Digital Media and Social Media Marketing Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$4,025* (estimated)

Inspire, inform and entertain audiences through digital marketing

Lead social media marketing. Define brand voices. Earn the Digital Media and Social Media Marketing Certificate at the College of Lake County.

This career-focused program teaches the business side of digital platforms. Get the skills to plan and execute engaging social media campaigns that drive real results.

Digital marketing is more than just posting content—it's about connecting with people on a deeper level, telling compelling stories, and reshaping how brands are perceived online. As you bring ideas to life and engage online communities, you'll see the impact of your work in real time.

Build agile skills that cut through the clutter online

Through interactive coursework, you'll gain expertise in:

  • Digital media fundamentals
  • Social media marketing strategies
  • Writing for social, web and mobile platforms

You'll also develop practical skills in:

  • Content creation
  • Social media management
  • Marketing strategy
  • Digital analytics

Graduate prepared to launch your career in social media, digital marketing, digital communications or related fields. By completing this certificate, you'll build a strong portfolio, gain real-world experience and stand out with employers in today's fast-growing digital marketing industry.

Highlights

  • Internships Available

    Gain real-world experience and build your portfolio with a hands-on internship.
  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
  • Career Certificate

    Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
  • Program Length: 1 Year

    Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120 2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 111 3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 127 3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121 3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BUS 239 3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 111
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 127
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BUS 239
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 117 3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BUS 227 3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EWE 120 1
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    EWE 220 2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 117
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BUS 227
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EWE 120
      Course Title
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code EWE 220
      Course Title
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course information: EWE 220 may range between .5 to 3 credit hours. Students can consult their Academic Success Advisor (ASA) for help with course planning.

Total Credit Hours

23

Build in-demand skills on industry-standard digital tools

In your classes, you’ll work on both Mac and PC systems and use the same digital marketing design tools professionals rely on. It’s a hands-on way to build confidence and develop real, work-ready skills, with access to a wide range of digital tools and applications.


Female student taking notes in class

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.


Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Frequently asked questions

What students say about CLC


  • Thais O'Malley

    Thais O'Malley

    Graduate

    “The quality of the program helped prepare me for the real world. I got my job right after graduation. I thanked my teachers because they prepared me so well.”


    Thais studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. She now works as a graphic designer and social media specialist for the City of Lake Forest.

    Read Thais' story

    Thais O'Malley
  • Photo of Luzbeth Perez

    Luzbeth Perez

    Graduate

    “I accomplished goals I never thought I could in my time at CLC. I earned straight As and became part of the honor society. I started drawing art! CLC is a place where you can succeed in your education.”


    Luzbeth studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. At first she struggled in class but with support from CLC faculty, she graduated magna cum laude.

    Read Luzbeth's story

    Photo of Luzbeth Perez
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Related programs

This certificate is just one possible way to study Digital Media and Design at CLC. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

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Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

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