​Design your future.

Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology

Overview

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. Students can expect to study the principles of design, color theory, social media and typography. Students will also take courses in specific digital software tools. Skills taught include critical thinking, design approaches, the underlying theories of digital media and a variety of digital media production techniques.

Why choose COTC?

Alumni Success

​Design your future.

The field of digital media is expected to increase dynamically over the next few years with anticipated job growth and opportunities in graphic design, web design and web development according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). COTC alumnus Alex Trujillo was offered full-time employment at Explore Licking County after his internship there as a student in the digital media design technology program.

Flexibility

Students in the digital media design technology program have two majors they can choose from: 

  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design

Students can choose to pursue one major, or they can choose to pursue both majors by taking just a few additional classes. 

Additionally, some students may opt to pursue a one-year certificate in Digital Media Technology. This certificate is designed to create a foundation for students wishing to pursue a career in digital media design. It is also valuable for individuals in careers such as business, marketing, finance, real estate (and many others!) to gain essential skills in digital media technology. Many courses in the certificate can be completed online, and students can earn the credential in just two semesters.

The curriculum in digital media design technology is focused on developing a student’s technical skills and creative vision, with an emphasis on building a portfolio that will prepare the student for a variety of career choices. 

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Career Choices

COTC strives to prepare students for the workforce. In the digital media design technology program, students learn to develop resumes and other marketing tools specifically targeted toward digital media career opportunities.

Digital media is a field that offers students choices when it comes to career opportunities. Students can explore and pursue graphic design and web design career choices. 

Graphic Design

  • Graphic designer
  • Photographer
  • Illustration
  • Advertising, marketing, and branding
  • Digital or print publishing
  • Social and new media
  • Product design
  • Printing & production

Web Design

  • Web designer
  • Web developer or programmer
  • Advertising, marketing, and branding
  • Digital or print publishing
  • Social and new media
  • Video and multimedia production

DMT Certificate

The Digital Media Technology Certificate can benefit individuals in many career paths! Because digital technology touches so many industries, the fundamental skills learned in this certificate will be valuable for individuals in:

  • Business, management, consulting, or sales
  • Marketing, advertising, and public relations
  • Education, teaching, administration
  • Medical or health services support staff (office or practice managers)
  • Financial services, accounting, or advising
  • Real estate
  • Small businesses and start-ups
  • Non-profits
  • Community or social service organizations
  • And MANY more
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Central Ohio Technical College Computer Grant Program

Established with funding earmarked by Central Ohio Technical College for student success, this program is intended to provide a computer to students with demonstrated financial need enrolled in digital media design technology (degree or certificate) or the information technology degree.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I complete the digital media design technology program?

The amount of time it takes a student to complete the digital media design technology certificate and/or associate degree depends upon how many courses are taken per semester. 

Students who attend full time (and take 3-5 classes on average per semester) will complete quicker than students who attend part time (and take 1-2 classes on average per semester).

Students can complete a certificate in just two semesters and an associate degree in as little as two years.

Students who complete the certificate have earned credits that can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media Design Technology.

The amount of time it takes a student to complete the digital media design program also depends upon whether a student double majors.

Where can I find a list of classes (plan of study) for the program I want to study?

The courses students need to take to complete a certificate or degree are listed in a plan of study. The digital media design technology program has three plans of study. 

Can I take classes online or face-to-face?

Many, but not all DMD courses are offered in an online or hybrid delivery format. Check the course catalog for specific online offerings.

Can I pursue a bachelor’s degree after I complete an associate degree?

Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges.

What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for college? 

COTC awards $1 million dollars 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 a FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application. 

Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.

What type of projects or work do students do in digital media design technology?

Throughout the program, students are exposed to “real world,” hands-on projects that help them develop a well-rounded skill set. For example, students in the web design and development courses will actually create functional websites for both fictional and real clients! (We work with many different community partners who need assistance with digital projects). Students in Design Fundamentals will design logos, product packaging, environmental design, and advertisements. Upper-level students in Graphic Design and the Digital Media Capstone create multi-faceted projects like a cookbook, interactive brochures and infographics. Students in Multimedia Production and Video create short films, music videos, commercials and immersive multimedia experiences.

How do I get started at COTC?

Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started.