Digital Media Design Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The curriculum in digital media design technology is focused on developing your technical skills and creative vision, with an emphasis on building a portfolio that will prepare you for a variety of career choices.
Throughout the program, you are exposed to real-world, hands-on projects that help you develop a well-rounded skill set. We work with many different community partners who need assistance with digital projects. For example, students have created:
- functional websites for both fictional and real clients
- logos, product packaging, environmental design and advertisements
- multifaceted projects like a cookbook, interactive brochures and infographics
- short films, music videos, commercials and immersive multimedia experiences
The digital media design technology associate degree curriculum at COTC is a broad and intensive exploration of the process and the business of digital design. You will study the principles of design, color theory, social media and typography. You will also take courses in specific digital software tools and be prepared for certification.
Majors
There are two majors in the digital media design technology program. You may choose to pursue one major or by taking just a few additional classes, complete both majors.
Graphic Design
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
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 Option
Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology
Graphic Design Option
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required for all courses listed on this plan of study, except the mathematics elective which requires a “D” (1.00) grade or better, in order to continue in and graduate from this program.
Total hours required: 61
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Management |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Drawing |
3 |
|
|
Digital Software Fundamentals |
1 |
|
|
Typography |
1 |
|
|
Web Design & Development |
3 |
|
|
Composition I* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Design Fundamentals* |
3 |
|
|
Digital Photography |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development II* |
3 |
|
|
MATH-123 or MATH-130 or |
Quantitative Reasoning* or Introduction to Statistics* or College Algebra* |
3 |
|
SPCH-100 or SPCH-205 or |
Fundamentals of Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication |
3 |
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
Team Building |
3 |
|
|
Entrepreneurship |
3 |
|
|
E-Life |
3 |
|
|
Graphic Design I* |
3 |
|
|
E-Publishing & Interactive Documents |
2 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Mass Media Communications |
3 |
|
|
Graphic Design II* |
3 |
|
|
Digital Media Portfolio* |
1 |
|
|
Digital Media Internship* |
2 |
|
|
BUS-207 or |
Business & Professional Communications* or Technical Writing* |
3 |
|
PHIL-105 or PHIL-150 or |
Critical Thinking* or Introduction to Philosophy* or Introduction to Ethics* |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Total |
18 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: February 2025
Web Design Option
Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology
Web Design Option
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required for all courses listed on this plan of study, except the mathematics elective which requires a “D” (1.00) grade or better, in order to continue in and graduate from this program.
Total hours required: 61
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Management |
3 |
|
|
Team Building |
3 |
|
|
Digital Software Fundamentals |
1 |
|
|
Introduction to E-Life: the Evolving Web |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development I |
3 |
|
|
Digital Video I |
2 |
|
|
Composition I* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
18 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Design Fundamentals* |
3 |
|
|
Digital Photography I |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development II* |
3 |
|
|
Multimedia Production^ |
2 |
|
|
SPCH-100 or SPCH-205 or |
Fundamentals of Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication |
3 |
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
BUS-207 or |
Business & Professional Communications* or Technical Writing* |
3 |
|
Entrepreneurship |
3 |
|
|
Graphic Design I* |
3 |
|
|
Web Design & Development III* |
3 |
|
|
MATH-123 or MATH-130 or |
Quantitative Reasoning* or Introduction to Statistics* or College Algebra* |
3 |
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Mass Media Communications |
3 |
|
|
Digital Media Portfolio* |
1 |
|
|
Digital Media Design Capstone* |
2 |
|
|
Digital Media Internship* |
2 |
|
|
PHIL-105 or PHIL-150 or |
Critical Thinking* or Introduction to Philosophy* or Introduction to Ethics* |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Total |
14 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: February 2025
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.