South Carolina's Digital Art and Design pathway prepares students for careers in graphic design, web design, multimedia production, and digital media. This creative program combines artistic skills with technical proficiency, teaching students to communicate visual messages using industry-standard design software and contemporary digital media tools. With businesses across all sectors requiring digital content and visual communication, design skills are increasingly valuable in South Carolina's economy.
The pathway progresses from design fundamentals through advanced digital media production. Students develop skills in graphic design principles, digital imaging, web design, video production, animation, and interactive media. The curriculum emphasizes both creative problem-solving and technical execution, preparing students to create professional-quality visual content for diverse audiences and platforms. Students build comprehensive design portfolios showcasing their skills and creative vision.
South Carolina's Digital Art and Design programs connect students with design professionals through industry partnerships, guest speakers, and portfolio reviews. Graduates are prepared for entry-level design positions, freelance creative work, or continuation to four-year design or digital media degree programs. The pathway develops both creative expression and marketable technical skills applicable across numerous industries.
Digital Art and Design at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina's Digital Art and Design standards integrate visual arts standards with digital media competencies. State standards emphasize design principles, digital imaging, typography, layout and composition, web design, video production, and professional portfolio development. The framework prepares students for Adobe Creative Suite certifications and prepares them for careers in digital media fields.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Digital Design 1: Foundations | ART-101 |
| Digital Design 2: Graphic Design and Imaging | ART-201 |
| Digital Design 3: Web and Interactive Media | ART-301 |
| Digital Design 4: Advanced Media Production and Portfolio | ART-401 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Premiere Pro
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - After Effects
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design Specialist
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design Specialist
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓Unity Certified User - Artist
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Graphic Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $42,860 - $65,490
Adjusted for cost of living: $45,997
Web Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $60,360 - $127,630
Adjusted for cost of living: $64,778
Multimedia Artist
ExperiencedSalary range: $73,030 - $135,600
Adjusted for cost of living: $107,105
Video Editor
Entry LevelSalary range: $45,410 - $57,210
Adjusted for cost of living: $48,734
Creative Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $56,410 - $103,960
Adjusted for cost of living: $70,970
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete design projects for real clients including local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Work-based learning includes internships with design firms, marketing agencies, and media production companies, as well as freelance design work under teacher supervision. Students participate in design competitions and showcase work at student art exhibitions and portfolio reviews.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Technology Student Association (TSA), SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
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