The best multimedia design bachelor’s degrees offer students a solid educational background for a career in digital media. As the demand to improve user experience rises globally, multimedia design expertise is also increasing and is now in high demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 16 percent job growth for multimedia designers by 2030.
Choosing the right program for a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design can be challenging. Getting a lucrative multimedia or digital design job after graduation can be even more daunting. This article discusses the best programs available and their tuition costs and requirements, as well as some of the best multimedia design bachelor’s degree jobs available after graduation.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
Some of the best colleges to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design include the Academy of Art University, Drexel University, Husson University, Oregon State University,
and Southern New Hampshire University.
What Schools Offer the Best Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Academy of Art University
- Drexel University
- Husson University
- Oregon State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design include an online application and application fees, a high school diploma or equivalent, and official high school transcripts. Some bachelor’s degrees in multimedia design programs may also require prospective students to submit personal essay statements, standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation, and a high school GPA.
All English as a second language (ESL) speaking students and international students will have to provide proof of English proficiency tests, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores.
Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Online application and fee
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, depending on the school
- Official high school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- TOEFL exam for ESL and international students
How to Get a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree
You can get a multimedia design bachelor’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation and credit requirements. The best way to get a multimedia design bachelor’s degree is to take 15 credits per semester and choose electives and concentration paths that suit your educational and career goals.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
You need a minimum of 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design. These credits will consist of a certain amount of units from general education classes, core digital media courses, and other elective courses. Each school determines the credit load of each category of coursework. Many undergraduate programs also require a capstone or senior project in design during the final year of studies.
Multimedia Design Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 120 credits from general education courses, digital media courses, and electives
- Average GPA of at least 2.0 in major-specific courses
- Complete all financial obligations to the university
- Senior project or capstone project
Best Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | BA in Communications & Media Technologies | National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation |
| Bellarmine University | Bachelor of Arts in Design, Arts, and Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Drexel University | Interactive Digital Media BS | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Husson University | B.S. in Graphic/Visual Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| New York University | Integrated Design and Media B.S. | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Media, and Technology | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| The New School | Communication Design BFA | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Cincinnati | Communication Design BDSES |
Higher Learning Commission |
| Wilmington College | Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Multimedia Design: Top Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for multimedia design bachelor’s degree programs can be a hassle to find. Continue reading below to find all the information you need about the best schools for multimedia design bachelor’s degree programs, including tuition rates, graduation rates, admission, and graduation and admissions requirements.
What Is a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A multimedia design bachelor’s degree is a four-year undergraduate degree program in multimedia design provided by an accredited university. Multimedia design is the art of creating different kinds of media such as audio, video, text, and animations to communicate ideas to an audience. Multimedia designers integrate various media for commercials, digital products, video game design, and businesses.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
A bachelor’s degree in multimedia design is very important because it opens doors to a variety of career paths in digital media design. Multimedia design expertise is required in almost every industry, including entertainment, video game, health care, business, social media, journalism, restaurants, copywriting, and educational institutions.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Multimedia Design?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees in multimedia design:
- Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design
- Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multimedia Design
The type of multimedia design bachelor’s degree you should get depends on what your career and educational goals are. For example, a Bachelor of Arts is ideal for graduates who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multimedia Design?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design because it offers foundational courses and knowledge in the field to set you off to a great career start. It is also the minimum educational requirement of most entry-level multimedia design jobs. According to Zippia, 70 percent of multimedia designers have bachelor’s degrees.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts or BFA is another great option, but it will be more art and design-focused, rather than a comprehensive degree like a BA or BS option. Both degrees will give students plenty of hands-on experience and it is best to decide your own career goals and curriculum preferences to see which is right for you.
What Is the Difference Between a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree and a Multimedia Design Certificate?
The difference between a multimedia design bachelor’s degree and a certificate in multimedia design is that a multimedia design bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree, while the latter is a certificate program you typically pursue after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degrees usually take four years to complete, while graduate certificates usually take less than a year. An undergraduate degree is a basic requirement for a multimedia design job, whereas a certificate is typically pursued by those that wish to upskill or develop a certain skillset in design to show employers.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
It costs an average of $25,281 per academic year to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design in all institutions across the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It costs about $18,837 for public universities, while the average cost for private universities is $27,563. It is generally more expensive to study in a private university. However, the cost of a bachelor’s degree will vary from school to school.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It usually takes four years to get a multimedia design bachelor’s degree. However, this duration may vary due to several factors, such as the program format. For example, a full-time bachelor’s degree will take an average of four years, while a part-time bachelor’s degree may take over five years to complete.
The number of required credits can also affect the time it takes to complete a program. Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 to 126 credit units for graduation. It is important to check the required credits for a program on the school’s website. Accelerated programs can significantly reduce a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design length of study.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
It is not very hard to get a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design. This is because the best schools provide extensive training in the field and hands-on tutoring from qualified professors. Multimedia design bachelor’s degrees are easy because you can take classes online to learn digital design for free which can aid your learning process.
Why Should You Get a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design are it equips you with the necessary design skills for a career in a fast-growing field. You can also work in numerous industries such as tech, education, health care, entertainment, and gaming. Further benefits of a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design may include the liberty of flexibility by working remotely from home.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Multimedia Design?
The required courses for a multimedia design bachelor’s degree include foundational classes in design fundamentals and hands-on learning to equip students for an entry-level or mid-level job. The courses in bachelor’s degree for multimedia design programs may vary from school to school. However, the following are courses that a typical bachelor’s degree in multimedia design course list may include.
Graphic Design
A course in graphic design involves creating visual images or designs to communicate ideas. Students will learn typography, color, content creation, layout techniques, and design patterns to construct appealing designs.
Typography
Typography design is the art of creating texts or messages in an aesthetic and legible style. Students will learn the different typography elements including typefaces, fonts, hierarchy, consistency, and leading.
Motion Design
This course teaches the art of applying graphic design to videos, films, commercials, and other audiovisual cinematic works. Students will learn to use artwork, visual effects, and special effects to bring ideas and stories to life.
Interaction Design
A course in interaction design trains students in the art of creating digital products that improve a user’s overall experience using those products. Basic elements of interaction design include wireframes, prototypes, dimensions (1D, 2D, or 3D), and fundamentals of user behavior.
Computer or 3D Animation
This course involves the art of creating digital images that appear like real-life objects.
Students will receive intensive training in virtual reality, motion design, special effects, and other elements to bring animation to life.
Continuing Education Paths for Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a multimedia design bachelor’s degree is to pursue a master’s degree. Graduates can also choose to enroll in a graduate certificate program or a bootcamp in visual design to improve their skills and make them more appealing to employers.
Related Multimedia Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best multimedia design bachelor’s degree programs have an up-to-date curriculum, recognized accreditation, top student services, and flexible payment options, among other factors. Before choosing a school for your multimedia design bachelor’s program, the following are some important factors to consider.
Accreditation
One of the first things you should research is the accreditation of the school and program. Accreditation is necessary to ensure academic quality and whether the university conforms to the regulatory standards of providing educational services.
Student Services
Another important factor to research is whether the school offers support or assistance to the success and development of their students in the form of student services. You should be able to consult your school in times of difficulty or uncertainty and student services can help with anything from resume writing to academic advising.
Curriculum
Be sure to check the program’s curriculum for the core courses and electives offered to students to ensure that the courses match your desired field of specialization. You can look through a program’s course catalog to find brief descriptions of required and elective courses.
Admissions Requirements
You may want to carefully scan the school’s website for their admission requirements and applications to determine if you qualify or if there are possible barriers to gaining admission. For example, many schools require specific GPA and standardized test requirements.
Cost
Another necessary factor to consider is the cost of the program. To ensure that the total cost is not above your budget, you can research the tuition and different required fees of completing the program.
What Is the Most Affordable Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable multimedia design bachelor’s degree program is offered by Oregon State University, which charges $4,397 per term or $35,176 for the entire program. Although other fees and charges may apply, it is still relatively cheaper than other schools that offer this program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The next step after graduating with a multimedia bachelor’s degree is to look for multimedia design bachelor’s degree jobs. You can do this by equipping yourself with the skills and requirements of the job description. Continue reading for an overview of the job prospects of the field, as well as a few of the best multimedia design bachelor’s degree jobs available after graduation.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a multimedia design bachelor’s degree. This degree program not only equips students with technical skills in the field but provides internship opportunities and industry partnerships that can often lead to stable career opportunities after graduation.
What’s the Average Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a multimedia Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design degree is $62,000 per year, according to PayScale. The average salary figure varies on factors like years of experience, the degree obtained, and the sector or organization a designer works in.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a multimedia design bachelor’s degree range from graphic design to web development and even product and commercial design. Continue reading for details on some of the most common multimedia design jobs.
Multimedia Design Degree Jobs
Potential Careers With a Multimedia Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design?
You can make between $50,000 and $100,000 per year with a multimedia design bachelor’s degree. These annual wages can differ depending on the industry and company you work in.
The following is a detailed list of some of the highest-paying multimedia design bachelor’s degree jobs and salaries.
Highest-Paying Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $100,890 |
| Product Designer | $86,381 |
| Multimedia Designer | $78,790 |
| Web Designer | $77,200 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
Best Jobs for Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for multimedia design bachelor’s degree grads are creative, hands-on design jobs that help improve user-end products. The type of jobs available for bachelor’s degree in multimedia design grads varies from industry to industry. Read below for an overview of some of the most lucrative careers available to graduates in the field.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design is worth it. A multimedia design bachelor’s degree combines skills in media, design, and technology which gives you a variety of career options and industries to work in. This degree will kickstart a career in multimedia design with the best degree programs and learn the necessary soft skills that will make you stand out in your job search.
Additional Reading About Multimedia Design
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Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, multimedia is a bachelor’s degree program that hundreds of accredited colleges across the United States offer to undergraduate students. The course of study provides students with technical and design skills in digital media technology, digital animations, digital photography, graphic design, and video production.
The five types of multimedia include video, audio, text, images, and animations. Other necessary elements in multimedia include motion videos, sound, graphics, lighting, and still images.
The most commonly used software tools for multimedia include iMovie by Apple, Final Cut Pro by Apple, Windows Movie Maker by Microsoft, PowerDirector by Cyberlink, Premiere Pro by Adobe, Lightworks by EditShare, and Roxio Creator by Roxio.
Yes, Adobe Photoshop is a multimedia software tool that helps designers create graphics, images, posters, print ads, paintings, and vector graphics on computers and mobile devices. You can edit multimedia in various graphic file formats and it supports both Mac OS and Windows systems.
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