Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate

Aug. 21, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$750

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Become A Digital Storyteller

The Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate, offered by the Reed College of Media, is ideal for you if you desire to enter the world of digital and social media marketing. Currently, there is a high demand for qualified professionals in this field. Areas of emphasis include digital storytelling, social media and marketing, web metrics, and digital video production. You will learn to develop integrated marketing strategies and to implement digital and social media marketing tactics, as well as social media metrics and tracking, web analytics, and SEO in campaign assessment. The versatility of this certificate program opens doors to many career opportunities.

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Program Details

The Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate offered by the WVU Reed College of Media is delivered exclusively online. The graduate certificate provides students with the practical skills they need to thrive in a marketing world that increasingly relies on the power of digital and social media. 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 Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate program.

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Contact

Email: Lucinda.Hart@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-3286
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Creative Strategy (CG48). 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 the central WVU Office of Admissions. 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 Office of Graduate Admissions
  One Waterfront Place
  PO Box 6510
  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
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.

Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate total degree cost: $9,000 – Residents and Non-Residents

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.

The future for graduates with a Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate

Overall, the future of digital and social media holds immense opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences in more meaningful and innovative ways. Staying agile, embracing emerging technologies, and understanding evolving consumer preferences will be key to success in this ever-evolving landscape.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Why should I earn my certificate through WVU?

The four-course graduate certificate in digital and social media prepares you for careers that use digital and social media as part of a greater integrated marketing communications strategy. From social media best practices to search engine optimization, from web metrics to developing a broader digital ad strategy, learn the skills needed to thrive as a digital and social media specialist.

Certificate Code - CG50

The Digital and Social Media Certificate is offered exclusively online with no on-campus classroom attendance required.

The Digital and Social Media certificate intends to prepare students for careers utilizing digital and social media as part of a greater integrated marketing communications strategy. Students will be exposed to course work focused in social media, web metrics and search engine optimization, digital storytelling and video production.

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 534	Digital Storytelling	3
IMC 541	Social Media and Marketing	3
IMC 542	Web Metrics and Search Engine Optimization	3
IMC 543	Digital Video Production	3

Total Hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I expect to be prepared for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Digital and Social Media 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).

Who should pursue this certificate?

If you're interested in the following, this certificate could be a fit for you!

Developing digital and social media strategies
Evaluating ROI for digital and social media marketing plans
Understanding the digital consumer
Grasping the deep connection between storytelling and marketing

What does a person with this certificate mean to an organization?

A digital and social media person brings valuable expertise, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities to help businesses thrive in the digital age. They can maximize the brand's online potential, drive engagement, and contribute to overall business growth.

Become a problem solver.

Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process