Multimedia Design Degrees: Bachelor, Associate & Online Course Info

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What will you learn in a multimedia design degree program? Read about degree requirements, the pros and cons of an associate's and bachelor's degree and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Multimedia Design Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance

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A degree in multimedia design prepares graduates for work as multimedia artists and animators, graphic designers, video game designers, and more. Graduates may be able to find work in software publishing, movies and television, video gaming, advertising, public relations, and other industries. Some schools offer one general multimedia design degree that touches key courses topics. Others offer multimedia design degrees with specializations in web design, animation, video, digital design, and more.

The job outlook for multimedia artists and animators is mixed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the rate of job growth from 2010 to 2020 is only 8%, which is slower than average for all occupations. In May 2011, the average mean salary was $68,000. In contrast, jobs for graphic designers are expected to grow 13% during that period, which is about as fast as the average. Graphic designers' median salary was $49,000 in May 2011.

Associate's Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? Students interested in gaining artistic and computer skills Students who want to delve deeper into specific areas of multimedia design
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) - Multimedia artists and animators ($68,000)* - Graphic designers ($49,000)*
- Video game designers ($80,000)*
Time to Completion 2 years full-time 4 years full-time
Common Graduation Requirements General education courses
- Roughly 30-50 credit hours of multimedia design courses
- Final portfolio project
General education courses
- Roughly 60-80 credit hours of multimedia design courses
- Final portfolio or capstone project
Prerequisites - High school diploma or GED
- Portfolio review may be required
High school diploma or GED
- Some schools may require a pre-admission portfolio review
Online Availability Yes Yes

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).

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  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

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