Digital Media Arts and Design Degree, AAS

Why Study Film and Digital Media?

Digital skills are becoming more valuable in our economy. Companies need web and graphic designers to promote their products. Film and television productions need crews with technical and creative skills.

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Digital Media Arts and Design can help you stand out from the crowd. Learn and practice in-demand skills such as:

• Digital layouts
• Photography
• Video production
• Web design

Your courses will help you develop aesthetic skills to create beautiful designs or tell powerful stories. Your professors will help you master industry software and hardware applications. At the end of the program, you'll have completed individual and group projects that you can add to your portfolio. Be ready to start your career with an associate degree in digital media arts and design. 

Why Enroll in the Digital Media Arts and Design Program at SJC?

Two Degree Concentrations

Customize your degree to get the skills you need for your dream career. SJC's associate degree in digital media arts and design has two options for you to choose from:

• Print concentration: This option will teach you digital publishing skills. Practice creating vector graphics with vector illustration software. Learn about typographic designs, fonts, and other publishing skills.
• Video concentration: Develop visual storytelling skills. Create short films and videos as you develop editing and video production skills.

The New Mexico Film and Television Industry

The film and media industries in New Mexico are booming. Netflix and NBCUniversal have moved their production hubs here, leading to $855 million spent in film production in 2021. Film and television shows need multimedia artists to staff their projects. With the Digital Media Arts and Design AAS, you'll get the skills to fill various local entertainment industry roles.

SJC's Film and Digital Media department also has industry connections that can help you network. Our students have visited area film and television sets, and some have even found internships. Guest speakers frequently visit our classrooms to share their knowledge. Build your career in New Mexico through San Juan College.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

You don't have to drive to Santa Fe or Albuquerque for a digital arts degree. SJC's Digital Media Arts and Design program provides the same professional equipment and facilities to help you practice and grow. We have a green screen studio on campus, along with a photography studio. We are also constructing an on-campus film set for future projects.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the associate degree in digital media arts and design is an excellent investment for you. Our rigorous, high-quality program will give you the skills you need to succeed in various industries, from film to business. You may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships. 

What You'll Learn in the Digital Media Arts and Design Associate Degree

Our program gives you knowledge and skills in the different types of digital media. You will learn communication theory and important art concepts. You'll also study digital media and how to use tools such as Photoshop and 3D modeling software. By the time you graduate, you will have a portfolio that showcases your work.

In your core courses, you will take courses such as:

• Advanced Digital Projects
• Creative Web Design
• Color Theory
• Digital Imaging and Design
• Introduction to Digital Media
• Introduction to Mass Communication
• Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging
• Principles of Advertising

You will also take additional classes based on your concentration. For the print concentration, you will take:

• Desktop Publishing
• Introduction to Illustrator

For the video concentration, you will enroll in the following:

• Digital Video Production and Editing
• Video Editing

Digital Media Arts and Design AAS Curriculum

Transfer Options for Digital Media Arts and Design AAS Graduates

Turn your two-year associate degree into a bachelor's degree by transferring to a four-year university. A bachelor's degree can open doors to better job opportunities with higher pay.

SJC has transfer agreements in place with the following:

• The Institute of American Indian Arts
• New Mexico Highlands University

With the Digital Media Arts and Design AAS, you can enter as a junior at the above institutions. Other students have transferred to Fort Lewis College.

Check with your advisor if you wish to transfer to pursue your bachelor's degree. You will need to coordinate your coursework at San Juan College with the transfer institution's requirements.

Learn More About the Transfer Process

Careers and Outcomes

Find an exciting career in the world of digital media arts and design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. Specific jobs within the field have even faster growth rates:

• Broadcast, sound, and video technicians: 10% growth rate
• Film and video editors and camera operators: 12% growth rate
• Web developers and digital designers: 23% growth rate

Graduates of the Digital Media Arts and Design program enter fields such as:

• Education
• Graphic design
• Media services
• Public relations
• Publication design
• Social media marketing
• Studio and independent filmmaking
• Television

SJC graduates work as:

• Business owners
• Digital artists
• Filmmakers
• Graphic designers
• Marketers and social media marketers
• Print artists
• Videographers
• Web designers

"I have gained new skills, techniques, ideas, and am around like-minded friends who are interested in the same field. This program not only teaches you how to understand and create art but also prepares you professionally for future opportunities."

Armando Gonzales, ’21