Digital Marketing Certificate Program | UCSD

Digital Marketing

This program currently offers a hybrid model of instruction, which includes a combination of in-person and online classes.

Who should take this program?

If you would like a strong foundation in digital marketing with up-to-date information on digital marketing topics and trends, the Digital Marketing Certificate may be right for you. This program presents opportunities for you to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to design innovative marketing plans, implement successful digital marketing tactics, and advance your career through a hands-on project with a local company. You will develop an understanding of which marketing channels contribute to a cohesive online presence, and explore areas such as organic and paid searches, social media, and email marketing. You will also learn to identify key performance indicators and assess the performance of each digital marketing channel by using Google Analytics and other online data tools.  Pair the 3-month Digital Marketing Certificate program with other Business certificates for a total of 9 months to take advantage of Optional Practical Training.

Program Benefits

  • Develop digital marketing skills and knowledge needed to be a successful digital marketer
  • Hands-on experiential project connects your classroom education with real-world businesses
  • Courses are led by practicing industry experts
  • Study alongside international and American students and build your network
  • Schedules are designed to give you the freedom to explore California and the opportunity to attend local professional networking events
  • Apply for OPT after three consecutive quarters of study (9 months)

Note: UC San Diego follows a quarter system. Each quarter consists of 10-12 weeks of full-time study. There are four quarters per year.

Digital Marketing Program Overview

Courses

  • Digital Marketing
  • Content Marketing
  • Digital Marketing Analytics

Additional Elective Options (if additional units are required)

  • Behavioral Economics
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • SEO Tools and Analytics
  • Elements of Marketing
  • and others

Note: Courses are subject to change without notice. Check out the Digital Marketing course descriptions.

Dates

2022

  • March 22 – June 10
  • June 21 – September 3
  • September 14 – December 10

2023

  • January 5 – March 25
  • March 29 – June 16
  • June 27 – September 8
  • September 20 – December 16

View a complete list of all program dates. 

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements to be accepted to the program are listed below. We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted will have a successful experience.

Language Proficiency Requirement

  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • CEFR: B2/C1
  • Cambridge Scaled Score: 180 – C1 Advanced
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
  • TOEIC:
    • Listening: 445 
    • Reading: 420 
    • Speaking: 170
    • Writing: 165
  • ELI level: 7 or higher

Additional Admission Requirements

  • University degree or two years of professional work experience
  • Official university transcripts, in English, from all universities attended, indicating a strong academic history; include a grading key.
  • Letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor attesting to your experience and ability to excel in the relevant field. Must be signed and dated and on academic or company letterhead.
  • Résumé or CV
  • Personal statement. Please provide a 350-word essay, which addresses each of the following:
    • Brief introduction of yourself
    • Which certificate program are you applying for? Why are you interested in this specific certificate?
    • How will you benefit from this program? How does this program relate to your career or professional goals?
    • What will you contribute to the program? How will your participation benefit the program?
    • Is there anything else you want to tell us or explain about your professional, volunteer, or educational experience (e.g., low GPA) that will assist in our decision-making?
  • A spoken language screening may be required.

Application Deadline

All programs close when they are full. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants. Acceptance deadline is 3 weeks before the program start-date.

All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Digital Marketing program.

Program Schedule

  • Monday – Friday, occasional Saturdays
  • Daytime and evening courses
  • Schedule varies

Location

Classes are held on the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies campus in La Jolla or at the off-site University City Center near the campus. Access to a car or another source of reliable transportation is required for evening and off-site classes.

Cost (in U.S. dollars)

2022

  • Application Fee: $200 (nonrefundable)
  • Tuition: $6,250
  • International Student Service fee: $380
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $585 
  • Books/Materials: Approximately $300-$800 per quarter (Payment for books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance. Books will be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)

2023

  • Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
  • Tuition: $6,250
  • International Student Service fee: $400
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $715 
  • Books/Materials: Approximately $300-$800 per quarter (Payment for books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance. Books will be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)

 

Programs You May Also Like:

  • Business Management (with specialization in Digital Marketing)
  • Project Management 

For a complete list of all business and management certificates and programs, please visit our Certificate Programs page.