Desktop Publishing Certificates and Associate Degrees at a Glance
Desktop publishers utilize computer software to create brochures, catalogs, newsletters, flyers, books, and other documents. In a desktop publishing course, you learn to manipulate text, photos and images, design page layouts, and publish work in print and online formats. Desktop publishers work in the publishing and printing industries or for businesses that produce their own documents, such as advertising agencies and marketing firms.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates jobs in desktop publishing to decline 15% between 2010 and 2020 (www.bls.gov). This decline is expected to be the result of there being fewer printed publications and an increase in the ability of other workers to complete desktop publishing tasks as part of their regular job responsibilities.
| Certificate | Associate's Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals seeking entry-level jobs in desktop publishing | Individuals wanting to begin a career in desktop publishing and earn college credits |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate average annual salary) | - Administrative assistant/secretary ($34,000)* | -Desktop publisher ($39,000)* Marketing assistant ($38,000)** |
| Time to Completion | Approximately 1 year | 2 years full time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 14-18 credits - Portfolio | - Between 64-70 credit hours - Portfolio |
| Prerequisites | High School diploma or GED | High School diploma or GED |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (June 2012 figures).
Certificate in Desktop Publishing
Certificate programs in desktop publishing prepare students for entry-level jobs in desktop publishing or other fields in which digital design skills are required. Some programs focus on only one type of software - typically Adobe Creative Suite - while others focus on the fundamentals of desktop publishing - image and text manipulation, layout, and design - using multiple software programs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can lead to the same employment opportunities as degree programs
- Programs may allow you to focus on desktop publishing, in contrast to the curriculum of an associate degree program, which is often combined with another area of study
- Can be completed in as little as one year
Cons
- Required software can be expensive
- Coursework is designed for students who already have a good working knowledge of computer use and navigation
- Students in an online certificate program are often expected to learn difficult programs on their own, without hands-on guidance from an instructor
Common Course Topics
Courses in certificate programs are typically taught using both Macintosh and Windows operating systems to give you an understanding of both platforms. You usually create a portfolio to showcase your work.
Courses in these programs cover topics like:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Electronic presentations
- Web page design
Online Programs
Certificate programs in desktop publishing are available online. Online certificate programs generally have the same requirements as those offered in a classroom setting.
How Continuing Education Can Help You Stand Out
With most document creation occurring in-house, businesses now expect employees to know how to design and publish newsletters, reports, and training documents. Completing a course in producing these documents and in corporate communications can help you stand out against your competition.
Associate in Desktop Publishing
Associate degree programs in desktop publishing are rare. However, some colleges offer combined graphic design and desktop publishing programs. These programs focus heavily on multimedia design and often include courses in web publishing, digital imagery, and advertising principles, as well as training in desktop publishing software.
Desktop publishing may also be offered as a series of courses within an office management or business technology degree program. These programs teach the administrative and clerical tasks of office management, and usually offer desktop publishing as an elective or area of emphasis.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- In a combined degree program, you learn additional skills that compliment your knowledge of desktop publishing
- Programs usually allow you to create a portfolio of projects that can be presented to potential employers
- May lead to a freelance career, which allows you to select the type and number of assignments you accept
Cons
- A degree is not necessary to obtain employment in desktop publishing
- Bachelor's degree programs in desktop publishing are rare, so credits earned in these programs may not transfer
- A degree may not guarantee employment; because jobs in desktop publishing are declining, there will be greater competition for open positions
Common Courses and Requirements
Completing an associate degree program in graphic design and desktop publishing includes core courses in design and publication. A portfolio of work is created throughout the duration of the program.
Courses in a graphic design/desktop publishing degree program include:
- Word processing
- Photo manipulation
- Storyboarding
- Graphic design
- Electronic publishing
- Basic Web design
Online Degree Options
Online and hybrid degree programs in graphic art and desktop publishing are available. Coursework for online programs is the same as the curriculum of on-campus programs.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
Technology is always evolving so it is very important to stay current on new software for desktop publishing. To stand out with your degree, consider sitting for the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exams. This certification shows your expertise in one or more programs, and can help you stand out against your competition.
