Online multimedia design programs provide students with the skills to create animation and develop visual effects for different forms of media, including television, video games, and movies. These programs are designed for individuals who are artistic and creative with excellent people skills, an aptitude for computer technology and software applications. Multimedia design programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level. Schools may also offer a certificate option in the field.

Graduates of multimedia design programs may seek employment in creative industries, advertising, public relations, motion picture, television and video, computer systems design or design consulting firms. Programs may provide students with the skills to embark on a career as an animator, graphic designer, web developer, web designer, multimedia designer or instructional designer.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

Multimedia design certificate programs typically cover a range of topics related to multimedia design, including typography, electronic illustration, imaging, web design, and animation. Schools may offer program tracks for design for print or web, or provide a more comprehensive program that should provide students a strong foundation in the field.

An online associate degree in multimedia design may provide students with training in the latest software applications, principles and theories of design and additional topics within the field. These two-year programs typically integrate general education classes with the program coursework, providing students a well-balanced education and strong foundation in multimedia design. Students may take classes in web design, graphic design, digital imaging, and marketing, providing them with a breadth of knowledge that should prepare them to seek entry-level employment.

Bachelor’s programs in multimedia design may include management training and the option to choose a specialization in addition to coursework that will further develop a students’ technical multimedia skills. These programs are comprehensive, integrating a variety of general education classes and coursework that will teach students how to create websites, presentations and other media used to promote a concept or idea. Programs may offer specializations in graphic design, graphics and multimedia management, web design and development, or web game programming.

Students who are interested in a master’s degree program in the field may learn multimedia and design fundamentals, new technologies and software applications, and business principles as applicable to working in multimedia design. These programs may provide students with advanced training in a number of relevant areas, including animation, interface design, computer illustration, gaming, and web design. Students may also learn how to enhance or adjust digital images, create multiple types of graphics or specialize in a particular area of interest, such as web or digital design.

Post-professional degree options in multimedia design are typically instructional design and technology or relevant programs that offer a specialization in multimedia design. Online doctoral programs may provide students with the tools to work in academia through extensive training and research in software technology, multimedia and instructional design, and inter-connectivity.

Career Options

Graduates may have received the skills to create graphics using computer programs and software applications, construct storyboards in animation, edit graphics, animation and other visual effects, or work with others to develop a movie, television show or video game. Multimedia design graduates may seek employment in motion picture or video industries, advertising or computer design.

Possible career fields include:

• Animator
• Graphic Designer
• Instructional Designer
• Multimedia Developer
• Web Designer