How to Earn a Digital Marketing Certificate

Digital marketing makes up more than half the marketing budget for companies surveyed by Deloitte in 2023. And if you want to work in this exciting field, a certificate can fast-track your career.

Marketing certificate programs offer quick, focused training with an emphasis on practical skills. During a certificate in digital marketing, you’ll explore multi-channel marketing, integrated marketing communications, and social media marketing. Earning a certificate can help you break into in-demand marketing careers or specialize in digital marketing.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Before applying to certificate programs, you’ll want to find an option that fits your budget and schedule. And you’ll also need to identify a reputable program. Consider choosing a college or university for your marketing certificate, since these institutions meet accreditation standards for academic quality. You’ll also qualify for financial aid by attending an accredited college.

Certificate programs offered at colleges generally require 12-30 credits. You can finish a digital marketing certificate in 3-9 months, depending on the program length. Online certificates offer the greatest flexibility, but you can also earn a certificate on campus.

The cost of a digital marketing certificate depends on the program and certificate level. The online undergraduate digital marketing certificate at the University of Maryland Global Campus costs $5,832 for Maryland residents or $8,982 for non-residents. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online graduate digital marketing certificate for $3,984.

Certificate programs require an online application and transcripts. If you’re applying for an undergraduate certificate, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree. You don’t need a degree in marketing, business, or a related major — you can earn a digital marketing certificate with any undergraduate major.

Most programs do not require standardized test scores or letters of recommendation. Check with specific programs to learn more about their application requirements.

Once you gain admission to the certificate, you’ll take courses in marketing strategy, digital media, and marketing analytics.

What’s the difference between a certificate and a certification? A certificate emphasizes education and incorporates courses in the subject. Generally, a professional certification recognizes education and experience in a particular field.

Earning a certificate requires attending classes and completing assignments. Colleges generally offer certificate programs. Earning certification usually means passing an exam. Professional associations generally offer certification.

If you want to break into digital marketing, a certificate can give you focused training in that field. If you already work in digital marketing and want to showcase your expertise, a professional certification might make more sense.

Marketing managers, including digital marketing specialists, earned a median annual salary of $157,620 in 2023, according to the BLS. Graduates of a digital marketing certificate program also qualify for positions in related industries like advertising and public relations. Professionals in those fields earned a median annual salary of $149,320 in May 2023.

Like most tech workers, digital marketers with at least an undergraduate degree and some work experience can command a higher salary than entry-level professionals. If you currently work in the marketing field, you can pursue a digital marketing certificate to qualify for higher-paying jobs that require these specialized skills.

Here are some jobs a digital marketing certificate can help you land:

Digital marketing managers oversee companies’ or organizations’ digital marketing strategies. They often manage marketing budgets, make sure projects are completed on time and within budget, track metrics, and oversee social media channels.

Social media managers play a pivotal role within a team of digital marketing professionals. They examine internal metrics and interact with customers to develop and implement marketing campaigns specifically for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Online advertising managers focus on carrying out a company or organization’s advertising campaigns, especially to generate revenue. While their duties may overlap with those of a digital marketing manager, online advertising managers oversee just one component of a broader marketing strategy.