Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$777

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Find Exciting Work in Higher Education

The Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate, offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media, will give you the skills you need to dive deeply into the nuances of student recruitment and institutional branding within the foundation of integrated marketing communications (IMC) strategy. Marketing that targets prospective students in higher education changes rapidly, and this has become an intensely competitive industry during the past few years. Our certificate program focuses on various aspects of marketing for higher education, including content marketing, social media marketing, multicultural marketing, and diversity and inclusion in IMC.

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Program Details

The Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media is delivered exclusively online. The graduate certificate provides students with the practical skills they need to dive deeply into the nuances of student recruitment and institutional branding without losing sight of the foundation of a greater integrated marketing communications strategy. The learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow focus is built into the curriculum and teaches students the importance of applying the best strategies and tactics to reach key audiences. The program is taught by diverse faculty—from marketing directors to academics to entrepreneurs—who are recognized leaders in their fields.

In addition to this graduate certificate, WVU offers an online master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate program.

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Contact

Email: Brynne.Myers@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-6278
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is based on a holistic, case-by-case analysis of the applicant’s academic record (undergraduate transcript), years of relevant professional experience (resume), and writing ability and intent (personal statement).

Admissions

Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Higher Education Marketing (CG52). The primary delivery method is ONLINE.
Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee.
Submit 300-500 word personal statement about your interest in the IMC program and how it will meet your career objectives.
Submit resume that illustrates relevant and professional experience. Please convert your resume to PDF to ensure that no formatting is altered.
Letters of Recommendation (optional). Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
GRE or GMAT scores (optional). The destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the GMAT is C2S-FB-24.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission: TOEFL (Internet-Based) = 79; TOEFL (Computer-Based = 213; TOEFL (Paper-Based) = 550; IELTS = 6.5.
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Hub
  P.O. Box 6004
  Morgantown, WV 26506
2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

NOTE: For the most up-to-date admissions requirements, please visit https://imc.wvu.edu/admissions.

Questions? Contact our Enrollment Specialist at wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6278.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

What else should I know about the higher education marketing certificate program?

The four-course Higher Education Marketing graduate certificate prepares you for a career utilizing integrated marketing communications strategies for student recruitment and institutional branding initiatives. This specialization give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop strong integrated marketing communications campaigns that are rooted in data and analysis.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Who is the ideal student for this program?

Ideal students are those interested in:

Marketing content and strategies for higher education
Enrollment management and marketing
Student recruitment and engagement tactics
Branding and social media for higher education

Certificate Code - CG52

The Higher Education Marketing is offered exclusively online with no on-campus classroom attendance required.

The Higher Education Marketing certificate in is intended to prepare students for careers focusing on implementing a comprehensive integrated marketing communications strategy for institutions of higher learning. Students will be exposed to course work focused on marketing to higher education audiences, ensuring multicultural/inclusive ethical considerations are intrinsically tied to campaign planning, development of content to engage with prospective student audiences, and reach them via social media channels.

The program is taught by a diverse faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields.

Certificate Requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 required.
Minimum grade of C- required in all courses provided that a cumulative 2.75 GPA is maintained.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
IMC 539	Content Marketing	3
IMC 541	Social Media and Marketing	3
IMC 545	Diversity & Inclusion in IMC	3
IMC 547	Higher Education Marketing	3

Total Hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I expect to be prepared for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Higher Education Marketing Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Marketing Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Marketing Strategist, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Public Relations Specialist, Projected Growth: 4-6%
Marketing Manager, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

What is important about higher education marketing?

Overall, higher education marketing is essential for institutions to achieve their enrollment, revenue, and growth goals while building a strong brand and fostering positive relationships with various stakeholders.