Program Overview

SRJC’s Computer Studies Department offers a robust package of courses in Adobe Creative Cloud's most popular applications, including industry leaders Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These courses offer students an overview and in-depth knowledge of Adobe's professional-level software.

The Adobe program offers four pathways – a certificate of achievement covering multiple applications and three application-specific skill certificates.

CS Adobe Apps Specialist Certificate

The 15-unit Computer Studies: Adobe Applications Specialist Certificate of Achievement provides an overview of Adobe's professional level graphics and page layout programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. This certificate supports individuals applying for new jobs, as well as those currently employed.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in image editing skills using Photoshop.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in vector skills using Illustrator.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in desktop publishing skills using InDesign.
4. Use critical thinking skills to formulate, apply and integrate assets in a workflow environment for PDF, screen or web using Adobe Creative Suite software.

» Learn more about the CS Adobe Apps Specialist Certificate requirements

CS Adobe Photoshop Entry Certificate

The six-unit Computer Studies: Adobe Photoshop Entry Level Skills Certificate provides an entry level course of study in Adobe Photoshop. This course of study helps prepare the student to take the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) industry-standard exam in Adobe Photoshop.

A Photoshop ACA has earned a certification that validates entry-level skills in visual communication, for careers including, but not limited to, marketing, Web development, photography, digital media, and graphic design. It indicates an intermediate level of depth and breadth of Photoshop knowledge and experience and enhances the recipients' value in the job market.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Utilize intermediate-level features of Adobe Photoshop, including the correct usage of layer, vector, and clipping masks.
2. Create and edit complex digital images using basic through intermediate Photoshop features.
3. Use critical thinking skills to evaluate an image, develop a strategy to repair and/or enhance it, and make the appropriate adjustments.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to pass the Adobe Certified Associate exam.
5. Perform the Photoshop skills essential to an entry-level position in photography, digital art, desktop publishing, or Web page design.

» Learn more about the CS Adobe Photoshop Entry Certificate requirements

CS Adobe Illustrator Cert Certificate

The six-unit Computer Studies: Adobe Certification Training in Illustrator Skills Certificate provides instruction in the vector graphic program, Illustrator. This program of study helps prepare the student for the Adobe Illustrator ACE industry exam, and will enhance the student's value in the job market. The skills are applicable to occupations involving printed and web media.

Illustrator is the most widely used graphics program to create vector graphics for packaging and design for both print and the web. This program is widely used by graphic artists, illustrators, web designers and desktop publishers.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Create a variety of documents that exhibit the full gamut of Illustrator skills from beginning to advanced levels.
2. Use critical thinking skills to formulate, apply and integrate assets in transferring Illustrator documents into print, PDF, or web environments.
3. Demonstrate knowledge necessary to complete the studies for the Adobe certified expert industry exam in Adobe Illustrator.

» Learn more about the CS Adobe Illustrator Cert Certificate requirements

CS Adobe InDesign Cert Certificate

The seven-unit Computer Studies: Adobe Certification Training in InDesign Skills Certificate provides provides a course of study that will prepare the computer user to master skills needed to prepare desktop publishing projects using InDesign. Students will also be prepared to pass the Adobe InDesign industry certification test. Successful completion of the test will indicate a particular depth and breadth of desktop publishing skills and will enhance the recipient's value in the job market.

InDesign is one of the most widely used Desktop Publishing programs used by graphic designers, publishers and companies for production of catalogs, brochures, newsletters and other printed materials. The ability to use InDesign will greatly enhance a student's ability to find employment in public relations, communications, graphic design, and printing occupations.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

1. Create a variety of desktop publishing documents that exhibit the full feature set of InDesign skills from beginning to advanced levels.
2. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to complete the studies for the Adobe Certified Expert industry exam in Adobe InDesign.
3. Use critical thinking skills to design a multi-document workflow environment for print.
4. Use critical thinking skills to formulate, apply, and integrate assets in a workflow environment for PDF, screen or web using Adobe Creative Suite software.
5. Use current technology to develop a collaborative work environment, share files, manage developmental versions, set up review cycles and interact in real-time virtual meetings.

» Learn more about the CS Adobe InDesign Cert Certificate requirements