Will I receive academic credit? How is this different from a MOOC or non-credit certificate?‎

Yes, these graduate level courses are composed of two MOOC components (hosted on the Coursera platform) along with a high engagement component (hosted on the University of Illinois Canvas platform). Together, the two components earn you credit hours through the University of Illinois. MOOC components do not carry credit independently.

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to for-credit course materials will be made available based on standard course launch and delivery timelines.

To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.The following items are required for your application:Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages. Brief personal statement: A 500-word or less statement describing your interest in the certificate program.English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.

What will I get if I am admitted to and enroll in this program?

You will get access to all Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate courses. You will also get feedback from the teaching team on your projects. You’ll be working with an elite network of peers towards your goals. Following completion, you will receive a Graduate Certificate from the University of Illinois.

Can I take this program for free?

No. The Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate is available only to learners who apply, are admitted, and pay tuition for the program.

Is financial assistance available?

Financial assistance through Gies is not available at this time for Graduate Certificates however domestic students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid.

Who can I contact with questions?‎

If you need further assistance, please email giesonline@illinois.edu with any questions.

Certificate

Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate

In this for-credit program, you’ll develop modern digital marketing skills in strategy, analytics, and technology-informed media execution.

The deadline to enroll in the Summer 2026 cohort is April 2, 2026.

Secure your spot today. Classes for the Summer 2026 term will start in May.

Apply now Email me info

Classes start on May 20, 2026.

Enroll by April 2 2026.

8-24 months

Minimum time to complete. May vary depending on course load and start date.

$4,548

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

100% online

Faculty teach live classes and offer weekly office hours.

Build the skills to uplevel your marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Hands-on practice

Through projects, exercises, and case studies, you’ll build the experience and confidence to apply what you learn in the program on the job.

Top faculty

Benefit from multiple opportunities to engage with and learn from world-class experts. Faculty teach live classes and offer weekly office hours, and teaching staff are available to provide support as needed.

Curated, stackable content

In this program, you’ll build knowledge and gain skills that are aligned with real-world demands and opportunities, based on the latest research and connections within the field of digital marketing. Additionally, the certificate stacks directly into the full Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA), and Master of Science in Management (iMSM) from the University of Illinois. Upon completion of the certificate program, you can take 12 credit hours of completed work and apply that toward one of those degrees.

Program description

Master strategic marketing concepts that will help you attract more customers and measure impact.

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing prepares professionals to operate in a data-driven and technology-informed marketing environment. Learners gain practical experience in digital strategy, analytics, media execution, and evaluating how emerging technologies shape marketing practice.

This certificate offers a cohesive perspective across modern marketing, connecting strategic, analytical, and media-focused approaches without overpromising specific technologies.

Learners will develop the ability to:

Translate marketing fundamentals into digital contexts
Apply analytics and data-informed decision-making
Evaluate the influence of emerging technologies on marketing strategy
Design measurable digital campaigns aligned with business goals

In-demand roles this certificate supports: Digital Marketing Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Analyst, Social Media Strategist, Content Marketing Manager, Paid Media Specialist, Marketing Automation Specialist, Growth Marketing Manager.

Required background

This program is designed for: Individuals looking to enhance their digital marketing skills, career shifters entering marketing or analytics roles, leaders in adjacent functions who collaborate with marketing teams, professionals working in customer-facing or consumer-insights roles, and entrepreneurs seeking to improve digital engagement.

Skills you will gain

Digital marketing
Marketing
Marketing mix
Product strategies
Data collection
Data analysis
Marketing analytics
Data visualization
Marketing performance
Marketing channel

3 courses in this for-credit certificate program

Course 1 of 3

MBA 545 - Marketing in Our New Digital World

Overview

In this course, you will examine how the digital revolution is changing the marketing landscape and explore its impact upon both firms and consumers. You will examine four ways in which the analog world has been affected by the digital revolution: domination, resistance, synergy, and transformation. You’ll also review the foundations of marketing—product, promotion, placement, and price—and examine how these foundations are being shifted by the rise of the digital revolution.

Course 2 of 3

MBA 542 - Digital Marketing Analytics

Overview

In this course, you’ll learn about the science of web analytics. You will build the foundation needed to apply data analytics to real-world challenges marketers confront daily. You will learn to identify the web analytic tool right for their specific needs, understand valid and reliable ways to collect, analyze, and visualize data from the web, and utilize data in decision-making for agencies, organizations, and clients.

Course 3 of 3

MBA 543 - Digital Media and Marketing

Overview

In this course, you will learn the role of digital channels in an integrated marketing campaign and understand why you need a digital strategy. You will explore the critical role of digital media as the delivery channels of marketing communication and delve into the impacts of digital revolution in marketing, as well as the rise of the marketing technology industry.

The certificate stacks directly into the iMBA, iMSA, and iMSM programs from the University of Illinois.

Take the next step in your education to boost your career. This Graduate Certificate is a building block that offers you a pathway to a degree while also providing job-relevant skills today.

Certificate

Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate

Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate Certificate allows you to earn credit directly towards the:

Master of Business Administration (iMBA) (100% online)

Instructors

Frequently asked questions

To apply for a graduate certificate program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College.

The following items are required for your application:

Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Please limit your resume to two pages.
Brief personal statement: A 500-word or less statement describing your interest in the certificate program.
English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.‎

Coursera does not grant academic credit; the decision to grant, accept, or recognize academic credit, and the process for awarding such credit, is at the sole discretion of the academic institutions offering the Graduate Certificate program and/or other institutions that have determined that completion of the program may be worthy of academic credit. Completion of a Graduate Certificate program does not guarantee admission into the full Master’s program referenced herein, or any other degree program.