Social Media Specialist Certificate (66 hrs)

Social Media Specialist Certificate (66 hrs)
Adults: Ages 18+ 
 
This program is hosted by the Center for the Digital Arts at SUNY Westchester Peekskill, located at 27 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY. Software versions are subject to change. These courses are for ages 18 and up unless otherwise noted. To apply for certificate programs, (excluding Social Media Specialist, AI for Business Owners, and the Historic Preservation programs) visit www.sunywcc.edu/peekskill-apply   

To register for certificate programs, email [email protected] or contact SUNY Westchester Peekskill Center for Digital Arts at 914-606-7300 or email [email protected]   

The Social Media Specialist Certificate at SUNY Westchester Peekskill Center for the Digital Arts is an online, two-semester program. The culminating experience will be the creation of a social media portfolio that students can share with potential employers or use as a guide to create their own social media consulting business. 

The Social Media Specialist Certificate provides motivated individuals with a foundation in practice and theory with hands-on activities, in-depth assignments, and lectures by the instructor and using supplemental resources, such as videos and/or interviews with social media professionals. We give you the tools to become a smart and capable player on the social media stage. When you are done, you will be able to create a powerful social media strategy. 

The certificate is an intensive course of study with a total of seven individual courses, and two optional electives to choose from. One elective is required during the program. Students must register for the entire program at the time of registration or take courses independently in sequence to complete the certificate. 
These classes will be remote.
For details, visit www.sunywcc.edu/social-cert 
Application form submission required: visit www.sunywcc.edu/peekskill-application  
Program tuition $1,526 (for entire certificate, can also pay per course). 

Introduction to Social Media Networks 

Explore today’s leading social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube—and learn how to select the right channels to achieve business goals. This course guides students through developing a buyer persona, defining a brand identity, and identifying the one to two platforms best suited for targeted impact. Through research, hands-on activities, and guided instruction, students will gain a strategic understanding of platform strengths and audience engagement. By the end of the course, students will have a clear, focused plan for using social media effectively to support their professional objectives. 
CE-COMP 2220PE, 3 Thurs., Sept. 10-24, 6:00-9:00 pm, $210.   

Social Media Content Fundamentals 

Develop the skills to create, manage, and measure effective social media content. This course introduces students to content strategy, including best practices for curating, producing, and sharing across platforms. Students will craft engaging posts, headlines, and calls to action while building a structured social media content calendar. Emphasis is placed on real-world application, helping students create content aligned with audience and brand goals. Through guided instruction and practical tools—including templates, handouts, and video resources—students will leave with a portfolio of ready-to-use content and a clear, actionable strategy for digital engagement. 
CE-COMP 2221PE, 3 Thurs., Oct. 8-22, 6:00-9:00 pm, $210.  

Optimizing Social Media Profiles 

Learn how to create professional, high-impact social media profiles that support your brand and business goals. This course focuses on optimizing profiles across leading platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Students will explore best practices for branding, messaging, and visual consistency, while applying strategic techniques to enhance visibility and engagement. Through examples, guided activities, and design tools such as Canva, students will develop and refine a mock or live business profile. By the end of the course, students will have a polished, platform-ready presence aligned with their marketing objectives. 
CE-COMP 2222PE, 2 Thurs., Jan. 7 & 14, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $144.  

Social Media Strategies and Tactics 

Build a strategic foundation for effective social media management. This course covers how to set clear goals, objectives, KPIs, and tactics that align with business outcomes. Students will develop content calendars to plan and schedule campaigns, integrating content marketing into a cohesive social strategy. The course also introduces essential tools, including content management systems and commonly used platforms in social media roles. In addition, students will explore strategies for building brand advocacy and engaging influencers. Through practical applications, students will gain the skills to plan, execute, and manage successful social media initiatives. 
CE-COMP 2223PE, 4 Thurs., Jan. 21-Feb. 11, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $279.  

Social Media Marketing 

Gain the skills to plan, launch, and evaluate effective social media advertising campaigns. This course provides an in-depth introduction to paid social strategy, including setting budgets, identifying and targeting data-driven audiences, and creating compelling ad content. Students will learn how to track performance and measure campaign impact using key metrics. Through hands-on activities, templates, and guided instruction, students will develop and execute a complete social media ad campaign. By the end of the course, students will have practical experience and a strategic framework for successful digital marketing. 
CE-COMP 2224PE, 3 Thurs., Mar. 4-18, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $210.  

Social Media Measurement and ROI 

Learn how to measure, analyze, and communicate the impact of social media strategies. This course provides a hands-on exploration of current tools and trends, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating performance. Students will develop skills to interpret key metrics, assess campaign effectiveness, and translate results into clear insights for non-expert audiences. Emphasis is placed on connecting social media performance to organizational goals and strategic priorities. Through practical exercises and real-world applications, students will gain the confidence to demonstrate the value and return on investment (ROI) of social media initiatives. 
CE-COMP 2225PE, 3 Thurs., Mar. 25-Apr. 8, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $210.  

Create A Social Media Crisis Management Plan 

Prepare for the unexpected and protect your brand in fast-moving digital environments. This course teaches students how to anticipate, identify, and respond to social media crises with confidence. Students will develop a comprehensive crisis management plan, including stakeholder roles, communication protocols, and a clear chain of command. Emphasis is placed on early detection, rapid response strategies, and effective messaging to contain and resolve issues. Through real-world examples, templates, and guided exercises, students will gain practical skills to manage both emerging concerns and full-scale social media crises. 
CE-COMP 2226PE, 2 Thurs., Apr. 15-22, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $144.  

Electives 

Writing for Social Media-An In-Depth Workshop 

Master the art of writing effective, engaging content for social media. This course explores the relationship between audience, purpose, and message across a range of platforms. Students will analyze real examples to identify what makes content successful, develop criteria for strong social media writing, and apply proven strategies to craft compelling posts. Emphasis is placed on clarity, tone, and audience engagement. Through guided practice and detailed feedback, students will refine their writing skills and build confidence in creating content that resonates and drives results. 
CE-COMP 2227PE, 2 Thurs., Oct. 29-Nov. 5, 6:00-9:00 pm, $144.  

Creating Simple Video Content for Social Media 

Learn how to create engaging video content that supports a clear marketing objective. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of video strategy, helping them define goals and translate ideas into compelling visual stories. Students will develop a storyboard and script aligned with a business objective, then produce short-form video content using accessible online tools and apps. Emphasis is placed on creativity, clarity, and audience engagement. By the end of the course, students will have completed a video project and developed practical skills for creating effective social media content. 
CE-COMP 2229PE, 2 Thurs., Feb. 18-25, 2027, 6:00-9:00 pm, $144.