(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Digital Media Design program at Texas State Technical College is equipping a new generation of creatives with the skills, technology and industry knowledge needed to thrive in the world of design and digital storytelling.
“Our graduates are trained with a powerful blend of technical and creative skills that prepares them for the digital media industry,” Stacie Buterbaugh, a TSTC Digital Media Design instructor, said. “(Students) master industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite and gain expertise in graphic design, web development and video production.”
JJ Vavra, director of alignment for TSTC’s Digital Media Design program, said their graduates have been employed everywhere from small studios and area businesses to high-profile companies.
“Graduates can jump into branding, social media, advertising and much more,” Vavra said.
James Brown, president of Magnetar Advertising and advisory committee chair for TSTC’s Digital Media Design program, of which he is an alumnus, said the program is playing a key role in transforming the creative workforce.
“The program’s partnership with industry professionals enables them to adjust their curriculum and focus to meet the demands of the industry,” he said.
Brown said that at the time of his graduation, the program focused on print media and other traditional design forms.
“Since then, the program has shifted its curriculum to teach industry-relevant software and focus on new platforms like e-publishing, social media, artificial intelligence and other areas,” he said.
Maria Rentrop, multimedia coordinator for the Port of Brownsville and a member of TSTC’s Digital Media Design program industry advisory committee, said the program at TSTC is helping shape the next wave of creative professionals in South Texas.
“At organizations like the Port of Brownsville, where communications range from traditional media to digital storytelling, having creatives who are fluent in multiple formats is a game changer,” Rentrop said. “TSTC’s program is making that possible by equipping graduates with those skills.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and multiple certificates of completion in Digital Media Design, all fully online.
Registration for TSTC’s summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
