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Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate

College of Creative Arts and Media

Presenter shares a social media strategy during a CCAM event

The Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate, offered by the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, is ideal for you if you desire to enter the world of digital and social media marketing. Areas of emphasis include digital storytelling, social media and marketing, web metrics, and digital video production. The versatility of this certificate program opens doors to many career opportunities.

Cost:

$816 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

4 Courses / 12 Credits

Duration:

One year / 8-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Term: Fall

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

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Program Overview

Become a Digital Storyteller

The fully online Digital and Social Media Graduate Certificate equips you with the skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced, content-driven marketing world. Designed for professionals looking to integrate digital and social media into broader marketing strategies, this program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical applications for the skills you've honed.

  • Strategic Digital Focus: Learn to craft campaigns using social media, SEO, web metrics, and digital storytelling.
  • Flexible Online Format: Complete all coursework remotely—no on-campus attendance required.
  • Real-World Application: Apply best practices and tools to reach and engage key audiences across digital platforms.
  • Creative Skill Development: Gain experience in video production and content creation for modern marketing channels.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from a diverse team of industry leaders, including marketers, entrepreneurs, and academics.

Curriculum

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. You will be exposed to course work focused in social media, web metrics and search engine optimization, digital storytelling and video production.

After completing this program, you will be equipped to:

  • Identify, incorporate and implement digital and social media marketing tactics in an integrated marketing communications strategy.
  • Define legal and ethical considerations and federal guidelines associated with digital and social media marketing activities.
  • Develop a comprehensive social media marketing communications plan.
  • Plan digital content to utilize on social media sites: (i.e. vlogging, video news letters, short video for social media site production, podcasts, etc.)
  • Develop digital content relevant to the target audience for owned, earned, and paid digital and social media channels.
  • Interpret key social media metrics and demonstrate knowledge in tracking social media sites. Learn to utilize web analytics tools and SEO in campaign assessment.
  • Evaluate ROI for digital and social media marketing plans.

Certificate Code - CG50

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.

  • IMC 534: Digital Storytelling, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 541: Social Media and Marketing, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 542: Web Metrics and Search Engine Optimization, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 524: Digital Video Production, 3 credit hours
Total: 12 Credit Hours

Admissions Events

Learn more about the online marketing and communications programs offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media by attending an upcoming virtual information session.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

  • 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 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)

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.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Since certificates are considered non-degree-seeking programs, they don't qualify for financial aid. However, many certificate programs allow you to transition into a full degree, at which point financial aid can be applied.

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. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.


Connect with Our Team

Brynne Myers Admissions Consultant

(304) 293-6278 Brynne.Myers@mail.wvu.edu

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Careers and Employment

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 Paths

  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Marketing Strategist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Marketing Manager

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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