Computer Aided Design or CAD is an integration of computer software and hardware to create 2D and 3D drawings, images, constructs and models based on physical components that look life-like to provide deeper insights on identifying flaws or improvising products. For this purpose, various software are used depending on the utility that it is being put into. For example, for engineering drawings, AutoCAD may be used. This discipline has almost become indispensable in modern times and is inevitably replacing rulers, pens, pencils, scales, erasers and paper. Consequently, it saves lot of time, effort and expense. Importantly, it saves rework too. It is also easier to store or backup soft copies as compared to hard copies.

There are several programs offered in this discipline spanning Associate and Bachelor degrees along side diplomas and certifications. These are available through dual modes of campus and online channels. Students need to choose the appropriate CAD programs based on the focus area they are looking to specialize in. Employers usually expect Bachelor’s degrees as a minimum requirement though this is not always the case. Courses may cover Basic Drafting, Commercial CAD Design, Residential Construction Documents and 3D AutoCAD, to name a few.

Career outlook for those who pursued CAD programs is quite bright considering the range of applications and fields that it is being implemented. Opportunities open up in various areas such architecture, art, fashion, interior designing, drafting, modeling, engineering, civil construction, research, testing and quality assurance.

The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology lead the select group with flexible programs that are quality driven. Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute are world class institutions that primarily focus on translating theory into practice to ensure meaningful careers.

American InterContinental University also joins the group through its offering of industry-current programs to career focused individuals.

Computer Aided Architectural Drafting is also popularly referred to as CADD technology. The field has grown to be a favorite of architects and designers and allows them to leverage computers and software technology to create and design models before they are even constructed or implemented. It replaces papers, pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, etc. that take time and effort not to mention rework. CAD drafting is an efficient method through which architects, drafters and designers can pull up 3 dimensional models which can be easily analyzed and corrected for potential flaws. In fact, CAD drafting models look life-like on screens and can be used to generate deeper insights into improvements that add value to design. Moreover, CAD is useful to shorten the time spans in creation of blue prints and layouts. Of course, this means products are more suited to customers.

Numerous institutions, universities and professional schools offer programs in computer aided architectural drafting that are useful in designing and creating residential and commercial spaces. These programs are available through campus and online modes and thoroughly prepare students to work as architectural drafters, CAD drafters, auto CAD professionals or structural drafters. Courses can include Basic Drafting, Commercial CAD Design, Residential Construction Documents and 3D AutoCAD. Bachelor’s degree is usually expected from employers though there are several certifications available.

Career prospects are fair though growth in this profession is projected to grow at a slower rate. Opportunities exist in architectural firms, construction companies, mechanical equipment contractors, engineering firms and public utilities, to name a few. In terms of salaries, architectural and civil drafters average incomes of $46,390 annually.

Premier institutions offering quality programs include The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology followed by Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute. Last, but not the least, American InterContinental University also joins the group.

There are various certifications available for professionals interested in building web sites. CIW certification is one such prominent certification that stands for Certified Internet Webmaster. This is a much sought after vendor neutral independent certification covering internet web technologies such as open-source code, XHTML, and CSS. It primarily assesses knowledge of individuals on various aspects of websites. Acquiring this qualification can enhance credentials of holders and result in additional business. Moreover, several organizations mandate it as a standard for offerings of their products and services to clientele.

CIW certification is flexible and can be applied to individuals with differing levels of expertise. Skills competency is tested and validated for classes of professionals whether they be entry level jobbers or seasoned pros. The spectrum encompasses Associate’s level at one end and Master’s level at the other with parameters such as development, administration, management and design of websites. It incorporates knowledge of industry standards, best practices and concepts. The content of CIW programs vary based on the specialization, student is acquiring though there are common elements like internet business foundations, site development, networking technology, internet systems management, XHTML coding, hypertext tables and frames.

Career prospects are bright in computer systems design and related services with Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting 40% through 2014. From that perspective, CIW certifications stand out and speak for themselves increasing credibility and job opportunities with potential employers. IT professionals with even 1 such certification draw an average annual salary of $71,573 [Global Knowledge 2007 IT-Salary and Skills Report].

The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology are well known for the high quality programs. Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute boast of being the premier media arts schools in the world leveraging current tools of technology. American InterContinental University drives its programs by taking a real world approach.

Lighting and camera choices coupled with the capture of photographic images for cinema – that is what cinematography is about! In fact, do you recollect any movie you have seen where the above elements took your breath away and left you wondering which magician put life into it?

Several times, good cinematography has a spellbinding effect on the audience. Cinematographers are skilled in selecting correct lighting choices and camera options when filming movies. This can determine the tone of the movie and add value to the script. Other variables that a cinematographer focuses on are types of film to be used, incorporation of digital imaging, filters, framing, focal lengths and special effects. Moreover, a cinematographer needs to have a technical and artistic sense for the creations that he is churning out.

There are several programs that equip students with cinematographic skills viz., Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees, both campus and online modes. However, getting a lot of field exposure is a good way to build a strong foundation in this discipline. There are also certifications and diplomas available in cinematography. Course work revolves around film directing, editing, production, audio and equipment operation, theory and technology.

Career prospects are bright in this creative industry with fast growth rated predicted in the coming years. Entry level positions open up as assistant camera operators, camera crew apprentice and gaffers or part of the lighting crew. Salaries are fairly lucrative too with assistant camera operators earning $44,000 annually. Experienced cinematographers can earn upward of $80,000 per year.

The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology are premier institutions offering top notch programs followed by Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute that are widely recognized around the world as premier media arts schools focusing on practical applications. American InterContinental University drives its programs through a real world approach.

Ceramics are inorganic and non-metallic solids produced through action of heat and subsequent cooling. Most ceramics are crystalline and are often referred as inorganic crystalline materials. Ceramics have been produced since ancient times mainly using clay as the material, for functional and artistic purposes.

There are several types of ceramics such as porcelain, terra-cotta, stoneware, earthenware and high-tech ceramics. Applications include art and home décor accent pieces. In art specifically, ceramics go beyond vases and bowls and encompass tiles used in mosaics, statues and busts. Moreover, they can also cover surfaces like floors and countertops.

Many programs exist in the art field that actively work with ceramics apart from sculpting. These programs span Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees along side diplomas and certifications. Program durations are longer for Bachelor degrees followed by Master’s and Associate degrees. Diplomas and certifications are usually shorter duration. Though they are available through campus and online modes, the former makes more practical sense. Course work includes ceramic sculpture, contemporary ceramic art and artists, drawing and sketching, firing and glazing methods, design fundamentals, hand building, ceramics history, kiln operations, mixing and glazing, materials, painting and throwing on the wheel. Studio work and exposure is crucial to success in this field.

Career outlook is positive for this field with jobs opening up as sculpture technicians, studio artists, ceramics instructors, ceramics designers, ceramics gallery directors and teaching positions in institutions. Salaries vary based on role, experience, employer and location. For example, average salaries of ceramic art were $72,000 as of 18 Nov., 2009.

The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology lead the premier group of institutions offering quality programs. Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute are well reputed for their strong academic credentials. American InterContinental University designs programs that are known for a real world approach.

Broadcasting mostly refers to the radio and television media wherein audio and video signals are distributed for transmitting programs to an audience. Occupations that are part of this discipline may either be actively involved in front of the screen or working behind the scenes. Examples include broadcast technicians, camera operators, announcers, directors, actors and reporters. The content of broadcasting includes, among others, educational, entertaining, and news-related programming.

There are several institutions, universities and professional schools that offer courseware in broadcasting which spans various degrees like Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees  Though several of these may be available online, yet it is important to remember that practical experience is paramount in this profession. Certifications and diplomas are also provided. Programs usually revolve around journalism and mass communication with specific focus on radio and television broadcasting. Content may also cover radio and television production, announcing and writing. Employers also appear to be veering towards formal degrees and prefer training in broadcast technology, electronics, or engineering.

Career outlook is fairly positive for this industry though several positions may be experiencing keen competition. Salaries vary greatly based on the roles. For example, reporters and correspondents earned median hourly earnings of $18.27 whereas producers and directors earned $23.78.

The Art Institute leads the group with various customized programs designed to help you build your skills in the career field of your choice. International Academy of Design & Technology deploys programs that assist students in acquiring innovative design and technological skills. Full Sail University surges ahead with its reputation as one of the premier media arts schools in the world. ITT Technical Institute focuses on programs assimilates programs that adopt classroom theory with practical applications in a laboratory environment. American InterContinental University takes a real world approach by offering industry current degree programs to career focused professionals.

If you are looking for a career as a musician, you would already know “bass” or a “bassist”.

Bass, as an adjective, usually describes tones of low frequency or range. One of the highest forms of coordinated music is an orchestra wherein bass notes are frequently used for harmonic and rhythmic support. Music players are considered high quality if bass notes are carried strongly to audible senses clearly and loudly. A bassist is a musician playing bass on an instrument such as double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass, tuba or sousaphone. Different instruments support different musical genres though it is not always a rule. For example, the electric guitar is the standard instrument for rock and roll.

There are several programs offered to upcoming and existing musicians to enable them in honing their talents. Though bass is not a program in itself, it is a crucial component to any qualification in art and music. Though online programs and software exist, it makes more sense to equip oneself through programs that offer practical supervision since they capture nuances of bass music. Apart from full fledged degrees in art and music such as Associate and Bachelor degrees, certifications and diplomas of shorter duration are also available.

Career opportunities are positive in this segment as we are living in an era where music is endearing. Upcoming artists may find the going tough until such time they establish themselves. The field requires positivity, passion, networking, hard work and sheer practice. The music industry is forecasted to be a high growth industry and bass musicians benefit from it too.

Top universities offering programs in this discipline include The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology followed by Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute. Completing the list but second to none is American InterContinental University.

Do you love television and movies? Love the sound effects? Who makes them possible? Audio engineers create those great effects.

In this discipline, sound is either produced or manipulated through digital or mechanical means. Consequently, an audio production engineer determines sound quality in CDs, DVDs, TV programs, film and live sound. The end goal is to ensure customer delight. For this, equipment channelizing work of audio production engineers is a must. This includes electronic and electric equipment covering television and radio broadcasts, concerts, plays, musical recordings and movies.

Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees along side diplomas and certifications prepare students for a career in this field. However, a Bachelor’s degree is expected for an audio production engineer. Field exposure such as internships in, radio stations and recording studios, is crucial in this discipline. Two key skills for audio engineers are strong technical sense and keen sense for sounds. Course work revolves around operation of audio equipment, information technology, audio Industry studies, applied acoustics, electronics, music technology and audio specialization.

Career prospects are good and growth is expected to be robust through 2014 as per Bureau of Labor Statistics. Opportunities exist in multimedia and post-production facilities, recording studios, technical theaters, broadcast industry and sound reinforcement segment. They can also be sound and acoustical consultants and system engineers. Salaries vary based on location, experience and employer with entry level pay ranging from $20k to $40k. Top end salaries can go up to $75k per year.

The Art Institute provides programs that help students pursue your goal. International Academy of Design and Technology is a good choice for acquiring innovative design and technology skills. Full Sail University is a premier institution with established credentials in academic excellence. ITT Technical Institute combines classroom theory with practical application. American InterContinental University takes a real world approach offering industry current programs.

Art is like wine to the soul and art historians preserve the taste!

If you love art but are not interested in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and other streams, then a career in art history may be suited just for you. An art history qualification can be invaluable to understand the motivations and influences behind the world’s greatest master pieces. You can gain skills in communication, research, observation and teamwork. There are several institutions that provide programs in art history spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Some specialized diplomas and certifications may also be available. Duration varies based on type of course. Most programs are available through campus and online modes. Practical experience, however, can be a huge asset in this discipline and can include internships in museums and galleries to name a few. Content may include studies in math, language, writing, humanities, sciences, design, art appreciation and seminars.

Career prospects for this field are bright though some specific jobs like curators, archivists and museum technicians may face keen competition. Opportunities span from teaching, custodians of public and private collections, art critics, writers and reporters, scholarly research & grant writing and collectors buying and selling art and antiques. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 18% through 2016, faster than average of all occupations. Salaries vary based on the position, education, experience, location and employer. For example, the median salaries of curators were $46,000 on May 2007 data.

The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology lead the group with customized programs designed to shape careers. Following them are Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute providing best in class quality education to students. American InterContinental University is second to none and focuses on providing students quality education and practical experience placing them at forefront of the industry.

Love drawing? Savvy with Photoshop? Are you passionate about painting, sculpting, printmaking or fine crafts? How about interior decoration? If you are interested in any of those disciplines, then you are an artist at heart! If you also have innate abilities that transform your desire to reality, then you could find yourself suited to a career in art.

Creativity and out of box thinking are important criteria for individuals to metamorphose into successful artists. Though they may be talented, yet several times, formal art education introducing them into varied aspects of the discipline can be a huge time saver. Artists intending to seek employment in future may be asked to have formal education by employers. Several institutions offer art education spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees usually takes 4 years and 2 years respectively. There are also diplomas and certifications available. Art education programs are available through campus and online modes providing flexible education.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a bright future for artists with growth expected to be faster than average of all occupations through 2014. Most artists are self employed with the balance employed in museums, schools, galleries, magazines, newspapers, advertising agencies and movie studios. The earnings of artists vary based on type of artist, education, experience and employer. A graphic artist earned between $30,600 and $53,310 in 2006 whereas it was $44,000 for art teachers and between $31,830 and $57,230 for interior designers.

Art programs are available through The Art Institute and International Academy of Design & Technology which lead the list of premier institutions offering quality education. They are followed by Full Sail University and ITT Technical Institute offering equally “best in class” education. American InterContinental University prides itself in being second to none and offers art programs that realistically place dreams within reach of today’s motivated students.