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What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is a field of study fusing art, technology, and business to arrive at products used for commercial purposes. A digital communication and multimedia major will typically entail the utilization of a variety of computer programs and multimedia tools.  These applications and tools are used to design and create a variety of advertisements, books, logos, signs, posters, album covers, stationary, billboards, magazines, television, websites, and other displays used to promote a service, product, or idea.

Multimedia professionals will have academic tools coupled with hands-on, pragmatic skills to effectively manipulate various business tools.   Examples of multimedia tools of the trade include computer programs, telecommunication technologies, design skills, marketing know-how, and expertise in digital communications regulations.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Multimedia Degree

The Digital Media and Communications degree at SIPA Columbia University combines the techniques from the humanities and social sciences in their study of how society share and represent concepts through mass media. The institution's faculty value the freedom of speech and the press as mediums for informing and promoting a democratic dialogue. The Department has received multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, making them more than a qualified institution to provide professional individuals. Graduates are prepared to navigate and excel in the world of multimedia.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The next leading college on our rankings this year is Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The MIT Multimedia Lab is dedicated to providing interdisciplinary research that unites diverse areas of interest and inquiry. The faculty, students, and researchers work alongside hundreds of projects across different areas in the field to develop new insight on learning. Graduates go on to careers related to the field and become entrepreneurs.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

The Digital Media Lab at the University of Chicago combines experience-based learning of real-world practices with an emphasis on critical thinking, observation, analysis, and writing. Through their extensive training, students gain essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. They are exposed to different experiences to better their understanding and explore new corners in the field. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions as a communication specialist in their area of interest or pursues a graduate study.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Duke University's multimedia and marketing degree program has an interdisciplinary approach to the evolving world of the digital world. Students have the opportunity to develop and enhance their communication, design, and technology skills needed to excel in the area. Allowing individuals to integrate the study of digital design and writing with a strong technical foundation through courses in English. After finishing the program, they are equipped and ready to pursue and succeed in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University is at the top of our rankings this year for accredited schools offering a top rated Multimedia degree program in the United States. They are the leading institution in educating and research in the field. Training a new generation of multimedia journalists, communicators, and marketers. Their expertise in the course expands beyond instructing in the area of academic research. With the help of their prolific faculty, students get to gain and develop knowledge and applications in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California's Computer Science undergraduate program offers intensive training leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The course is structured to provide academic and professional orientation in the area. Through their thorough instruction, USC provides highly competitive individuals that excel in the industry. Graduates will be well equipped with the essential skills and information needed to succeed.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

UC Berkeley’s Advanced Media Institute is part of the Graduate School of Journalism.  Within the AMI, students at Berkeley can take several targeted majors in Multimedia.   Academic pathways include the highly regarded data visualization track, podcasting, sound design, video storytelling, and the business of podcasting.  The associated courses are designed to provide passionate individuals with a broad-based understanding of the field. Producing ethical, articulate, creative, and innovative leaders in the industry. Graduates are equipped to navigate the competitive world of the media industry.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Department of Multimedia Studies at UVA offers an in-depth understanding of the fast-changing world of online content and platforms. They are committed to focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, community, and storytelling approach to the field. They give their students flexible hours of learning during evenings and on Saturdays. Graduates go on to pursuing their own path and excelling in the arena.  With the landscape of digital media changing by the week, the professors at UVA provide leading-edge theory and techniques to be salient in an exceptionally crowded space.    

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Department offers undergraduate programs, a Master's program, and Doctoral programs. The CMU undergraduate program has rigorous pieces of training and is committed to introducing real-world problem-solving. Interested individuals who are passionate to deepen their education in the field can go on to taking a Master's degree, they allow students to create their own course of study to fit their schedule. Advancing their education, they can take their Doctoral degree and have more advanced training and in-depth understanding of the industry.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Emory University has a wide variety of quality multimedia resources to cull from across the institution. They have full support for their students in using multimedia to enhance teaching, scholarship, creative activities, professional practice, and presentation skills. They have state-of-the-art resources available for individuals to utilize and better their understanding. The Media services on the campus have a sound effect and musical effects collection for EU students to use along with leading edge tools to build multi-modal works. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Media and Technology Studies and Multimedia Production at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers interested individuals at the undergraduate level quality teaching and utilize their resources to build audio/visual production. The institution has a solid connection to the Hollywood domain giving students opportunities to be employed in the competitive environment. One of their goals is to help develop the student's talent and ability to work and collaborate in the community. Students who are passionate to deepen their knowledge and skills in the area can pursue a Master's and a Ph.D. degree.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University offers a Digital Media Practices program. It provides students the chance to develop, enhance, and refine their skills in digital media. Through their rigorous curriculum, they produce highly competitive and highly skilled individuals in the industry. Many of their students choose a career to create a fully produced narrative short film.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The Digital Multimedia Common (DMC) degree program at Boston University helps students to explore and learn updated skills in the area. The institution offers an evolving resource of custom ideas featuring tutorials, workshops, assignment, and effective strategies. All undergraduate students have the opportunity to access the university-sponsored license to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Graduates are equipped and ready to navigate the world of complex situations.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Georgia Tech's School of Literature, Media, and Communication offers thorough teaching in various approaches and perspectives that structure their technological and global world. They help students enhance and develop their analytical, creative and technical skills needed to excel in the field. Through their extensive instruction, students are inspired to create their own path to success. Graduates gain theoretical and hands-on experience with novels, film, games, comic books, web pages, and scientific documents.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

New York University offers a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and a Doctoral degree in Multimedia, Culture, and Communication. They are committed to providing quality education in media and technology. With diverse faculty research on media topics spanning around the world. Every degree offers career opportunities that help individuals reach their full potential and eventually succeed. After completing the course graduates are prepared to navigate the world of media technology.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

College of the Holy Cross offers an array of top-rated courses in Multimedia.  A few of the most notable classes include new media, screen into space, and digital art studio.  Holy Cross offers a hands-on and collaborative approach to explore the foundation of creative concepts and innovative ideas in a diverse environment of the digital world. Providing a strong preparation in the three core digital media knowledge areas which are design thinking, technical competency, and creative expression. Graduates are ready to excel and compete in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

34.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Rochester's Multimedia Studies degree is dedicated to helping passionate individuals in creating an interactive environment to develop the student's knowledge and skills in the field. They challenge them to view form, function, and different impact of networked technology in society and their own private lives. The institution produces highly skilled and trained students to work in a wide array of digital media industries. Through their extensive curriculum, students who complete the course are prepared to stand out in this highly competitive industry.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia at the University of Maryland exists to equip passionate individuals as computer graphic designers and desktop publishers for the media business. Students learn modern styles and techniques that are essential in the business. Through the course, they are guided through portfolio preparations which is an important feature of the program. Extending their knowledge and understanding of the general course and is needed to interact effectively in the field.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The film and multimedia studies major at UC Santa Barbara continues to accumulate accolades from industry professionals and students across the globe.  The Film and Media Studies program started as a nascent department in 1973 and was elevated to a stand-alone department in 1996.  The degree programs available span from undergraduate programs to master’s and PhD programs for qualified students.  Both research and theory presented by the distinguished UC Santa Barbara staff provide students with an ideal learning environment.  With the ability to be creative and thoughtful, the media borne out of this department continues to set the bar in a packed field of excellent programs.  

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The University of Georgia offers a unique approach in Entertainment and Media Studies, they combine applied production skills and the academic study of media. They have the opportunity to gain professional-level skills and useful tools for creating quality stories. Developing industry, governmental, and academic innovators and leaders who work in the industry nationally and internationally. Graduates find a career in the film, television, radio, cable, satellite, online, mobile, and other new media industries.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Miami's Journalism and Multimedia Management is dedicated to hands-on learning and critical thinking within a multicultural and international context. There are four majors and five minors are offered in their Department giving options to individuals interested in the area. Students majoring and minoring in these courses focus on all areas of television, radio, cable, broadband, digital, and mobile operations. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue a career in business, sales, management, technology, and research.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Florida State University's School of Communication prepares passionate individuals for the rapidly changing world of digital media. They learn the foundation of shooting HD videos, recording sound, and using lighting. With training in traditional elements and learn to utilize contemporary post-production software. Students are exposed to the cutting-edge multimedia technology the institution has to offer to equip them for a career in the future.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Emerson College's Department of Visual & Media Arts guides students in transforming their vision into reality. They have the opportunity of being taught by their innovative faculty members. Collaborate with fellow students and benefit from studying in a city that ranks among the top five United States media markets. Graduates will benefit from the institution's extensive alumni network to support a thriving student body.  

Acceptance Rate

33.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Media, Arts, Science, and Technology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have a long tradition of innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and arts. The institution's researchers draw from cutting-edge resources the students can utilize to enhance and develop their knowledge in the field. Students are encouraged to speak Chinese through their Mandarin Project's virtual reality, synthetic intelligent characters, and gamification. Through this, they are equipped to be more competitive in the evolving technology of the world.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Connecticut offers a program that focuses on the advancement of the digital world. Through their photography, video, and social media courses, it creates strategies to engage their audience and teach them something new about UConn. Offering a more contemporary approach in the field and thinking ahead of time they have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in the industry. After finishing the course, they have great career opportunities in the future.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Top Multimedia Degrees

Degrees in digital communication are vast.  From undergraduate certificate program through doctorate programs, you will have a broad range of options to choose from in multimedia.  Our goal is the demystify the degree programs and provide key insights into the degree programs involved.

We have also gone the extra step to provide a complete list of accredited colleges and universities that offer digital communication degrees on this resource page.  Once you decide which degree type makes sense for you, simply request information from those programs to obtain additional information from that school.

Multimedia Certificate Programs

Certificate programs in digital communication can be earned in class, online, or a hybrid program.  Online learning can be a viable option for many working students or busy professionals to help advance in the field of digital media.

Two primary types of certificate programs are undergraduate and graduate. Think of an undergraduate certificate program as the building blocks required to establish a broad foundation in digital communication.  Undergraduate certificates can be focused on a particular discipline in digital communications or be a broad swath of classes.

Graduate certificates, on the other hand, are designed for professionals with experience in the field or qualifying students.  Certificates in this field are a clustering of classes that aim to provided deep knowledge in multimedia through a defined set of upper-level coursework.

Multimedia Associate's Degree

Online associate degrees in digital communications can be conferred as either an Associates in Fine Arts (AFA) or Associates in Arts (AA).  How the degree is conferred is a correlation to the program’s curricular design and class emphasis.  Both the AA and AFA degrees are 2-year programs for full-time students.  Part-time students will take longer to complete the program related to the school requirements and courses taken.

Unlike certificate programs, associate degrees fuse general education courses with core curriculum.  Schools structure courses in this fashion to provide students with a broad, well-rounded education.

Myriad of nationwide studies has shown the value of a liberal arts education and the benefits to employers in every sector of the economy.  Liberal arts classes may include programs such as communications, history, psychology, sociology, statistics, and philosophy.  Core classes will provide students with a broad introduction to graphic design, art, photography, cinema, media arts, media science, sports media, advertising, and marketing.

Multimedia Bachelor's Degree

Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in multimedia online or in a traditional classroom setting.  Many schools have both programs available with similar curriculum within an accredited school or department.  Bachelor’s degrees can be conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).  Bachelor programs are designed to be completed in 4-years based on full-time matriculation.

Akin to associate degrees, a bachelor degree blends general education courses with core curriculum.  BFA or BA degrees go beyond the associate degrees in terms of breadth and depth thus making bachelor degrees the single most popular degree in the country.  Core classes will be depending upon the school’s curriculum and emphasis of the program.

For example, a student in a digital communication program with an emphasis in graphic design will take design and media classes such as:

  • Form and Composition
  • Elements of Design
  • Color: Theory and Applications
  • Aesthetics
  • Typography
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design
  • Digital Elements
  • Media Management
  • Visual Design
  • Interactive Design
Multimedia Master's Degree

Online master degrees can be conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA).  Master degrees will typically take students 1-2 years to complete depending on the course design and student’s pace.

MFA and MA program are a highly focused grouping of upper-level classes intended to provide expertise and mastery in a given area of study.  In many schools, a graduate student will have the opportunity to work with a department chair or academic advisor to customize classes in a degree-granting program.  Thus, classes for one graduate student may vary from another in the same degree program.

Students in a master’s degree program may focus on animation, advertising, brand entertainment, design management, business design, sustainability, graphic design, illustration, interactive design, game design, user experience design, or sequential art.

Digital Communication Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, digital communications will encompass a variety of social tools, technology, and business skills. Courses will vary by university but will generally have substantive overlap. Popular courses in digital communications include:

Employment in Multimedia

Earning a digital communications and multimedia degree equip students with marketable skills.  Many graduates will choose to stay in digital communications while others will move to similar areas of the economy.  Careers near the multimedia field include business managers, promotions specialists, event planners, marketing directors, advertising account managers, project specialists, editors, human resources, public relations specialists, graphic designers, operations manager, or author.

What Can I Do with a Multimedia Degree?

Earning a college degree in digital communications and multimedia can provide students with a broad array of career options.  Careers can span from large publicly traded media empires to small non-profit organizations to high tech companies.  Possible career tracks include paths in the following multimedia disciplines:

Writing Printmaking
Television Producing Advertising Photography
Sound Editing Package Design
Automotive Designer Photography
Electronic Design Painting
Fashion Journalism Accessory Design
Technical Direction New Media Art
Storyboarding Graphic Design
Sequential Art Music Composition
Furniture Design Motion Media Design
Production Design Interactive Design
Illustration Mobile Design
Entrepreneurship Industrial Design
Performing Arts Film and Television
Animation Computer Programming

Multimedia Artist Salary & Career Growth

The median annual income for a multimedia artist is $70,530.  The top 10% of professionals earn $115,960 a year on average while the bottom ten percent in the industry earn just under forty-thousand dollars a year.  The mean annual income is $76,560 which lends credibility to a larger number of full-time professionals earning above average income as multimedia artists.

The BLS expects this industry to grow by 6% in the coming decade create opportunity for professional growth and entry level positions across the country.  The largest employers of multimedia artists are movie studios followed by design firms, software companies, and public relations agencies.

States with the Highest Number of Digital Communication Professionals

  • California       10,910
  • New York         1,960
  • Washington     1,800
  • Texas                 1,720
  • Georgia             1,430

Top Employers of Multimedia Artists

  • Motion Picture Industry                            8,530
  • Computer Design Firms                             4,360
  • Software Publishers                                    3,250
  • Advertising & Public Relations Firms     2,790
  • Information Technology Companies       1,650

Top Paying States for Digital Communication Professionals

  1. California                      $82,680
  2. Connecticut                  $78,870
  3. Massachusetts              $77,370
  4. District of Columbia    $76,530
  5. Washington                   $76,130
Most Popular Job Titles in Multimedia Art
3D Animator Production Artist
Animator 3D Artist
Art Director Animation Director
Graphic Artist Library Media Specialist
Audio Video Technician Media Specialist
Graphic Designer Media Technician
Illustrator Graphic Designer
Audio Visual Coordinator Online Producer
Artist Multimedia Services Coordinator
Creative Director Artist, Creative Director
Audio Visual Specialist Creative Manager
Audio Visual Technician Design Director
Electronics Technician Designer
Graphic Artist Publications Designer

Resources for Digital Communication Majors

  • Association for Computing Machinery ACM
  • International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
  • Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD)
  • International Colour Association (ICA)
  • SIGCHI
  • American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
  • Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
  • Graphic Artists Guild (GAG)
  • Society of Illustrators, Artists, and Designers (SIAD)

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