Computer Graphics Major

• What is Computer Graphics?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Computer Graphics?
• What Courses Do Computer Graphics Majors Take?
• List of Computer Graphics Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Computer Graphics Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Computer Graphics?

Computer graphics prepares students who are interested in creating and managing the production of computer graphics in a range of industrial applications. They use their skills in areas such as interactive multimedia, technical animation, manufacturing graphics, or construction graphics. Many opportunities exist in commercial and industrial settings for graphic artists to develop visualizations that may or may not exist in reality. Approaches to computer graphics vary, so the computer graphics major can be found within computer science departments, computer graphics departments, art departments and in journalism departments.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Computer Graphics may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

3D Modeling	Animation
Game Production	Game Production
New Media

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What Kinds of Students Major in Computer Graphics?

Computer graphics students are visually oriented, artistically-inclined individuals who are interested in using digital technologies for electronic publishing, illustration, modeling, animation and engineering graphics. A strong aesthetic sense is needed combined with a willingness to work with computer technologies.

Is Computer Graphics the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Computer Graphics Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Computer Graphics majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Computer Animation	Foundations of Computer Graphics
Game Production	Geometric Design and Modeling
Multimedia Systems and Applications	Solid Free-Form Modeling and Fabrication
User Interface Design - Implementation and Evaluation	User Interface Design (Implementation and Evaluation)
Virtual Reality

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List of Potential Jobs in Computer Graphics

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

2D and 3D Animator	3D Modeler
Film Special Effects	Interactive Designer
Multimedia Producer	Production Graphic Artist
Publishing Design and Production	Special Effects Artist
Video Game Designer	Visual Design
Web Designer	Web Designer

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What is the Median Salary Range for Computer Graphics Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$36,000

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$59,400

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Computer Graphics

MyMajors complete list has 667 schools in the USA with a major in Computer Graphics.
-View the national listing!

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