The $321 billion global digital marketing market in 2022 is expected to reach a value of $672 billion by 2028. The number of people who consume and create content through digital channels is rising. This means that there is a strong demand for skilled digital marketers who enjoy a variety of career opportunities and competitive salaries.
Almost all companies use digital marketing to reach their customers, so job opportunities for digital marketers are strong in a rich variety of industries. Los Angeles is the $130 billion entertainment capital of the world, where film, television, music, and gaming companies use digital marketing for areas like movie promotions, TV show campaigns, and music releases. Digital marketing drives brand awareness and ecommerce sales for fashion houses, the thriving health and wellness niche, and a broad range of retail products. Earning a digital marketing certificate shows prospective employers that you have the skills they need to reach their marketing goals, and it opens the door to an exciting and creative career.
UCLA Extension: Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing
Key Information: This digital marketing certificate is designed for business professionals who want to keep abreast of marketing trends and people who want a new career in digital marketing. You can complete this program in as little as three academic quarters full-time, and you don’t need any prior experience to enroll in this program. All courses must be completed for a letter grade and passed with a program GPA of 2.50 or better. The estimated program tuition is $6900, plus a $200 application fee and approximately $,000 for books and materials. Classes are open enrollment, meaning there is no application required for admission, but enrollment is based on space availability at the time you make payment for your classes.
You’ll learn to harness the power of digital analytics, influencer marketing and content strategy, digital and social media marketing, and advertising in the digital age. Students must complete fifteen classes, including a five-course core that covers marketing principles, brand management, digital marketing, integrated marketing communications, and consumer marketing research.
Elective courses round out your knowledge of digital marketing with topics like influencer marketing, Google ads, search engine optimization, and Salesforce CRM essentials. Classes are offered both in-person and online. After completing five courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better, students can enroll in an internship to gain practical experience in a variety of marketing job functions. International students are welcome in this program but must meet the English Language Requirements of UCLA Extension.
Mount Saint Mary’s University—Los Angeles: Digital Marketing
Key Information: The online Digital Marketing program at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles provides students with analytic and critical thinking skills in the domain of marketing. When you complete this program, you’ll have the ability to build and run digital marketing initiatives. This eighteen-credit certificate program costs $350 per credit hour and can be completed at your own pace. To be considered for the Certificate program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED degree. When you complete this certificate you will simultaneously earn professional certifications from both HubSpot and Google.
When you enroll in this program, you’ll learn how to understand the role of various web-based channels within the content of the larger mix of digital marketing. You’ll explore ways to design and implement marketing campaigns and analyze their successes or failures in multiple channels. Since digital marketing is a rapidly changing field, many current employees are faced with a skills gap to do what companies need. A Certificate in Digital Marketing gives you the skills you need for a successful career, a credential to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and connections with peers and industry leaders.
In six courses you’ll learn about the principles of marketing, social media and email marketing, SEO and SEM, digital marketing analytics, and viral and organic growth. You’ll become proficient with social media like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as email, paid search, and organic search campaigns. Plus, you’ll become familiar with tools like Facebook Business Manager, Active Campaign, Google Adwords, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager. Become a valuable marketing professional with skills like using statistical concepts to analyze marketing data, applying machine learning algorithms to solve business problems, and performing feature engineering and data preprocessing to improve predictive models.
University of California Irvine, Division of Continuing Education: Digital Marketing and Communications
Key Information: The Digital Marketing and Communications online certificate from UCI Division of Continuing Education provides training for job opportunities in marketing, communications, and product management. This certificate is designed for professionals who would like to become more effective in their organizations, or students striving to enter this growing field. The four-course certificate requires 12 academic units completed with a letter grade of “C” or better. The program can be completed in as little as six months but must be completed within five years of enrollment in the first course. Costs include a non-refundable $125 application fee and approximately $2,850 in tuition.
When you gain professional skills in research, writing, design, and analytics, you’ll be able to help drive business decisions and lean strategic marketing planning for an organization. Job opportunities are growing in the digital marketing field due to technological advancements in personal and mobile computing and developments in artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality. In this program, you’ll learn to refine key messages and position brands and products for success.
This program is designed for professionals in marketing, communication, and product management roles who seek to influence business strategies and create relevant marketing and communications plans for their organizations. The curriculum is also beneficial for students who aspire to enter the growing field of digital marketing. It provides an overview of how to launch and manage digital marketing campaigns on a variety of platforms. Certificate students and alumni can utilize career services including one-on-one coaching, technology tools, webinars and workshops, networking events, mentorship/internship opportunities, and a rich collection of free online career resources.
Loyola Marymount: Digital Marketing
Key Information: This online digital marketing course is designed for students who are comfortable using the internet and want to learn digital marketing fundamentals for entry-level professional opportunities. It also benefits business professionals and veteran marketers who want to update their skills with ever-evolving digital marketing tools and methods. At the end of this course, students are certified as Digital Marketing Professionals. The cost for this one-session class is $2,595.
You’ll learn about the latest tools in the marketing world and the best ways to use them to run campaigns and meet marketing objectives like KPIs and ROI. The instructor will guide you through how to balance customer needs with business success to produce high-quality content. In this class, you’ll learn frameworks for creating innovative digital experiences. You’ll explore examples that demonstrate how to align your conceptual development with a marketing strategy to meet your business goals.
Additional topics cover creating targeted content, personal-driven messaging, storytelling, data measurement and analysis, and formulating metrics. By the end of the course, you’ll know how to executive strategic digital marketing campaigns, build and sustain valuable customer relationships, and create brand experiences throughout the marketing and sales funnel.
Loyola Marymount: Digital Marketing Strategist
Key Information: This online digital marketing strategy course will teach you entry-level skills for planning and implementing digital marketing campaigns. The self-paced course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course any time you are ready and finish at your own pace. Once you register, you’ll have 12 months to complete the course at which time you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. This course does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, or Pell Grant assistance, but in some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay tuition for qualified students. The 400-hour course costs $4,895.
In this course, you’ll learn how to integrate digital, social, and content marketing to drive engagement and build a sales funnel, and learn best practices for using the most effective marketing tools. The class covers topics like direct marketing, market research, and Google AdWords. You’ll learn the foundations of digital marketing, including email and pay-per-click. You’ll explore content marketing practices like copywriting, SEO, and editorial calendars. Plus, you’ll learn to budget, plan, and implement digital marketing campaigns.
You’ll gain new employment prospects when you understand all aspects of a sales strategy and you’ll be prepared for sales management roles. When you manage your customer’s experience, you’ll generate more sales and quality reviews and create a positive feedback sales loop.
Los Angeles City College: Marketing
Key Information: This 18-credit certificate program in Marketing prepares students for entry-level positions in marketing and related areas. The cost for California residents is approximately $1,238 for tuition and $939 for books, and students in this program are eligible for financial aid. Admission is open to all eligible students.
Marketing is a broad industry with many career opportunities including market research and advertising. You’ll learn to understand which products and services people want or need, and how to convince them to purchase those products or services from your organization. Marketing and advertising professionals work in virtually every industry, in positions within an organization or for agencies with diverse clients.
Sales and customer service professionals rely on marketing to do their job effectively. Whether in retail, wholesale, products, or services, salespeople use the positive impressions and tools created by marketing to secure new customers and to ensure that existing clients are satisfied. While sales representatives bring customers in the door, good customer service retains their business. Customer service professionals work in a wide variety of industries assisting customers and solving problems. The company knowledge required to be an effective customer service person can open opportunities for advancement within the department or other areas of an organization.
Santa Monica College: Certificate of Achievement—Digital Marketing
Key Information: This 12-credit program provides students with the skills to build digital marketing channels for an effective, customer-focused strategy and utilize applications and tools to create content, build a web presence, and measure and analyze online performance. Applications for admission are taken year-round and are open to students who are 18 years of age or older, younger students who have graduated from high school, or students 16 years of age and possessing a “Student Score Report” for passing the California High School Proficiency Examination. Fees are $46 per unit for California residents or $70 per unit plus $316 nonresident tuition for nonresidents.
There is an ever-increasing need for skilled digital marketing professionals. This program trains students to understand and develop various digital marketing channels such as search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, affiliate marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. You’ll understand how these channels relate to the customer experience, and use digital marketing applications and tools effectively. You’ll learn to create content that leads to a dynamic web presence, drives brand awareness, and generates leads, plus you’ll know how to measure and track online performance.
Students complete four courses in Introduction to Digital Marketing, Digital Marketing Applications, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Customer Relationship Management.
Noble Desktop: Digital Marketing Certificate
Key Information: Launch your career in digital marketing or create an effective marketing strategy for your business with the online Digital Marketing Certificate. You’ll learn skills like SEO, social media marketing, paid search strategies, and analytics tracking from digital marketing experts. This 126-hour course costs $3,995; pay in one payment, eight installments, or use 12-month, zero percent financing. You’ll receive a verified digital certificate of completion, and you can even retake it for free within one year. Class sizes are limited so you receive personalized attention from live instructors.
In this class, you’ll gain the essential digital marketing skills you need in today’s competitive markets. You’ll learn to develop a multi-tiered marketing campaign that makes the most of search engine optimization (SEO), social media, paid search, content marketing, and email marketing. Use technology to track and analyze data and increase your return on investment – determine key performance indicators, monitor web analytics, track conversions, and create reports with Google Analytics.
This intensive training program is perfect for business owners seeking to increase traffic and monitor conversions on their website and social media platforms or for current and aspiring marketing professionals striving to learn new skills from a digital marketing expert. With live, project-based training from experts, you’ll have the ideal learning experience to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement.
No prior experience is needed for this class. You must be comfortable using a computer to participate online and have a microphone and speakers. Plus, you’ll need copies of any software used in the class. You’ll get the most from your class when you plan time outside of class hours to review the concepts you’ve learned and to continue developing and improving projects for your portfolio.
FAQ for Digital Marketing Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
The terms certificate and certification are often used interchangeably, but they have distinctly different meanings. A certificate is awarded by educational or training programs when you complete a course, workshop, or training module. Certificates can be obtained from educational institutions, online learning platforms, vocational schools, and training centers. Certificate programs vary in duration, from a few hours or days to weeks and even months, and they range from basic skills to advanced techniques. They are often used to enhance your knowledge in an area or bolster your resume.
A certification, on the other hand, is often more rigorous and comprehensive than a certificate. It is typically associated with professional fields and demonstrates that you have met criteria set forth by a recognized certifying body. Certifications are intended to validate your expertise in a particular domain and demonstrate mastery in your field. They usually have stringent requirements such as passing a standardized exam, demonstrating years of experience, completing a certain level of education, and adhering to a code of ethics. A certification is usually recognized and respected within the industry it pertains to, so it can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Deciding whether to pursue a certificate or a certification depends on your goals and the level of expertise you’re aiming for. Certificates are a great choice if you want to quickly gain specialized skills since they are often more accessible and can be completed in a shorter time than certifications. They help you explore new interests, add value to your resume, and open doors to new opportunities in a short period of time. If you’re aiming for a deeper level of expertise and recognition within your industry, a certification might be the better path. You’ll solidify your expertise and make an impact in a competitive job market.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
It depends. Some professionals require a certification due to the critical nature of their roles and the need to adhere to industry regulations. Industries like healthcare, information technology, and finance have well-established standards that make certification necessary. However, many jobs don’t require certification but instead emphasize your skills, experience, and education. Most digital marketing roles don’t require a professional certification, but earning a certificate in the field can demonstrate your knowledge of essential skills and expand your career opportunities.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
The choice between in-person or online classes depends on a variety of factors, like your learning style, schedule, preferences, and the nature of the subject matter. Each mode of learning has advantages and disadvantages.
When you take an in-person class, you’ll have direct interaction with your instructors and peers, and sometimes more structure in your classes. Hands-on subjects, like lab work, art, or physical training, may be easier to learn in-person. You may also find more opportunities for networking and forming relationships with classmates and instructors, leading to collaborations and career opportunities. Attending in-person can help you feel more accountable and motivated to keep up with assignments. However, attending classes in-person can require you to commute to a physical location, which can be costly and time-consuming. Your schedule might clash with other commitments, or classes may be less accessible if you have mobility issues or live in remote areas.
Online classes allow you to learn at your own pace and on your schedule, which is an advantage if you have a busy life or work irregular hours. They are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and often cost less due to lower class fees and no commute. Online platforms offer a wide range of courses on diverse subjects, giving you access to specialized knowledge that might not be available locally. This comes at a cost, though, because online classes lack the immediacy of face-to-face interactions. You may find your questions are not answered in a timely way or you feel isolated. Online learning requires more self-motivation and time management skills to stay on track, and a lack of technology skills may prove challenging. Ultimately, the better option depends on what aligns best with your circumstances and learning style.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Live online classes are great for students who enjoy real-time interaction, discussions, and group activities. They provide a structured routine that helps you stay accountable, and you can receive immediate clarification or feedback on class material. Live classes foster social interactions and networking, and create a sense of community and shared learning experience. Live online classes offer less flexibility than asynchronous classes, however. They have set schedules, which might not be convenient for students with busy schedules or varying work hours, and might not occur at a convenient time due to time zone differences.
Asynchronous classes offer the advantages of a flexible schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace and accommodate varying schedules and commitments. You can access the course from anywhere at any time and have control over when you study. Asynchronous classes are a great option for students with busy lives and multiple responsibilities. However, the lack of real-time interaction means you might experience delays in receiving answers to your questions or collaboration with your peers. Without a fixed schedule, you’ll need to have the self-motivation and time management skills to keep up with your coursework. Some learners may feel isolated or procrastinate due to the absence of a structured routine.
Choosing between live online and asynchronous classes is a matter of your preferences and circumstances. Consider your learning style, time availability, and need for real-time engagement to choose which format suits you better. Some classes may be available in a hybrid format, combining live sessions with asynchronous content, to provide a balance between structure and flexibility.