Social Media Strategy and Design - SMSD.COC

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The Certificate of Completion in Social Media Strategy and Design will prepare students for careers in the social media industry, including as content creators, digital content producers, and social media designers. Students will learn how to create specific content for each social media platform to target and engage online viewers, building a community of followers. Students will learn how to create social media campaigns and measure their effectiveness with analytics. In addition, students will take courses in graphic design, motion graphics, marketing and advertising to blend social media strategy and design, a combination that is very much in demand.

Upon the successful completion of requirements for this program, a Certificate of Completion in Social Media Strategy and Design will be awarded.

Computer and Software Requirements

The Graphic Communications & Photography Department now requires that all of our students have a computer and subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud software.

We anticipate that the cost of a new laptop will be from $550 to $2400 depending on the computer chosen (less if choosing a refurbished or reconditioned computer). Either Mac or Windows PC platforms, and either laptop or desktop models are acceptable. However, if you plan on purchasing a computer, a laptop computer is preferable due to its mobility. Reconditioned, refurbished, or new computers are acceptable, as long as the specs are met. While the basic minimum computer is acceptable to run the required software, a computer with 16GB of RAM is recommended for the best results.

Apple Mac Specs: Intel core i5 or higher (2.0 GHz or faster processor); 8GB (16GB recommended) of system RAM; minimum 256GB hard drive; minimum screen size: 13 inches (15 or 16 inch recommended); OS 10.13 (High Sierra) or higher

PC Specs: Intel core i5 or AMD Ryzen; 8GB (16GB recommended) of system RAM; minimum 256GB hard drive; minimum screen size: 13 inches (15 or 16 inch recommended); nVidia GeForce GTX 1050 or equivalent, nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 or Quadro T1000 video card is recommended; Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 update (64-bit) version 1809 or later

Again, we recommend 16GB of RAM to ensure that your computer will run software as smoothly as possible, especially for those of you that will be taking Digital Media Production (DMP) courses. Adobe requires 8GB of RAM for their programs.

Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Students pay $19.99/mo the first year, and $29.99/mo after that. Go to Adobe.com and click on “Learn More” under “Students save over 60% on Creative Cloud.”

(SMSD.COC) Curriculum

Semester 1

ENG-101 - English Composition 1 3 credits
DMP-252 - Digital Sound and Video Design 3 credits
GAT-125 - Typography and Layout Design 2 credits
GAT-125L - Lab: Typography and Layout Design 1 credits
GAT-140 - Social Media Tools 3 credits
GAT-162 - Digital Imaging-Photoshop 2 credits
GAT-162L - Lab: Digital Imaging-Photoshop 1 credits

Total: 15 credits

Semester 2

MKT-101 - Principles of Marketing 3 credits
DMP-110 - Writing for Digital Media 3 credits
GAT-141 - Social Media Campaign and Analytics 3 credits
GAT-238 - Integrated Advertising Campaign Development 2 credits
GAT-238L - Lab:Integrated Advertising Campaign Development 1 credits

Total: 12 credits

Total (SMSD.COC) Curriculum Program Credits: 27

Program Personnel

Name	Title	Office	Phone	Email
Matthew Kriftcher	Professor	14/211	413-755-4312	mbkriftcher@stcc.edu
Cheryl Lukas	Professor	14/214	413-755-4307	lukas@stcc.edu
Philip Ruderman	Professor/Department Chair	14/210	413-755-4324	ruderman@stcc.edu