Digital Media and Multimedia: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Digital Media and Multimedia programs equip students with the technical, creative, and analytical skills needed to design, manage, and evaluate dynamic digital communication platforms in an evolving technological landscape. This interdisciplinary field integrates technology, design, and communication theory to prepare professionals for leadership roles in media production, digital strategy, and emerging media environments.
- Computer and telecommunications technologies: Explores the foundational systems and networks that enable real-time data transmission, multimedia streaming, and digital connectivity across devices and platforms.
- Design and development of digital communications: Focuses on the creation of interactive content, including web experiences, mobile applications, and immersive digital environments using industry-standard tools and frameworks.
- Marketing and distribution strategies: Examines methods for promoting digital content across diverse channels, optimizing reach, engagement, and user retention through data-informed approaches.
- Digital communications regulation, law, and policy: Investigates legal frameworks governing online content, intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical responsibilities of digital media practitioners.
- Human interaction with digital media: Studies user behavior, cognitive response, accessibility, and usability to ensure digital experiences are inclusive, intuitive, and effective across varied audiences.
- Emerging trends and issues: Addresses cutting-edge developments such as artificial intelligence in content creation, virtual and augmented reality, blockchain-based media, and the societal impacts of digital transformation.
Digital Media and Multimedia Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Digital Media and Multimedia Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Digital Media and Multimedia degrees, including Managers, All Other, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Communications Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 795,230 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers 15-1255 | $98,090 | $47,840 - $192,180 | 111,400 | $47.16 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 | $77,800 | $47,100 - $160,210 | 29,260 | N/A |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other 27-3099 | $71,770 | $38,530 - $148,070 | 23,590 | $34.51 |
Salary Comparison
Digital Media and Multimedia Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,973 in Indiana to $133,338 in California—a 115% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Rhode Island, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 795,230 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Digital Media and Multimedia by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Digital Media and Multimedia programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Digital Media and Multimedia is found at Northwestern University (607 graduates), New York University (NYU) (586 graduates), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (465 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (435 graduates), and University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) (319 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 9,153 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
607 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
586 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
465 |
SAT: 1050-1280 ACT: 21-28 |
Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
435 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
319 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
255 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
209 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
209 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
207 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
188 |
SAT: 1080-1250 ACT: 25-30 |
Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Towson University (TU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
188 |
SAT: 1050-1270 ACT: 19-28 |
Towson, Maryland | Public | towson.edu |
| The New School |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
181 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | newschool.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
176 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
164 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Bachelor's
|
159 |
SAT: 1060-1250 ACT: 20-26 |
Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
152 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
148 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
139 |
SAT: 1330-1490 ACT: 30-33 |
Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
130 | N/A | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
120 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
118 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
113 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
102 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
98 |
SAT: 915-1220 ACT: 26-30 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | mica.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
93 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
93 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
90 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
90 | N/A | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
|
87 |
SAT: 980-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
|
84 | N/A | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
82 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Elon University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
81 |
SAT: 1143-1305 ACT: 23-28 |
Elon, North Carolina | Private | elon.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Master's
|
80 |
SAT: 1190-1350 ACT: 25-29 |
Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
79 | N/A | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
78 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
77 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
76 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
76 |
SAT: 1390-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
|
76 |
SAT: 870-1090 ACT: 17-23 |
El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
74 |
SAT: 1230-1420 ACT: 28-33 |
Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Pratt Institute |
Master's
|
74 |
SAT: 1220-1420 ACT: 26-32 |
Brooklyn, New York | Private | pratt.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
72 | SAT: 940-1225 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
69 |
SAT: 1330-1530 ACT: 28-34 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
|
68 |
SAT: 850-1030 ACT: 16-21 |
Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) |
Bachelor's
|
68 | SAT: 1070-1270 | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | Public | kutztown.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
66 |
SAT: 1170-1340 ACT: 24-29 |
New Paltz, New York | Public | newpaltz.edu |
| Pace University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 1130-1328 ACT: 24-29 |
New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
63 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Illinois Media School (IMS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
63 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | beonair.com |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
62 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
59 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Master's
|
58 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Associate's
Other Award
|
58 | N/A | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
58 |
SAT: 1180-1380 ACT: 26-32 |
Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
|
51 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Bachelor's
|
49 |
SAT: 1020-1215 ACT: 19-25 |
Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
| Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
46 | N/A | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | massart.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | N/A | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
39 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Georgia Southern University |
Bachelor's
|
38 |
SAT: 980-1160 ACT: 18-23 |
Statesboro, Georgia | Public | georgiasouthern.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
38 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Southern Oregon University (SOU) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | N/A | Ashland, Oregon | Public | sou.edu |
| Westcliff University |
Master's
|
38 | N/A | Irvine, California | Private | westcliff.edu |
| Lynn University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1030-1200 ACT: 22-27 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Private | lynn.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
37 | N/A | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
36 | N/A | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Ithaca College (IC) |
Bachelor's
|
35 |
SAT: 1190-1370 ACT: 27-31 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | ithaca.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Master's
Other Award
|
34 |
SAT: 1030-1180 ACT: 19-25 |
Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRH) |
Bachelor's
|
34 | N/A | Humacao, Puerto Rico | Public | upr.edu |
| DePaul University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
33 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Ohio Media School (OMS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
33 | N/A | Valley View, Ohio | Private | beonair.com |
| Colorado Media School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
33 | N/A | Denver, Colorado | Private | beonair.com |
| Adelphi University |
Bachelor's
|
32 |
SAT: 1140-1310 ACT: 24-30 |
Garden City, New York | Private | adelphi.edu |
| Francis Tuttle Technology Center |
Other Award
|
32 | N/A | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | francistuttle.edu |
| Valencia College |
Other Award
|
31 | N/A | Orlando, Florida | Public | valenciacollege.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
31 |
SAT: 1100-1290 ACT: 22-28 |
Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Ohio Media School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
31 | N/A | Norwood, Ohio | Private | beonair.com |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 910-1170 ACT: 18-26 |
Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Lincoln University |
Bachelor's
|
30 |
SAT: 870-1050 ACT: 18-22 |
Lincoln University, Pennsylvania | Public | lincoln.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Master's
|
29 |
SAT: 1100-1300 ACT: 25-29 |
Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| CUNY City College (CCNY) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
29 | SAT: 1220-1460 | New York, New York | Public | ccny.cuny.edu |
| Yeshiva University (YU) |
Master's
|
29 |
SAT: 1320-1500 ACT: 28-33 |
New York, New York | Private | yu.edu |
| Tulsa Community College (TCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
29 | N/A | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsacc.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Other Award
|
29 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | N/A | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
| University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) |
Bachelor's
|
28 |
SAT: 820-990 ACT: 14-21 |
Dallas, Texas | Public | untdallas.edu |
| Academy of Art University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27 | N/A | San Francisco, California | Private | academyart.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
26 |
SAT: 1400-1540 ACT: 31-34 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Eastern Illinois University (EIU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | SAT: 890-1110 | Charleston, Illinois | Public | eiu.edu |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
25 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-27 |
Utica, New York | Public | sunypoly.edu |
| Lebanon Valley College (LVC) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | SAT: 1093-1300 | Annville, Pennsylvania | Private | lvc.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
|
25 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 27-32 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| College of Western Idaho (CWI) |
Associate's
|
25 | N/A | Nampa, Idaho | Public | cwi.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Bachelor's
|
23 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Southeastern University (SEU) |
Bachelor's
|
22 | N/A | Lakeland, Florida | Private | seu.edu |
| Canisius University |
Bachelor's
|
22 | N/A | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Digital Media and Multimedia programs
How much can I earn with a Digital Media and Multimedia degree?
Salaries for Digital Media and Multimedia graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Web and Digital Interface Designers earn around $98,090. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $133,338 compared to $61,973 in Indiana. Approximately 795,230 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Digital Media and Multimedia programs?
Currently 400 accredited institutions offer Digital Media and Multimedia degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northwestern University (607 graduates), New York University (NYU) (586 graduates), and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (465 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Digital Media and Multimedia growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,097 in 2010 to 11,282 in 2023-24. This represents a 438% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Digital Media and Multimedia degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Web and Digital Interface Designers, and Communications Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 795,230 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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