The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program provides students with specific skills that make them job ready for the publishing industry, whether it is for printing or the web. Digital Publishing Specialists use Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator programs, along with Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, to format and combine text, numeral data, photographs, charts, drawings, and other visual graphic elements to produce digital and/or printed publication-ready materials.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Given client data, students will utilize marketing research tools, apply creative techniques, choose and utilize appropriate software program(s) and analyze and solve graphic design and page layout problems to produce an effective publication. Working as a member of a Digital Publishing team, demonstrate professional work habits, meet scheduled timeline milestones and deadlines, and communicate effectively via oral presentations and written documents.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
8-10 Units
This beginning course explores the foundations of technology as well as current trends and emerging topics in information technology. Students complete hands-on projects in operating systems, web browsers, and web-based office applications. Students will also be introduced to topics such as understanding programming, computer security and social media.
should be taken in intersession PRIOR to CIS 60A
only 1 unit required
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Keyboarding Courses" below
This course is designed to review principles of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and number format; improve vocabulary and spelling; and develop proofreading and editing skills. Word Processing software is used to create and revise business documents.
This course introduces students to Adobe Acrobat. Topics include creating portable document files (PDF), working with PDF files, annotation and editing of files and interactive forms, and the distribution and management of PDFs.
This course is for the non-design student interested in learning Photoshop. Students will learn image creation and editing using Adobe Photoshop. Students learn to create, repair and modify images, scan photos, plan composite images and create special effects for use in a variety of applications. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the Visual Communication using Adobe Photoshop (ACA) certification.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
Semester 2
12 Units
Through the use of Microsoft Word software, skills are developed in creating, revising, formatting, storing, and printing a variety of business documents. Skills are developed from basic functions and editing tools through intermediate features such as AutoText, columns, custom tab settings, charts and graphs, graphics, envelopes, labels, and headers/footers. Emphasis is placed on professional quality production of documents. Students also learn to increase productivity through the use of automated features and multiple windows. Students develop problem-solving skills through the use of document revisions and trouble-shooting assignments. Additionally, students develop advanced skills in areas of interest ranging from legal applications to brochures and newsletters. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS and Expert certification in Word.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
- Skills Advisory: Ability to type 25 wpm
Through the use of Microsoft PowerPoint software, skills are developed in planning, creating, formatting, enhancing and delivering presentations for business applications. Topics include audience analysis, selection of presentation media, and the creation and presentation of slides, transparencies, and posters. The use of animation, sound and other special effects, as well as Web publishing techniques, will also be covered. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS certification in PowerPoint.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
This course is for the non-design students interested in learning Adobe Illustrator using Personal Computers for Windows. Students will develop the skills and use a variety of tools to create sophisticated illustrations, logos, advertisements, and other business media graphics for the Web. Hands-on experience is provided. This class covers the objectives necessary for the Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator certification.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 60A
Digital publishers design and produce everything from newsletters and brochures to books and magazines for their clients and employers. In this class, students will develop the skills to integrate text and graphics to design high-quality business publication documents and layouts. Students will create and edit graphics, scan text and images and prepare projects for print or for the Web. Hands-on experience is provided. This class covers the objectives necessary for the Adobe Certified Professional in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe InDesign certification.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1 or
Keyboarding Courses (at least 1 unit required)
1 Units
This course is designed to teach keyboard mastery by touch, improve speed and accuracy, and use Microsoft Word to create and revise business documents. Proofreading skill development is also included.
This course is intended for students without previous keyboarding instruction. Emphasis is on keyboard mastery, correct keyboarding techniques, and proofreading skills.
Students develop speed and accuracy. Emphasis is on using Microsoft Word to produce letters, memos, tables, and reports.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1A or
- Skills Advisory: 25 wpm
Course content includes keyboard mastery by touch, correct keyboarding techniques, and proper formatting of letters, memos, reports, tables, and other kinds of personal and business communications.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1B or
- Skills Advisory: 30 wpm
This course emphasizes speed and accuracy development, keyboarding technique, and proofreading skills.
Computers are used in all work environments. To function efficiently, computer users must be able to input data on a computer keyboard quickly and accurately. This course is designed to develop the computer keyboarding skills that are required to function in the workplace.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1C