Digital Media Design Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Credit Hours
Location
Newark
Format
On campus; most online
Admission
Open enrollment
Financial Aid Eligible
Yes
Credential Earned
Adobe
Overview
The digital media design technology associate degree at COTC combines technical skills, creative vision and hands-on experience to prepare you for a variety of careers in digital design. Throughout the program, you’ll build a professional portfolio through real-world projects that develop a broad, versatile skill set.
Students work on projects for fictional and real clients, often in collaboration with community partners who need assistance with digital design projects. Examples of student work include:
- functional websites for real and fictional clients
- logos, product packaging, environmental designs and advertisements
- multifaceted projects such as cookbooks, interactive brochures and infographics
- short films, music videos, commercials and immersive multimedia experiences
The curriculum provides a broad and intensive exploration of both the creative process and business of digital design. All students study design principles, photography, digital software and business fundamentals. An area of concentration — graphic design or web design — is selected for more in-depth study aligned with your career goals.
Graphic Design Concentration
Ideal for careers in:
- graphic design
- illustration
- digital or print publishing
- product design
- photography
- advertising, marketing and branding
- social and new media
- printing and production
Web Design Concentration
Ideal for careers in:
- web design
- advertising, marketing and branding
- social and new media
- web development and programming
- digital or print publishing
- video and multimedia production
Certification
COTC is a licensed testing facility for Adobe Certified Associate exams. Adobe certification is an industry-recognized credential that effectively validates your expertise in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Those who possess the ACA certification can confidently prove that they have the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of today’s design industry. ACA exams are available for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, After Effects and Premier Pro. You may also earn an enhanced status and become an Adobe Certified Professional in visual design, video design and web design.
learn more about adobe certification
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open-enrollment program. To be admitted, you must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll.
Plan of Study
Graphic Design Concentration
Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology
Graphic Design Concentration
Total hours required: 61
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Management^ |
3 |
|
|
Composition I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Software Fundamentals^ |
1 |
|
|
Web Design & Development I^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-100 | Fundamentals of Drawing^ | 3 |
| DMD-103 | Typography^ | 1 |
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Design Fundamentals*^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Photography^ |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development II*^ |
3 |
|
|
MATH-123 or MATH-130 or |
Quantitative Reasoning* Introduction to Statistics* College Algebra* |
3 |
|
SPCH-100 or SPCH-205 or |
Fundamentals of Communication^ Public Speaking^ Small Group Communication^ |
3 |
| DMD-113 | Intro to E-Life: Foundations of Digital Literacy^ | 3 |
|
Total |
18 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
PC Applications in Business^ |
3 |
|
|
Entrepreneurship^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-201 |
Graphic Design I*^ |
3 |
|
BUS-207 or |
Business & Professional Communications*^ Technical Writing*^ |
3 |
|
E-Publishing & Interactive Documents^ |
2 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Mass Media Communications^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Media Portfolio*^ |
1 |
|
|
Digital Media Internship*^ |
2 |
|
|
PHIL-105 or PHIL-150 or |
Critical Thinking*^ Introduction to Philosophy*^ Introduction to Ethics*^ |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-202 | Graphic Design II*^ | 3 |
|
Total |
15 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^Indicates this course requires a “C” (2.00) grade or better in order to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: July 2026
Web Design Concentration
Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology
Web Design Concentration
Total hours required: 61
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Management^ |
3 |
|
|
Composition I*^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Software Fundamentals^ |
1 |
|
|
Web Design & Development I^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-113 | Intro to E-Life: Foundations of Digital Literacy^ | 3 |
| DMD-240 | Digital Video I^ | 2 |
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Design Fundamentals*^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Photography^ |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development II*^ |
3 |
|
|
MATH-123 or MATH-130 or |
Quantitative Reasoning* Introduction to Statistics* College Algebra* |
3 |
|
SPCH-100 or SPCH-205 or |
Fundamentals of Communication^ Public Speaking^ Small Group Communication^ |
3 |
| DMD-208 | Multimedia Production^ | 2 |
|
Total |
17 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
PC Applications in Business^ |
3 |
|
|
Entrepreneurship^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-201 |
Graphic Design I*^ |
3 |
|
BUS-207 or |
Business & Professional Communications*^ Technical Writing*^ |
3 |
|
Web Design & Development III^ |
3 |
|
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Mass Media Communications^ |
3 |
|
|
Digital Media Portfolio*^ |
1 |
|
|
Digital Media Internship*^ |
2 |
|
|
PHIL-105 or PHIL-150 or |
Critical Thinking*^ Introduction to Philosophy*^ Introduction to Ethics*^ |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology^ |
3 |
|
| DMD-252 | Digital Media Design Capstone*^ | 2 |
|
Total |
14 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^Indicates this course requires a “C” (2.00) grade or better in order to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: July 2026
Transfer Options
Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has a transfer agreement with:
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the digital media design technology associate degree?
Students who enroll full time will complete the digital media design technology associate degree in two years.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
Many, but not all, digital media design technology courses are offered in an online or hybrid format.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.