Classes in special effects may study how the entertainment industry uses special effects to enhance movies, television shows and theater performances. Effects can be completely digital, use a combination of digital and live actors or consist of tangible materials such as wires, explosives, costumes, props, prosthetics and make-up.

An Associate of Arts degree is the stepping-stone for many students. After focusing on a field of study for two years at a vocational, technical, or community college, students can go onto finding better careers or earning a higher degree.