Over the years, digital marketing has gained massive popularity because of advancing technology and market trends. Getting a digital marketing college certificate could further your career in digital marketing because a digital marketing certificate program is a great way to upskill in the field.
In today’s dynamic and fast-moving world, people look for quick means of learning digital skills, instead of years-long degree programs. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of digital marketing certificates that are offered by many colleges, digital marketing institutes, and other organizations.
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What Is a Digital Marketing Certificate College Program?
A digital marketing certificate college program is a fast-paced learning program that helps students learn about key concepts and ideas in the digital marketing industry, like mobile marketing, social media advertising, and Google Analytics.
Through theoretical and experiential learning, students develop the knowledge and skills for a digital marketing career. A digital marketing certificate college program usually consists of credits that students can transfer to their undergraduate or graduate degree programs at partnered colleges.
What’s the Difference Between a College Digital Marketing Certificate and Professional Certification in Digital Marketing?
The difference between a college digital marketing certificate and a professional certification in digital marketing is that a certificate is earned upon completion of an academic program within a set timeframe. On the other hand, certification is earned after passing a certification exam, which doesn’t necessarily require an associated program.
Other points of difference include the program admission requirements, program duration, exams, and career opportunities. While the differences between a certificate and a certification might seem subtle, they’re actually quite significant. The table below highlights more of the key differences between the two achievements.
Digital Marketing College Certificate vs Digital Marketing Certification: Key Differences
| Digital Marketing Certificate | Digital Marketing Certification |
|---|---|
| A digital marketing certificate is completed within a defined time frame, usually between six months and a year. | A digital marketing certification exam can be taken at any time. |
| A certificate program is ideal for both new and experienced students seeking higher education. | A certification is suitable for working students with some experience in the field. |
| A digital marketing certificate is earned as a result of completing the related program. | A digital marketing certification is earned as a result of passing the related exam. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Digital Marketing Certificate at College?
It takes between six and 12 months to get a digital marketing certificate at college. The time involved in getting the certificate depends on the type of certificate you are pursuing. An undergraduate certificate usually takes six to eight months to complete. On the other hand, it might take you seven to 12 months to complete a graduate certificate program.
Best Digital Marketing Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $350/credit |
| Cleary University | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $10,815/semester |
| Golden Gate University | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $462/unit |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $312/credit (in-state) $499/credit (out-of-state) |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $385/credit |
| Wilmington University | Certificate in Digital Marketing | $390/credit |
Best Undergraduate Digital Marketing Certificate Programs: Explained
Undergraduate certificate programs help students quickly develop an understanding of a subject, soon after earning their high school diplomas. Below, we’ll discuss the best undergraduate digital marketing certificate programs, along with key details, including their tuition fees and learning formats.
This six-month online undergraduate certificate program consists of five courses that help you earn 15 stackable credits. Its affordable tuition rate and flexible learning format make it an ideal program for aspiring professional marketers. Students learn modern digital marketing tactics, granting them the skills and knowledge needed to become digital and mobile marketing professionals.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $350/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores
This online program develops students’ fundamental marketing analysis and decision-making skills. Students will incorporate the latest technology to conduct market research, analyze the results, and develop a digital marketing strategy. The program has six courses that cover digital marketing, social media advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and more.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $10,815/semester
- Length: 24 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts, 2.0 GPA, SAT/ACT scores
This Golden Gate University program was designed by Facebook. It requires you to complete six courses with theoretical learning and hands-on experience, covering Google Analytics, search advertising, and digital marketing plan creation. You may enroll in the program as part of a bachelor’s degree program or get the certificate independently.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $462/unit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in person, hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Official academic transcripts, 3.0 GPA, statement of purpose, resume with three or more years of professional work experience
This 18-credit certificate program allows students to transfer up to nine credits. The program discusses how to create an email marketing strategy and analyzes psychological topics, such as customer loyalty. Plus, the online courses offer hands-on training in several areas, including Microsoft Excel, Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Sheets, and Facebook Ads.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $312/credit (in-state); $499/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Copy of high school transcripts
This four-course program is offered by one of the top-ranking accredited business schools, University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Manning School of Business. You must complete the required and elective coursework requirements to earn the certificate. The online courses cover digital marketing trends, ecommerce marketing, social media marketing, marketing analytics, and more.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $385/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts or GED/HiSET transcripts
Become a digital marketing expert with Wilmington University’s dual credit program. It focuses on developing business skills with an emphasis on customer targeting, mobile marketing, creative advertisements, and engaging websites. You must complete six courses to get this certificate. It can be completed online or in person at the university’s New Castle campus.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $390/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
Digital Marketing College Certificate Program vs Digital Marketing Associate Degree
There are some key differences between a digital marketing college certificate program and a digital marketing associate degree program. To choose between the two study programs, you must know the differences between the two. Below are the key factors differentiating both programs.
- Timeframe. A college certificate usually takes a few months to a year to complete, whereas it takes around two years to complete an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing.
- Credits Earned. A digital marketing associate degree provides you with around 60 credits that can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program. A digital marketing certificate usually provides you with 12 to 15 credits that may or may not be transferable.
- Professional development. A digital marketing college certificate program focuses on the professional development of students, usually preparing them to pursue professional certifications. Associate programs are more focused on academic enhancement.
- Prerequisites. The prerequisites for admission to a digital marketing college certificate program might include foundation courses or professional experience in the field. To enroll in a digital marketing associate degree program, you need to have a high school diploma and, sometimes, standardized test scores.
- Completion requirements. In a certificate program, you only need to complete four to six courses. An associate degree requires you to complete general education requirements, in addition to core and elective courses.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Digital Marketing Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate digital marketing certificate is definitely worth it because it enhances your resume and enriches you with technical knowledge and communication skills. An undergraduate digital marketing certificate might include internships to help you get hands-on experience with the latest digital marketing trends, such as mobile marketing, digital advertising, Google Analytics, video advertising, and Google Ads. You may get an entry-level job or pursue higher education after completing this certificate.
Best Digital Marketing Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Graduate Certificate in Marketing Management and Digital Strategy |
$775/credit |
| Missouri State University | Certificate in Marketing Analytics | $3,125/semester (in-state) $5,762/semester (out-of-state) |
| Penn State World Campus | Graduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics | $1,046/credit |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Certificate in Digital Marketing Specialization | $320/credit |
| University of Missouri St Louis | Certificate in Digital and Social Media Marketing | $548.10/credit (in-state); $1,345.60/credit (out-of-state) |
Best Graduate Digital Marketing Certificate Programs Explained
A digital marketing graduate certificate program helps you earn some credits for a graduate degree and develop foundational knowledge of digital marketing trends. Below, we have explained some of the best graduate digital marketing certificate programs, including online, hybrid, and in-person programs that you might consider attending.
This graduate certificate develops tactical and strategic skills among students. It takes an average of 1.5 years to complete the four-course online certificate program. You can choose one digital tools course each, one foundation course, and two elective courses. Full-time digital marketing professionals can flexibly pursue this certificate while working.
Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $775/credit
- Length: 16 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: None
This graduate certificate enables students to develop marketing data collection, editing, and analysis skills. The program has 12 credits divided into four courses. The courses cover marketing analytics, content marketing strategy, social media marketing, data visualization, and other topics. Students can customize the selection of courses according to their learning plan.
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Certificate in Marketing Analytics Details
- Cost: $3,125/semester (in-state); $5,762/semester (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, resume
The online Graduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics at Penn State World Campus is prepared by one of the top business schools in the world, the Smeal College of Business. It focuses on developing the ability to design and execute data-driven marketing campaigns. The program consists of four courses, all of which can be completed within a year.
Graduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics Certificate Details
- Cost: $1,046/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, resume, IELTS/TOFEL scores
This graduate certificate is offered by Gies College of Business and consists of 12 credits divided into four online courses. The core courses include Digital Media, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Marketing in an Analog World, which covers traditional marketing. This online graduate certificate fulfills the electives requirement of three master’s programs.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Details
- Cost: $320/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: None
This graduate certificate is offered by the university’s College of Business Administration, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The career opportunities available for certificate holders include community manager, customer relationship management (CRM) specialist, content writer, and social media marketing manager.
Certificate in Digital Social Media Marketing Details
- Cost: $548.10/credit (in-state); $1,345.60/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: 3.0 GPA (strongly preferred), letters of recommendation, professional experience, official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose
Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate Program vs Digital Marketing Master’s Degree
Many students struggle to choose between a graduate certificate program and a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing. Both of the programs are different from each other and you can pursue one or both, as per your convenience and learning goals.
You must explore the differences between both graduate programs to decide which one you should choose. Below are some key differentiating factors you should consider when choosing between a digital marketing graduate certificate program and a digital marketing master’s degree program.
- Cost. You can earn a graduate certificate in digital marketing at less than half of the cost of a master’s degree program in digital marketing. It’s cheaper because there are fewer courses in the program.
- Scope of Study. A graduate certificate in digital marketing focuses on specialized digital marketing knowledge with practical lessons covering all the relevant skills, concepts, and techniques. The learning path of a master’s degree covers a range of topics across the whole digital marketing industry, including relevant subjects and general education.
- Program Requirements. The common requirements for a graduate certificate include completion of coursework. A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing requires the completion of coursework, plus a thesis and dissertation.
- Admission Requirements. Standardized test scores are usually not required for admission to graduate certificate programs. To get admission to a master’s degree program, you must usually submit standardized test scores, alongside other requirements, like a resume and statement of purpose.
- Career Opportunities. The career prospects for graduate certificate and master’s degree holders differ. Future employers might want you to have a master’s degree for certain high-level positions, while others are open to graduate certificate holders.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Digital Marketing Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate digital marketing certificate is definitely worth it because it provides you with a smooth transition from a bachelor’s degree to master’s degree program. You can earn some valuable credits in a short period of time through a graduate certificate to earn your master’s degree quickly. It also opens doors to a wide range of high-paying career opportunities.
Digital Marketing Certificate Program Coursework
A digital marketing certificate program covers subjects directly related to the digital marketing industry. Some core courses are often required to get this certificate, including social media marketing, marketing analysis, and content strategy. Below are some common digital marketing courses included in a digital marketing certificate program’s coursework, with their brief descriptions.
Marketing Analytics
The course on marketing analytics discusses marketing strategies, tactics, and techniques, as well as the measurement of their effectiveness. It includes research tools and methods to drive meaningful conclusions from the collected data. You learn how to improve your marketing campaigns and retain customer loyalty based on factual data, thereby meeting business goals.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is an important component of digital marketing, and this course trains students in the efficient use of social media in conversion tracking and marketing strategies. Students learn how online marketers and business professionals can use social media platforms to have better communication and increase visibility and customer loyalty.
Digital Marketing
Become a digital marketing pro with this general course that covers topics like advanced search engine optimization, search engine marketing, mobile marketing, online reputation management, and email marketing. You’ll learn to design, develop, and execute effective integrated marketing plans to attract and engage customers and improve customer loyalty.
Search and Display Advertising
Learn the fundamentals of search and display advertising, including what it is, how it works, and how it relates to online marketers. You’ll explore different channels of advertising and learn how to use them to execute your marketing campaign. The course sharpens your skills in targeting customers through advertising and helps you meet business goals.
Marketing Strategy and Branding
This digital marketing training course helps you explore the idea of content marketing and effective branding for business professionals. It includes studying the significance of branding in marketing and the ways to improve it. The course focuses on concepts like consumer psychology, consumer behavior, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Digital Marketing Certificate from College?
With a digital marketing certificate from college, you can choose from several job options. Not only can you achieve career advancement, but you’ll also qualify for some entry-level digital marketing jobs. Following are some of the best digital marketing jobs you can pursue with a certificate in digital marketing.
Best Digital Marketing Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Manager | $133,380/year |
| Web Content Developer | $69,510/year |
| Email Marketing Specialist | $55,503/year |
| Content Manager | $61,030/year |
| Search Engine Optimization Specialist | $48,463/year |
Best Digital Marketing Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Whether you get an undergraduate or graduate certificate, you can have access to some of the best digital marketing jobs. These jobs might require real hands-on experience and relevant education. Below are some of the highest-paying digital marketing certificate jobs with high potential for growth in upcoming years.
Digital marketing managers plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate marketing strategies and campaigns on digital platforms. An undergraduate or graduate certificate in digital marketing, in addition to a relevant bachelor’s degree, helps increase your employment opportunities. It also equips you with the technical and analytical skills required to manage online marketing plans.
- Average Salary: $133,380
- Job Outlook: 10% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with experience in marketing
Web content developers are responsible for designing and developing web content for online marketing campaigns. A college certificate in digital marketing will help you develop an understanding of advanced search engine optimization, audience engagement, customer preferences, and engaging content production.
- Average Salary: $69,510
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with less than five years of experience required
As an email marketing specialist, you are responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing an email marketing campaign for lead generation. Digital marketing certificates help you understand the latest practices and tactics of efficient email marketing. A certificate also complements a bachelor’s degree to help you qualify for this position and do justice to your job.
- Average Salary: $55,503
- Job Outlook: 10% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with less than five years of experience required
A content manager is responsible for monitoring the content creation framework and developing content to attract, inform, and engage valuable customers. Digital marketing certificate programs train you to develop attractive content for an audience and help you use tactics to enhance your content’s visibility to a large number of audiences.
- Average Salary: $61,030
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with less than five years of experience required
Search engine optimization (SEO) specialists are responsible for identifying and implementing strategies to improve the ranking of a website on search engines, primarily on Google. Digital marketing certificates include in-person or online training in advanced search engine optimization techniques and tactics.
- Average Salary: $48,463
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with less than five years of experience required
Should I Also Get a Digital Marketing Certification?
Yes, you should also get a digital marketing certification because a digital marketing certification program equips you with specialized knowledge, tools, and the best digital marketing industry practices. They provide you with an opportunity to enhance your professional acumen through continued learning.
You can get access to more focused skill-based learning in a short period of time through digital marketing certifications. There is a range of certifications you can pursue to help you stay relevant within your current job and impress potential employers in the digital marketing industry.
Best Digital Marketing Certifications
- LinkedIn Digital Marketing Certificate. LinkedIn Digital Marketing Certificate is a path to mastering digital marketing tools under the supervision of professional digital marketing experts. This LinkedIn Learning program focuses on areas such as social media marketing, SEO, Google Ads, link building, and keyword strategy.
- Google Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Certificate. The Google Digital Marketing and Ecommerce certificate offers inexperienced digital marketers an opportunity to earn a professional certificate 100 percent online. The training courses in this certificate program help you get a good entry-level job.
- Duke University Digital Media and Marketing Certificate Program. Duke University offers students the Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) Digital Marketing Certification. The OMCP Digital Marketing Certification program enables professional marketers to gain excellence in their field and career.
- American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification. This certification teaches you about marketing management, content marketing, and other areas through advanced certification options. Upon successful completion, you’ll get a PMC Digital Marketing Certification, awarded in partnership with LinkedIn Learning.
- HubSpot Email Marketing Certification. HubSpot Academy offers free specialized certification in email marketing. It takes around 3.5 hours to complete the program online and learn the most in-demand digital marketing skills and email marketing strategies from this online education platform. The program includes video lectures and quizzes.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Digital Marketing Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for digital marketing is worth it because it provides you with a competitive edge over other students and traditional marketers. This competitive advantage benefits you in your educational and career paths significantly.
A college certificate helps you stay updated with the top new trends in digital marketing to become one of the best digital marketers in the community of marketing professionals, able to snag high-paying jobs. Plus, the cost and time efficiency of college digital marketing certificate programs make them convenient for a working digital marketer to attend.
Digital Marketing Certificates FAQ
Yes, online digital marketing certificates are better than in-person certificate programs where flexibility, cost, and convenience are concerned. They facilitate the ease of self-paced learning. However, in some online programs, you only get limited access to classes that expire after the defined period of time ends, and you’ll miss out on in-person networking and socializing.
Yes, there is a wide range of free digital marketing certification programs offered by online learning platforms, like HubSpot Academy, Google Analytics Academy, Facebook Blueprint, Google Garage, and LinkedIn Learning. These online marketing certifications show your familiarity with the digital marketing world.
No, you can’t get a digital marketing professional certification from online academies without an assessment. You must pass an external exam given by these online platforms. Some even offer a practice quiz that asks you relevant exam preparation questions and tells you about the minimum score needed to pass the online exam.
Yes, digital marketing is a good career as it offers a digital marketing expert more learning and growth opportunities than traditional marketing. According to Statista, digital advertising revenue is expected to pass the $700 billion mark by 2025. This means there will be more career opportunities for people with digital marketing skills and expertise.
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