Design a career that crackles with creativity.

Of all the fast-track careers, none is more promising than the computer technology industry, which can include everything from computer design to website creation to video game design. Strong growth is inevitable in virtually all areas of computer technologies.

Course Overview

The core curriculum of this program focuses on Business, Networking and Web Design. Students should expect a significant amount of individual and team-based hands-on projects. Game Production Studio is an extensive project in the second semester of the program in which students build a Role Playing Game and all the elements that go along with it - original soundtracks, characters, items, story, marketing, etc. There is also a focus on 3D design. Students successfully completing the course will be prepared for pursuit of associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science or Digital Design. It is possible to earn college credit while completing this course.

Learning Environment

Time is spent mostly working on projects. Students will be given appropriate levels of instruction, then asked to create meaningful projects related to the current unit. Relevance to the current job market and trends are paramount. Students will be prepared to take the CIW Web Foundations Associate series of exams upon completion of the program. All students should expect a significant amount of hands-on work while at their computers.

Is is right for me? It is if you...

enjoy computers
enjoy problem solving
enjoy designing
like new technology
are detail-oriented
are creative
like self and team approaches
can sit for long periods

Potential Careers

Participation in Digital Media can help prepare you for jobs in areas like:

Network Support
Digital Animation
Quality Assurance Testing
Small Business Management
Web Design
Videogame Design

With further training and/or education, you could expect Digital Media to help launch a career in fields like:

Network Engineering
Network Administration
3D Modeling
Videogame Department Management
Professional Animation
Web Programming

What's It Like?

Instructor Jim Langley says: “The curriculum has a heavy emphasis on projects and self-motivation. You will get out of the class what you put into it. If you’ve been looking for a way to channel your creativity through design and to solve real-world problems with purpose, look no further.”

Primary Units of Instruction

(lecture, demonstration and lab work):

Web Design
Videogame Design
Entrepreneurship
Animation
Networking
Adobe Photoshop
Emerging Multimedia
Soundtrack Creation
3D Modeling

Length of Program:

One Year, two semesters; second year is optional for qualified students

Program Schedule:

A.M. Session - 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
P.M. Session - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Going to college? Start with CTE

It is possible to earn articulated college credit through an articulation agreement between CTE and many Michigan community colleges and universities. This credit can only be granted after successful completion of the CTE program and future enrollment at a college or university that has a current articulation agreement with Clare-Gladwin CTE. See your school counselor for more information.

College Partnerships

Ferris State University
Kirtland Community College
Mid Michigan Community College

Who’s Up For a Second Helping?

Students interested in returning for the program’s second year must:

Have 10 or fewer absences and fewer than three tardies in the second semester of Year One
Have an 80 percent average or better in the first year
Be an effective and collaborative team member
Be a self-directed and independent worker, indicate a personal desire to pursue a business- or computer-related and have good work ethics
Possible CIW certification in Network Technology, Site Development and Internet Business

High School Credit and CTE Certification

Students may earn the state-required fourth-year math-related course credit through this program. Local schools will award high school credit upon successful completion of this program. The CTE Certificate of Completion will be awarded to students who successfully complete their programs.