New Digital Literacy Program

With the start of the fall 2018 semester, West Shore Community College will offer a new digital literacy program; the first at the college to join the arts and sciences curriculum and the occupational curriculum to create a single, interdisciplinary program.

Students will gain broad, overlapping skills in information retrieval, critical analysis, and evaluation, as well as digital marketing, computer programming, and digital composition.  The program will include units on legal and ethical standards such as copyright, fair use, security, and privacy.

“This new program addresses one of the most sought after attributes in graduates, communication skills. Not only will students be able to immediately use this degree in the workplace, but they can also transfer all credits to the University of Michigan,” said WSCC President Scott Ward.

“The program will give students long-term employment flexibility in today’s knowledge society,” said West Shore Professor of Humanities John Wolff.

The program meets Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements that help students transfer to related programs in four-year institutions and provides a foundation for programs including English, media studies, public policy, marketing, design, and many other traditional majors.

With strong support from the University of Michigan School of Information, the digital literacy program was also designed as preparation for the U of M bachelor of science in information (BSI). One hundred percent of BSI graduates have secured full-time employment with an average starting salary of $70,000.

Wolff, in collaboration with faculty members from West Shore’s communications and occupational divisions, designed the program with student and employer needs in mind.

The interdisciplinary curriculum of the digital literacy degree will include courses in composition, communications, and digital marketing, as well as real-world or service-learning opportunities. Students may choose electives from across the curriculum in accordance with their education plans and career goals.

Registration for the fall semester is underway for first-time, returning, and guest students and will continue to the first week of classes.

The fall semester begins August 27 and ends Dec. 14.

Those interested in registering for classes or who have questions about the application and enrollment process should contact the Student Services Office at (231) 843-5510.