SALT LAKE CITY, JULY 9, 2024 – The School of Business at Western Governors University is helping to address expected steady job growth and advance entrepreneurs and small businesses through its new Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate.

With more than 170 million people consuming social media content daily, businesses urgently need to employ digital marketing strategies that will allow them to remain relevant and visible to consumers. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects marketing job growth to be above average, with 6% growth over the next 10 years.

The Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate will help fill this workforce gap by preparing students without prior marketing experience for entry-level roles, such as digital marketing coordinator or social media specialist. The certificate is also geared toward small business owners and employees who serve dual roles or entrepreneurs who wear many hats and want to advance their businesses by acquiring introductory marketing skills.

“Marketers play a crucial role in shaping brand identities, influencing consumer behavior and driving business growth, and there is an increased demand for skilled employees in the digital marketing field,” said Mitsu Frazier, senior vice president and executive dean, WGU School of Business. “The Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate through the WGU School of Business helps meet this job market need while our students advance their careers and businesses.”

The WGU program is designed to be completed in four months or less, allowing graduates to have a near-immediate impact in the workforce. The program includes hands-on experience with real-world industry tools and technology, such as HubSpot Marketing Automation Software, Shopify, Canva, Constant Contact, Google Ads, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Mailchimp and X. A HubSpot Marketing Software Certificate and a Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Professional Certificate also are embedded into the curricula.

Key learning areas include: 

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Google search ads 
• Social media
• Content marketing
• Email marketing
• Specialized e-commerce 

“Those who enroll in the WGU Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate Program gain hands-on experience with real-world industry tools and technology, which can bring instant value to the workplace,” said Sandra Sjoberg, associate dean and director of Marketing and Innovation programs, WGU School of Business.

The certificate also prepares students for the Online Marketing Certified Associate third-party exam through Online Marketing Certified Professionals, a certification standard and an industry association that maintains the competency and exam standards for online marketing in coordination with industry leaders.

The program follows WGU’s unique skills-based approach. Students also receive support from a course instructor and a student experience specialist offering personalized guidance and support. Students also have access to tutoring services. A partnership with Tutor.com provides learners with 24/7 access to individual support.

For students interested in continuing their education after completing the certificate, the Digital Marketing and E-commerce program provides an on-ramp to several degree programs within the WGU School of Business, including a Business Administration in Marketing bachelor’s degree, Digital Marketing master’s degree or Marketing Analytics master’s degree. Learn more about WGU’s certificate programs at https://www.wgu.edu/academy/certificates.html.

About the WGU School of Business

The WGU School of Business offers career-aligned, affordable programs designed to give students the future-focused skills they need to lead and thrive at the speed of today’s business world. The School of Business offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as certificate programs, all designed to meet workforce needs while advancing students’ careers. The school currently serves roughly 50,000 students across the United States and has conferred more than 100,000 business degrees since 2002. Learn more at wgu.edu/about/governance/business