What Can You Do With a Digital Media Degree? 10 Career Paths

Emma’s phone dings. She glances down at an email from Blizzard Entertainment: “Welcome to the Team!” Her heart thumps. She just landed her dream job, working on a major gaming franchise. Soon she’s in a bustling office, surrounded by storyboards and concept art. Her Wacom hums under her pen and she smells the coffee brewing down the hall. She’s in heaven. And it all started with her digital media degree.

A digital media degree can get you into film, gaming, or advertising. It’s a Tim-Sweeney-level blend of tech and storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to video production or UX design, a degree can help you turn passion into a profession.

In this article, you’ll learn what you can do with a digital media degree. You’ll see exciting job opportunities and career paths, and how to take the first step toward your own dream job. You might just land in a top creative agency, a tech startup, or Hollywood itself.

IN THIS GUIDE:

What is Digital Media?
Digital Media Careers
Essential Skills for Digital Media Professionals
Specializations Within Digital Media Programs

What is Digital Media?

Digital media is any content that’s created and distributed with digital technology. It includes:

• Videos
• Graphics
• Audio
• Websites
• Movies
• Articles
• Video games
• Social media
• Apps

Digital media has grown like Minecraft in the past few decades. It’s a multibillion-dollar field, with multiple career paths.

What Is a Digital Media Degree Program Like?

Imagine you’re in the editing suite. Your headphones are on, and your timeline in Adobe Premiere is filled with color-coded clips. You feel a buzz like Favreau working on “The Mandalorian.”

A digital media degree program gets you ready for creative careers. You’ll learn to make content for social media, games, movies, apps, and interactive experiences. You’ll also build a strong portfolio and make connections that can get you hired.

Skill Area	What You’ll Learn
Graphic Design	Create visual content using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva.
Video Production	Shoot, edit videos, and add effects with Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Web Development	Build websites with HTML or WordPress.
Animation and 3D	Design 2D/3D graphics and animations with Blender and Maya.
Content Strategy	Plan and execute digital campaigns, from concept to analytics.

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Digital Media Careers

A digital media degree can take you from storyboarding at a creative agency to editing game trailers for a global audience. Your work could show up on a Times Square billboard or create a Beeple-like interactive experience.

Here are the top things you can do with a digital media degree.

1. Graphic Design

Graphic designers make assets for branding and advertising clients. They design everything from logos and social media artwork to billboards and packaging. Think of Saul Bass’ movie posters or Apple’s marketing graphics.

Skill	What You Need
Creativity	Generate unique ideas and designs.
Technical Skills	Master Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
Communication	Understand and execute client briefs.
Time Management	Handle multiple projects and deadlines.

How to Become a Graphic Designer

1. Earn a digital media degree in graphic design.
2. Learn design software like Photoshop and Illustrator.
3. Build a graphic design portfolio.
4. Network through internships, social media, and design communities.
5. Apply for jobs in creative agencies or as a freelancer.

2. Web Design

Web designers build sites with HTML and CSS. They also use tools like JavaScript and Figma. As a web designer, you might find yourself crafting a portfolio or e-commerce website. Web designers created the bold designs on Apple.com.

Skill	What You Need
Visual Design	Create aesthetic layouts and UI elements.
Coding Skills	Know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
UX Principles	Ensure websites are intuitive and usable.
SEO Knowledge	Optimize sites for search engines.

How to Become a Web Designer

1. Earn a digital media degree in web design.
2. Learn coding languages like HTML and JavaScript.
3. Master design tools like Figma and Adobe XD.
4. Create a portfolio of web design projects.
5. Build experience through freelance work or personal projects.

3. User Experience (UX) Design

UX designers make apps and websites work better. They use psychology and design to develop user flows and wireframes. If you’ve used the effortless playlist feature on Spotify’s app, you know what UX design is.

Skill	What You Need
Research Skills	Conduct user research and analyze behavior.
Design Proficiency	Build wireframes and prototypes using Figma or Adobe XD.
Problem Solving	Create solutions for user pain points.
Empathy	Understand user needs.

How to Become a UX Designer

1. Earn a digital media degree in UX design.
2. Learn design tools like Figma and InVision.
3. Develop research skills, including user testing.
4. Create a portfolio with case studies and design projects.
5. Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, or design challenges.

4. User Interface (UI) Design

UI designers craft the visual elements of digital interfaces, including buttons and typography. You can see their work in Netflix’s clean interface or the vibrant design of the Duolingo app.

Skill	What You Need
Visual Design	Master color theory, typography, and layout design.
Design Tools	Use Figma and Sketch to prototype.
Attention to Detail	Maintain consistency.
Collaboration	Work with UX designers and developers.

How to Become a UI Designer

1. Earn a digital media degree in UI design.
2. Learn design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
3. Study design principles like color theory and typography.
4. Build a portfolio of your UI designs.
5. Gain experience through freelance work or internships.

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia artists make visuals for:

1. Film
2. Television
3. Video games
4. Advertising
5. Interactive media

They use tools like animation or special effects to help tell stories. The visuals in Avatar and game environments in The Last of Us were made by multimedia artists.

Skill	What You Need
Artistic Ability	Create original illustrations, animations, and graphics.
Technical Skills	Use Blender and Adobe Animate.
Storytelling	Develop visual narratives through animation and design.
Adaptability	Work in 2D art or 3D environments.

How to Become a Multimedia Artist

1. Earn a digital media degree in multimedia artistry.
2. Learn animation software like Blender and After Effects.
3. Create a portfolio with animation reels and completed projects.
4. Build technical skills, including 3D rendering and special effects.
5. Network in creative communities and apply for roles.

6. Social Media Management

Social media managers plan digital strategies that drive engagement. They build campaigns and grow success on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Smart social media managers made Wendy’s funny Twitter account and the storytelling in Nike’s social media campaigns.

Skill	What You Need
Content Creation	Develop content like posts and videos.
Analytics	Track performance with tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite.
Community Management	Interact with followers and handle customer inquiries.
Copywriting	Write compelling captions and campaign messages.

How to Become a Social Media Manager

1. Earn a digital media degree in social media strategy.
2. Learn tools like Buffer and Canva.
3. Build a portfolio of social media campaigns and content.
4. Gain experience through internships or freelance projects.
5. Stay updated on tech and best practices.

7. Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists sell products and services online. As a digital marketing specialist, you might make a Google Ads strategy or an email funnel. Digital marketers were behind Coca-Cola’s Share a Coke campaign.

Skill	What You Need
SEO & GEO	Improve website visibility.
Analytics	Use Google Analytics and HubSpot to measure performance.
Content Strategy	Develop engaging blogs, social media posts, and ad copy.
Campaign Management	Guide digital marketing drives.

How to Become a Digital Marketing Specialist

1. Earn a digital media degree in marketing.
2. Learn tools like Google Ads and Mailchimp.
3. Build a portfolio of successful campaigns.
4. Get experience from internships or projects.
5. Stay updated on marketing trends.

8. Digital Content Strategist

Digital content strategists create and manage content strategies. They oversee the content lifecycle, from ideation to distribution. On any given weekday, a content strategist might make a blog calendar or give feedback to a team of writers. A content strategist put the wings on Red Bull’s extreme sports videos.

Skill	What You Need
Content Development	Create blogs, videos, graphics, and social media posts.
SEO Knowledge	Optimize content to rank higher in search engines.
Data Analysis	Measure performance with tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush.
Project Management	Coordinate content calendars and campaign timelines.

How to Become a Digital Content Strategist

1. Earn a digital media degree in content strategy.
2. Learn tools like WordPress and Canva.
3. Develop skills in SEO and copywriting.
4. Create a portfolio of measurable content results.
5. Stay informed on content trends.

9. Video Game Designer

Video game designers make the systems that power your favorite games. They create stories and gameplay mechanics that make the games fun. “Fortnite” and “Mario Kart” owe their excitement to hardworking designers.

Skill	What You Need
Game Design	Develop characters, levels, and mechanics.
Programming Skills	Use Unity, Unreal Engine, C++, and Python.
Storytelling	Create engaging narratives and world-building.
Art & Animation	Design visual elements with Blender or Maya.

How to Become a Video Game Designer

1. Earn a digital media degree in game design.
2. Learn game development tools like Unity and GameMaker Studio.
3. Develop skills in programming and 3D modeling.
4. Create a portfolio with game demos and concept art.
5. Network in the gaming industry. Apply for roles in studios or indie game projects.

10. Content Creation for Various Platforms

Content creators make engaging digital content. They might make websites or videos, blogs. As a content creator, you could create a viral TikTok video or a Pinterest infographic. Content creators honed the brilliant multi-platform approach of The Try Guys and GoPro’s story-driven campaigns.

Skill	What You Need
Creative Writing	Develop captivating scripts, blogs, and captions.
Multimedia Production	Create videos, graphics, and podcasts.
Platform Expertise	Understand algorithms and content styles for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Editing Skills	Use Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Final Cut Pro.

How to Become a Content Creator

1. Earn a digital media degree in content creation.
2. Learn tools for video editing and social media management.
3. Develop a portfolio of multi-platform content examples.
4. Gain experience through internships or personal projects.
5. Stay updated on trends and best practices.

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Essential Skills for Digital Media Professionals

75% of employers rank communication as the most important skill in a digital media resume. That might shock you. You might expect them to list graphic design or creativity as their top choice. Here’s the full list of skills you’ll build when you get a digital media degree online.

1. Communication Skills

Communication helps you connect with teams and audiences. As a digital media specialist, you’ll need to present compelling concepts and copy.

Essential Communication Skills:

• Writing: Craft clear scripts, blogs, and social media posts.
• Presenting: Share ideas with confidence and clarity.
• Active Listening: Understand your clients and team members.

2. Creativity

Creativity is at the core of digital media. All the apps and platforms just make it easier to do the work. Think about Jessica Walsh’s designs or the storytelling magic of Pixar’s shorts.

Key Creative Skills:

• Ideation: Generate unique concepts and solutions.
• Visual Storytelling: Use design to create narratives.
• Adaptability: Switch styles for different audiences.

3. Technical Proficiency

Digital media employees need to master design software and development platforms. A graphic designer will use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. A web developer will spend more time with HTML and CSS.

Important Technical Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects.
• 3D Software: Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D.
• Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

4. Project Management

Project management skills help you keep creative projects on track. For example, you might coordinate teammates for a website prototype while juggling client feedback and a tight launch schedule.

Project Management Tools:

• Jira/Asana: Manage projects and collaborate with teams.
• Google Workspace: Share files and communicate efficiently.
• Slack: Communicate and share project updates.

5. Web Developer Skills

Web developers need to know how to code and use web tools. Your job title will determine the level of expertise you’ll need.

Web Development Essentials:

• Front-End Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Back-End Development: Python, PHP, SQL.
• Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch.

6. Digital Content Skills

Digital content creators need to produce content on different platforms. A social media specialist might make social media posts or marketing videos. A digital content strategist may focus more on podcasts or website content.

Key Content Creation Skills:

• Writing and Editing: Craft blogs, scripts, and captions.
• Multimedia Production: Create videos, graphics, and audio content.
• SEO Understanding: Optimize content to increase visibility.

7. Visual Design Skills

Visual designers use art to communicate concepts. They work on assets like layouts and typography. Think of the simplicity of Apple’s marketing or the visuals in Wes Anderson films.

Important Visual Design Skills:

• Graphic Design: Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Branding: Develop design elements.
• Typography: Choose and apply fonts.

8. Marketing Skills

Digital media job candidates with marketing skills can harness their creativity with strategy. They know how to help businesses reach target audiences and drive sales.

Key Marketing Skills:

• SEO and SEM: Boost website visibility on search engines.
• Content Strategy: Plan content that aligns with business goals.
• Analytics Tools: Use Google Analytics and Hootsuite to measure success.

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Specializations Within Digital Media Programs

Specializing can increase your salary and your chance of getting hired. Some online digital media programs will let you choose an area of focus.

• Digital Media Influence: Create content that shapes trends. You’ll learn social media strategy and analytics to drive brand narratives, like Duolingo’s viral TikToks.
• Interactive Media: Craft interactive experiences for websites and games. Master app design and AR/VR technologies to build digital environments.
• Animation and Motion Graphics: Design 2D and 3D animation. Use tools like Blender and After Effects to make assets for film and advertising.
• Audio and Video Production: Learn audio engineering and video editing for podcasts or film projects. Use tools like Final Cut Pro and Pro Tools.

Finding Work as a Digital Media Professional

Your heart races as you hit “Send” on yet another job application. The silence of your inbox feels louder than ever. But two things can make all the difference: a strong portfolio and professional connections.

Importance of a Strong Portfolio

A polished portfolio showcases your skills and creativity—whether it’s a motion graphic or a website design. Think of it as your visual resume, proving you can bring ideas to life. The best digital media degrees help you build and hone a powerful portfolio.

Building Professional Networks

70% of jobs are found through networks. The right digital media school will help you build yours. You’ll join creative communities and attend industry events. One conversation can lead to a breakthrough project or an invitation to a startup.

Online Degree Opportunities

Your creativity and passion are a blank canvas. A digital media degree can help you turn them into a career. Sessions College offers flexible online degree programs in graphic design, web design, digital marketing, and digital media.

You can choose from:

• Associate Degree in Digital Media: A comprehensive two-year program covering video production, editing, filmmaking, animation, and motion graphics.
• Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Media: An intensive program on essential digital media skills, including multimedia design and production.
• Undergraduate Certificate in Filmmaking and Digital Media: A specialized program on the filmmaking process, from concept to production.

With expert instructors and a hands-on curriculum, you’ll be ready to make your mark. Turn your creativity into a career you love—explore Sessions College today!