What Is an Online Marketing Certificate?
Marketing certificate programs vary considerably, depending on the level and focus of the training. Some programs teach marketing fundamentals to help graduates qualify for entry-level positions, while others offer advanced material for experienced professionals who wish to expand their skill sets.
Students will learn to create branding strategies, analyze market trends, and measure brand and campaign effectiveness. They may also acquire specialized skills in digital marketing, international marketing, or marketing analytics.
Certificates in marketing typically provide the same core content as marketing degrees, but in more condensed formats and without the general education courses. These programs usually provide transferable college credits, which is helpful for students who want to pursue degrees.
What's the Difference Between a Marketing Certificate and an Associate Degree in Marketing?
An associate degree in marketing provides similar core training to an entry-level certificate in marketing in addition to general education courses in science and humanities. These two-year degrees prepare graduates for the workforce while setting the foundation for further studies.
The best online associate marketing degrees offer comprehensive training in different aspects of the profession, such as social media marketing, public relations, and integrated communications. Graduates can then qualify for positions in advertising sales or public relations. Many schools offer marketing certificate programs and degrees to accommodate students of different backgrounds and goals.
What Can You Do With a Marketing Certificate?
Graduates with a certificate in marketing are prepared to take on entry-level roles in advertising, market research, and social media. For experienced professionals in business and community management, marketing certificate programs can build on business and branding fundamentals to tackle complex and advanced concepts, such as fundraising and public relations.
Advertising professionals help organizations market their products and services. Advertising duties may include identifying target markets, creating marketing campaigns, and selling advertising services.
Marketing certificate program coursework in basic branding and consumer markets helps candidates land entry-level jobs, and classes in advertising design, copywriting, and digital marketing can help experienced professionals take on creative aspects of the field.
Market researchers analyze consumer markets and the demand for various products and services. Analysts in this field identify market opportunities for organizations and provide information on competitors, consumer buying habits, and purchasing trends.
Certificate in marketing students can prepare for market research roles by taking classes in marketing analytics, research, and statistics. Learners may also take coursework in consumer behavior, branding, and business intelligence training.
Social media professionals manage social media marketing campaigns, create digital content, and foster online communities. These individuals drive consumer interactions and help maintain a company's voice and public appearance.
Marketing certificate programs online can equip both new and seasoned marketing professionals with updated skills for these positions. Candidates seeking social media roles would benefit from taking courses in public relations, digital marketing, and social media.
Choosing an Online Program
When choosing a certificate in marketing, prospective students should consider their career goals and interests. Learners should examine the job requirements for their ideal positions and ensure their certificates provide them with the right skill set. Readers can find more information on choosing the right program at the links below.
Accreditation for Marketing Programs
Applicants should ensure that prospective schools possess regional accreditation. Attending non-accredited schools could lead to employment and financial aid challenges down the road.
Marketing students should also consider programmatic accreditation. Many business and marketing programs receive accreditation from industry organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This recognition ensures the program's training meets or exceeds industry standards.
What to Expect From a Marketing Certificate
Marketing certificate coursework varies based on level and type of training. While every program features its own curriculum, the following section highlights common courses offered by certificate programs.
Marketing Curriculum
- B2B Advertising: This course teaches students how to market products to businesses. Training covers identifying buyer needs, creating product value, and developing pricing and communication strategies.
- B2C Digital Marketing: Enrollees will learn about digital marketing strategies, online buying behaviors, and e-commerce marketplaces. Learners will also take courses in social media and search engine marketing.
- Business Communications: Business communications courses teach learners to communicate effectively through speech and writing. Students learn to use business language in emails, presentations, meetings, and customer service settings.
- Customer Service: Enrollees examine the role of customer service in modern organizations, including how to deliver effective service in person, in writing, and online.
- Marketing Strategies: Marketing strategies courses teach students to analyze market conditions and consumer groups. Enrollees learn to develop effective strategies that meet the needs of consumers and align with organizational branding.
- Professional Selling: Students learn to communicate with buyers and adapt their sales strategies to fit unique situations. Coursework covers buyer behavior, psychology, and persuasion tactics.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Marketing Certificate?
Marketing certificate programs typically take less than one year to complete. Many programs consist of 12-18 specialized course credits, which students can finish in less than six months of full-time study.
Working professionals can enroll in online marketing certificate programs part time. Students can have up to three years to complete these certificates.
Marketing Certifications
Marketing certificate programs train students in certain areas of the field, whereas marketing certifications recognize professionals who meet specific industry standards. In some cases, the training provided by a certificate in marketing can help individuals acquire certification.
While eligibility requirements vary by credential, applicants typically need a combination of prior education and experience to qualify. Some organizations offer optional preparation programs.
Marketing certifications usually require candidates to pass an examination, after which professionals can apply for certification. These credentials often last 1-5 years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits. Some common marketing certifications include:
Google offers several certifications for individuals who demonstrate Google Ads expertise. Candidates can earn credentials in display, search, measurement, and shopping ads. Professionals can use these certifications to take on new job responsibilities or apply for positions that leverage Google Ads marketing.
A Google Analytics certification demonstrates a candidate's ability to effectively implement and manage marketing analytics programs, leading to better marketing responsiveness and results. The credential requires expertise in data collection, configuration, and report-making.
The OMCP® digital marketing certification tests candidates on paid searches, email and mobile marketing, and search engine optimization. This credential highlights a professional's practical experience and knowledge in several online marketing disciplines.
This dual certification awards professionals who complete the Digital Marketing Pro program and pass the examination. The assessment measures a candidate's knowledge in Google Analytics, digital marketing strategies, and social media marketing.
The Hootsuite social market certification examination tests professionals on audience building, advertising, and strategizing. Professionals with this certificate indicate their ability to manage organizations' social media accounts responsibly and effectively.
Marketing Organizations
Professional marketing organizations offer benefits to both new and seasoned professionals. Students and recent graduates can take advantage of career support and mentorship programs, while veteran marketers benefit from networking events, continuing education courses, and professional development programs.
Some organizations accept members from different marketing disciplines across the country, while others limit memberships to individuals from certain geographical regions or specialized groups. These organizations include the American Marketing Association, Black Marketers Association of America, African-American Marketing Association, and the Hispanic Marketing Council.
Marketing Careers
Marketing professionals use their skills in many different careers and industries. Marketing degrees and marketing certificate programs provide access to some of the most promising roles in business and finance.
The list below highlights some of the most common career paths for marketing graduates, but certificate-holders can pursue many other positions depending on their experience and education.
| Marketing Career |
Median Salary (2020) |
| Marketing Managers |
$141,490 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers |
$118,430 |
| Market Research Analysts |
$65,810 |
| Public Relations Specialists |
$62,810 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
