The Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design Programs
Updated November 30, 2023
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For those considering careers in multimedia art and animation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% employment growth% by 2026. Similarly, art and design careers are projected to grow 4% during that period. As consumers crave more realistic film special effects and video game graphics, the demand for new computer hardware and additional multimedia artists also increases.
Because numerous types of degrees fall under the umbrella of “Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design,” the following sections display top–ranked programs from several related ranking articles on our website.
Featured Schools
The Best Online Bachelor's in Mulitmedia Design Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design Programs
Penn State World Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Online
Penn State World Campus is a public, four-year institution providing competitive study across 67 bachelor's degree programs. The institution's bachelor's programs are all available in a remote online format. The bachelor's in digital multimedia design prepares remote learners for the demands of the multimedia design field.
Multimedia design students can modify their coursework to suit their interests and accommodate their schedule. Learners seeking to modify their studies can work with their academic advisor. Online students also choose minors and electives to individualize the degree.
Multimedia design enrollees can expect to pay $13,484 in tuition. Learners can access numerous funding opportunities through the accredited institution.
Penn State World Campus at a Glance:
Total Online Programs: 207
Online Bachelor's Programs: 67
Admission Rate: 76%
#2 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design Programs
Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Franklin University enrolls distance learners in 56 programs. The college offers 32 fully online bachelor's degree programs to undergraduate students. Learners looking for an individualized education relevant to the multimedia design field can enroll in the online BS in interactive media design program. The multimedia design program provides flexibility to learners from all walks of life through full- and part-time study options.
Students complete industry-relevant classes throughout their studies, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the multimedia design field. Classes equip students with knowledge and skills applicable to a post-graduate career. In consultation with their academic advisor, learners can customize their studies through electives, minors, and concentration areas.
A bachelor's degree greatly increases one's earning potential. The institution reports that graduates six years out from their degree earn a median salary of $42,600. To learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities, prospective students should contact the multimedia design department.
Franklin University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,809
Total Online Programs: 56
Online Bachelor's Programs: 32
#3 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design Programs
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners looking for competitive online learning opportunities should consider California Baptist University's online bachelor's degree programs. Distance learners can choose from 24 fully online bachelor's programs. The bachelor's in graphic design and digital media prepares remote learners for the demands of the multimedia design field.
Graphic design students can maximize flexibility through modified coursework and the option to pursue part-time enrollment. Students complete coursework relevant to the graphic design field, with the option to choose electives and modify coursework. Learners can also pursue a minor to further their learning.
When calculating the cost of a degree, students should note the current tuition rate of $32,942. The institution's accreditation status enables students to benefit from financial aid.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 6,112
Total Online Programs: 39
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 78%
Online Bachelor's in Mulitmedia Design Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
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Choosing an Online Multimedia Program
Students earning their bachelor’s degree in multimedia design work toward careers in creative industries like product design, media, technology, and marketing. Through coursework, students learn to solve design issues and define, discover, develop, and deliver interesting designs by using communication and information technology. Additionally, graduates improve their abilities to execute, create, and evaluate a variety of communication strategies. Multimedia design degree students can use their skills to develop a portfolio of their design work for future employment consideration.
Many programs allow students to select a concentration within their degree. Learners can focus their education on a variety of topics, including web design and development, web game programming, graphics and multimedia management, and graphics and multimedia design. Each university offers its own unique multimedia design degree. Some programs require capstones, a thesis, or final projects. Be sure to consider whether your program requires on–campus immersions for online students or if coursework takes place entirely online.
Return to the topWhat Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design Program?
The bachelor’s degree in multimedia design coursework equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in multimedia design. Students learn about production, digital design, and graphic applications. Courses differ with each institution, but students can expect similar core coursework from accredited programs.
Curriculum for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design
- Digital Multimedia Design Foundations
- Introducing students to concepts, skills, principles, and language, the digital multimedia design foundations course gives students an overview of the tools they need to succeed in multimedia design.
- Animation Fundamentals
- Teaching students to create animated works that communicate ideas, the animation fundamentals course explores the importance of animation to inspire critical reflection and enhance user interaction.
- Graphic Applications in Print Communications
- In this course, students learn about the concepts, issues, and practice involved with contemporary design strategies for advertising, public relations, and print journalism.
- Design Thinking and Creativity
- The design thinking and creativity course gives students an instruction and multidisciplinary exploration of the process, theory, methods, and artifacts of design through an examination of applications, examples, and ideas.
- Advanced Multimedia Production
- The advanced multimedia production course allows students to work in multimedia production by using video editing, audio editing, animation software, web authoring, and image editing.
Careers with a Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design
Graduates of multimedia design programs can find employment in infographics, marketing, advertising, or web–based design, depending on the area of their expertise. Multimedia design careers require professionals to be creative in a way that appeals to different clients.
- Multimedia Artists and Animators
- Multimedia artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, visual effects, and animation for movies, television, video games, and other media. These professionals use various computer programs and illustrations as they create animations and graphics while working with a team of other artists and animators.
- Median Annual Salary: $70,530
- Projected Growth Rate: 8%
- Graphic Designers
- Responsible for creating visual concepts, graphic designers communicate ideas that inform, inspire, and captivate consumers. They develop layouts and production designs for a variety of applications, including brochures, magazines, corporate reports, and advertisements.
- Median Annual Salary: $48,700
- Projected Growth Rate: 4%
- Web Developers
- Web developers design and maintain websites. These professionals use the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, to measure the website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Web developers often create site content.
- Median Annual Salary: $67,990
- Projected Growth Rate: 15%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Return to the topFeatured Image Credit: Morsa Images | DigitalVision | Getty Images
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