Certificate in Marketing

Hours: 12 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Marketing at Fort Hays State University offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored for individuals looking to enhance their marketing expertise without enrolling in a full degree program. Ideal for those pursuing careers in digital marketing, sales, or consumer behavior, the certificate delivers a well-rounded education that combines theoretical foundations with practical application.

In addition to coursework, the certificate includes valuable experiential learning opportunities such as professional certifications, simulations, company visits, and role-playing exercises. These hands-on experiences ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market.

Why pursue a Certificate in Marketing at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Marketing at FHSU offers a dynamic blend of flexibility and comprehensive content, making it an appealing option for both students and professionals. This certificate uniquely integrates professional certifications directly into the curriculum, adding immediate value to students’ résumés and enhancing their career opportunities.

What sets this certificate apart is its strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications. Through experiential learning activities such as simulations, company visits, and role-playing exercises, students gain hands-on experience that extends beyond traditional classroom instruction, preparing them to thrive in today’s competitive marketing landscape.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is ideal for students and professionals who want to deepen their marketing knowledge quickly and effectively. It is particularly well-suited for:

Students currently enrolled in other degree programs at FHSU
Working professionals seeking to enhance their marketing skills
Individuals looking to transition into a marketing career
Entrepreneurs wanting to boost their marketing capabilities
Those interested in obtaining a marketing certification without pursuing a full degree

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Marketing emphasizes a thorough understanding of core marketing principles, the development and execution of strategic marketing plans, and the skills required to navigate the evolving digital landscape. Upon completion of the certificate, students will possess a strong skill set that enhances their competitiveness in today’s job market.

Mastery of Core Marketing Principles

Students will develop a strong foundation in essential marketing concepts, such as market segmentation, product positioning, and consumer behavior. This in-depth understanding equips them to analyze market opportunities effectively and craft strategic solutions that support organizational objectives.

Strategic Marketing Plan Development

Participants will gain proficiency in developing comprehensive marketing plans that integrate market research, competitive analysis, and financial forecasting. These plans are designed to support specific business objectives, such as product launches, brand repositioning, or customer retention initiatives, and are guided by faculty with real-world expertise.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Proficiency

Students will acquire the skills needed to effectively utilize digital platforms and tools for marketing purposes. This includes designing and managing online marketing campaigns, leveraging social media to enhance brand engagement, and analyzing digital metrics to optimize campaign performance and drive results.

Practical Application through Experiential Learning

Students gain hands-on experience through simulations, role plays, and company visits, preparing them to tackle real-world marketing challenges. These experiential learning activities strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions in professional environments.

Real-World Applications

In the Certificate in Marketing, students participate in experiential learning activities that simulate real-world marketing scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. The integration of professional certifications within the curriculum further enriches these hands-on experiences and is highly regarded by industry professionals.

By combining practical application with recognized credentials, the certificate ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the job market with a distinct competitive advantage.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

In the rapidly evolving field of marketing, staying informed about the latest trends and technologies is essential for long-term success. The certificate incorporates current industry advancements into its curriculum, ensuring that students gain the cutting-edge knowledge required to remain competitive.

The certificate is guided by FHSU’s faculty and experienced industry professionals, whose real-world expertise helps keep the curriculum relevant and up to date. Their insights allow for the seamless integration of emerging trends into classroom instruction, offering students a well-rounded education that blends theoretical foundations with practical, industry-aligned learning.

Hands-on Activities

A key feature of the Certificate in Marketing is its use of simulations that allow students to engage in real-world marketing challenges in a controlled, supportive environment. Designed by experienced instructors, these simulations help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the marketing industry.

In addition, select courses within the certificate may include company visits and guest lectures from industry professionals. These experiences offer students valuable insights from experts in the field while also enhancing their understanding of key marketing concepts. Furthermore, such interactions provide meaningful networking opportunities that can lead to internships and future job placements.

What You’ll Learn:

Core marketing principles
Strategic selling techniques
Digital and social media marketing
Consumer behavior analysis
Sales and relationship management

How You’ll Learn:

Flexible online and on-campus courses
Experiential learning through simulations
Direct interaction with industry professionals
Practical projects aligned with marketing trends
Collaborative learning environments

Courses

The core curriculum is carefully designed by instructors to provide a strong foundation in fundamental marketing principles while allowing students to customize their education based on their individual interests. The certificate begins with a foundational course, followed by a range of electives covering diverse marketing topics. These courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends, ensuring that students gain the most relevant and current knowledge.

MKT 301: Marketing Principles

This course explores the principles and practices of marketing, focusing on both consumer and industrial products. It covers key aspects of marketing, including distribution channels, promotional strategies, and pricing techniques used by modern businesses.

MKT 601: Consumer Behavior

This course applies psychological processes, such as motivation, perception, learning, and consumer decision-making, to marketing. It also examines how individual and group influences consumer behavior and impact marketing strategies.

MKT 610: Social Media Marketing

This course focuses on strategies and tactics for effectively using social media in marketing. Students gain hands-on experience and learn to create strategic, comprehensive social media marketing plans, blending conceptual foundations with practical techniques.

Discover the full Certificate in Marketing course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Marketing will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in marketing. The certificate enhances career prospects by delivering a focused education on fundamental marketing principles, strategies, challenges, and opportunities within the field.

Marketing Coordinator

Marketing coordinators implement strategies, manage campaigns, and analyze market trends. The Certificate in Marketing equips students with essential knowledge of consumer behavior and digital marketing tools needed to succeed in this role.

Sales Manager

Sales managers lead teams, develop strategies, and drive revenue growth. The Certificate in Marketing provides skills in strategic selling and customer relationship management essential for this role.

Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialists create and manage online campaigns. The certificate’s focus on current digital trends prepares students to navigate the evolving landscape and deliver measurable results.

Brand Manager

Brand managers oversee brand strategy, ensure consistency across channels, develop targeted campaigns, and analyze brand performance.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts gather and analyze data to identify market trends, customer preferences, and competition, supporting informed business decisions.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Students interested in the Certificate in Marketing may also benefit from exploring other programs offered by the Department of Applied Business Studies and related departments. These programs include:

FAQ

Is the Certificate in Marketing available online?

Yes, students can complete the certificate online, offering flexibility for those with other commitments or who prefer remote learning.

How long does it take to complete the Certificate in Marketing?

Students can typically complete the certificate in one to two semesters, depending on the number of courses they take each semester and their availability.

Can the Certificate in Marketing be combined with another degree?

This certificate complements other degrees in business or non-business disciplines, enhancing students’ overall skill set and career prospects.

What kind of professional certifications can students earn within this certificate?

Students can earn professional certifications relevant to the marketing industry, which are embedded within the certificate and add significant value to their credentials.

Are there internship opportunities available for students in the Certificate in Marketing?

Students can participate in internships as part of their elective courses, providing valuable hands-on experience and potential job opportunities once they have completed the Certificate in Marketing.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is committed to preparing you for a successful career in business by aligning your goals and abilities with the needs of the world. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, our degree programs provide you with practical business insights, real-world case studies, and future-forward decision-making skills that are crucial in an ever-evolving field.

Our programs cover a broad spectrum of business disciplines, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Our immersive curriculum, taught by faculty who stay current with industry trends, will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in various sectors, from small-town businesses to global corporations. Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, and we take pride in our high placement rates and the success of our alumni.

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