FAQ:

Certificate of Completion

What is a certificate of completion, and what is the advantage of participating?

The MSP certificate of completion is designed to set the standard of preparation for a career in a specialized area within the multimedia industry. The certificate is modularized for flexibility, and includes an introductory Digital Graphics Production module for students who are very new to technology upon which the other, more advanced modules build. Students with prior experience may begin with one of the more advanced modules.

Each certificate consists of approximately 17 courses, completed in modules of five classes each. Students complete a certificate by taking 3 modules, plus the Effective Résumé Writing and Portfolio Development classes. Alternatively, certificate students requiring more flexibility may complete two modules plus ANY OTHER FIVE MSP courses (this can include classes from the Digital Media Production certificate) as electives, AND the Effective Résumé Writing and Portfolio Development classes.

The certificates provide students with thorough knowledge of the tools, technology, and techniques of their area of interest. The advantages of completing a certificate include: early registration, the Portfolio Development class, and portfolio reviews (an opportunity to present your work to and receive feedback from professionals in the industry).

The MSP also partners with the Digital Media Production (DM) and the Music/Recording Industry (MRI) programs, consisting of courses that come with regular university units but can be applied to a MSP certificate.

How do I enroll in a certificate?

To enroll in a certificate of completion, you must submit a completed entrance application along with a $50.00 application fee to any of the MSP staff. Please Note: You are not automatically enrolled in a certificate track when you register for classes. Submitting a Multimedia Studies Program (class) registration form does NOT constitute application to a certificate.

Do I have to apply to a certificate of completion, or can I pick and choose courses to personalize my program as I please?

No, you do not have to be a certificate student to enroll in classes at the MSP. You may choose your own course of study. Which route is best for you depends upon your circumstances. If you are an industry professional who already has a lot of experience with the tools we offer here, and you are just looking to keep your skills up to date, completing an entire certificate might not be the best use of your time and money. To determine your path please consult MSP staff.

If you are a person who has had little or no experience in the industry, or if you have experience in one area and are looking to change your career focus, then completing a certificate will really benefit you. The advantage of completing a certificate over picking and choosing classes is that a certificate provides a clear and focused course of study, while offering you the opportunity to express your specific interests through elective courses. Also, the emphasis on portfolio development is invaluable if you are trying to break into the multimedia industry for the first time.

At what point should I apply to a certificate track? Can I apply after I have already started taking classes at the MSP?

You should apply to a certificate as soon as you know that the program is right for you and as soon as you are ready to commit to this rigorous course of study. The MSP recommends that you take a couple of courses first, before making the decision to commit to a certificate. You can always apply any courses you take to whichever certificate you end up completing.

Can courses I have taken before enrolling in a certificate still fulfill certificate requirements?

Courses you take prior to enrolling in a certificate can be used toward your certificate requirements, where applicable. If a course you took isn’t listed among the available modules, you can still apply it as an elective. Consult your program advisor for the best way to apply your classes.

Can I take online courses and apply them to my certificate?

Yes. You may apply any or all of these online courses toward an MSP certificate, provided that they are equivalent to the in-class courses required for your certificate, or that you wish to take them as electives.

Can professional experience or course work from another school be applied to a certificate? How can I prove my proficiency?

You will not be required to take courses covering subjects in which you have already attained proficiency, either through work experience or at another educational institution. However, you are responsible for completing the required number of classes for your certificate, so you cannot simply have a class waived. You must also substitute the waived class with another course, either a more advanced version (i.e., Photoshop II for Photoshop I) or a related subject (i.e., Illustrator I for Photoshop I). Please note: you cannot apply substituted classes twice to two different requirements. In other words, if you take Photoshop II instead of Photoshop I, you cannot apply the Photoshop II course as an elective or advanced work, you must take yet another course.

If you decide you want to substitute a different course for one of your requirements, you will be required to fill out a Request for Course Waiver/Substitution form, and submit it with some form of verification of previous experience, to be approved and signed by MSP staff. This form is mandatory and ensures that there will be no problems or delays when you are ready to apply for graduation. This form can be obtained here.

What is the cost of completing a certificate?

A certificate of completion costs approximately $8,800 in total course fees, paying for each course as you go.

The purchase of software, hardware, and textbooks will increase your costs, should you choose to buy them. (You are not required to purchase hardware or software, and most classes do not require book purchases.)

Some forms of financial aid are available.

How long does it take to complete a certificate?

Most of our students have full- or part-time jobs, and take about one-and-a-half years to complete the requirements for the certificate.

Is it possible to complete a certificate track in one year? Is there a time frame in which I must complete the certificate?

It is possible to complete a certificate track in one year, but we don't recommend it if you are working full or part-time. There are three semesters in a year (spring, summer, fall). Your last semester is supposed to be devoted to your portfolio production, so you are required to be completed with all other coursework and enrolled only in Portfolio Development. This would leave you only TWO semesters to complete nine to fourteen classes. If you are working full-time, this is nearly impossible to do.

Students are required to complete the certificate within 3 years. When you apply to graduate, only the courses that you have completed within the previous 3 years will be considered for credit toward your certificate. This limit ensures that our graduates complete their studies with the most up-to-date skills and experience.

How much emphasis is placed on portfolio development?

A great deal. One of the advantages of the certificate is the emphasis on portfolio development. Throughout your studies, you will develop skills you will use to create projects and works that are vital for developing a complete portfolio. The culminating experience for the certificate is the Portfolio Development requirement. For more information, please see the Graduation question below.

How to I graduate from the MSP?

Students graduate after having completing the Portfolio Development class. Portfolio Development is your final requirement, and is to be taken during your last semester at the MSP, after you have completed all other course requirements. You should take no other classes while taking Portfolio Development.

Students graduate after having completing the Portfolio Development class. Portfolio Development is your final requirement, and is to be taken during your last semester at the MSP, after you have completed all other course requirements. You should take no other classes while taking Portfolio Development.

You must complete a graduation application prior to the semester you intend to take the Portfolio Development class. Instructions can be found in the "Certificate Advising" section of this website.

The prerequisites for Portfolio Development class continue to evolve but generally include proficiency in creating HTML websites and use software like Dreamweaver. Please consult the current version of these in the class list. Effective Résumé Writing is a prerequisite to complete the certificate.

During the class, faculty will guide you in creating a professional portfolio that effectively exemplifies the skills and experience outlined in your résumé. Your portfolio may include work from classes that you have taken at the MSP and work you have completed outside of the MSP. Students are eligible to graduate only when the Portfolio Development faculty mentor has approved their portfolios.