Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.: The DTI for this program is 75.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Computer Software and Media Applications, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $38298) to the average debt ($28882) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 75.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Computer Software and Media Applications, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($38298) against the typical student debt ($28882), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Computer Software and Media Applications, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $38298, and the average student debt is $28882, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.75—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 14684 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Computer Software and Media Applications, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other (CIP 11.0899) is a flexible and creative field within the computer sciences that focuses on the design, development, and application of software tools to create and manage digital media. While a standard Computer Science degree might focus on the "back-end" math and algorithms, this "Other" designation often encompasses programs that blend technical coding with "front-end" creativity. This includes specialized studies in game design, virtual reality (VR), digital asset management, or the development of custom creative suites for the film and music industries.
This degree is ideal for students who consider themselves "technical artists." It is a path for those who want to build the tools that other people use to create, whether that is a mobile app for photo editing, a 3D simulation for surgical training, or an interactive website for a global brand.
What Is a Computer Software and Media Applications (Other) Degree?
A Computer Software and Media Applications (Other) degree focuses on the practical application of software to media-rich environments. These programs are often interdisciplinary, combining elements of software engineering, graphic design, and user experience (UX). Because it falls under the "Other" category, these programs are frequently on the cutting edge of technology, covering emerging fields like generative AI for media, augmented reality (AR) interfaces, and complex digital simulation tools that don't fit into traditional "web design" or "programming" buckets.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Prepare students to build interactive and media-driven software applications
- Train specialists in the technical side of the entertainment and gaming industries
- Address the growing need for "creative technologists" who can bridge the gap between art and code
- Develop experts in human-computer interaction (HCI) and digital storytelling
This structure emphasizes visual logic, interactivity, and the seamless integration of sound, video, and graphics into software.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn how to use programming as a medium for creativity and a tool for building functional media platforms.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Use programming languages (like Python, C++, or JavaScript) to build interactive applications
- Design and implement User Interfaces (UI) that are both beautiful and functional
- Manage the "Software Development Lifecycle" (SDLC) from initial concept to launch
- Work with 2D and 3D graphics engines to create immersive digital environments
- Integrate multimedia components (audio, video, and animation) into software systems
- Conduct usability testing to ensure that software is easy for people to use
These skills allow graduates to take a creative idea and turn it into a working piece of technology.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program focus, coursework often includes:
- Advanced Web and Mobile Application Development
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and UX Design
- 3D Modeling and Computer Animation Software Development
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) Systems
- Digital Video and Audio Processing Technology
- Game Engine Architecture (Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Data Visualization and Interactive Infographics
- Artificial Intelligence in Media Production
This curriculum ensures that students are not just using software, but building the next generation of creative tools.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in the "Other" category of software and media leads to roles in some of the most innovative and fast-growing sectors of the tech world.
Common job roles include:
- User Experience (UX) or User Interface (UI) Developer
- Mobile App Developer (iOS/Android)
- Game Developer or Gameplay Programmer
- Front-End Web Developer
- Multimedia Software Engineer
- VR/AR Developer
- Digital Asset Manager
- Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst for Media Apps
Many graduates also work as "Creative Technologists" at advertising agencies, helping to build high-tech, interactive marketing campaigns for major brands.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in this field are found in environments where technology and creativity collide:
- Tech Companies (Google, Apple, Meta, Netflix)
- Video Game Studios (Electronic Arts, Riot Games, Blizzard)
- Film and Animation Studios (Disney, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic)
- Advertising and Digital Marketing Agencies
- E-commerce and Retail Brands (building shopping apps and websites)
- Educational Technology (EdTech) companies creating learning simulations
- Healthcare (developing medical imaging and simulation software)
- Freelance or Boutique Design Studios
These environments value individuals who can solve technical problems while maintaining a "designer’s eye."
How Much Can You Earn?
Software and media roles are high-paying, particularly for those who can prove both technical and design proficiency.
- Software Developers in media and applications typically earn between $90,000 and $135,000.
- UX/UI Designers and Developers often earn between $85,000 and $125,000.
- Mobile App Developers can see salaries ranging from $95,000 to $145,000.
- Game Developers typically earn between $75,000 and $115,000, depending on the studio size.
Top-tier earners in major tech hubs (like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York) can see total compensation packages exceeding $160,000 with bonuses and equity.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic work is challenging because it requires you to be "whole-brained." You must master the logic and syntax of coding (the left brain) while also understanding color theory, composition, and user psychology (the right brain). You will spend a lot of time "debugging" code and "iterating" on designs, which requires a great deal of patience.
Success in this program requires a "maker" mentality—you must be someone who loves to build things from scratch and is never satisfied with "good enough."
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are available at multiple levels, often emphasizing project-based learning:
- Associate Degrees provide quick entry into roles like web development or junior graphic design.
- Bachelor’s Degrees are the industry standard for most software engineering and UX roles.
- Master’s Degrees (M.S. or M.F.A.) are for those looking to specialize in high-level research, management, or academic roles.
Many of these programs are offered in fully online or hybrid formats, which is natural given that the work itself is done entirely on a computer. Many students use their course projects to build a "portfolio," which is often more important than the degree itself when applying for jobs.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love both art/design and computers/technology
- Spend your free time building websites, editing videos, or creating digital art
- Are fascinated by how apps and games are actually made
- Like to solve puzzles and find "the most efficient way" to do things
- Want a career that allows you to be creative every single day
- Are interested in how technology can change the way we experience the world
It is the perfect path for the "tech-artist" who wants to build the digital future.
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in software and media applications can prepare by:
- Taking classes in Computer Science (AP CS), Art, and Psychology
- Learning a basic coding language (like Python or HTML/CSS) via free online tutorials
- Starting a portfolio by creating your own website, YouTube channel, or a simple mobile app
- Joining a Robotics, Coding, or Media club at your school
- Playing with creative software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Blender
You do not need to be an expert yet. A curious mind, a creative spirit, and a willingness to "break things" to learn how they work are the most important qualities for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor