13 Digital Media Associate of Applied Science Programs in USA

This program prepares students for a wide variety of careers in graphic design and digital media production. This includes instruction in graphic design, typography, digital illustration, photo manipulation, web design, animation, motion graphics, advertising design, entertainment graphics, and production art, using the latest equipment and software available. Classes are structured to give strong academic and hands-on experience for entry into the graphic design and digital media industry.

The Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media prepares students for careers in digital media, including print, web and video formats. The program combines strong technical preparation in current graphical software applications with courses that enhance the student’s creative talents. In this track, students have a choice to specialize in either graphic or web design.

The Digital Media program equips students with the skills necessary for the design of computer-generated applications and media. Areas include 3D animation and game design. The digital media program prepares students for employment in such areas as gaming, feature film, web design, video and commercial production, post-production, visual effects, and virtual and augmented reality. Students begin their training in classes in 2D and 3D fundamentals, imaging, and design. Students then study the aesthetic and design aspects of digital media with focused courses in graphic design, fine arts, and advanced imaging. This program transfers to the Bachelor's of Science in Media Arts in the School of Informatics and Computing at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

The Digital Media Animation and Design program is designed to provide new opportunities for creative artists in the growing field of digital media. This direct-to-workforce program will prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate their ideas through the area of advanced computer graphics.

The Digital & Interactive Media Production, AS program is designed to equip students with skills that prepare them for entry-level positions in media, multimedia, editing, producing, and related professions, embracing excellence and diversity. We focus on broad, transferable skills, and stress understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the media production industry: audience analysis and estimation, media literacy, interpersonal and business communications, employability skills.

The Digital Media and Design A.S. prepares students to become digital content creators in a world that are constantly being shaped by technology. You’ll study digital art, animation, motion graphics, drawing/design theories, digital photography, video production, and more in our program.

Similar to the 3D and Video Graphics Certificate, this degree prepares students for a career combining the skills of three-dimensional imaging and video production. In addition, it includes capstone courses that develop creative and practical skills beyond what is taught in the certificate program, as well as coursework that meets the general education requirements for a Schoolcraft associate in applied science (AAS) degree. The degree strengthens the student’s position in the profession and gives the student an academic credential with a higher standing.

Students will learn and build an understanding of marketing in a digital environment. They will explore the unique requirements for communicating business messages to consumers via social media and other online branding platforms. Students will learn how to apply graphics principles in a digital environment using appropriate tools.

The Integrated Media: Photography program balances personal artistic development with an intensive focus on technical skills and building commercially-viable sensibilities. Students explore contemporary photographic applications of digital technology: composition, portraiture, digital workflow and media management, studio and location lighting, DSLR video applications, and freelance business practices.

With the explosive growth of the web and strong demand in traditional publishing, the ability to design and produce attractive and effective digital and print graphic materials provides an exciting and rewarding career.

The Photography associate degree program prepares students for employment in the diverse and growing field of photography. The Photography associate degree program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

This program gives students a strong foundation in the fundamentals of artistic design, digital content creation, and portfolio development. The industries that employ graphic designers include specialized design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, and related service industries.

The following A.A. degrees are designed to help students transition smoothly to a four-year college or university programs.