Top 5 Online Associate in Multimedia Design Programs for 2019
An online associate degree in multimedia design represents a promising first step towards a variety of employment opportunities. Potential jobs include multimedia artists, animators, graphic designers, or web developers, just to name a few. Multimedia specialists combine technological training and a talent for creative design to produce computer-generated effects as well as audio, video, and graphic tools for entertainment, industrial, educational, and informational applications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of multimedia artist and designer jobs to increase by 6% over the next decade.
What Are The Best Online Associate in Multimedia Design Programs?
Top 5 Online Associate in Multimedia Design Programs for 2019
Graduation Rate
61%
Online Enrollment
58%
Retention Rate
68%
Default Rate
3%
BYU offers an online associate degree in multimedia design that emphasizes the rapidly expanding fields of web design and development . Students can choose to specialize their studies in either design or development. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. This 60-credit multimedia design degree includes 17 credits of foundations courses and 43 credits in concentration coursework.
The design specialization includes courses on graphic design, information design, interaction design, typography, and new media strategies; the development specialization includes courses on database design, web engineering, mobile application development, technical communication, and systems security. There are several different admission paths for first-time college students and those transferring from another institution. BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Visit SiteSponsored
How to Choose an Online Associate in Multimedia Design Program
If you're interested in going back to school but have a full-time job, family responsibilities, and/or are unsure about committing the time and money required to earn a bachelor's degree, an online associate degree could help you achieve your educational goals. Many online programs offer flexible schedules and career-focused training, without the high tuition and other costs commonly associated with four-year institutions. Among these offerings is an online associate degree in multimedia design, which is offered by scores of schools across the nation. Each program is a little different, with variations in the specialized concentrations, number of required credits, and tuition rates. Some schools are regionally accredited, while others hold national accreditation. Some institutions also have articulation agreements with four-year institutions, making it easier to transfer credits if you plan on going on to pursue a bachelor's degree. Additionally, some online programs have residency requirements, while others can be completed without setting foot on campus. There are many variables to consider when looking for a program.
Educational Paths for Associate Degrees in Multimedia Design
While some graduates of online associate degree in multimedia design programs immediately enter the workforce to pursue well-paying jobs, others use their multimedia communications degree as a stepping stone and go on to earn additional educational credentials by transferring to a baccalaureate institution. Many opportunities are available for individuals who hold an associate multimedia design degree, but some fields do require a bachelor's degree and a working knowledge of programming languages (like Java) or a familiarity with Adobe and other software applications. Entry-level salaries vary widely depending on your level of education, and individuals with a bachelor's degree and/or advanced training hold a competitive edge over their peers.
Web Development A bachelor's in web development trains students to design and create content for internet and intranet websites. Courses emphasize areas like client-server computing, databases, software engineering, and programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, HTML, and CSS).
Graphic Design A graphic design bachelor's program trains students to use design software and technologies to create and develop content for electronic and print media.The curriculum is multidisciplinary and includes courses in art, drawing, 2D and 3D design, typography, computer-assisted design, and photography.
Software Development This bachelor's degree combines courses in engineering and computer science to provide students with the technological skills needed to design and implement computer software systems, programs, and applications for a variety of devices (e.g., mobile phones, e-readers, video games, and medical monitoring equipment used for CT scans and MRIs).
Career Paths for Multimedia Design Graduates
A multimedia communications design degree is a useful credential for entry-level employment in a variety of fields. Graduates with an associate degree should continue to find opportunities as the demand for technology increases. While all these professions are based on technical competency and computer literacy, they vary greatly in the amount of specialized training required for employment. The table below includes some possible careers for multimedia design graduates, listing different jobs and their accompanying median salary values.
Web developers build websites; create, test, and debug software; and write code for databases and webpages. They must have a working knowledge of programming languages (e.g., CSS, HTML, and Javascript) and possess a general understanding of computer hardware. While some employers require a bachelor's degree, many web developers enter the field with an associate degree or transferrable skills from work experience in a related field.
Median Salary: $58,134
Job Outlook and Salary for Multimedia Design Associate Degree Graduates
A multimedia degree can lead to many exciting and financially rewarding careers. Your area of specialization will be a major factor in determining what job opportunities and level of compensation you can pursue. While the demand for multimedia artists is expected to increase by 6% through 2024, opportunities and salaries vary based on your experience, geographical region, and industry/employer. As the consumer market for technological devices continues to expand, and as users of technology seek out more sophisticated graphics, interactive design, and other features, the demand for multimedia artists, web designers, software developers, and graphic designers is projected to grow.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 64,400 | 68,300 |
Salary Growth By Experience For Graduates Of Multimedia Design Programs
While a multimedia degree represents a first step toward a rewarding career, the range of salaries you can expect to earn varies widely. In most technical jobs, your salary is influenced by your years of experience and the current demand for highly skilled workers in your field. Occupations like software development, which require advanced degrees and continuing certification, offer higher salaries. Other fields, like web development and graphic design, are still in demand but require less advanced training for entry-level positions; this is reflected in their lower salaries across the board.
To determine the best online associate in multimedia design programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online associate in multimedia design programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.