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Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications
Learn about the Arts, A/V Technology and Communications career cluster.
Create your way
The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The program of study includes 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.
Need a hard copy? See the 24-25 AAVTC Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllGraphic Design and Interactive Media
The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The program of study includes 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 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications |
| 2 | Graphic Design and Illustration I |
| 3 | Graphic Design and Illustration II + Graphic Design and Illustration II Lab |
| 4 | Independent Study in Technology Applications Practicum in Graphic Design and Illustration |
Example Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $111,705 | 15,324 | 36% |
| Graphic Designers | $50,973 | 1,766 | 10% |
| Art Directors | $81,926 | 619 | 18% |
Aligned Industry-Based Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Certified Professional in Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
Example Postsecondary opportunities
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
Work-Based learning and 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
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding
Work-based learning activities
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding
Graphic Design and Interactive Media: 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 | Principles of Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications |
| 2 | Animation I |
| 3 | Animation II Animation II + Animation II Lab Digital Arts and Animation 3D Modeling and Animation |
| 4 | Independent Study in Technology Applications Practicum in Animation |
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $111,705 | 15,324 | 36% |
| Graphic Designers | $50,973 | 1,766 | 10% |
| Art Directors | $81,926 | 619 | 18% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Certified Professional in Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| 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
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding
Work-based learning activities
- Shadow an art director at a branding firm or design agency
- Intern in the marketing and communications department of a technology company
Graphic Design and Interactive Media: Photography
The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The program of study includes 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 | Principles of Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications |
| 2 | Commercial Photography I |
| 3 | Commercial Photography II |
| 4 | Practicum in Commercial Photography |
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $111,705 | 15,324 | 36% |
| Graphic Designers | $50,973 | 1,766 | 10% |
| Art Directors | $81,926 | 619 | 18% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
- Certified Professional Photographer
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
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
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding
Work-based learning activities
- Shadow an art director at a branding firm or design agency
- Intern in the marketing and communications department of a technology company
Graphic Design & Interactive Media: Video Game Programming
The Graphic Design and Interactive Media program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. The program of study includes 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 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications Digital Media Video Game Design |
| 2 | Graphic Design and Illustration I Video Game Programming Game Programming and Design Digital Design and Media Production |
| 3 | Advanced Video Game Programming (GRCTC only) |
| 4 | Independent Study in Technology Applications Practicum in Entrepreneurship |
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $111,705 | 15,324 | 36% |
| Graphic Designers | $50,973 | 1,766 | 10% |
| Art Directors | $81,926 | 619 | 18% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Certified Professional in Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
- Unity
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
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
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Join a related co-curricular or extracurricular club such as web development or computer coding
Work-based learning activities
- Shadow an art director at a branding firm or design agency
- Intern in the marketing and communications department of a technology company
Digital Communications
The Digital Communications program of study focuses on occupational 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. The program of study includes operating machines and equipment such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment to record sound and images.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Professional Communications |
| 2 | Digital Audio Technology I Audio Video Production I |
| 3 | Digital Audio Technology II Audio Video Production II |
| 4 | Practicum in Audio/Video Production |
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Operators, Television, Video and Motion Picture | $48,422 | 155 | 20% |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,319 | 626 | 30% |
| Producers and Directors | $65,029 | 522 | 12% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Adobe Certified Professional in Digital Video Using Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Certified Professional in Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
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
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Participate in Student Television Network
- Capture and edit film and audio for a podcast with a local community organization
Work-based learning activities
- Shadow a sound designer to learn how sound and foley are created for movies or podcasts
- Intern with a technical director at a sports team, recording studio, or radio station
- Shadow a technician on a live news broadcast, concert, or other event
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
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