Digital Media Degree online
Associate Degree in Digital Media
Priority Deadline: November 4
Program Overview
The Sessions College Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Digital Media is an intensive two-year degree program for students seeking to enter careers in video production, editing, filmmaking, animation, or motion graphics.
Designed for high school graduates and adult learners, the program offers a strong foundation in visual design and a working knowledge of software and production techniques essential for contemporary digital media.
Digital Media majors choose one of two curricular paths: an emphasis upon Design or an emphasis upon Filmmaking. Students pursuing either path will gain experience in art and design fundamentals and the use of time-based media techniques to create compelling content. Students develop and advance technical skills using Adobe Premiere, Animate, After Effects and a foundation in video production, editing, and motion graphics.
Priority Deadline. Enroll by November 4 to waive application fee.
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Program Length: 2 years or less
Credits: 72 credits
Tuition: $300 per credit
Next Start:
January 6, 2025
Priority Deadline:
November 4
“Learning the facets of digital media production by producing portfolio driven projects gives you knowledge you can translate into an array of marketable skills.”
Natalie La Scala
Department Head of Digital Media, Digital Editing Instructor
Associate Degree in Digital Media Curriculum
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Digital Media is a 72-credit program completed in two years. Part-time schedules are available.
| Design Track | Filmmaking Track |
|---|---|
| DES 111 Drawing | FLM 101 Cinematography |
| DIG 205 Intro to Motion | FLM 103 Screenwriting |
| DES 131 Logo Design I | FLM 104 Directing |
| PHO 105 Photo Lighting and Planning | FLM 201 Filmmaking Concepts for Digital Media |
| DES 102 Typography II |
Design Track - Year One
First Semester
- DES 121 Photoshop I - 3 credits
- DES 106 Design Foundations - 3 credits
- DES 111 Drawing I - 3 credits
- GEN 104 English Composition - 3 credits
Second Semester
- DIG 205 Intro to Motion - 1.5 credits
- DES 141 Illustrator I - 3 credits
- DES 151 Digital Photography I - 3 credits
- GEN 105 Computer Technology - 3 credits
- DES 131 Logo Design I - 1.5 credits
Third Semester
- DIG 201 Digital Video Editing I - 3 credits
- DIG 210 Animate I - 3 credits
- GEN 106 History of Art - 3 credits
- GEN 107 General Psychology - 3 credits
Design Track - Year Two
Fourth Semester
- DIG 204 Digital Video Production - 3 credits
- PHO 105 Photo Lighting and Planning - 3 credits
- DIG 208 After Effects I - 3 credits
- GEN 207 Copywriting - 3 credits
Fifth Semester
- DIG 209 Time-Based Media - 3 credits
- DES 102 Typography II - 3 credits
- DIG 212 After Effects II - 3 credits
- ILL 142 Illustrator II - 3 credits
Sixth Semester
- DES 222 Photoshop II - 3 credits
- WEB 222 UX/UI Design* - 3 credits
- GEN 204 Intro to Marketing - 1.5 credits
- GEN 206 Creative Businesses - 1.5 credits
- DIG 260 Digital Media Capstone and Portfolio Review - 3 credits
* Elective course may be replaced by any other 3-credit course in the program, subject to availability and prerequisites.
Filmmaking Track - Year One
First Semester
- DES 121 Photoshop I - 3 credits
- DES 106 Design Foundations - 3 credits
- FLM 101 Cinematography - 3 credits
- GEN 104 English Composition - 3 credits
Second Semester
- DIG 201 Digital Video Editing I - 3 credits
- DES 141 Illustrator I - 3 credits
- DES 151 Digital Photography I - 3 credits
- GEN 105 Computer Technology - 3 credits
Third Semester
- FLM 104 Directing - 3 credits
- DIG 204 Digital Video Production - 3 credits
- GEN 106 History of Art - 3 credits
- GEN 107 General Psychology - 3 credits
Filmmaking Track - Year Two
Fourth Semester
- DIG 210 Animate I - 3 credits
- FLM 103 Screenwriting I - 3 credits
- DIG 208 After Effects I - 3 credits
- GEN 207 Copywriting - 3 credits
Fifth Semester
- DIG 209 Time-Based Media - 3 credits
- FLM 201 Filmmaking Concepts for Digital Media - 3 credits
- DIG 212 After Effects II - 3 credits
- ILL 142 Illustrator II - 3 credits
Sixth Semester
- DES 222 Photoshop II - 3 credits
- WEB 222 UX/UI Design* - 3 credits
- GEN 204 Intro to Marketing - 1.5 credits
- GEN 206 Creative Businesses - 1.5 credits
- DIG 260 Digital Media Capstone and Portfolio Review - 3 credits
* Elective course may be replaced by any other 3-credit course in the program, subject to availability and prerequisites.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Program highlights for Digital Media majors in the AOS program.
DIG 201 Digital Video Editing I - 3 credits
Learn the art and craft of editing videos from two award-winning filmmakers. The course explores techniques that can be applied in a range of non-linear editing programs, including Adobe Premiere Pro. Yet the main focus is not just on developing software skills; it's on exploring the magic behind video editing. Challenging projects including editing a commercial, an interview, a narrative scene, a music video, a video diary, and a text title sequence.
DIG 204 Digital Video Production - 3 credits
Learn how to control white balance, aperture, and shutter speed, to get high quality images from your digital video camera. You'll explore the different types of shots and camera motion techniques used by the pros and learn how to do location scouting, plan props, wardrobe, and sets, and work with talent. Course lectures challenge you to think about different storytelling conventions in narrative and documentary movie-making and address the fundamentals of sound recording.
DIG 205 Intro to Motion - 1.5 credits
This course introduces topics of motion in animation and video through research and observation of real-life movement and movement in animation. Students learn basic principles of visible motion (including physics principles) and apply these principles to written analysis and practical explorations including flipbook-style animation. Topics include movement of objects and characters.
DIG 209 Time-Based Media - 3 credits
This course teaches students how to apply their digital media skills to narrative contexts and build their portfolio with high concept work. Students will explore narrative theory, visual development, pipeline testing, iteration, and creative direction for digital media projects. They will also study conventions of time based media genres, including movie trailers, PSAs, commercials, and music videos.
DIG 221 After Effects I - 3 credits
Adobe After Effects is a powerful application used to create motion graphics and visual effects for film and video. After Effects is used in a variety of contexts, including broadcast graphics, music videos, feature films, video rotoscoping, corporate presentations, and conferences. In this 6-lesson course, you'll learn how to use After Effects to create sophisticated motion graphics, using text and object animations, compositing videos and images, and adding audio and effects. You'll learn how to set keyframes on a timeline and work with transform properties, motion paths, masks, and effects, developing a solid foundation in this increasingly popular and versatile program.
FLM 101: Cinematography – 3 credits
What makes the cinematography of the great filmmakers so compelling? In this course, you will develop an understanding of foundational cinematic principles, including shot types, composition, and lighting, and explore how to apply them in a series of creative projects. The course culminates in a final project demonstrating your ability to plan and execute a visually compelling scene in which actions speak louder than words.
FLM 103 Screenwriting I – 3 credits
Do you have what it takes to write for the screen? In this class, you will analyze and write screenplays, developing your ability to work with dialogue, character development, and plot structure. During the class you will learn how to interpret and correctly format a script. By the end of the class, you will have created a compelling short dialogue scene between two or more characters.
FLM 104: Directing – 3 credits
What does it mean to direct a movie? Directing has been compared to many things, ranging from leading an army into battle to managing a corporation. In this course, you'll gain hands-on experience of many aspects of directing including interpreting a script, using camera movement, sound design, and working with actors. Throughout the course, there is a focus on what makes a director's work distinctive and how you begin to develop those qualities in your work. In the final project, you will test your ability to creatively interpret a script for the screen in your own unique style.
FLM 201 Filmmaking Concepts for Digital Media – 3 credits
This multi-faceted course will enhance your filmmaking and digital media skills with an emphasis on planning, producing, and distributing creative work through web-based applications and venues such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch (livestreaming). You will research, conceive, plan (using storyboards and other planning aids), and produce a variety of creative pieces by applying filmmaking principles such as storytelling, cinematography, directing, and editing to short-form digital media projects to distribute and stream through multiple web-based venues and channels.
Program Outcomes
By completing the program, Associate Degree in Digital Media students develop the following competencies:
Video
Shoot and edit engaging videos utilizing skillful production, camera, audio, and non-linear editing techniques.
Technology
Create images, animations, and movies by effectively and efficiently using creative software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, After Effects, Premiere, and other industry technologies.
Animation
Prepare and present short animations employing basic animation techniques.
Art/Design Principles
Demonstrate the ability to produce visually compelling work by applying knowledge of color, pattern, detail, and composition.
Storytelling
Conceptualize, compose, and deliver images, animations, and movies demonstrating an effective use of visual communication and storytelling.
Critical Thinking and Writing
Employ critical thinking to generate, support, and convey ideas through writing for academic or professional contexts.
Portfolio
Apply creative problem solving and constructive feedback to conceive, produce, and present an impactful body of work that showcases your skills to employers and potential clients.
About Sessions College
Sessions College has been inspiring creative professionals for 25 years. Accredited since 2001, we have a unique and proven approach to online education.
Accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2001
Recognized as top design school by GDUSA
Winner of four USDLA awards for distance education
Student Work
Student Work
Program Benefits
Launch your Creative Career
Earn a degree and launch your creative career in our most rigorous 2-year program.
By Creatives, for Creatives
Collaborate with a community of creative learners and industry professionals.
Maximize Your Portfolio
Projects put you through your paces as you build a body of work. Your program culminates with a guided portfolio review.
Structure and Flexibility
Weekly deadlines keep you on track, but with no set login times you can build your studies around your schedule.
Education You Can Afford
Affordable programs with low per credit tuition, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
Convenient Online Application
Fast, convenient, and student-centered application process.
Career Outlook for Digital Media
Digital Media professionals produce creative work such as motion graphics, animations, special effects, digital graphics, video production for web, television, social media, and live streaming. These creatives can serve in multiple roles such as special effects artists, animator, motion graphics artist, cinematographer, director, editor, camera operator, and more. Professionals in this field need to possess artistic talent, communication skills, computer skills, creativity, and time-management skills.
Exciting Job Opportunities
Graduates could be employed as Special Effects Artists, Animators, Motion Graphics Artists, Camera Operators, Film and Video Editors, Producers, and Directors.
Median Annual Wage and Income Potential
According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual salaries in May 2023 were as follows:
| Camera operators, television, video, and film | $61,800 |
| Film and video editors | $66,600 |
| Producers and directors | $85,510 |
| Special effects artists and animators | $99,060 |
Largest Areas of Employment
From 2022 to 2032, employment opportunities are expected to grow as follows:
The top three areas of employment for each area are as follows:
| Camera operators, television, video, and film | Self-employed workers | 33% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 27% | |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10% | |
| Film and video editors | Motion picture and video industries | 37% |
| Self-employed workers | 34% | |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 10% | |
| Producers and directors | Motion picture and video industries | 35% |
| Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers | 10% | |
| Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries | 9% | |
| Special effects artists and animators | Self-employed workers | 58% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 19% | |
| Software publishers | 6% |
Job Projections and Employment Trends
From 2022 to 2032, employment opportunities are expected to grow as follows:
- Film and video editors and camera operators: jobs are projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.
- Producers and directors: jobs are projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.
- Special effects artists and animators: jobs are projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032.
About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data for camera operators, film and video editors, producers and directors, and writers and authors and Indeed Job Outlook on video production and computer animation.
Learn More
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data for camera operators, film and video editors, producers and directors, and writers and authors and Indeed Job Outlook on video production and computer animation.
Learn more about this field at the Motion Picture Editors Guild.
Truly Affordable Education
Our tuition is:
50% lower than the average annual cost of tuition at 4-year colleges in the United States.
Significantly more affordable than other online design / digital media colleges.
So affordable that 100% of tuition costs may be covered for eligible students.* Find out today if you qualify.
* Federal student aid and military education benefits available for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our online application process makes getting started easy, fast, and convenient.
What is the Admissions Process?
To enter the program you are expected to have earned a high school diploma, GED, or state-approved home school equivalent. Any students under 18 years of age will also need to provide the signed permission of a parent or guardian.
We have a convenient and student-friendly online application process. Simply complete our program application form and provide transcripts, an application essay, and 5-10 samples or art/design work or alternative written assignment, and a $75 application fee. See our complete application guide and credit transfer policy.
Applications are reviewed by our Acceptance Committee and generally returned within a business week.
You can begin your creative journey by completing our online application today. There is no charge until you submit your application materials and no obligation to enroll.
How Long is the Program?
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) program is a 72 credit program completed in six semesters or two years by a student on a full-time schedule. Students with transfer credit can graduate in under two years and part-time schedules are available.
Will the Program Fit My Schedule?
Fully Online and Asynchronous. Our programs are fully online and asynchronous, allowing you to fit learning into your life. We provide weekly deadlines to keep you on track, but there are no mandatory login times and our learning platform is available 24 hours a day.
Is the Tuition Affordable?
Truly Affordable Tuition. Since our founding in 1997, we have been committed to making the highest-quality design and digital media education available at the lowest cost.
Our truly affordable tuition is:
| Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Program - Fall 2024 Tuition |
|---|
| $300 per credit |
| $3,600 per semester |
| $7,200 per academic year |
| $21,600 total program tuition |
Per-credit tuition is the same full-time and part-time students. Federal financial aid available for eligible students. Ask about our $500-$3,000 scholarships for exemplary applicants.
A $200 registration fee is required to process your enrollment in the program. Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from the scheduled beginning of program orientation. See Degree Program Admissions.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Federal Student Aid. Federal student aid is available to students who qualify. If you are eligible, you may be able to fund your program using Pell Grants and Federal student loans. Check out our Financial Aid Information pages and ask to set up an interview with our Financial Aid Director.
Military Student Aid. Military servicemembers and their families who are eligible for GI Bill Education Benefits or active service member Tuition Assistance (TA) may also be able to utilize these programs to pay for their education.
Creative Learner Scholarships. Ask about our innovative scholarships for adult learners. The Creative Learner Scholarship Program can help you offset your tuition costs.
What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
To take this program, you’ll need the following:
- Mac or Windows computer with an Internet connection.
- Access to a digital camera with manual control over ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and White Balance, that allows for shooting in RAW format.
- A digital video camera and ability to connect it to a computer to capture footage.
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, After Effects, and Premiere CC software.
- MS word or equivalent application
- Your computer must meet software manufacturer requirements.
- A Web hosting account with an ad-free hosting service.
- Webcam, headphones or speaker, VPN connection, and microphone connected to the computer for live proctored exams.
There are no textbook or course material costs to participate in this online program. Student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud software is available to enrolled students.
What are the Deadlines to Enroll?
Here are relevant deadlines to be admitted for next term.
- Next Class:
January 6, 2025
- Priority Deadline:
November 4
Final Deadline:
December 2
- End Registration:
December 22
Get Started Today
Take the first step on a rewarding creative journey towards earning an Associate Degree in Digital Media.
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