In early 2000s, Apple released and modified the Final Cut Pro software to provide an alternative to the Avid digital film editing program. The Apple software, run on the Mac platform, was developed as a low-cost solution for home video makers as well as industry professionals working on a strapped budget. But when word got out that multiple Oscar nominee Cold Mountain was edited on Final Cut Pro, it became evident that Apple had created a winner.

Among its robust features, Final Cut Pro has capabilities for cutting multi-camera video with a full-range of transitions, mattes, correction filters, and up-to-date codecs editing on HD, SD, and DV video formats. Final Cut Pro does not transcode video. Through Apple's firewire interface, the latest edition, Final Cut Pro 5, acquires HDV straight from your camera source and outputs in both HDV and DVD formats without a loss of regeneration quality.

How muscular is it? If you've ever wanted capability to group 128 sources and use a playback to view16 shots playing simultaneously, Final Cut Pro is at your fingertips.

Final Cut Pro's meteoric rise in popularity has much to do with its relative affordability, coupled with a straightforward visual workspace that both amateurs and professional editors can use with panache. The suite includes Live Type title editing software with templates for NTSC, PAL, and HD, and video-audio compressors enable editors to complete high-scale color corrections and output in short order to DVD, tape, or web-optimized products.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

American InterContinental University Online

[Online]

The Visual Communication online degree program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to conceive creative solutions for specified design problems. Students will learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative graphic solutions.
Programs:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications
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Westwood College

[Online]

Think you don't have time to earn the respected degree you need? Think again. Westwood College's online program gives you the flexibility to study at the times and places you choose. You'll also get the opportunity to interact with your instructors and fellow students in real time. Degree programs offered include business, criminal justice, design and technology.
Programs:
  Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Visual Communications
  Web Design & Multimedia
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