If you want to advance your career in the digital media and creative communications field, you might consider pursuing a masters in multimedia.
With the growth of internet usage worldwide, multimedia creation has transformed the marketing landscape. Beyond traditional print and broadcast communications, digital media has enjoyed a high audience consumption rate with no signs of slowing down. And, where there is market demand, expert knowledge and skills are sought.
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If you are looking to get a master’s degree in digital media off campus, an online multimedia degree program might be what you need.
Online Masters in Multimedia Programs
A master’s degree in multimedia marries information technology and creativity. It essentially combines current marketing and media trends with the timelessness of creative pursuits.
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The program’s goal is for you to acquire mastery of the processes and techniques utilized to create relevant, compelling content that target audiences will engage with. Multimedia allows you to convey artistic expressions using advanced tools. The digital and creative industry is a robust sector that produces most—if not all—of today’s online content.
Multimedia master programs typically cover subjects like:
- Graphic design
- Journalism
- Digital photography
- Content marketing
- Web development
- Mobile app development
- Social media management
- Data analytics
- Video and audio production
- Animation
- Visual merchandising
- Digital publishing
- Video game design
In addition, this graduate degree program includes training for vital IT tools and communication media. It encompasses creative conceptualization and development, digital application usage, marketing principle application, and branding strategy creation. It also explores related disciplines critical to the context of the 21st-century marketing landscape.
A credible online master’s in multimedia degree program offers academically accredited courses, effective teaching methodologies, competent faculty, and student support. In addition, flexibility is an element that many potential students, especially working professionals, require.
Design and Multimedia Arts Careers & Salaries
Multimedia professionals often have specialized skills and knowledge in broadcast and print media, corporate and marketing communication, digital technology, advertising, and design. Expertise in these various disciplines can open up a wide range of career options for multimedia graduates.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some common careers related to multimedia arts and design.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $141,490 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $118,430 |
| Art Directors | $97,270 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $77,700 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $77,200 |
| Film and Video Editors | $67,250 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Graphic Designers | $53,380 |
| Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians | $50,000 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,300 |
Employment for media and communication occupations is expected to grow by 14% over the next ten years, which is faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Professionals with a masters in multimedia usually take on jobs in digital media, broadcast and print media communications, public relations, and marketing. Graduates may also pursue specialized, technical jobs—like social media strategist, online community manager, content manager, special effects specialist, and multimedia design specialist.
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The jobs you qualify for can depend on a number of factors, such as your previous experience and area of specialization.
Multimedia Masters Curriculum & Courses
The coursework for an online master’s degree in multimedia can vary by program, but here are examples of common courses:
- Psychology of Art: You’ll learn about the science of applying cognitive and emotional perception to aesthetics.
- Contemporary Art and New Media: This covers training for using new digital media tools and crafting strategies for creative communication.
- Multimedia Design: You’ll learn how to design and integrate different forms of media, including videos, audio files, websites, 3D models, print and broadcast platforms, and mobile apps for various purposes.
- Multimedia Spaces Design: This course covers how to use specialized tools and applications to design a spatial environment—envisioning space and activity, whether virtual or physical.
- Multimedia Journalism: You’ll learn about news writing, reporting, and various production techniques for TV, radio, and digital channels.
- Multiplatform Content Management: This course covers how to create and deliver a consistent brand experience by managing content and creating a website.
- Creative Writing: This course covers the process of writing fiction, scripts, screenplays, and poetry.
- 3D Animation: This courses explores using motion to bring characters and objects to life on screen.
- Media Ethics: You’ll learn about the ethical principles and standards, acceptable practices, and legal issues regarding various forms of media.
- Web and Interactive Media: This course covers how to create user-centric digital content through user control programs as well as input and output design.
These core courses are intended to deepen your understanding of the elements and principles of old and new media alike. You can also explore how they’re utilized to communicate messages to sell ideas, products, and services.
Master in Multimedia Admissions Requirements
The requirements for admission to an online master’s degree in multimedia vary from school to school, but below are some common application requirements:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA of at least 3.0, on average
- Letters of recommendation
You can check with your prospective schools to ensure that you gather and submit all their required application documents.
Multimedia Graduate Programs Accreditation
Regional accreditation signifies that a school’s educational services meet predetermined, high-quality standards. You can verify whether a prospective school holds credible accreditation by visiting the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
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Enrolling in an accredited program is also required for students who plan to apply for federal, state, or private grants and student loans. Many employers also prefer applicants who hold degrees from accredited schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you want to explore your financial aid options, you can start by checking your eligibility for federal aid, state aid, and various scholarships. Some private organizations also support students who want to pursue advanced studies in specific career paths.
To apply for government, need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants, student loans, and work-study programs are common forms of federal aid. In addition, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs.
What Is a Master of Multimedia Arts?
The Master of Multimedia Arts is a graduate degree designed for students to achieve mastery level skills of the principles, techniques, and applications of multimedia in communication.
A digital media masters program can help you develop your ability to express ideas through digital, print, and broadcast media. You’ll study how to create content that connects with audiences, and you can learn how to adapt your creativity and communication skills to fit today’s dynamic digital landscape.
Many multimedia professionals have become authorities in content marketing, digital film and audio production, graphic design, and web development for businesses, advocacies, and personalities.
What Can You Do with a Master of Multimedia Degree?
Graduates with masters in multimedia degrees often pursue careers in digital creative agencies, broadcast and print media outlets and advertising and public relations agencies. They may also work in design firms, data analysis service providers, and similar niche industries.
Multimedia professionals can also work as copywriters, photographers, online media journalists, video producers, website developers, or social media strategists. Other possible occupations include online publisher and manager of media relations, brand, marketing, or advertising.
Your professional qualifications can depend on a number of factors, such as your previous experience and your degree concentration.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Multimedia Master’s Degree Online?
A masters program can generally be completed in 1 to 2 years. You may be able to complete a 36 credit masters degree program in 1 year with full-time, year-round study if it does not require a thesis.
Attending part-time will often extend your time to completion. Some schools have policies that allow students with relevant work experience to waive specific course requirements, which could also expedite course completion.
You can also check if your prospective school or program offers flexibility in class schedule and pace if you want to set specific graduation objectives.
Is a Masters in Multimedia Degree Worth It?
Yes, a masters in multimedia degree is worth it for many students. With the global rise of internet use, specializing in multimedia arts can lead to a number of career opportunities.
It is not expected that technological advancements will slow down. So, industries like e-commerce, online schooling, mobile app development, audio and video streaming, and virtual and augmented reality will continue to require multimedia experts.
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In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 14% job growth for media and communication occupations over the next ten years, which is faster than average.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Multimedia Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arkansas Tech University offers a Master’s in Multimedia Journalism that can be earned either on campus or in a blended format. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours of coursework and a professional portfolio project. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning. Evening and online classes are available to provide flexibility for working professionals.
Arkansas Tech University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Syracuse University offers an online Master’s in Communications. Four specializations are available: Public Relations, Advertising, Journalism Innovation, and Media Management. Students are required to participate in two in-person immersion experiences. The degree can potentially be completed in just 15 months. GRE and GMAT scores are not needed to apply.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Touro University offers a Master of Arts in Web and Multimedia Design. The degree can be earned on campus or in a synchronous online format. Coursework includes Design Thinking and Methodology, UX and UI Design Principles, Interactive Design for the Web, and more. Numerous elective options are also available.
Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of South Florida offers an MA in Digital Journalism and Design. The degree can be completed entirely online or in a blended format. The program is designed to be completed in 1 year, but students may take longer. Coursework includes Multimedia Reporting, Mass Communications Ethics, Video Storytelling, and more.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Master of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Multimedia Journalism. The program is designed to help students develop skills in research, technology, and effective communication. All courses are available online. Classes include Digital Production, Digital Management and Analytics, Media Law and Ethics, and more.
VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Masters in Multimedia Degree Online
Obtaining an online masters degree in multimedia could help you develop your skill sets and advance your professional qualifications in the fields of communication and digital arts.
This graduate online media communications degree program is especially fitting for those who are inclined toward the arts and have a knack for digital technology. Business-inclined minds with a creative flair also align with the course offerings.
If you’re ready to enhance your expertise in this field, why wait? The sooner you start exploring multimedia masters degrees from accredited schools, the sooner you can start comparing programs’ coursework, prerequisites, and support services.
