Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Digital Design for Business

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

Professional training in digital design, business communication, and marketing applications for creative professionals, freelancers, and small business owners. Develop hands-on skills using Adobe Creative Cloud applications including Photoshop and InDesign to produce professional print, web, and social media projects. Learn WordPress, SEO, and Google Analytics tools to design and manage digital content that supports branding and marketing visibility. BA Adobe courses explore AI-powered tools such as Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express to enhance creativity and improve design workflows. Apply small business management principles to develop client relationships, pricing strategies, and project workflows for freelance and small business success.

This program includes preparation for Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop and InDesign to earn industry-recognized certifications that expand career opportunities. It provides essential creative and business skills for students seeking to start or grow a freelance design business, work independently as contractors, or advance in corporate marketing and design roles. This program provides a clear pathway to the Adobe Applications for Business, Adobe Web Projects for Business, Digital Publishing, and Drone Technology certificate and degree programs.

Prepare for Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exams in Photoshop and InDesign.

Use AI-powered design tools within Adobe Creative Cloud applications to enhance creativity and improve workflow efficiency.

Apply business and project management practices including pricing, contracts, and client communication.

Integrate web, SEO, and social media tools to promote freelance or small business services.

Apply creative, branding, and layout principles to develop professional print and digital marketing materials.

Design and produce digital business and marketing projects using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

14 units
BA 164
Adobe Photoshop
Learn to use Adobe Photoshop for professional image editing to enhance business, marketing, and creative projects. Apply photo correction, repair, and restoration along with proper file setup, masking, filters, and special effects using current standards. Use AI tools such as Generative Fill, Content-Aware, Neural Filters, and advanced selections to work faster and more effectively. Emphasis is placed on professional projects for print, web, and social media. Includes preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) Photoshop exam, earning an industry-recognized certification that strengthens career opportunities.
    BA 170
    Adobe InDesign – Page Layout
    Develop skills in Adobe InDesign to design and publish professional business and marketing materials. Apply page layout techniques to integrate text and graphics, manage typography, and produce multipage documents such as brochures, newsletters, and reports. Use AI tools such as Adobe Firefly to generate design elements, suggest layouts, and speed up production tasks. Emphasis is placed on pre-press preparation, PDF exporting, and meeting digital publishing standards. Includes preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) InDesign exam, earning a certification that strengthens career opportunities.
      BA 155
      WordPress
      Learn how to design and manage websites and blogs using WordPress, a popular platform for business and personal web publishing. Create responsive websites with themes, plugins, and widgets while applying current Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to improve visibility. Learn the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, manage site content, and integrate with digital marketing tools. Use AI features such as ChatGPT and Canva AI to generate content, suggest layouts, and streamline website design.
        BA 153
        LinkedIn & Social Media Applications
        Develop professional skills using LinkedIn and leading social media apps to build a digital presence and career opportunities. Create accounts, design profiles, and post content across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X (Twitter), Pinterest, Yelp, Google, Snapchat, and Threads. Use social media for career development, networking, and business marketing while applying security and privacy best practices. Integrate AI tools such as ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Adobe Express to create posts, draft captions, and analyze engagement. Complete hands-on projects to showcase skills and build a professional portfolio.
          BA 154
          Google Analytics & SEO Applications
          Use Google Analytics and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools to measure and improve website performance. Practice keyword research, content optimization, traffic analysis, and campaign tracking with Google Analytics and related web statistics apps. Apply SEO techniques and analytics reports to evaluate conversions, return on investment (ROI), and site effectiveness. Integrate AI tools such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT to generate insights, optimize content, and support data-driven decisions. Complete hands-on projects to apply analytics and SEO skills to real-world business scenarios.
            BUS 170
            Principles of Small Business Management
            Practical business skills needed to start and operate a small business. Includes information on risk management, site location, legal aspects, financing, budgeting, merchandising, promotion, and management techniques.

              Second Semester

              2.5-7 units
              CHOICE: Digital Design for Business Elective
              CHOICE: Digital Design for Business Elective