2024 Best Online Multimedia Design Degrees [Bachelor’s Guide]

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If you are a creative and tech-minded person, you might consider earning a multimedia design degree.

Best Online Multimedia Design Degrees

Multimedia design programs focus on using technology in artistic ways to spread information and interact with target audiences.

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In an online multimedia degree program, you can focus on building up your technological skills, developing creative solutions to communication questions, and collaborating with others on large design projects.

Online Multimedia Design Degrees

Online Multimedia Design Degrees

In a digital multimedia design program, you can learn how to use technology in creative ways in order to bring artistic projects to life. You might choose to focus your studies on web development, animation, motion graphics, or game design.

As a multimedia design student, you’ll generally study topics like:

  • Audio production
  • Digital imaging
  • Computer animation
  • Concepts of visual literacy
  • Writing and interactive design

The coursework is intended to provide you with a foundation in the field of website and graphic design. It can also help you learn how to reach a target audience through a variety of mediums, using your creative skills to share messages and information in an appealing way.

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A degree in multimedia design can lead to professional opportunities in a wide array of industries, including:

  • Marketing
  • Filmmaking
  • Video game creation
  • Advertising

Within these industries are specific roles that may cater to your personal skills and interests. Because the world of multimedia is growing and evolving at a fast pace, there are many opportunities to become a team member in a variety of different companies.

Many graduates with a degree in multimedia design go on to become:

  • Special effects animators and artists
  • Graphic designers
  • Web developers and digital designers
  • Art directors

Also, some graduates go on to earn an on-campus or online masters in multimedia, which may further their skills in this profession.

Many individuals within the world of multimedia art thrive in a creative environment and enjoy developing innovative solutions to design questions.

In addition to using their creativity, many design graduates also possess an eye for detail and solid programming skills. These abilities could also open up professional opportunities outside of multimedia design, such as in marketing or public relations.

Multimedia Design Careers & Salaries

Multimedia Design Careers & Salaries

Many of the professional roles related to the field of multimedia design involve creative input and strong project management skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the median salaries and titles of positions related to multimedia design studies.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers $133,380
Art Directors $100,890
Technical Writers
$78,060
Special Effects Artists and Animators $77,700
Web Developers and Digital Designers $77,200
Film and Video Editors $62,680
Public Relations Specialists $62,800
Graphic Designers $50,710
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians $49,050
Desktop Publishers $46,910

Many multimedia designers find themselves in roles that require strong collaboration and communication skills. They often work in environments surrounded by other inventive and creative individuals.

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Your specific salary and job title will vary depending on where you live, the company you work for, and your prior work experience. While earning your degree in multimedia design can help open up professional opportunities, it is important not to equate the degree with a specific position or salary. 

Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses

Multimedia Design Bachelor’s

As a multimedia major, you will likely find courses that span different fields, such as communications and computer science.

Here are examples of courses you might find in your multimedia design bachelor’s curriculum:

  • Content Creation and Management: This course can give you the opportunity to learn how to use a variety of tools used to create, edit, and manage online content.
  • Web Technology: This course covers the foundations of web technology, covering topics like various markup languages and using JavaScript to program.
  • Web Development: This class is an overview of the basics of building a website, exploring topics from programming to graphic design.
  • Computer Graphics: This course is an introduction to graphics systems, including image processing and computer information, with the goal of bringing artistic projects to life.
  • Digital Design and Animation: This class gives you opportunities to learn how to use current software to create interactive images.
  • Digital Photography: This course is intended to provide you with the foundations of using a digital camera, covering aspects such as composition and image manipulation.
  • Digital Publishing and Package Design: Providing an in-depth look at the process of packaging, this course explores topics like ad campaigns, branding, and trademarking.
  • Writing for Advertising and Copywriting: This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of using the written word to sell products and drive consumer engagement.
  • Media Literacy: Focusing on how we understand and consume media, this course explores the messages we receive and the influence different forms of media have on society.
  • Media Law and Regulation: This class examines historic events, legal debates, and policies related to media laws and regulations.

A lot of your coursework will likely focus on developing your presentation, collaboration, and time management skills as well.

How to Choose an Online Multimedia Design Bachelor Degree Program

Multimedia Design Bachelors Degree Program

Deciding on the right multimedia design program will hinge on several personal factors. As you begin to consider your options, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my overall budget? College can be expensive. Even if you are pursuing an online degree, there will still be costs associated with your program. Planning a budget can help you apply to schools that are in your price range.
  • What concentrations am I interested in? There are many topics you can choose to focus on within a multimedia design degree program. You may want to make sure the schools you apply to offer courses in your areas of interest.
  • How do I learn best? Online degree programs may offer pre-recorded (asynchronous) or live (synchronous) classes. Depending on your learning style, you may research programs that predominantly offer one or the other.
  • What is my timeline? All programs will have different options, but most bachelor’s degree programs take about 4 years to complete. There are often shorter timelines available for online programs, though.

Having a clear understanding of your answers to these questions can help you determine which colleges align with your goals and needs.

Admissions Requirements

Multimedia Design admissions

All multimedia schools have their own set of unique admissions criteria, but many schools will require you to submit the following items:

  • SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal essay
  • Letters of recommendation

Colleges want to get to know you, and your application is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the strengths you can bring to a program. In addition to these materials, most schools will also require you to submit a small application fee.

Accreditation

Multimedia Design degree accreditation

To ensure that a college or university offers the highest quality educational materials and programs, they can participate in an accreditation review process. It is a way for a school to signal that they meet or exceed national standards of quality in education.

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Accreditation may impact your eligibility for financial aid as well as future job opportunities. Employers are more likely to trust that applicants who attended a regionally accredited institution have received the necessary education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Multimedia Design degree financial aid

To apply for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines how much support you are eligible for based on a number of factors, such as family income.

In addition to federal financial aid, you can also apply for state aid, tuition reimbursement, or scholarships. The eligibility criteria for these financial aid options will depend on your state of residence, your employee benefits, and your college’s available scholarship opportunities.

Scholarships can also be awarded by public or private organizations.

What Is a Multimedia Design Degree?

degree in Multimedia Design

Multimedia design degree programs are dedicated to exploring creative ways to use technology. This is a multidisciplinary major that pulls from web and graphic design, digital photography, and computer programming.

As a multimedia design student, you can learn to use your technical and creative skills to communicate with the public in a variety of different ways. Some professionals create artistic content for platforms like television and video games, while others create interactive content for things like mobile apps.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?

Earning a degree in design and multimedia arts could lead to a creative career in one of several related fields. It’s common for multimedia design program graduates to pursue careers as special effects artists and animators, graphic designers, and web developers and designers.

In addition to artistic roles, many students who complete a multimedia design program are also qualified for professional positions that require a strong understanding of technology. This could include roles in social media marketing or tech support.

What Does a Multimedia Designer Do?

Multimedia Designer

Multimedia designers are often talented individuals who develop creative content for a variety of different platforms, including television and websites. They use their graphic design and animation abilities to ensure that the content they produce is interactive and engaging enough to reach a target audience.

A multimedia designer has many responsibilities, such as collaborating with multiple creative departments to bring a project to life, creating digital animations, and collecting feedback to make edits. They also need to manage projects and timelines, meet with stakeholders, and research ideas.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor of Multimedia Design Degree Online?

If your program follows a traditional, 16 week semester, it will generally take 4 years for you to complete a bachelor’s degree if you attend full-time.

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Some online programs offer 8 week terms. Should you choose to follow this type of schedule and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may finish in less time. Additionally, online programs often offer accelerated options.

Having a solid understanding of your personal availability can help you select the right program for your needs.

What’s the Difference between Multimedia Design vs. Graphic Design Degree?

There is certainly an overlap between a degree in multimedia design and one in graphic design. The key differences between the two degrees can be found in their overall goals and the type of products created.

Multimedia Design Graphic Design
  • Aims to excite, amuse, or explain something to an intended audience
  • Creates motion graphics and animation
  • Aims to deliver or enhance a message through the combination of visuals and text
  • Creates print or digital media for advertisements or packaging

The degree path that’s best for you will depend on your personal career plans or aspirations.

Is a Bachelors in Multimedia Design Degree Worth It?

Multimedia Design careers

Yes, a bachelors in multimedia design degree is worth it for many students. As a multimedia design graduate, you may have the opportunity to be creative in your work. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many careers related to multimedia design are experiencing steady job growth.

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Overall employment for media and communication occupations is expected to grow 14% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Diversity in job selection, steady growth in employment opportunities, and the ability to be creative in the workplace are all reasons you might choose to pursue a bachelor’s in multimedia design.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Multimedia Design 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.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media.

The average student completes the program in 16 months. Courses include Basic Drawing, Composition, Fundamental Typography, and History of Graphic Design. Students are also required to take courses in biblical theology and Christian thought.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

DeVry University

DeVry University

DeVry University offers a Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design and Development. The program focuses on using web and media design tools to create digital content. Students in the program can pursue a specialization in Graphic and Multimedia Design or Web Design and Development.

DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Franklin University

Franklin University

Franklin University offers a BS in Interactive Media Design that can be earned 100% online. Classes are offered in 6 and 12 week sessions. The program uses a project-based curriculum to help students develop professional portfolios and provides opportunities to gain experience with programming languages and software.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University

National University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design. Classes are each 4 weeks long, and most students take just one at a time.

The program is designed to help students gain hands-on experience with the latest industry technology. Coursework includes History of Graphic Design, History of Visual Storytelling, Vector Graphics, and Digital Image Compositing.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design. Students in the program are required to develop strong portfolios and complete a self-directed project as a capstone.

Courses include Digital Arts: Computer Graphics, Introduction to Digital Art and Design Criticism, and Basic Photography for Communications.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your Multimedia Design Degree Online

Multimedia Design Degree Online

Earning your multimedia design degree may lead to many intriguing and creative career opportunities. Not only will you have the chance to develop your artistic and collaborative skills, but you can develop a strong foundation in different technological programs as well.

If you are a motivated and innovative individual, this degree might be a good fit for you. You could learn how to use your creative talents to communicate and share information with large audiences.

You can begin the journey to your degree by researching and comparing various online multimedia degree programs from accredited colleges and universities.

Ready to start your journey?
Molly Doyle
WRITTEN BY
Molly holds a B.A in Literature from the University of California - Santa Cruz and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. A Seattle-based educator, Molly focuses on student-centered instruction and creating culturally responsive curriculum.