Credits required
18
Cost per-credit*
$288.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
Online Art (Digital Media), Minor
Combine creativity and technology for tomorrow’s careers
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The Online Art (Digital Media) Minor at Nevada Online offers students a flexible and engaging way to explore the intersection of design, technology and visual storytelling. Open to undergraduates outside of the Studio Art major, the program prepares students to navigate today’s digital landscape through project-based learning and hands-on media production.
With coursework in animation, interactive media, video game design and motion graphics, this minor is ideal for students who want to develop creative and technical skills that complement their academic major and enhance their professional trajectory. The program is fully online and can be completed in as little as one year.
Program overview
Designed by the Department of Art, Art History and Design the program helps students gain a foundation in digital media art and communication without requiring prior experience or a portfolio. Students complete six courses (18 credits) and build a digital portfolio through class projects and assignments.
Estimated Total Cost: $5,193†
Time to Completion: 12 months
Portfolio Requirement: Built through coursework
Practicum or Internship: Optional internships may be available
† Additional fees apply. Estimates based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees.
The minor is open to non-art majors across disciplines such as engineering, journalism, business, computer science, communication, and the liberal arts.
What you'll learn
Through a blend of theory and applied practice, students explore digital art production in formats ranging from 2D and 3D design to web-based storytelling and interactive installations. Coursework emphasizes conceptual thinking, technical execution, and the development of a cohesive body of digital work.
Students gain experience in:
- Digital media fundamentals
- Animation and kinetic media
- Web-based and interactive storytelling
- Creative coding and experimental media
- Visual communication and design theory
Project work helps students develop an understanding of digital tools and workflows, including open-source software like Blender and Unity. Adobe Creative Cloud is available on campus lab computers, and students may purchase discounted personal licenses through Adobe’s student program.
Curriculum and course structure
The minor includes three required courses and three electives selected from a curated list. Courses are designed to be cumulative, allowing students to build skills as they progress through the program.
| Course Type | Sample Courses and Topics |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | Digital Media I (2D/3D design), Sound and Image, Advanced Digital Media |
| Electives | Interactive Installation, Digital Storytelling, Critical Play (game theory and art) |
Each course includes studio projects, concept development, and peer critique, helping students build a professional portfolio that demonstrates their creative and technical growth.
Who this program serves
The Online Art (Digital Media) Minor is intended for students who want to supplement their primary major with skills in digital creativity. It is particularly well suited for students preparing for careers that require visual communication and digital fluency, such as roles in marketing, product development, education, creative technology, and content creation.
By completing this minor, students enhance their competitiveness in interdisciplinary fields where design thinking, media literacy, and digital production are in demand.
Faculty and learning environment
Courses are taught by faculty from the University of Nevada, Reno’s Department of Art, Art History and Design whose teaching focuses on digital media practices. Faculty bring diverse experience in contemporary art, media production, and interdisciplinary research. Students benefit from guided feedback, virtual critiques, and mentorship from instructors who support creative growth and technical mastery.
Accreditation and recognition
The University of Nevada, Reno is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The Department of Art, Art History and Design is housed within the College of Liberal Arts and offers a curriculum that integrates studio art with digital and interdisciplinary innovation.
Career relevance
By completing this minor, students graduate with a set of digital competencies that are valuable across industries. The skills learned in the program support applications in education, business, healthcare communication, user experience, digital marketing, and many other creative sectors. Optional internships with Nevada-based tech companies or creative firms may be available to students seeking additional professional experience. While internships are not required for the minor, they may help students further explore digital media career paths or prepare for graduate study
Get started
Whether your goal is to strengthen your creative skill set, broaden your academic portfolio, or prepare for digital roles in professional settings, the Online Art (Digital Media) Minor provides the structure and flexibility to help you succeed. With no on-campus attendance required, you can complete this minor from anywhere while earning credits that complement your degree.
Why choose Nevada Online for your Art (Digital Media), Minor?
The Nevada Online Art (Digital Media) Minor offers non-studio art undergraduates 18 fully online, asynchronous credits in visual communication, design and emerging technologies. The curriculum develops a professional portfolio through foundational courses in digital media, fabrication and game design, plus electives, benefiting students in diverse fields.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule