Explore the expanding field of digital marketing and discover various certificate programs that can enhance your career. Learn about in-demand roles such as Digital Analyst, Social Media Manager, and Search Engine Optimization Specialist, and uncover key information about digital marketing programs at Noble Desktop, Dallas College, BrainStation, and more.
Key Insights
- Digital marketing uses the internet and digital communications to connect with consumers, with methods including email, social media marketing, influencer marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
- Companies are increasingly relying on digital marketing to reach new audiences and analyze consumer demographics and website traffic, informing future marketing campaigns and impacting revenue.
- Numerous roles are in demand within the digital marketing field, including Digital Analyst, Social Media Manager, and Search Engine Optimization Specialist.
- The Digital Marketing Certificate program offered by Noble Desktop covers essential digital marketing skills such as SEO, social media, paid search, content marketing, and email marketing.
- Dallas College's Digital Marketing Specialist Certificate is an 18-credit hour program focusing on eCommerce, online consumer behavior, market research and planning, SEO, web analytics, and social media marketing.
- BrainStation and General Assembly offer part-time digital marketing courses that prepare students for a career in digital marketing, covering foundational digital marketing concepts and providing hands-on experience.
Companies use email, text messages, social media accounts, and other means to reach consumers digitally. Popular strategies within digital marketing are social media marketing, influencer marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).Â
Although traditional marketing strategies are still used by companies, many of them are becoming increasingly reliant on digital marketing methods to reach new audiences. Digital marketing is especially useful in determining the demographics of a company’s consumers and can also be used to analyze website traffic. This information is then assessed to plan future marketing campaigns, which can have a significant impact on the amount of revenue being generated.Â
The field of digital marketing is rapidly expanding, and companies are looking to fill a variety of roles. Learning the principles of digital marketing and digital marketing strategies can help you begin a career in digital marketing. In-demand roles include Digital Analyst, Social Media Manager, and Search Engine Optimization Specialist.
Noble Desktop: Digital Marketing Certificate
Key Information: Noble Desktop offers a Digital Marketing Certificate program live online and at their NYC location. Tuition is $3,995 and can be paid in full, in installments, or following a 12-month 0% financing plan. Noble Desktop also offers a corporate invoicing option for companies looking to enroll employees in the program. No prior knowledge is required to enroll in the program, but students should be comfortable using a computer.Â
This program is aimed at providing students with essential and in-demand digital marketing skills. Students will learn how to develop a digital marketing campaign through SEO, social media, paid search, content marketing, and email marketing. The program will also cover how to track and analyze data. This part of the course focuses largely on increasing your return on investment by using technology to determine key performance indicators, monitor web analytics, track conversions, and create reports.Â
This program consists of 14 units. The beginning of the program focuses on digital marketing strategies and tools, the middle of the program will guide you by using social media platforms, and the program ends with a lesson on creating personal ideas and showcasing them in a portfolio. SEO, Google Analytics, and blogging are some of the skills covered over the course of this program.Â
This is a hands-on program that includes real-world projects. Students will benefit from live training and small class sizes, which will allow them to ask questions and receive feedback from their instructors. Noble Desktop offers students the chance to retake any module or the whole program for free within one year. At the end of the program, students will be given a NY-state licensed certificate that can be shared online with their professional network.
Noble Desktop: Facebook Marketing Bootcamp
Key Information: Learn how to market to consumers on Facebook in Noble Desktop’s live online Facebook Marketing Bootcamp. This 12-hour bootcamp costs $650. Tuition is due in full before the bootcamp begins. This is a beginner-level bootcamp, so no prior experience is required to enroll.Â
Learn how essential social media has become to the field of marketing in this two-day bootcamp. This course will teach you the foundations of social media marketing as you learn the ins and outs of Facebook. Students will be introduced to Facebook marketing trends and develop a marketing strategy that works for them.Â
This bootcamp consists of four sections that will introduce them to Facebook, introduce them to Meta, and cover content and interactions, Shopify, and Meta Ads Manager. Students will learn practical skills as they work on real-world projects under instructor guidance. The bootcamp will also include lectures to strengthen and improve their skills.Â
There are many benefits to enrolling in Noble Desktop’s bootcamp. Students will have access to the bootcamp to retake for free for up to one year. After completing the bootcamp they’ll receive a certificate of completion. You can reach out to Noble Desktop to learn about their other training options, including private onsite training and group vouchers.
Dallas College: Digital Media Marketing Specialist Certificate
Key Information: Dallas College’s Digital Marketing Specialist Certificate is an 18-credit hour program. Students must meet the school’s course prerequisites but are waived from Texas Success Initiative standards.Â
This program is intended to guide students toward a career in digital marketing. Students who complete the certificate program may consider careers in ecommerce, online consumer behavior, market research and planning, SEO, web analytics, and social media marketing. Students are expected to take six marketing classes to finish the program. These courses focus on the principles of marketing and digital marketing strategies, among other related topics.
You can reach out to Dallas College to find out about tuition costs, payment plans, and financial aid options. Students enrolling with plans to transfer to a four-year institution are encouraged to meet with an advisor or counselor to discuss the institution’s transfer requirements and the transferability of the program’s credits.
BrainStation: Digital Marketing Course
Key Information: BrainStation live online Digital Marketing course is a part-time program that prepares students for a career in digital marketing. Information on tuition, scholarships, financing options, and employer sponsorship may be requested from BrainStation. Upon completing the course, students will receive a BrainStation Digital Marketing certificate that can be shared with their professional network.Â
This course is led by industry professionals who are prepared to guide students through developing and executing digital marketing strategies used within the industry. Students will begin learning foundational digital marketing concepts, including digital marketing strategies, brand positioning, mobile marketing, web analytics, and user research. Key skills learned in this class are digital strategy, customer journey, content & copywriting, and personas. Throughout the course, students will be guided by using Google Ads, Google Chrome, Google Search, HTML, and Ahref tools.Â
By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with a polished digital marketing portfolio. This portfolio will showcase everything you’ve learned in the course and highlight the practicality of the skills you’ve learned. This course is open to those who are new to digital marketing or have experience with one aspect of marketing and are looking to expand their skill set and knowledge.Â
General Assembly: Digital Marketing Course
Key Information: General Assembly’s Digital Marketing Course is offered part-time, where students will attend classes two times a week in the evenings or all day on Saturdays, and full-time, in a one-week accelerated format. Full tuition for the course is $4,500. This can be paid in full or following one of General Assembly’s flexible financing options. This is a beginner-friendly program with no prerequisites.Â
This course was developed to help students gain essential fluency to succeed in the field of digital marketing. The course focuses on essential tools for executing digital marketing strategies. Students will deep dive into the essential channels and tactics behind effective campaigns and gain hands-on experience with social media, search strategy, conversion optimization, and Google Analytics.
As a final project, students will work on a real-world marketing problem and craft an end-to-end campaign plan across multiple channels. They’ll be responsible for examining every key aspect of their plan to develop a final presentation that can serve as a case study for stakeholders, future employers, or their portfolio. After passing the course, students will receive a certificate of completion.Â
Certstaffix Training: Instagram for Business Course
Key Information: Certstaffix Training’s Instagram for Business course is a one-day live online class. Tuition is $450 per person. Group pricing may be requested from Certstaffix. This course can also be taken as a part of Certstaffix’s six-course Social Media bundle.Â
In this course, students will learn how to use Instagram to market their brands and products. The course will ensure that students can get their return on investment from the platform. An expert instructor will explain how Instagram came onto the scene, how to create a solid foundation on the platform, how to develop a brand, and other essential strategies when promoting your business on the app.Â
With this live online course, you’ll have access to a free course retake for up to six months. You'll also receive a certificate of completion after the course has been completed as well as a digital badge. If you’d like your team to learn about Instagram marketing, Certstaffix offers onsite team training.Â
NextGen Bootcamp: Social Media Marketing Summer Program
Key Information: NextGen Bootcamp’s Social Media Marketing Summer Program is open to high school students with an interest in learning the essentials of social media marketing. This 25-hour class regularly costs $1,499, but tuition is $1,299 if you enroll early. There are no prerequisites for this program, but students should be comfortable using a computer.Â
This summer program will teach students about today’s top trends and the biggest strategies for gaining an audience on the three biggest social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Students will work on creating written, visual, and audio content for their target audiences. After completion of the program, they’ll be able to launch a multi-platform social media campaign.
NextGen Bootcamp students will be given hands-on training from expert instructors. This is a project-based program, so enrollees can expect to work on real-world scenarios. After completing the program, they’ll receive a certificate of completion that they can share online with their professional network.Â
NYC Career Centers: Google Analytics Bootcamp
Key Information: NYC Career Centers offers a live online 12-hour Google Analytics Bootcamp. Tuition is $650 and is due in full before the bootcamp begins. Included with tuition are two days of hands-on instruction; live, project-based training from industry professionals; a free retake within one year; and a verified certificate of completion.Â
Learn the ins and outs of Google Analytics in this bootcamp so that you can implement the service within your business or company. Students will use data gained from Google Analytics to inform their business decisions. Lessons will familiarize them with the tool and teach them how to navigate the various reports available to them within it.Â
As part of this course, you’ll have access to hands-on personalized training. Class sizes are small, allowing you the chance to receive personalized feedback and answers to all your questions.Â
Digital Marketing Institute: Professional Online Digital Marketing Course
Key Information: The Digital Marketing Institute’s (DMI) online Digital Marketing course is designed to help students acquire essential skills needed to thrive in the field of digital marketing. Tuition is $1,442 when paid in full, or just over $480 when paid in three installments. The course is 30 hours long and students have up to 24 weeks to complete it. The average completion time is 8-10 weeks. The DMI offers a 14-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the course.Â
This 100% online course can be taken by beginners, business owners, and marketing professionals. Throughout the course, students will develop an understanding of the key concepts of digital marketing and its impact on consumer behavior, as well as the wider implications that digital marketing has on their role in the industry. Students will also learn how to achieve their business goals by understanding how to devise, implement, and measure digital campaigns.
This is a dual certificate program, so students will take a two-hour assessment through a third-party testing company that the DMI has partnered with. The exam fee is included in the cost of the course, but any required retakes due to failure to meet the 60% minimum score will cost students $79.97. After passing the exam, students will be recognized as a Certified Digital Marketing Expert from the DMI and a PCM Professional Digital Marketing Expert as awarded by the American Marketing Association.Â
Collin College: Digital Marketing Certificate
Key Information: Collin College, located in McKinney, Texas, offers an in-person Digital Marketing Certificate program. This eight-class program requires students to maintain 90% attendance. Earning the certificate is as simple as applying, exploring your financial aid options, registering for classes, making tuition payments, and passing the four core courses and four electives.Â
In this program, students will take core courses centered around technologies such as Google Ads, WordPress, and Google Analytics and learn about SEO. Students will also choose to take four out of the five offered electives. They can opt to learn about Photoshop, YouTube, small business SEO, social media marketing technologies, or advanced-level WordPress. Collin College also offers a Social Media Manager Certificate program and a Social Media Director Certificate program.Â
FAQ for Digital Marketing Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Before enrolling in a digital marketing program, you should determine if you’d like to take a program where you can earn a certificate or a program where you’ll become certified.Â
Certificate programs award physical or digital certificates to students who have completed the training course. Certificates show that you have trained in a subject and completed a course. Certifications are given to students who pass an exam. If you enroll in a certification program, you’ll receive training to prepare you to take an exam or several exams. Exams may test you on digital marketing principles or digital marketing software and tools.Â
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
When deciding between a certificate program or a certification program, you should assess your learning needs and goals. You’ll want to think about what is expected from you within your field, whether you would like to move upward within your company, and your budget.Â
Certificates are typically pursued by mid-level professionals who are looking to improve their current skill set. Certificates show employers that you have learned new skills or refreshed your skills under the guidance of an instructor. Certificates are also useful for professionals looking to make a career change and therefore are looking for further training within the new field.Â
Certifications are typically pursued by job seekers. Certifications show employers that you can fill a role because you have been both trained and tested. Passing a certification exam shows that you meet industry expectations and can use essential software and/or tools. Certification programs will prepare students for certification exams, which are taken through third-party testing companies. The price of a certification exam may be included in the program’s tuition, or students may be responsible for paying separately.Â
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Certifications are not required to find a job in digital marketing, but they can be useful in securing a job. Certifications show potential employers that you are qualified to use software or tools commonly utilized within the field of digital marketing. Career professionals looking to advance within their field may also consider becoming certified to show that they can use tools that are required for higher-level and higher-paying roles.Â
Some employers may encourage their employees to pursue certification after they have already started at the company. In these instances, the company may enroll employees in certification problems that allow corporate invoicing or employee scholarships.Â
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
There are in-person, live online, and on-demand digital marketing certificate programs that you can enroll in. There are many things to consider when determining a program delivery method, including your learning style, your schedule, and the level of support you’d like. Keep reading to determine which certificate program is right for you.Â
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person classes are taught at a physical location. These classes are ideal for students who prefer to learn face-to-face. In-person classes provide students ample time to ask the instructor questions and to socialize with their peers. Consider taking an in-person class if you enjoy hands-on learning and are able to commute to the class’s location.Â
Online classes are offered live online and on demand. These classes are ideal for people comfortable using computers who don’t have the time to commute to a class. It’s important if you’re taking an online class that you have access to a stable internet connection. Read on to find out about the differences between live online and asynchronous classes.Â
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
There are major differences between live online and asynchronous classes that can affect your learning experience.Â
Live online classes are scheduled classes that take place over a video conferencing platform, like Zoom. These classes are led by expert instructors who will guide you and others through course content and projects. Live online classes are more flexible than in-person classes, but you’ll still need to ensure that an online class fits your schedule before enrolling.Â
Asynchronous classes are the most flexible learning option. These classes may be completed at your pace. Class content is uploaded online and can be accessed at a time that works for you. You may have access to this class for a specified amount of time such as a few months or a year, or your access may be granted for a lifetime. The downside of asynchronous classes is that they are not taught by live instructors, so you won’t have access to anyone that can answer your questions or elaborate on difficult concepts.