No matter what industry you currently work in, it is likely that you've heard the term "the digital skills gap." This term means that there is a shortage of the skills between what students are leaving college with and what is needed in the workforce.
For this reason, we as marketers need to stay current in how our marketing efforts are impacted by the new digital landscape.
So whether you're looking to hire new digital marketing talent or just looking at your options for furthering your career, here are 6 digital marketing programs in the US to consider.
CERTIFICATES
College certificate programs serve as a way for students to get real-world knowledge for specific industries or jobs while not having to invest in the full duration of a 4-6 year degree program. Because certificate programs typically last 6-months to a year, they are much more realistic for the working adult.
Certificates are ideal for professionals who have been in the marketing industry for years and are looking to freshen up their resume or for college students who are looking to diversify themselves for their future careers.
1. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - ST. LOUIS
DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Credit Hours Required: 105 | Investment: $3,265*
First up is the Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate at the University of Missouri. This certificate course uses case studies and in-person clinicals to offer students real-life skills and experience that can prepare them for a position in digital marketing.
One of the most unique features about this program is the diverse collection of elective coursework. Students can then choose from a variety of electives including:
- Mobile Marketing Strategies
- Advanced Facebook Advertising
- Display Advertising and Digital Media
- Data Analytics, Insights, and Visualization
- Consumer-First Email and Cross-Channel Strategy
- Livestreaming - Changing the Face of Social Media
- Podcasting: Why, How, and When
- Video Production and Editing
Financial aid offers scholarship assistance for working adults who are interested in this program. Corporate discounts are also offered for companies with 5 or more employees.
2. Portland State University
Digital Marketing Strategies Certificate
Credit Hours Required: 84 | Investment: $2,796*
Are you looking for a certificate program that is not only going to teach you digital marketing, but also the strategy behind it? Check out Portland State's Digital Marketing Strategies Certificate. This course focuses on strategizing, implementation, and how to show return on investment to key decision makers.
This course consists of 4 required courses, which can be completed in as little as one-term. In addition the Intro to Digital Strategies, Content Strategy, Social Media Marketing, and Analytics, students have the option to take a course in Search Engine Marketing. This course focuses on how Google algorithms are set up so that you can help your company get noticed.
Those taking this course can expect 2-4 readings and 1 assignment per week. If you are looking for a slower pace, students can stretch this certificate program over a maximum of 3 years.
3. Southern Oregon University
Interactive Marketing and eCommerce certificate
Credit Hours Required: 32 + | Investment: $6,521+**
According to the Pew Research Center, 8 out of 10 Americans are online shoppers. With statistics like that, it is important that marketers have the skills needed to manage and market eCommerce items. It is for this reason, we have decided to feature Southern Oregon University's Interactive Marketing and eCommerce Certificate.
This certificate is designed to be an add-on to the undergraduate, graduate or post-baccalaureate programs at Southern Oregon University, so unlike the others, marketers can not get this certificate by itself.
That being said, this rigorous program offers classes in Corporate Web Development, Mobile Image Making, Databases, and Programming for Artists, among others. With 15 elective offerings, and 7 core requirements, this certificate program is robust and will leave graduates with an excellent list of skills for their future career.
Read about how NR Media Group helped one organization
generate $1 million+ through eCommerce Sales
4. University of Washington
Digital Marketing Analytics Certificate
Credit Hours Required: 3 courses | Investment: $3,297*
Looking to become certified in Google Analytics? The University of Washington's Digital Marketing Analytics Certificate program is designed to teach students:
- The types of data produced by different kinds of digital marketing activities
- How marketing technologies function and interact at a technical level
- Techniques for developing and executing a measurement plan for a marketing campaign
- How to combine various types of marketing data and apply common analytical methods to generate helpful insights
- Principles of information design and data visualization
Students will walk away from this program having obtained a Google Analytics certification and real-world skills for communicating those data-driven insights to key stakeholders.
This certification is designed for marketing professionals who are looking for additional skills. Requirements dictate at least two years of college education, at least one year of work experience in marketing, and ability to do basic functions and formatting in Excel.
5. Duke University
Digital Media And Marketing Certificate
Credit Hours Required: 350 hours | Investment: $2,995
If you're truly looking to set your own pace over the next 12 months, consider taking Duke University's fully-online Digital Media and Marketing Certificate. This course is accessible anytime from any computer with internet connection, making it ideal for the busy professional.
Notable modules of this certificate program include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Practitioner
- Social Media Practitioner
- Mobile Marketing Practitioner
- Pay Per Click (PPC) Practitioner
- Conversion Optimization Practitioner
- Web Analytics Practitioner
- Email Marketing
Another benefit of this program? No textbooks required! Since everything is online, the only required reading are downloadable study guides meaning you'll get a ton of hands-on experience working with the software.
6. University of Phoenix
Digital Marketing Certificate
Credit Hours Required: 18 | Investment: $8,376*
Through the online course with University of Phoenix, students will earn a Digital Marketing Certificate in 7 months. Although more expensive than the other options, the University of Phoenix provides 9 classes that offer a full snapshot of the life of a digital marketer.
The goal of this class is for students to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to identify demand for products and services using digital marketing strategies.
*All pricing subject to change.
**Based on 2 semesters with 16 credit hours, undergraduate from the state of Oregon.
Check back with us soon as we release the next two versions of this series: Undergraduate and graduate level digital marketing programs in the US.
Cheers!
