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Submitter's Information

Name

Bobbi Mahfood

Title

Dean of Educational Services

Region

Central/Mother Lode

College

Coalinga College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Bobbi Mahfood

CTE Dean's Email

Log in to view CTE Dean's Email.

Program Details

Program Title

Digital Media - Design Basics

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Digital Media (061400)

Projected Start Date

07/01/27

Catalog Description

The Digital Media - Design Basics Certificate provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in digital design and media production.  This program introduces core concepts in visual communications, digital imagining, illustration, layout, social media, and content creation using industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.  Students will gain hands-on experience through project-based coursework on design principles, storytelling, creative tools, and the business of digital media.  Emphasis is placed on building a professional portfolio and developing the technical and conceptual skills necessary for entry level roles in the digital media field for personal and freelance creative projects.

Enrollment Completer Projections

The anticipated number of completers for the Digital Media - Design Basics Certificate is projected to be 15 - 20 students annually, based on an expected enrollment of 20 to 30 students per year.  This estimate reflects both full-time and part-time student pacing, with most students able to complete the certificate in approximately one year.  The program's structure, with clearly defined coursework, stackable skills, and industry-relevant training supports strong retention and completion outcomes.  Sustained interest from local high school graduates exploring creative technology and design careers, combined with accessible online delivery and academic support services, further strengthens these projections.  Labor Market Information highlights steady demand for graphic designers, digital media specialists, and content creators across Central California, with competitive wages ranging from entry-level freelance opportunities to established design and marketing roles.

Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
Program Goal

The Digital Media - Design Basics Certificate provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in digital design and media production.  This program introduces core concepts in visual communication, digital imaging, illustration, layout, social media, and content creation using industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.  Students will gain hands-on experience through project-based coursework focused on design principles, storytelling, creative tools, and the business of digital media.  Emphasis is placed on building a professional portfolio and developing the technical and conceptual skills necessary for entry-level roles in the digital media field or for personal and freelance creative projects.

Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

18

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

Required (Total 18)

Complete all of the following:

DMGR001 - Introduction to Digital Media (3)

DMGR002 - Introduction to Social Media (3)

DMGR003 - Introduction to Digital Design Principles (3)

DMGR004 - Digital Media Business Basics

CIS020 - Digital Image Production - Photoshop ACA (3)

CIS022 - Digital Image Production - Illustrator ACA (3)

Program Requirements
CourseTitleUnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)
DMGR001Introduction to Digital Media3S1
DMGR002Introduction to Social Media3S1
CIS020Digital Image Production - Photoshop ACA3S1
DMGR003Introduction to Digital Design Principles3S2
DMGR004Digital Media Business Basics3S2
CIS022Digital Image Production - Illustrator ACA3S2

Supporting Documents

Upload Labor Market Information (LMI)

Central/Mother Lode Regional Questions

Submission Details

Published at

05/26/26 - 11:36 AM

Status

Recommended

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Digital Media - Design Basics". to Bobbi Mahfood's drafts. This message will be sent to bobbimahfood@whccd.edu

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