MHCC Integrated Media Program

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

For 2012, there's no longer an application process. Interested students will simply register for Fall term classes when the registration period begins in late May 2012. Get more details here.

So don't I need to apply or submit a portfolio?

Not any more! Last year, we changed our approach to the application process. We are giving more students a chance to experience Integrated Media and find out if it's a good fit. We'll use the first quarter classes to identify those students who show the most potential to succeed based on their performance.

So what's the catch?

Students must have the consent of their IM Program Advisor and meet the proficiencies of the program classes to continue into the Winter 2013 Integrated Media courses. Students will be provided with clear performance expectations when classes start in September.

We are looking for students who can demonstrate the ability to succeed in ALL core areas. To be competitive in the creative services field, you'll need to have commitment, talent, solid digital skills and the willingness to collaborate with others. The first term classes are designed to provide an opportunity for you to show us your abilities in each of these areas. Two years is a very compressed time period to prepare students for an entry-level position. Our curriculum is rigorous and fast-paced so identifying qualified students at the end of the first quarter allows us to move through the material more efficiently and effectively thereafter.

Can I change option areas after fall term?

No. Students who qualify to move on into winter term classes must continue in the option in which they started fall term (Graphic Design, Photography, Broadcasting or Video). You will need fall term's critical foundation option course to be successful in the winter term. However, you could make the transition to another option by waiting until the next fall term.

When can I register?

Registration begins in the latter part of May for fall term 2012. It is important to register early. Space is limited to first come, first served based on space availability. Wait lists will open once the classes fill to capacity. Classes tend to fill up quickly, so please do not wait!

Can't I just wait until later in the academic year?

Fall term is the only opportunity to begin the IM program. Students will not be able to enter the program mid-year.

When is the deadline to apply?

There is no longer any deadline. Classes will fill on a first-come, first served basis. Register for fall term as soon as the registration period begins in late May.

How can I find out more?

Attend one of the four IM Information Sessions scheduled in 2012 (see the Events link for dates and times). You'll be able to meet the faculty, tour the studios and labs and get your questions answered.

Do you have any other suggestions?

Contact one of the four IM faculty advisers via email, phone or by stopping by the IM offices in AC1373.

Will I have time for a job?

Yes. Most of our IM students have part-time jobs averaging 20 hours a week. We’ve designed the IM program to be as efficient as possible. All first year IM core and option courses are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the second year, all IM core and option classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays. Each day is long, however, because we’re packing three 3-hour classes in to one day, back-to-back. A typical day looks like this: morning class: 9 - 11:50 am, afternoon class: 1:10 - 4 pm, late afternoon class: 4:10 to 6 or 7 pm.

How much homework is involved?

It differs every week, depending on the class and the stage of the projects you’re working on at the time. Because each class is structured to be 2-3 hours of lecture and up to 3 hours of lab each week, this means that you’ll learn new content through the lecture and the other hours are devoted to practicing what you just learned. There will be complex projects where you’ll need to research, explore and experiment outside of class. Also, some students are just more efficient and fluent with the software. You will need access to a computer with an Internet connection at least 3 - 5 days a week to stay up to speed.

Are there any Integrated Media classes in the Summer?

Summer is a great time to work on your General Education requirements such as Writing, Math, Health and Physical Education, Human Relations, etc. Second year students may have a credit-earning internship (WE280IMD) in the summer between their first and second years.

What classes can I take Winter, Spring or Summer terms, before the program starts next Fall?

Each year, many prospective students contact us to find out if there are classes they could take while they waiting for next fall tem to begin. To respond to these inquiries, the Integrated Media faculty developed a list of classes that would be helpful (but not necessarily required in the AAS degree) for those interested in pursuing a career in the creative services. Download the list of "sidecar" classes.

Can I take evening or weekend classes?

Not really. Most of our Integrated Media core and option classes follow this schedule: 9 - 11:50 a.m., 1:10 to 4 p.m. and 4:10 - 6 or 7 p.m. (students must take ALL THREE, each term). They are sequential and taught in sets of three each term. If you were to take just the one class a term, you wouldn’t be able to progress to the next terms’ classes because you wouldn’t have the prerequisite skills and knowledge to be successful at the next level. Also, the each term's content "pours over" into all three concurrent classes. Since many of our projects are structured in collaborative teams, it's important that each cohort stays intact throughout the two year program.

Many General Education classes are available during non-traditional evening and weekend hours or are offered through Distance Learning (Web-based).

I only have time to take one course at a time. Can I do that?

Not really. Read the answer to the previous questions. However, if you are interested in a very specific class, talk to an IM adviser. Occasionally, there may be an open seat for someone who has sufficient prior skills to be successful in a class.

What about online classes?

Because Integrated Media is so visual and auditory, most of our courses aren't appropriate to the virtual classroom approach. Students learn a lot from their fellow students. Great creative work is usually the result of close collaboration with both instructors and peers. However, some of our courses are already hybrid or enhanced through the use of WordPress blogs, BaseCamp, BlackBoard, or MHCC's course management system, the MyMHCC Portal. This allows students to complete some requirements in each class when off-site.

What should I know before beginning the program?

You need to have good keyboarding skills, be very familiar with and comfortable on the computer (we’ll teach you the Mac software) or at least fearless in learning the computer applications. This program may go too fast for novice computer users and is not an appropriate choice for those without computer experience. You should already know how to use a computer and some basic applications such as the MS Office Suite and have experience with web browsers and the Internet before entering the program in the Fall. You should be able to use a mouse with coordination, navigate the internet, and comfortably sit for up to ten hours a day. We assume that you sincerely love working with/on a computer as that is the primary tool that you’ll use in Integrated Media.

Will I need to buy a computer?

Not right away. In class, you’ll work on a Macintosh computer in one of our Integrated Media Mac labs. You’ll be able to use computers in the Main Computer Lab (AC1451). Many students buy a computer while they're in the program. If you already have a computer at home, buy the same software we use at school so you’ll be able to work on your projects outside of class. PC/Windows users can purchase the PC version of the software we use. You’ll need to take a few extra steps and precautions when transporting files to and from school so that the files can be read successfully on both platforms.

There are significant student discounts available on both software and hardware, so please ask an IM adviser. Our MHCC bookstore offers great discounts to current students for the Adobe Creative Suite applications. See Discounts for more specific information.

What other equipment will I need?

All students will need headphones and a USB flash drive (1 GB or more) or some other storage device. Supply lists are available for each option area after you’re accepted to the program.

Students accepted into the Photography program will need to have a high quality adjustable digital camera (example: Canon Rebel Xti or better).

Braodcasting and Video students will need high quality sound-dampening headphones.

The IM Department has an equipment checkout facility (The Cage) with digital cameras, lighting, sound recording equipment and even Wacom tablets. Most items can be checked out for three days at a time to IM majors. Second year students are given access to higher level equipment.

Can I transfer to another school after earning the Integrated Media AAS Degree?

YES! Since spring 2009, MHCC has had a Direct Transfer Agreement with PNCA's Communication Design BFA program (Pacific Northwest College of Art). Talk to Chris, Dana, Jack or JD as early as possible to get more information about other transferring options. By identifying a four year school right away, you will have time to customize your course selections to maximize the number of courses that will transfer elsewhere. As a general rule, keep individual portfolios or collections of the work produced in each Integrated Media course, along with the course syllabus, official course description and any project briefs so that you can document that you’ve accomplished the same outcomes as courses in other schools.

Much more information is available on the Transferring web page.

Must I be able to draw to be in the Graphic Design option?

Yes and no. Many great graphic designers draw very proficiently. However, just as important is the ability to be organized, creative and detail-oriented. There are so many directions to take your career in Graphic Design that someone with moderate drawing ability can still be very successful. You DO need to be able to communicate your ideas to others by writing, making quick "thumbnail" sketches and/or doing rough drawings. If an illustration is required, graphic designers usually commission a professional illustrator to do the job. With computer software applications, designers often build an illustration or graphic in a very different way than with traditional art media. Digital photography and image manipulation are other ways to create art without being able to draw. You’ll learn both at MHCC.

Questions? Call us! 503.491.7410