Top Multimedia Schools in Maine – Arts, Humanities, and Digital Media

Searching for the best multimedia schools in Maine? This guide highlights the top programs across the state. Discover community colleges and universities offering specialized courses in graphic design, digital media, and more.

Maine offers top multimedia programs through institutions like Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), Central Maine Community College (CMCC), University of Southern Maine (USM), and Husson University’s NESCom, providing diverse and career-focused education options.
SMCC and CMCC emphasize flexibility and affordability, with programs designed for immediate employment and credit transfer opportunities to four-year colleges, while focusing on practical skills and industry connections.
Advanced degree programs at USM and NESCom deliver hands-on learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry networks, preparing students for high-wage careers and successful employment in the multimedia industry.

Discover Top Multimedia Schools in Maine

Maine is home to some remarkable institutions that offer comprehensive multimedia programs. Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and Central Maine Community College (CMCC) are known for their associate degrees and certificate programs in fields like graphic design, new media, and digital media. These schools provide a strong foundation for students aiming to enter the multimedia industry.

Beyond community colleges, both the University of Southern Maine (USM) and Husson University extend advanced degrees with specializations. USM’s media studies program is tailored for students interested in careers in journalism, film production, and corporate media. Husson University’s New England School of Communications (NESCom) is renowned for its hands-on programs in audio engineering, film/video production, and graphic/visual design. Collectively, they create a vibrant learning environment for budding media professionals in Maine.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) stands out with its focus on creative disciplines such as:

Graphic design
Art
Music
Writing
Video production

The college prides itself on the success of its graduates, many of whom have launched their careers at prestigious companies like HBO, Netflix, and major news stations.

With expert faculty who are well-connected in the industry, SMCC offers a nurturing environment for budding media professionals.

Program Offerings

SMCC provides a range of associate degrees and certificate programs designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in multimedia. Key programs include the Communications & New Media Studies Degree and various Liberal Studies degrees with focuses such as Arts and Music. These programs not only prepare students for immediate employment but also offer pathways to transfer credits to baccalaureate programs in visual communication or art.

Students at SMCC benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the industry. Whether you’re aiming for a career in animation, graphic design, or web and UX/UI design, SMCC provides a solid foundation to build upon.

Flexible Learning Options

A distinguishing aspect of SMCC is the provision of adaptable learning choices. Recognizing the diverse needs of its student body, SMCC offers in-person classes during the day and evening, as well as online classes that allow students to learn at their own pace. This flexibility is crucial for students who may be balancing education with work or other commitments.

Additionally, SMCC provides:

Short-term training opportunities that cater to those looking to quickly upskill in specific areas of multimedia
This adaptability enables students to customize their education to suit their lifestyles
Facilitating the attainment of their academic and career objectives without sacrificing other life commitments.

Support Services

SMCC ensures that students are accompanied throughout their educational journey. The college offers robust support services, including advising and career counseling, to help students navigate their academic paths and prepare for their future careers. With dedicated advisors and counselors, students receive personalized guidance to ensure they are on the right track to achieving their goals. This support is a key component of SMCC’s commitment to student success.

Central Maine Community College (CMCC)

Central Maine Community College (CMCC) is another excellent choice for students seeking an affordable and comprehensive multimedia education. CMCC offers various associate degrees and certificates, with a strong emphasis on gaining practical skills for future employment.

The emphasis on career-centric programs positions CMCC as an ideal choice for students aspiring to secure high-paying jobs in the multimedia field.

Affordable Education

One of the most attractive features of CMCC is its affordability. With an annual tuition of just $2,880 for in-state students, CMCC offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the region. Additionally, more than 75% of CMCC students receive some form of financial aid, further reducing the financial burden of higher education. For those in quest of a financially-efficient path to chase their multimedia education, CMCC offers an admirable alternative.

Moreover, CMCC’s commitment to affordability does not come at the expense of quality. The college offers a range of financial aid options and scholarships to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Career-Oriented Programs

CMCC’s academic programs are designed with a clear focus on career readiness. The college offers short-term online trainings in areas such as:

photography
website design
creative writing
technical writing

These programs are tailored to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the multimedia industry. Additionally, CMCC emphasizes leadership skills, personal responsibility, and teamwork, preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace.

Such a hands-on approach guarantees that graduates are adequately equipped to join the workforce and thrive in their selected fields.

Transfer Opportunities

CMCC facilitates seamless credit transfers through its transfer agreements with several partner institutions, including:

Southern New Hampshire University
University of Maine
University of Maine at Augusta
University of Southern Maine

These agreements make it easy for students to continue their education, pursue advanced degrees, and certificates earn without losing valuable credits.

Such adaptability offers a noteworthy benefit for students intending to extend their studies at a four year college.

University of Southern Maine (USM)

The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a robust media studies program that combines academic rigor with practical experience. Students can tailor their major to their interests and career goals, choosing from concentrations in Media Writing, Media Production and Design, or Media Ecology. This flexibility, coupled with hands-on learning opportunities, prepares students for a wide range of careers in the media industry.

Internships and Service-Learning

USM’s media studies program provides students with valuable real-world experience through internships and service-learning opportunities. These internships enable students to accumulate academic credit while collaborating with media professionals across commercial and non-commercial organizations. By engaging in practical projects and real-world assignments, students develop a deeper understanding of their field and build essential skills for their future careers.

The internships also offer close mentoring relationships with industry professionals, providing students with insights and guidance that are invaluable as they prepare to enter the workforce. This hands-on experience is a cornerstone of USM’s approach to media education.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

USM takes pride in its cutting-edge facilities which offer students round-the-clock access to production labs, TV studios, and editing tools. The CMS Production Center at USM’s Portland Campus offers advanced labs for non-linear editing, digital audio and video editing, and professional television studio production. These top-notch facilities ensure that students have the tools they need to excel in their studies and projects.

The emphasis on hands-on learning extends to the use of professional-grade equipment, allowing students to gain practical experience with the technology they will encounter in their careers. Such an all-encompassing educational approach guarantees that USM graduates are aptly prepared to meet the requirements of the media industry.

Capstone Projects

A significant component of USM’s media studies program is the capstone project, where students collaborate with nonprofit organizations to create media projects that integrate their skills and experiences. These projects, typically undertaken in the senior year, provide students with a platform to showcase their abilities and make meaningful contributions to the community.

This integration of academic learning with real-world applications is a hallmark of USM’s approach to media education.

Husson University

Husson University’s New England School of Communications (NESCom) offers a comprehensive range of communications programs designed to prepare students for various roles in the media industry. Whether you’re fascinated by audio engineering, film/video production, or graphic/visual design, NESCom facilitates the required education and practical experience for success.

Degree Programs

NESCom at Husson University offers degree programs in multiple areas, including:

Audio Engineering
Film/Video Production
Graphic/Visual Design
Journalism
Live Sound Technology
Marketing Communications
Music Production
Sports Journalism

Each program in the arts humanities domain is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of their chosen field and the practical skills needed for success. For instance, the Audio Engineering program offers concentrations in Music Production, Post Production, and Live Sound Production.

The Graphic/Visual Design degree covers a wide range of topics, including animation, web design, and virtual and augmented reality environments. This diversity allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Faculty Expertise

The faculty at NESCom are industry professionals with extensive real-world experience, ensuring that students receive education that is both practical and relevant. Some benefits of studying at NESCom include:

Learning from instructors who have firsthand knowledge of the media industry
Gaining valuable networking opportunities with top employers
Getting insights into the latest trends and developments in the media industry

These connections with top notch employers provide students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the media industry and its communications offerings.

This expertise is a key component of NESCom’s commitment to providing a high-quality education.

Alumni Success

Graduates from NESCom have found success in various media and communication roles, working for notable organizations such as:

Portland Sea Dogs
WCSH-TV
WMTW-TV
Portland Radio Group

These alumni have leveraged their education and hands-on experience at NESCom to enjoy careers that are both successful and wide-ranging, locally and nationally.

The achievements of NESCom alumni bear witness to the superior quality of education imparted by Husson University. These graduates serve as inspiration for current students, showcasing the potential career paths available in the media industry.

Career Prospects for Multimedia Graduates in Maine

The multimedia industry in Maine is experiencing significant growth, offering promising career prospects for graduates. With a broad skill set, new media graduates often find themselves working in interdisciplinary teams, contributing to various creative and technical projects. Whether your goal is to be part of a compact team or a large enterprise like Marvel Entertainment, the possibilities are immense.

Job Placement Rates

Job placement rates for multimedia graduates can vary, but many find employment at notable organizations like the BBC and The New York Times. Within six months of graduation, 91% of CMCC graduates have either secured jobs or continued their education, illustrating the success of their career outcomes. This statistic highlights the strong transition from academia to the professional world. This impressive employment rate highlights the efficacy of the programs furnished by Maine’s educational establishments.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a crucial component of career development, and Maine’s multimedia schools provide ample opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals. Faculty members at CMCC have strong connections with employers, facilitating internships and future employment opportunities.

Moreover, establishments like Maine Media Workshops + College extend wide-ranging alumni networks and avenues for continuous engagement, including the Alumni Lecture Series.

High-Wage Careers

Multimedia graduates in Maine have the potential to enter high-wage fields. For instance, the median salary for a new media designer in 2018 was $72,000, and a mobile developer in 2019 had a median salary of $170,000. Such statistics underline the monetary success attainable in the multimedia industry, rendering it a desirable career trajectory for numerous students.