Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Digital Media

If you’re interested in getting an associate’s degree that will allow you to work in a field that is a bit out of the box, then you might want to think about getting your associate degree in digital media.

What Is A Digital Media Associate’s Degree?

Digital media is a term used to describe several different technologies such as graphic design, web design, video, computer animation, image manipulation, and more.

With a digital media associate degree you’ll be learning about all these different technologies and how to use them in art, broadcasting, and business to start an exciting career.

Digital Media Associate Degree Programs: What You’ll Learn

As you can probably guess, getting an associate degree in digital media means that you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the computer. Because digital media professionals use so many different computer programs to do their job, a large part of your education will be devoted to learning how to use these programs.

You’ll get to work with some pretty amazing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and CAD.

And because this is an art-centered degree, you’ll also have plenty of classes on color theory, design, drawing, and digital design. There’s no doubt that digital media is a fun, very creative avenue for those of you who are artistically inclined.

Careers With A Digital Media Associate’s Degree

One of the biggest advantages to getting a digital media associate degree is that it’s an art degree you can actually earn a living with. Sure, we’d all love to major in painting or 3-D sculpture, but you might find yourself flipping burgers once you graduate.

Digital media, on the other hand, is highly applicable in the business world. You can work as a web designer, a graphic designer, an illustrator, or a computer animator.

Professionals that work in digital media are responsible for planning and developing a company’s multi-media projects.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field of digital media is going to grow about as fast as most other fields through 2014.

As far as how much you can earn with an associate degree in digital media, a lot depends on what you actually end up doing.

The Department of Labor lists these careers with salaries, all of which fall under the skills you’ll learn with a digital media degree:

Multi-Media Artist or Animator – $40,182
Graphic Designer – $40,800
Producer – $60,310
Audio and Video Equipment Technician – $39,790

Also, many professionals in the digital media field are able to work from home, so this makes it a very attractive option for people who are tired of working in a traditional office.

And if you’re interested in working for yourself, then you’ll be happy to know that this is a great field to start a business in. Many digital media professionals work as freelancers, and once you put the time in to build a client base, you can expect to earn much more than you would working in a corporate environment.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information