New media professionals use elements of design, advertising, reporting, photography, editing, special effects, film, and computer science to promote companies, businesses, brands, ideas, and more. This means, professionals in this field have multiple talents that can be used in just about any field—creative or otherwise. While The Hoosier State might not be the first place that comes to mind when you hear the words “new media,” as of February 2012, the state was home to hundreds of companies in search of new media talent to help with marketing and promotions, community outreach, design, project management, media management, and more.
Just a few Indiana companies to consider include AT&T, Tangent Point Media, Speedco, Inc., Angie’s List, Lake Shore Marketing, Community Health Network, Ingersoll Rand, Tribune Company, Adecco, and World Media Group. Besides being home to a wide variety of companies aspiring new media specialists, Indiana is home to more than 105 accredited colleges and universities. Several of the state’s best schools offer new media programs.
Indiana New Media Schools
Indiana is home to several schools that offer a degree in new media. Take a look at the list below to find out which schools are popular among new media students, and what they have to offer.
Kokomo
Indiana University - Degrees Offered: B. A. and B. S. in New Media Communication with Concentration in Graphic Design, Digital Development, Video Game Design, Web Design and Generalist (Individual Concentration). B. S. Informatics
South Bend
Indiana University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. New Media with Concentration in Graphic Design, Informatics or Group Focus with Minor; B. S. Informatics
Employment and Salary Trends for Indiana New Media Professionals
Indiana was home to 130 media and communications professionals in 2010. The population increased significantly in just two years between 2008 and 2010 from just 80 workers. Unfortunately, the average salary for professionals in this field decreased dramatically between 2006 and 2010. In 2006, the average salary was $40,140. By 2010, the average annual income was only $30,850. However, this figure is still significantly higher than the lowest paid media and communications professionals nationwide.
Across the nation, there are more than 23,000 salaried media and communications professionals, up slightly from 22,970 for 2006. In 2010, media and communications professionals averaged $43,090 (median) nationwide. The lowest paid professionals earned $23,480, and the highest 10 percent averaged $85,630. These figures have increased since 2006 when the median average was $42,570 and the lowest 10 percent earned $22,580, and the top 10 percent earned $76,270.