Best Bachelor's Degrees in Digital Media

1. University of Mississippi

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8828	88%	66%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

2. Miami University-Oxford

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$15193	80%	81%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

3. State University of New York at New Paltz

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8502	45%	77%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

4. Arizona State University-Polytechnic

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10803	84%	45%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

5. Florida State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6517	36%	83%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

6. Canisius College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29428	83%	73%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

7. Indiana University-Bloomington

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10947	78%	79%	84%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

8. Oregon State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11715	82%	67%	85%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

9. University of Idaho

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8304	78%	56%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

10. University of Baltimore

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9096	78%	41%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

11. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11154	77%	71%	75%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

12. University of Northern Iowa

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8938	79%	67%	83%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

13. California State University-Dominguez Hills

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6946	77%	44%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

14. University of North Georgia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5229	81%	38%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. Pennsylvania State University-Erie Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18450	76%	71%	73%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

16. Kent State University at Kent

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10602	86%	62%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

17. The University of Texas at Dallas

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13442	79%	70%	78%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

18. Texas State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10581	81%	54%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

19. Lee University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18770	82%	60%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

20. The University of Texas at El Paso

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8961	100%	37%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

21. Western Connecticut State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11344	76%	52%	85%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

22. SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8872	58%	68%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

23. University of Connecticut

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$17226	49%	84%	75%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

24. Florida International University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6565	58%	63%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

25. Florida Gulf Coast University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6118	67%	50%	77%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

26. SUNY Cortland

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8806	46%	71%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

27. University of Detroit Mercy

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28840	77%	67%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

28. West Texas A & M University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8135	69%	45%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

29. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12682	21%	90%	69%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

30. Columbia College Chicago

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27756	90%	50%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

31. Webster University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28700	57%	58%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

32. The University of Tampa

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29992	45%	58%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Digital media degrees are readily available from the associate level all the way through the doctoral level. Some programs have more of an art focus, teaching students about video game and web design, while others focus on the communication and marketing side. The majority of programs, however, offer a wide variety of classes so students can learn the entire digital media system, from concept to distribution.

Associate Degrees in Digital Media

An associate degree in digital media is typically offered as an Associate or Associate of Arts in Digital Media, but there are some programs available in digital media technology or digital media/multimedia technology. An associate degree program usually consists of 60 credits and takes two years to complete. These programs provide students with a general overview of the field. Students who complete an associate degree in digital media can choose to enter the workforce once they complete their degree or continue their studies and enter a bachelor's degree program. Some programs are designed so that students can apply their associate degree credits toward a bachelor's program.

Bachelor's Degrees in Digital Media

A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Digital Media is typically 120 credits hours. Students learn the basics of digital design, how to use industry-leading digital tools, develop/test/implement applications, and many other skills that will help the students in their future careers. Students could also learn about the ethical challenges that the digital media field presents. Some programs are more digital art-based while others focus more on the developmental side of digital media; however, students often graduate with a digital portfolio that can include pieces that showcase their skills and abilities.

Master's Degrees in Digital Media

Master's degrees in digital media are usually offered as Master of Science in Digital Media degrees, but Master of Communication in Digital Media degrees could also be available. These degrees can be completed in 1 to 3 years, and many programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals by offering night classes. These master's programs often focus less on the art side of digital media and more on the implementation and evaluation of digital media communication campaigns by using research and data.

Doctoral Degrees in Digital Media

There are very few doctoral degrees in digital media available. The few Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Digital Media programs that exist are usually advanced research-based programs that have a cap of seven years to complete. These programs culminate in a doctoral dissertation. Students in these programs usually take foundational courses along with electives of their choice, and they might have to complete project studios.

Certificates in Digital Media

Undergraduate and graduate certificates are available in digital media or digital media studies. These are usually 9 to 12-credit programs and can take less than a year to complete. Programs could go over concepts like content creation, digital media production, promotion, strategies, 3D design, and more.

Because a digital media degree is so multifaceted, schools tend to offer different types of concentrations. Some of the concentrations a school might offer are:

• Graphic design
• Game design
• Web design
• Digital arts
• Animation

The curriculum for a digital media degree varies greatly by school. Some schools require more art classes while others require more marketing and communication classes. However, the vast majority of schools offer core courses that are relatively similar, including:

• Digital Editing
• Introduction to Digital Media
• Digital Animation
• Digital Media Portfolio Capstone / Senior Project
• Courses for TV and Digital Media Production

Some schools also require or strongly recommend internships. Internships could help you to get a foot in the door of the digital media industry and provide networking connections, education, and experience.

There are many different programs in digital media, and it can be hard to find one that fits. Here are a few things you can consider that will help narrow down your options:

Where do your interests lie? If you are more interested in the television production side of digital media, look at programs that have classes or concentrations in television. Similarly, if you're interested in the public relations side of digital media, look at programs that offer a wide variety of public relations or communications classes.

Does the school offer class credit for internships? While it isn't the end of the world if a school does not accept class credit for internships, internships are extremely important for students. They provide experience, networking opportunities, and further education in the field.

On average, a bachelor's degree in digital media takes 120 credit hours, or four years, to complete if enrolled as a full-time student. Some students choose to enroll part-time. A part-time option means it will take longer than four years to complete.

Accreditation is critically important for both students and educational institutions. Accreditation can be given by any sanctioned accrediting agency at the regional, national, and program levels. Without regional or national accreditation, students are unable to apply for financial aid. Accreditation holds the institution to quality educational standards. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversees all agencies that give regional accreditation.

Accreditation can also be awarded to individual programs. While program accreditation is not necessary, it helps to show that the program is valued within its field. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is one of the accrediting agencies for the field of digital media.

There are no overarching digital media licenses or certifications required in order to have a successful career in digital media. There are very few certifications actually available for those who are interested.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is a private organization that offers a Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification that is globally recognized. This certification is aimed at media agency representatives and marketers who are involved in media buying, strategy, planning, and analytics.

A degree in digital media prepares students for a wide range of careers in a vastly growing field. Those who pursue this degree have gone on to be brand managers, social media coordinators, graphic designers, digital media specialists, digital media producers, media relations, digital media designers, digital media coordinators, and more.

How to Become a Graphic Designer

Many people who study digital media go on to become graphic designers. Graphic designers create visual graphics in order to communicate the ideas of their client or art directors. Graphic designers create magazines, advertisements, brochures, and many other concepts that work to inform, inspire, or captivate their consumers. Graphic design jobs are often based on their portfolio. Many students have the ability to create a portfolio while completing their bachelor's and take on internships in order to bolster their portfolio. Graphic designers had a median pay in 2019 of $52,110 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In general, the job market for graphic designers is projected to decline by 4% between 2019 and 2029. However, the BLS predicts that the job outlook for graphic design in computer systems design is expected to grow.

How to Become an Animator

A degree in digital media offers a potential pathway to becoming an animator. Animators use computer programs and illustrations to create visual effects and graphics for television, video games, and movies. Most animators specialize in a specific medium. Animators require a portfolio, which can be built while pursuing a bachelor's degree. According to the BLS, multimedia artists and animators had a median pay of $75,270 in 2019. The projected job growth for multimedia artists and animators from 2019-2029 is 4%.

Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before every school year if they are in need of financial aid for school. Schools use FAFSA data in order to determine financial eligibility. States also use the FAFSA in order to award their own aid.

There are many types of aid available, including grants, work-study programs, loans, and scholarships. Grants are awarded by need and do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs are when a student works part-time in order to help pay for school. Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid. This repayment also includes any interest that accrues over time. Scholarships, like grants, do not need to be repaid. Scholarships can be awarded by different institutions, businesses, and non-profit organizations. For example, the Society for News Design offers a scholarship that is open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The winner must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.

There are many professional organizations in digital media. Because it is such a large field of study, the majority of professional organizations are more specified than a general digital media professional organization. There are professional organizations for public relations, marketing, web design, and many others. Here are a few professional organizations that are somewhat broad as far as who they cover:

• Graphic Artists Guild - The Guild is dedicated to helping its members compete within the ever-changing arts field. Members include graphic and interactive designers, web programmers and developers, illustrators and animators, and others in the digital media field. They have networking opportunities and other educational events.
• Society for News Design (SND) - SND is an organization for visual journalists. They offer membership, competitions, a job board, and scholarships.