
Digital innovation is transforming the way we live, work and connect — and it’s reshaping career opportunities across many industries. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, organizations need creative problem-solvers who can harness digital tools to improve systems, design better user experiences and respond to constant change. From AI and data analytics to user experience design and cybersecurity, digital innovation sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy and technology.
Whether you’re interested in launching a tech-focused career or applying digital skills in fields like healthcare, education or business, understanding digital innovation is a powerful first step.
Let’s explore what digital innovation is, why these skills are in such high demand and how Boise State’s online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Innovation and Design can help you build future-proof digital skills through a customizable degree program and hands-on learning opportunities.
What is digital innovation?
Technological developments like AI have made digital innovation a highly sought-after career path. With a projected job growth of 7% through 2034 and an average salary of $95,380 for digital designers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, interest in the field is growing. Businesses and institutions need to be at the forefront of technology to stay relevant and competitive, so many employers are looking to hire individuals with those in-demand digital skills.
Digital innovation can lead to STEM jobs in user experience or interface design, app design, web development, data analysis and cybersecurity. Digital innovation career opportunities aren’t limited to the tech world either. While tech is the fastest-growing digital skills job market, digital innovation spans several industries, including healthcare, finance, e-commerce, education, marketing and manufacturing.
How to build digital innovation skills
Building your digital innovation skills starts with gaining foundational knowledge and practical project experience. Courses in areas like user experience design, data analysis, project management, cyber operations and emerging technologies help learners understand how digital tools work and how they can be applied to real-world challenges. Certifications also provide proof of your digital transformation skills, making them valuable for career growth and credibility.
Boise State’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Innovation and Design offers courses and certificates in many of the areas that help shape a well-rounded digital innovator. Creatives can tailor their learning experience by building their own degree using a set of career-focused certificates designed for the modern digital workplace. Each certificate is made up of two to four courses that emphasize hands-on, real-world projects.

You’ll begin with a foundational Certificate in Innovation and Design, then choose up to three certificates to customize your degree around your goals. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance and support from expert faculty and advisors.
Certificate options include:
- AI for All
- Applied Leadership
- Applied Teamwork
- +Business
- Community Impact
- Content Production
- Cyber Operations
- Data Analysis for All
- Esports
- IT Support for All
- Media Content Management
- Project Management for All
- Project Management
- Social Media Creator
- User Experience Design
- User Experience Research
Real students, real results
A digital innovation and design degree can open many doors for those wanting to start their career in this lucrative field. Current and former students recommend the program for its up-to-date curriculum, flexibility for working adults and seamless transfer options for those looking to continue their education after an associate’s degree.
Kaitlin Johnson, a current Boise State Online student, chose the program because it allows her to pursue her interest in transitioning into IT project management while working full-time and raising three kids.
“I have been talking to hiring managers, letting them know what I am working on. They haven’t really heard of a degree that’s innovative like this one with the certificates. They are impressed. They think it’s going to set me up for success,” Johnson said.
Johnson credits the certificate model with helping her build her digital innovation skills.
“When I saw that the digital innovation and design program is built around certificates, I thought that would be perfect for me. It allows me to pursue a lot of different interests while still getting a four-year degree. I chose AI, cybersecurity and UX design. These are all classes I am genuinely interested in, not just degree requirements.”
Learn more about the digital innovation and design program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Innovation and Design from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.