by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, digital arts was the 233rd most popular major nationwide with 3,225 degrees awarded. This represents a 6.3% increase in art and technology degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 3,022.
Our 2023 Best Digital Arts Schools ranking analyzes 60 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for digital arts students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of art and technology programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Take the first step toward a career of visual expression and doing what you love with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn to create a striking portfolio and hone the skills you need to succeed in the world of professional photography with this online digital photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Get on the right path to the fast-paced, exciting world of video game art and design with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in digital arts is giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Talking to others to convey information effectively and understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents are all required skills for careers related to this major.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most art and technology degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional art and technology certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Art & Technology degree levels vary. Digital Arts programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest art and technology degree you can get. The type of art and technology degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to art and technology, with approximately 43.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for art and technology workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 36.7% |
| Master’s Degree | 21.3% |
| Doctoral Degree | 11.3% |
| Some College Courses | 9.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 8.6% |
About 64.7% of workers in careers related to art and technology obtain at least bachelor's degrees. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in digital arts have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the art and technology career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your art and technology degree? Digital Arts careers are expected to grow 4.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to digital arts.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | 277,400 | 4.2% |
| Photographers | 139,000 | -5.6% |
| Art, Drama, and Music Professors | 137,200 | 12.0% |
| Art Directors | 95,200 | 5.4% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 79,900 | 8.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for art and technology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for digital arts graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers art and technology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $104,590 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Professors | $82,560 |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $78,230 |
| Artists | $67,700 |
| Graphic Designers | $54,680 |
With over 254 different art and technology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased art and technology school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Digital Arts that might interest you.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - 3D Modeling & Animation
Learn the cutting-edge skills to become a player in the multimedia design world with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts
Translate your creative ideas through concept, design and digital media with a bachelor's in graphic design online from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - Web Design
Gain a solid grounding in your online web design classes and exercise your creative muscle with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
One of 1 majors within the General Visual & Performing Arts area of study, Digital Arts has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Visual & Performing Arts | 3,130 |
Image Credit: By Sven Mandel / CC-BY-SA-4.0 under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
