Last Updated: December 9, 2020

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As the field of marketing continually evolves, staying up-to-date on the new technologies and concepts becomes increasingly important. Failing to stay current with emerging trends can make a professional’s work appear stale and redundant, lacking the polish it once had.

Completing a marketing certificate program gives practicing marketers the competitive edge they need to make better decisions and stay abreast of current marketing practices. By receiving additional training in new and advanced marketing strategies, these marketers continually improve their abilities and remain assets to their companies.

Certificate programs offer marketers an alternative to master’s degree programs. Because a certificate usually takes less time and money to earn than a graduate degree, it’s an ideal way to advance your professional knowledge, learn about current marketing theories, and explore new career options.

What will I learn?

A certificate in marketing is ideal for mid-level professionals who want to update their skills or pursue a higher-level position in the field. Whether you’re exploring contemporary marketing theories, or learning how to research data more efficiently, a certificate program allows you to return to the workforce with more poise and confidence.

Certificate programs help you develop a broad network of skills to show mastery of the marketing field. Typical course goals include:

Why get a marketing certificate?

  • Improve your credentials – Earning a certificate adds to your resume and professional portfolio, as you build up your knowledge of emerging marketing concepts.
  • Increase your worth to employers – By demonstrating to employers that you have the determination and drive to learn additional skills, you gain an advantage over those who don’t.
  • Enhance your confidence – With the educational backing gained from your certificate program, you’ll feel more confident when establishing new marketing goals and experimenting with new strategies.
  • Recognizing quantitative and qualitative research
  • Understanding how research data drives marketing decisions
  • Analyzing current brand image and formulating the desired position and image of the brand
  • Demonstrating knowledge of product lifecycles for your products and competitors’ products

Students will conquer these objectives through a preset number of classes, which are both required and elective-based. Most programs have three or more required courses, and allow you to choose three or more electives. The following are some typical courses offered in certificate programs:

Strategic Marketing

Marketers are exposed to a number of strategic challenges and opportunities due to the ever-changing marketing field. Students will learn to structure outreach efforts, and analyze customer value propositions, leading to a complete understanding of marketing dynamics.

Market Research

This class provides a comprehensive overview of the planning and implementation of market research processes. Students will learn how to collect data, use different measurement approaches, and analyze their results, making them more effective and efficient researchers.

Advertising Copywriting

By learning to make mundane topics interesting, marketing professionals create compelling advertising copy for their products. The class covers concepts and strategies, elements of good copy, and how to pitch advertising ideas for print, radio and television, and digital media.

Social Media Marketing

Explore the new and constantly evolving world of social media. Students will learn the importance of social media, popular tools to use, and the real-world affect it has on consumer outreach efforts.

Web Analytics

Created to give students an in-depth overview of the world of analytics, this course covers everything from implementing analytical tools, to analyzing data. By knowing how to correctly interpret data on the web, students are prepared to identify consumer trends.

What can I do with a certificate in marketing?

Many marketers may want to learn new techniques and strategies, but wish to advance their careers at the same time. One of the largest benefits of earning a certificate in marketing is the time factor; this allows you to diversify your educational portfolio while still remaining loyal to your company.

As you expand your skill set, you’ll be able to implement new techniques and strategies at your current job. This dedication shows your employer that you’re committed to improving the company as a whole, and wish to contribute more to your organization.

Many certificate programs are designated for management, and will prepare you for a leadership role. Marketing certificates are typically intended for professionals who wish to advance to new positions, including:

To help you reach your career aspirations, you’ll dedicate yourself to one of several areas in your certificate program. Most programs offer a diverse range of specializations, including:

For example, if your company is shifting its focus and energy toward a new web marketing strategy, you might choose to earn certification in e-marketing or digital marketing. Certification programs in these areas guarantee you’ll take a fresh look at new Internet technologies and ideas for new software programs.

With the help from these specialized courses, you’ll be better equipped to tackle any new challenges. By earning your certificate in marketing, you gain the qualifications and credentials needed for success in any marketing role.