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CIP 50.0102 Visual and Performing Arts

Digital Arts

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

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Total graduates

3,842

2025 · 149 schools

International share

4.2%

163 international students

Bachelor's degrees

3,146

3.8% international

Master's degrees

121

26.4% international

Overview

Digital Arts is an interdisciplinary field that combines traditional artistic practices with modern technology. This major encompasses various forms of digital media, including graphic design, animation, photography, video, and interactive media. Students in Digital Arts programs are encouraged to explore and experiment with digital tools and techniques to create innovative artworks and design solutions.

The curriculum typically includes courses in digital imaging, 3D modeling, motion graphics, and web design, providing students with a comprehensive skill set that is highly relevant in today’s job market. Moreover, students learn about the theories of art and design, which help them to develop a critical eye and a conceptual framework for their work.

Digital Arts programs often emphasize collaboration and project-based learning, allowing students to work on real-world projects and portfolios that showcase their abilities to potential employers. This field is not only about creating visually appealing work but also about understanding the impact of digital media on society and culture.

Career opportunities for graduates in Digital Arts are diverse and include roles such as graphic designers, multimedia artists, game designers, and digital content creators. The demand for skilled professionals in this area continues to grow, particularly with the rise of digital marketing, social media, and online content creation. Overall, Digital Arts is a dynamic and evolving field that offers exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 1,043% and the international share went from 8.3% to 4.2%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
45.8%
Asian
8.3%
Hispanic
22.6%
Black
8.6%
Other
10.4%
Intl.
4.2%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 149 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#3 Harvard University Massachusetts 43 6
#12 Columbia University in the City of New York New York 3 1
#14 Carnegie Mellon University Pennsylvania 1 0
#25 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Michigan 3 1
#27 University of Southern California California 32 6
#34 University of Florida Florida 73 9
#34 The University of Texas at Austin Texas 76 0
#42 Northeastern University Massachusetts 17 2
#59 Stony Brook University New York 9 1
#69 Michigan State University Michigan 59 1
#72 Syracuse University New York 2 1
#95 University of Missouri-Columbia Missouri 41 1
#100 Florida International University Florida 111 3
#121 University of Central Florida Florida 506 8
#121 The University of Texas at Dallas Texas 314 11
#137 San Jose State University California 1 1
#148 Catholic University of America D.C. 3 0
#148 University of Kentucky Kentucky 38 0
#156 University of St Thomas (MN) Minnesota 15 2
#156 CUNY--City College New York 3 1
#156 Oregon State University Oregon 13 1
#169 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Nebraska 36 1
#202 Ohio University-Main Campus Ohio 16 1
#236 Stetson University Florida 13 1
#236 Pacific University Oregon 3 0
#236 Chatham University Pennsylvania 8 1
#250 University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Massachusetts 15 0
#250 La Salle University Pennsylvania 12 2
#250 Lipscomb University Tennessee 19 1
#262 Central Michigan University Michigan 17 0
#276 Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Ohio 33 0
#288 Wichita State University Kansas 79 1
#328 East Tennessee State University Tennessee 8 0
#342 Mississippi College Mississippi 1 0
#342 Missouri State University Missouri 3 2
#342 Daemen University New York 14 0
#342 Kennesaw State University Georgia 81 0
#365 Liberty University Virginia 74 1
#382 Grand Canyon University Arizona 33 1
#382 National University California 9 0
#382 Idaho State University Idaho 4 0
#382 Tarleton State University Texas 21 0
LAC #49 St. Lawrence University New York 5 2
LAC #106 Transylvania University Kentucky 4 0
LAC #111 Saint Vincent College Pennsylvania 12 1
LAC #125 Goucher College Maryland 2 0
LAC #150 New College of Florida Florida 3 0
LAC #154 SUNY Old Westbury New York 14 0
LAC #154 University of North Carolina Asheville North Carolina 33 0
LAC #160 Albright College Pennsylvania 5 0
LAC #165 Bridgewater College Virginia 13 0
LAC #184 Utah Tech University Utah 24 0
LAC #184 Antioch College Ohio 1 0
— Full Sail University Florida 459 1
— Otis College of Art and Design California 123 29
— Florida Gulf Coast University Florida 75 2
— Gnomon California 73 27
— Academy of Art University California 60 16
— CUNY Queensborough Community College New York 57 3
— Austin Community College District Texas 55 0
— Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 51 0
— Moore College of Art and Design Pennsylvania 45 0
— University of Wisconsin-Stout Wisconsin 39 0
— Truckee Meadows Community College Nevada 35 0
— Suffolk County Community College New York 30 0
— Kent State University at Tuscarawas Ohio 29 0
— Champlain College Vermont 28 0
— University of Florida-Online Florida 28 1
— University of Advancing Technology Arizona 24 0
— Pima Community College Arizona 22 0
— Volunteer State Community College Tennessee 22 0
— Washtenaw Community College Michigan 21 1
— CUNY Bronx Community College New York 20 1
— Pacific Northwest College of Art Oregon 20 1
— University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Wisconsin 20 0
— Ocean County College New Jersey 19 0
— Lesley University Massachusetts 18 1
— Manhattan University New York 18 0
— SUNY Oneonta New York 18 0
— Louisiana State University-Shreveport Louisiana 17 1
— Montgomery College Maryland 17 3
— Iowa Central Community College Iowa 15 0
— Hennepin Technical College Minnesota 15 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Graphic Designers 197,830 $33.92 $70,560
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 93,560 — $94,700
Art Directors 53,070 $62.23 $129,440
Photographers 51,760 $26.64 $55,410
Special Effects Artists and Animators 19,970 $54.27 $112,870
Artists and Related Workers, All Other 6,930 $38.72 $80,530

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.