Are you trying to further your studies while pursuing your marketing profession? Generally, juggling work and school is challenging for most people. But luckily, online learning makes it easier to complete your degree from anywhere.
In fact, more graduate students are turning to remote learning after the Covid-19 pandemic crippled the education sector in 2020. Nonetheless, to get the most out of your online graduate programs, you must select the best graduate certificate in marketing.
So, how can you identify the right online graduate certificate in marketing? The tips below will guide you to an outstanding graduate certificate.
- Do Your Research
The demand for online graduate programs is at an all-time high, and many institutions are seeking to benefit from this demand. You can access hundreds of marketing programs from educational institutions and large marketing firms. Therefore, do your due diligence and compare providers based on their reputation, track record, and length in the field.
In addition, do your research to ensure the program suits your marketing interests and professional goals. For example, do you want to advance your tactical marketing, integrated marketing communication, or product management skills? Or do you want to expand your knowledge of business outreach strategies? Whatever your goals are, the coursework should highlight your interests.
- Is the Provider Accredited?
Accreditation is vital in education because it validates the institution’s education standards and proves that they are fit to offer professionally-recognized certificates, akin to using a well-defined certificate template word to maintain high standards and consistency. In the United States, higher learning institutions are either nationally or regionally accredited. However, regional accreditation is widely recognized and more prestigious.
National accreditation is based on the field of expertise. Therefore, you can settle on a regionally accredited school by any of the seven accrediting bodies and also nationally accredited by professional organizations.
For example, Montreat College in North Carolina is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College. In addition, there are national accreditations from organizations like the North American Association for Environmental Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
- How’s the Coursework?
Coursework matters, and that’s why you should conduct enough research. Generally, marketing is a broad field, but your coursework should include all the relevant courses for your field of study. For example, an advanced marketing program will cover mobile marketing, automation and outsourcing, analytics, social media marketing, and content creation.
The coursework should include a live project, assignments, virtual presentations, and practical training. Additionally, depending on the institution, you might need to complete a short internship before graduation.
- Faculty Expertise
Marketing is expansive, so you must learn from a well-versed faculty. In your research, please find out about the institution’s faculty team, including their credentials, experience level, and field of expertise. Don’t forget that, unlike an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, the graduate certificate will delve into specific areas of marketing. Therefore, expertise is vital.
- Consider the Flexibility
Considering your work, you should find online graduate programs that align with your schedule. Usually, a graduate certificate in marketing takes approximately one year for a full-time student. However, if you are pursuing self-paced classes, you can redesign the certificate time frame with the help of the institution’s academic counselor.
- What’s Your Budget?
Although graduate certificates are not as expensive as a master’s degree, they can be pricey. Generally, the price range can vary from $4,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the institution. As you research different programs, compare prices and resources so you can find your money’s worth.
Luckily, graduate students in the United States can access various scholarships and grants to facilitate affordable education. Ask the enrolment team if the institution offers scholarships or alternative payment options for a graduate certificate.
- Connect With Other Students
If you can, reach out to current graduate students at your dream school and learn more about the program. In addition, you can visit the institution’s social media platforms or join groups designated for alums and current students.
That way, you will have first-hand information about the program and develop relationships that will benefit you as an online student. In the same breath, you can take advantage of the online platforms to seek help from the program instructors and the institution’s support staff.
Thanks to the increased demand for online graduate programs, finding an online graduate certificate in marketing is not challenging. However, you must meet all the requirements, including a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and the stipulated credit hours. Hopefully, the tips above will guide you to the best marketing program.