Programs in multimedia and intermedia teach people how to create works of art using more than one media at a time. For example, students learn to combine music and film to create music videos. Students learn techniques to work in several dimensions. They also study multimedia computer software.

Multimedia art and design students learn how to combine different techniques to create original pieces and designs. For example, you can learn how to mix text with images, sometimes adding music. Or, you can learn how to manipulate film photography using digital techniques. In general, you learn how to combine video, sound, color, photos, and design.

In intermedia, you add motion with elements from studio and performing arts. Intermedia suggests using the flow between art forms as a design principle. For example, you might blend a poetry reading with a background of inspiring or sensual music, then add images that move to the music and reflect the content of the poem. You could add images of dancers, scenes from nature, or photos of sculpture, objects, or people.

About 110 colleges and universities offer programs in multimedia and intermedia design. To work in multimedia and intermedia professionally, you may pursue a four- or five-year fine arts degree. This means that you get a BFA or a MFA. BFA programs typically take four to five years to complete, and MFA programs take an additional two to three. The MFA is considered a "terminal" degree, meaning that you do not need a doctorate if you desire to teach at the college level. However, a few schools do offer doctorate degrees in multimedia and intermedia. In general, graduate degrees may lead to careers in management or teaching.

You may also choose a program that leads to a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree. In many cases, two year programs are transferable to four-year schools. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level design work.