane ensures that graduates have a broad and versatile skill set.

Tulane’s focus on content creation and storytelling makes it an ideal choice for students interested in pursuing a career in digital media production.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum at Tulane University’s Digital Media Production program includes a wide range of courses designed to develop students’ skills in digital media. Students undertake courses in:

  • Filmmaking
  • Screenwriting
  • Audio production
  • Interactive media

This diverse curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared for various careers in the digital media industry.

A notable feature of the curriculum is the two-semester Capstone sequence, which requires students to:

  • Produce and distribute a professional-grade media work
  • Apply their skills in a real-world context
  • Leave the program with a strong professional portfolio.

The curriculum also encourages fluency in areas such as:

  • video art
  • digital cinematography
  • computer-generated imagery
  • digital sound design
  • multi-media installation art

This further enhances students’ expertise.

Technology Access

Students in Tulane’s Digital Media Production program have access to industry-standard technologies and equipment, which are crucial for developing their technical skills. The program provides access to:

  • 35mm camera systems
  • Blackmagic Ursa 4K Cinema cameras
  • A sound recording booth
  • Professional-grade DSLRs
  • Cinema cameras
  • Lighting rigs
  • Portable audio recording equipment

These tools enable students to create high-quality digital media projects.

The Digital Media Resource Center and the New Media film studio in Fletcher Hall house the program’s advanced facilities. Equipment available to students includes:

  • Computer animation tools
  • Interactive imaging software
  • Video editing software
  • Image processing tools
  • Sound design equipment

This access to cutting-edge technology is a significant advantage for students, preparing them for successful careers in the digital media industry.

Industry Connections

Tulane University places a strong emphasis on connecting students with the creative industry. Courses like ‘Creative Industries in the Community’ provide opportunities for students to engage with local creative industry leaders through guest lectures and site visits. These connections are invaluable for gaining industry-specific skills and insights, which can significantly enhance students’ career prospects.

By learning directly from key industry experts, students gain practical knowledge and experience that are crucial for their professional development. These industry connections also provide networking opportunities, helping students to build relationships that can support their future careers in digital media.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Digital Media Program

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Digital Media Program stands out for its:

  • Long history
  • Emphasis on both media art and strategic communication
  • Comprehensive education that integrates aesthetic, conceptual, technical, and social aspects of technology-based art

As part of the oldest established media arts program in the state, with over 40 years of history, UL Lafayette provides a comprehensive education that integrates aesthetic, conceptual, technical, and social aspects of technology-based art.

The program’s innovative courses and student organizations offer numerous opportunities for skill development and networking. Students are encouraged to explore various forms of digital media, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse careers in the digital arts industry. The emphasis on strategic communication further enhances students’ ability to create impactful and meaningful digital content.

UL Lafayette’s Digital Media Program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. By offering a blend of theoretical and practical education, the program prepares students for successful careers in the creative industries.

Innovative Courses

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a variety of innovative courses that cover a broad spectrum of digital media skills. Courses include:

  • Multimedia journalism
  • Digital illustration
  • Project management
  • Digital imaging
  • Traditional drawing
  • Digital illustration

These courses are designed to help students develop practical skills that are essential for working in the digital marketing industry.

Class assignments cover the following topics:

  • Digital imaging
  • Vector drawing
  • Color and composition
  • Editorial illustration

This ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of digital media. By providing a diverse range of courses, UL Lafayette ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the demands of the digital arts industry.

Student Organizations

Student organizations, including the game development club and the American Advertising Federation (AAF), significantly enrich the educational experience at UL Lafayette for digital arts students. These organizations offer valuable platforms for students to nurture their skills, connect with industry professionals, and gain practical experience.

Participation in these organizations allows students to collaborate on projects, showcase their talents, and compete in industry-related competitions. The opportunities provided by these student organizations are instrumental in helping students build a strong professional network and prepare for successful careers in the digital arts industry.

Career Outcomes

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Digital Media Program has produced graduates who have embarked on diverse careers, including:

  • Media artists
  • Independent filmmakers
  • Post-production artists
  • Digital marketing professionals

The program’s comprehensive education ensures that students are well-prepared for various roles in the digital media industry.

Notable achievements of graduates include presenting their work at the Cannes Film Festival and contributing to high-profile films such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Looper, and Men in Black 3. These successes highlight the program’s ability to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers.

Southern University and A&M College Digital Media Arts Program

Southern University and A&M College’s Digital Media Arts Program is designed to foster creative, intellectual, and professional growth for emerging and established visual artists. The program offers a comprehensive education focusing on both visual arts and media production, providing students with practical and theoretical knowledge.

The program’s curriculum includes courses in graphic design, animation, and fine arts, ensuring that students develop a diverse skill set. With access to state-of-the-art media production facilities, students can engage in hands-on projects and dedicated studio time, further enhancing their skills. The emphasis on community engagement through collaborations with local businesses and field trips to galleries and museums enriches students’ educational experience.

Preparing students for successful careers in the visual arts and media production industries, Southern University’s Digital Media Arts Program is an ideal choice for future digital artists.

Visual Arts Focus

The Visual Arts program at Southern University offers a diverse range of courses in graphic design, animation, and fine arts. These courses provide students with a comprehensive education in various aspects of visual arts, ensuring they develop a broad skill set.

In addition to traditional art courses, the program includes studio courses in:

  • 2D and 3D design
  • painting
  • drawing
  • printmaking
  • computer graphics
  • ceramics
  • sculpture

This diverse curriculum allows students to explore different mediums and techniques, preparing them for various roles in the visual arts industry.

Media Production

With state-of-the-art media production facilities, Southern University provides students the chance to work on hands-on projects and hone their technical skills. These facilities include dedicated studio spaces where students can work on interdisciplinary art projects and receive feedback from visiting artists and critics.

The program’s emphasis on practical experience ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in media production. By providing access to advanced technology and resources, Southern University enables students to create high-quality digital media projects and develop their professional portfolios.

Community Engagement

Southern University’s Digital Media Arts Program places a significant emphasis on community engagement. Students collaborate on projects with local businesses, gaining real-world experience and contributing to their professional development. These collaborations provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their skills in a practical context and build relationships with industry professionals.

The program also includes field trips to local galleries and art museums, which help students broaden their artistic perspectives and gain inspiration from the local art scene. This emphasis on community engagement enriches students’ educational experience and prepares them for successful careers in the visual arts and media production industries.

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Media Arts Program

Offering a distinctive and holistic education in Filmmaking, Animation, and Music Production, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Media Arts Program stands out. The program allows students to work on personalized projects based on their individual aesthetics and professional goals, ensuring a tailored and meaningful educational experience.

NOCCA’s Media Arts Program offers students:

  • Experiential learning and the liberal arts
  • Hands-on experience and project-based learning in various aspects of media arts
  • Advanced facilities and resources, including a green screen production studio and professional recording studio

These opportunities enable students to create high-quality digital media projects.

By preparing students for further education and ensuring they excel in both arts and academics, NOCCA sets the stage for its graduates to continue their education at prestigious colleges and universities specializing in digital arts. This comprehensive approach ensures that NOCCA students are well-prepared for successful careers in the creative industries.

High School Program

NOCCA’s High School Program provides a distinctive opportunity for students to acquire hands-on experience and engage in project-based learning in media arts. Admission to the program is based on an application and audition, which includes a portfolio review and interview, ensuring that only the most dedicated and talented students are accepted.

Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes three pieces of media, such as short films, photo stories, or storyboards, showcasing their originality, creativity, curiosity, and passion for storytelling. This rigorous admission process ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the program and are able to excel in their studies.

Facilities and Resources

Featuring state-of-the-art facilities and resources, NOCCA’s Media Arts Program equips students with the tools required to produce high-quality digital media projects. The green screen production studio is equipped with HD digital cameras, tripods, and lighting equipment, allowing students to produce professional-grade work.

Additionally, NOCCA’s facilities include multiple PC and Mac computer labs, as well as a professional recording studio equipped with advanced technology. These resources enable students to develop their technical skills and create a strong professional portfolio, setting them up for success in their future careers.

Pathway to Higher Education

NOCCA aims to prepare students for higher education by promoting excellence in both arts and academics. The program emphasizes the development of:

  • story
  • character
  • space
  • tone

in student portfolios, providing a strong foundation for future studies. Graduates leave NOCCA with a strong portfolio and practical experience in multimedia, making them highly competitive candidates for prestigious colleges and universities specializing in digital arts.

Many NOCCA graduates continue their education at top institutions, where they further develop their skills and pursue successful careers in the creative industries. By providing a comprehensive education and fostering a passion for the arts, NOCCA ensures that its students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of higher education.