Digital Media and Social Media Marketing Certificate

Excel at social media marketing

Define a brand’s voice

With a certificate in Digital Media and Social Media Marketing, you focus on the business side of digital platforms. This new certificate program gives you the foundation to eventually lead campaign strategy.

Make your resume stand out with the skills and knowledge you earn from your coursework:

digital media fundamentals
social media marketing essentials
writing for social media, web and mobile

We provide you with access to Mac and PC computer labs, so you can become familiar with both platforms. You build work-ready industry skills as you learn the ins and outs of digital marketing and design tools:
- Adobe® Acrobat, After Effects, Animate, Audition, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Illustrator, Media Encoder, Photoshop and Premiere
- Apple® Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro
- 3D Software: Maxon® Cinema 4D
- WordPress with Apache server
- Waves Mercury hardware and plugins, Steinberg Cubase, Celemony Melodyne 4 Studio Software and Avid Pro Tools
- digital video cameras, recording equipment and audio mixers
- green screen, broadcast monitors, condenser microphones, analog and digital video capture stations

What can you do with a certificate in Digital Media and Social Media Marketing?

This certificate prepares you to work in digital media, communications or related fields.

Highlights

Internships Available

Gain relevant work experience before you complete the program.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,464
  
  Median
  
  $86,695
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $168,958
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.26
  
  Median
  
  $41.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81.22
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  9.69%
  
  Some college
  
  5.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.37%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  71.54%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.69%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,428
  
  Median
  
  $57,795
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,204
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.39
  
  Median
  
  $27.79
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $55.86
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  44.3%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.86%
  
  Some college
  
  1%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.14%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  38.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14,675
  
  Median
  
  $46,035
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $137,620
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $7.05
  
  Median
  
  $22.13
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66.16
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  16.28%
  
  Some college
  
  1.18%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65.1%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.59%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,100
  
  Median
  
  $63,637
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,588
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.79
  
  Median
  
  $30.59
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.68
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15%
  
  Some college
  
  5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  10%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19,018
  
  Median
  
  $41,162
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,194
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $9.13
  
  Median
  
  $19.78
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $70.77
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  27.27%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.64%
  
  Some college
  
  27.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  13.64%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  18.19%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23,277
  
  Median
  
  $47,190
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84,726
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $11.19
  
  Median
  
  $22.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.73
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  84.35%
  
  Certificate
  
  2.06%
  
  Some college
  
  7.66%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  0.74%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  5.2%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,951
  
  Median
  
  $42,501
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $68,202
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.28
  
  Median
  
  $20.43
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $32.78
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  41.48%
  
  Certificate
  
  9.47%
  
  Some college
  
  20.65%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.19%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  5.2%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
DMD 111	DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media Class Description This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.	3
DMD 127	DMD 127 Survey of Social Media Class Description This course provides an introductory survey of social media in its historical, social, cultural, and economic context with a goal of preparing students to become informed social media users and decision makers. It also examines social media in everyday life and business environments via such research methods as observations, interviews, experiments, and case studies. Students will learn the fundamentals of choosing the proper social media channels, and creating and managing selected social media accounts through hands-on practices for a simulated marketing campaign.	3
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3
BUS 239	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DMD 111
Course Title	DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media Class Description This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	DMD 127
Course Title	DMD 127 Survey of Social Media Class Description This course provides an introductory survey of social media in its historical, social, cultural, and economic context with a goal of preparing students to become informed social media users and decision makers. It also examines social media in everyday life and business environments via such research methods as observations, interviews, experiments, and case studies. Students will learn the fundamentals of choosing the proper social media channels, and creating and managing selected social media accounts through hands-on practices for a simulated marketing campaign.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 239
Course Title	BUS 239 Social Media Marketing Class Description This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
DMD 117	DMD 117 Concepts in New Media Class Description This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.	3
BUS 227	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.	3
EWE 120	EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills Class Description This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.	1
EWE 220	EWE 220 Internship I Class Description An internship offers an individualized learning experience through the linking of an academic program to a structured employment setting. The learning outcomes for the internship are coordinated and agreed upon by the student, faculty, and employer. Course assignments throughout the term support these learning outcomes, and assist in academic, career, and professional preparedness. This is a variable credit course (.5-3 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. Student could take this course up to 4 times and earn the maximum credit (3 credits) for each time for a total of 12 credit hours.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	DMD 117
Course Title	DMD 117 Concepts in New Media Class Description This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 227
Course Title	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EWE 120
Course Title	EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills Class Description This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	EWE 220
Course Title	EWE 220 Internship I Class Description An internship offers an individualized learning experience through the linking of an academic program to a structured employment setting. The learning outcomes for the internship are coordinated and agreed upon by the student, faculty, and employer. Course assignments throughout the term support these learning outcomes, and assist in academic, career, and professional preparedness. This is a variable credit course (.5-3 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. Student could take this course up to 4 times and earn the maximum credit (3 credits) for each time for a total of 12 credit hours.
Credits	2

Total Credit Hours

23

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Digital Media and Design at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Digital Media and Design. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Digital Media and Design Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can! Our Digital Media and Design program is a great fit for you. More than half of our students attend class part time.
The Certificate in Digital Media and Social Media Marketing is 23 total credit hours and takes an average of one year to complete when enrolled full time. Your classes assess social media platforms and content critically by examining them in their historical, cultural, political and business context.

Your program includes an internship where you practice integrating social media into a business marketing and engagement strategy.

Learn from a mix of lectures, case studies, simulations, research and surveys. Your courses include:
- Social Media Marketing
- Principles of Marketing
- Survey of Social Media
- Introduction to Digital Media
Yes—well, most of them. Most courses in this program are offered in an online format, except for a couple which must be taken in person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

What students say about CLC

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
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

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Excel at social media marketing

Define a brand’s voice

Access to must-have digital tools

What can you do with a certificate in Digital Media and Social Media Marketing?

Highlights

Internships Available

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Art Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Desktop Publishers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Film and Video Editors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Graphic Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Photographers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Prepress Technicians and Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Digital Media and Design at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I enroll as a part-time student in this program?

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

What students say about CLC

Thais O'Malley

Luzbeth Perez

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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