A degree in digital media can lead to careers in multimedia, graphic design, and marketing. There are various ways to earn the degree, including undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online courses. Research and asking about career placement can help determine the best program.
Earning a degree in digital media can open doors to a growing body of careers in multimedia, graphic design, and marketing, among others. The ways to earn the degree are almost as varied as the things you can do with it. A growing number of undergraduate colleges offer digital media programs or degree programs. Many universities also offer a master’s degree in digital media, such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA). Some schools also offer accredited online degree programs, which can be an attractive option for busy professionals.
In the United States at least, the more traditional way to earn a degree in digital media is to major in digital media or design in college, which usually yields a bachelor’s degree. If a future in digital media is something you’re considering before getting into college, check to see if the schools you’re looking at have degree programs in digital media. Many schools include digital media with minors in graphic design, marketing, or computer-aided design and writing. However, not all schools have digital media programs, and not all program degrees are specifically digital media degrees.
Your undergraduate years aren’t the only time to earn a degree in digital media. Graduate programs in digital animation, digital video, digital audio and digital design are increasingly available. Most of these programs are Masters in Digital Media Design or MBAs in Digital Media Marketing. Students interested in the layout and design aspect of digital media, including how website graphics and audio appear and how digital animation works, should consider a master’s degree. Students interested in monetizing digital media, whether through the sale of digital music and digital video or through the placement of interactive advertisements on the web, may find that the MBA is right for them.
Admissions to the master’s program are generally competitive and courses can take a long time. Most executives working in digital media have advanced degrees. If career advancement and leadership in the digital media industry is something you desire, then taking the time to earn a degree in digital media at the Masters level will help you get there.
Another way to earn a degree in digital media is to enroll in an online digital media course through a university. Many schools offer online degrees for students who work during the day and cannot attend regular classes or who live far from campus. The variety of online degree programs varies greatly. Some cover the breadth of digital media, including digital music, digital audio and digital video design. Others are adapted for more defined tasks.
There is no right or wrong path to a digital media degree, and most of an individual’s professional success depends more on the specifics of their professional situation than the specifics of their degree. Even so, individuals looking to earn a degree in digital media should approach research with care and should ask each prospective school about the types of degrees offered. Inquiring about graduates’ career placement and progress can also be a good way to assess whether a degree program will be worth the time and cost.
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