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Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
Learn about the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications career cluster.
Create your way
The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications (AAVTC) Career Cluster® focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services. Careers in the AAVTC Career Cluster require a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication.
Programs of study
Expand AllDesign & Multimedia Arts: Fashion Design
The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 |
8C100 8C200, 8C205, 8C700 MST 8C230 8C260 |
| 2 |
8C200, 8C205 DC, 8C700 MST 8C230 8C260 |
8C220 |
| 3 |
8C220 |
8C930, 8C935 DC |
| 4 |
8Q360 (2 credits) |
8C980, 8C985 DC |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $44,824 | 1,433 | 15% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $67,392 | 186 | 21% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses & GRCTC
***Offered at GISD Campuses
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Join a website development or coding club
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a multimedia or animation studio
- Obtain a certificate in graphic design
Design & Multimedia Arts: Animation
The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Animation pathway
| Level | Campus pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 |
| 2 |
8C210, 8C215 DC |
| 3 |
8C320, 8C325 DC 8C410 (2) SHS, 8C415 DC 8C370 SHS, 8C375 DC 8C725DC MST, 8C385 DC |
| 4 |
8C420 |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $44,824 | 1,433 | 15% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $67,392 | 186 | 21% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Join a website development or coding club
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a multimedia or animation studio
- Obtain a certificate in graphic design
Design & Multimedia Arts: Commercial Photography
The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Commercial Photography pathway
| Level | Campus pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 |
| 2 |
8C230 |
| 3 |
8C310 |
| 4 |
8C330 |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $44,824 | 1,433 | 15% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $67,392 | 186 | 21% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at some GISD campuses.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Join a website development or coding club
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a multimedia or animation studio
- Obtain a certificate in graphic design
Design & Multimedia Arts: Video Game Programming
The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Video Game Programming pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 8C260 |
8C100 8C260 |
| 2 |
8C340, 8C345 DC 8C200, 8C205 DC, 8C700 MST 8C210, 8C215 DC 8C270, 8C275 DC |
8C340, 8C345 DC 8C200, 8C205 DC, 8C700 MST 8C210, 8C215 DC 8C270, 8C275 DC |
| 3 |
8C360, 8C365 DC |
8C990S (Fall) GRCTC 8C993S (Spring) GRCTC |
| 4 |
8C430 |
8C996 GRCTC |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $44,824 | 1,433 | 15% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $67,392 | 186 | 21% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Join a website development or coding club
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a multimedia or animation studio
- Obtain a certificate in graphic design
Design & Multimedia Arts: Graphic Design
The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Graphic Design pathway
Note: This program is offered at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 |
| 2 |
8C200, 8C205 DC, 8C700 MST |
| 3 |
8C960 GRCTC |
| 4 |
8C970 GRCTC |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | $44,824 | 1,433 | 15% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $67,392 | 186 | 21% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Join a website development or coding club
Work-based learning activities
- Intern with a multimedia or animation studio
- Obtain a certificate in graphic design
Digital Communications: Digital Audio Technology & Audio/Video Production
The Digital Communications program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. This program of study may also include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | LCHS CCM pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8C100 8K1155 DC |
8C600 CCM 8C1105 |
| 2 |
8C110S |
8C630 CCM |
| 3 |
8C240, 8C245DC, 8C715 DC MST 8C250 |
8C640 CCM |
| 4 |
8C342 8C350 |
8C650 CCM
Practicum in Audio/Video Production |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $39,562 | 79 | 27% |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video and Motion Picture | $50,024 | 129 | 9% |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | $40,581 | 757 | 29% |
| Film and Video Editors | $47,382 | 118 | 23% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on theTEA CTE website.
**Offered at some GISD campuses
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Technology Student Association (TSA) or SkillsUSA
- Shadow a production team
Work-based learning activities
- Intern at a local television station or video production company
- Work with a local company on a project
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Contact us
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