Multimedia Schools and Programs in The United States

Multimedia Studies in The United States

Multimedia combines text, image, sound, video, animation and interactivity in digital products: websites and apps, motion graphics, games, video and immersive experiences. In the United States few degrees are simply called "multimedia". The subject is taught under names such as multimedia studies, interactive media, digital media, media arts or new media, in art schools, communication schools and community colleges. Courses mix design and storytelling with technical skills; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that bachelor's programmes in computer graphics often include computer science courses in addition to art. SpainExchange lists 30 schools in the United States that teach multimedia.

How the degree is organised

Community colleges offer two-year programmes leading to an associate degree, as well as shorter certificates. Chemeketa Community College in Oregon has a Multimedia Arts AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree. Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania offers degree and certificate programmes in multimedia, and distinguishes between transfer majors, which parallel the first two years of a bachelor's degree, and job-ready majors.

A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study, and each institution sets the number of credits needed to graduate. The degree title depends on the school that teaches it:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Florida Atlantic University's Multimedia Studies programme, with concentrations in Film, Video, and New Media or in Multimedia Journalism
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): the Media Arts BFA at Northeastern University, a studio programme with concentrations in animation, photography or video arts, and the Interactive Media Arts (IMA) BFA at New York University
• Bachelor of Science in Communication (BSC): the Interactive Media and Immersive Media majors at the University of Miami

The two main graduate degrees in the United States are the master's degree, which usually takes about two years, and the doctorate. In this field the practice-based Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is common: Florida Atlantic University has an MFA in Media, Technology and Entertainment and the University of Miami an MFA in Creative Technologies and Interactive Arts. New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) is a graduate programme leading to an MPS degree. Art schools cover every level: Academy of Art University in San Francisco states that it offers more than 120 programmes, from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor's and master's degrees.

Admission, language and costs

Teaching is in English, and universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Each institution sets its own requirements, so its international admissions page is the reference; EducationUSA advises starting the search 12 to 18 months before the planned start. For a full degree, international students need a student visa: once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the international student office issues the Form I-20 used in the visa application.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees at 4-year institutions in 2022-23 were $9,800 at public institutions and $40,700 at private nonprofit institutions. The public figure is the in-state rate, so check what each institution charges non-residents. Starting at a community college, which is usually cheaper, can lower the total cost of a bachelor's degree.

Where to study multimedia

The schools in this directory are spread across the country, and about half of them are community colleges. Florida has several: Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, the University of Miami, Broward College in Fort Lauderdale and Gulf Coast State College in Panama City. Other examples are New York University and Northeastern University in Boston among the private universities, Academy of Art University in San Francisco among the art schools, and Lansing Community College, Kirkwood Community College and Laramie County Community College among the two-year colleges. University of Phoenix is an online university, so it is not an option for study on a US campus.

Careers

Graduates work as digital designers, web developers, animators, motion designers, video producers and content creators. A portfolio counts as much as the degree: BLS says employers usually prefer candidates with a good portfolio and strong technical skills. BLS counted 220,100 web developers and digital designers in 2025 and projects employment to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 13,600 openings a year; entry requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor's degree. There were 51,900 of them in 2025, 63% self-employed, and BLS projects little or no change in employment to 2035, with about 4,200 openings a year.

Frequently asked questions

What is a multimedia degree called in the United States?

Names vary: multimedia studies, interactive media, media arts, digital media or new media. Check the course list, because programmes with similar names can focus on design, journalism or programming.

How long does it take to study multimedia?

An associate degree at a community college takes two years and a bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study. A master's degree adds about two years.

Do I need a degree to work in multimedia?

Not always. According to BLS, requirements for web developers and digital designers range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, while special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor's degree.

Can international students work while studying?

According to EducationUSA, international students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in their first year, with permission from the international student office.