AAS in Digital Content Creation

The Diploma in Digital Content Creation is a dynamic program focused on the development and production of digital media. Students learn how to generate ideas, plan content strategies, and use industry-standard tools to create and edit text, images, videos, audio, and interactive content. The program prepares learners to produce engaging, informative, and targeted content for websites, social media, email marketing, and other digital channels. This program emphasizes applied learning through hands-on projects and portfolio development. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Digital Content Creation is also offered, adding general education coursework to the same core.

Program Outcomes

Students in the Digital Content Creation program should learn to:

• Write clear, persuasive, and audience-specific content for web, email, social media, and advertising platforms.
• Design and develop content calendars aligned with specific marketing goals and audience engagement strategies.
• Evaluate content effectiveness using data analytics, social media insights, and other analytical tools to guide content improvements.
• Create digital media content with optimized formatting, tone, and delivery that aligns with a theme or branding goals.
• Collaborate within cross-functional content teams by interpreting creative briefs, contributing to peer reviews, and coordinating with designers to support marketing objectives.
• Apply freelance and agency best practices by developing client proposals, setting pricing structures, managing project timelines, and sourcing legally compliant content assets.
• Develop strategies for improving professional performance through reflective practice.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Digital Content Creation Program can expect to learn skills to be prepared for entry level positions in such careers as Digital Marketing Strategist, Digital Media Planner, Internet Marketing Specialist, Marketing Consultant, Online Marketing Consultant, Paid Search Consultant, and Paid Search Strategist.

This program emphasizes applied learning through hands-on projects and portfolio development, preparing learners to produce content across websites, social media, email marketing, and other digital channels.

Admission to SAE Institute is open to any individual who is seriously interested in creative media industries and meets all necessary entrance requirements. No previous experience is required. Prospective students must meet all admissions requirements, including having a fully executed enrollment agreement, before the first day of the module.

The Diploma in Digital Content Creation is completed over 12 months and requires 44 total credits (11 courses). The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Content Creation requires 64 total credits, adding required general education courses to the core.

All courses require a technology package and a per-semester technology fee, and a non-refundable administrative fee applies to the first module. Tuition is charged by the credit hour and may be financed through federal aid, VA benefits, UNISA institutional loans, or private loans.

SAE Institute students who qualify may apply for several different forms of financial assistance to help pay for tuition, materials, and/or living expenses. Students should meet with Financial Services for complete information, requirements, applications, and filing deadlines.

Students who wish to apply for financial aid are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. Most sources of student financial aid, including Title IV Federal Student Aid programs, require students to complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov. Private student lending and payment options may also be available to assist qualified students in achieving their goals when not covered by federal or state programs.

Title IV Federal Student Aid

Title IV Federal Student Aid programs are available to students who qualify, including the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct PLUS Loan (Parent PLUS Loan), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program. Alternative (private) loan programs may also be available. All SAE Institute campuses are approved by the US Department of Education to offer Title IV federal financial aid and by the State Approving Agency for various benefits for veterans.

Institutional Loans and Aid

Students enrolled at SAE Institute are eligible to participate in an Institutional Loan program offered by UNISA as a third party provider, designed to cover the cost of tuition, technology packages, and fees in excess of available federal aid. Institutional aid also includes the Returning Student Completion Grant, the SAE Institute High School Class of 2026 Scholarship, and the Diploma in Audio Needs Based Scholarship. Full-time employees and their eligible family members may qualify for an Employee Tuition Discount.

Total program tuition is $36,160 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

SAE Institute offers students a wide range of support services to assist students in obtaining employment opportunities in their field of study after graduation. Career assistance not only involves informing students of available opportunities, but also working to prepare them for their job search before graduation. The Career Services staff is dedicated to assisting students in developing a career plan and to supporting them in the process of obtaining employment in their field of study after graduation. Services provided by the Career Services staff include:

• Individual career guidance
• Interview technique training
• Resume preparation
• Employer search
• Job search assistance
• E-Portfolio Development through Portfolium

SAE Institute sponsors a variety of opportunities for students to learn about and prepare for future employment. These may include periodic field trips, guests, and other activities that bring students into direct contact with employers and work sites. SAE Institute does not guarantee employment or salaries.

SAE Institute graduates may return to the same campus and audit any classes previously taken in the program without being charged additional tuition. Support professional growth of graduates is offered through lifetime career services.

SAE Institute teaches using a Student-centered Active Education design that promotes learning through practical experiences that replicate common professional competencies. Curriculum is delivered through practice-based activities, guided discussions, and real-world assessments in an engaging, diverse, and creative environment, and is taught by qualified, experienced, professional faculty.

SAE Institute campuses regularly upgrade their equipment, software, and educational materials in order to stay current with rapidly changing technology. Facilities feature multiple classrooms, surround sound theaters, studios and workstations equipped with industry-standard hardware and software from manufacturers such as AKG, Apple, Avid Pro Tools, Focusrite, Native Instruments, Neumann, PreSonus, Sennheiser, Shure, Slate Digital, Solid State Logic, Universal Audio, and Waves. Some courses are taught in a blended format, with some content online and some classroom instruction.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) functions as the campus library, giving students access to online resources, trade journals, books, equipment manuals, media, and other materials. SAE Institute provides a variety of student services: Student Success Managers and Student Advisors help students set up peer mentoring, disability accommodations, and tutoring, and develop academic success skills such as time management, focused studying, and executive functioning. SAE Institute also sponsors a variety of clubs and activities on campus, including the Student Alliance, campus clubs, and student events.