The Strategic Marketing post-baccalaureate certificate is designed for emerging professionals in the fields of marketing, management, public relations and integrated marketing communication. Students learn to think strategically about marketing, from developing market-responsive products to branding to developing effective communication. The courses in this program blend theory and practice, drawing upon examples from recent and noteworthy marketing campaigns and market-leading products and services.
Other 300-level marketing courses may be used as a substitute for two of the above courses. Students should have academic writing and research experience before enrolling.
Strategic Marketing Tuition
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.
Admission for Strategic Marketing
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.
Strategic Marketing Registration Information
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.
Find out more about the Strategic Marketing Certificate
Program Courses:
Course Detail
Visual Communication <> ADVT 380-CN
The fast-paced world we live in is flooded with visual messages
including advertisements, products, dashboards, slide decks,
charts, infographics, videos, memes, emoji, and more. Visuals are
infused into every aspect of our lives, from the boardroom to the
classroom to the subway station. It is increasingly important that
we are well-equipped to communicate visually using a human-centered
approach.
In this course, students will develop strong and creative visual
communication skills in an increasingly digital world while
learning to design communication vehicles for specific audiences.
We will study a human-centered design framework for creating
connections. Students will use their skills to develop
visualizations for branding, advertising, marketing, presentations,
data analysis, websites, and more. No previous technical or design
experience is required for this course.
This course will be meeting remotely every other Wednesday
throughout the quarter on: Jan 8, 15, Feb 5, 19 and Mar 5.
This course will introduce students to marketing research and
the marketing research process. Students will examine the
fundamental concepts and techniques used in marketing research and
learn the value of marketing research with respect to
decision-making in marketing and in business. We’ll discuss problem
formulation, research design, survey design, sampling, data
collection, and data analysis as well as how to effectively present
the data and insights uncovered during the marketing research
process. We’ll also explore qualitative and quantitative research
methods, primary and secondary research, exploratory and causal
research, and data visualization techniques. Throughout the course,
students will gain hands-on experience in conducting, analyzing,
and presenting both qualitative and quantitative research.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
Integrated Marketing Communications MKTG 310 provides students
with an opportunity to understand and apply IMC strategic concepts
and methods.
IMC is essentially defined as Customer Centric Marketing driven
by deeper insights and creative, to develop innovative creative
ideas grounded in/supported with data and information.
The course covers the main functions of Marketing and Marketing
Communications including brand identity, brand strategy,
segmentation, targeting, positioning, and brand activation.
Class periods will by online over Zoom and will consist of
participative discussions along with lecture content focused on key
topics supported by relevant readings, discussion board peer to
peer conversations, case studies, a fun marketing simulation/game
and a team project centered on building an IMC plan.
This course was formerly MKTG 390-CN: Topics in Marketing:
Integrated Marketing Communications.
In this dynamic brand management course, you'll explore the
importance of brands, and learn about core branding components and
brand equity. Topics will include integrated marketing, branding in
the digital era of social media, long-term brand management, crisis
communication, personal branding, and the impact of AI. You will
engage in practical exercises, current case studies, and
discussions to apply your learning to real-world brand management
scenarios. Whether your future lies in marketing, business
management, or entrepreneurship, this course provides a strong
foundation for navigating the evolving world of brand
management.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
This course will introduce students to marketing research and
the marketing research process. Students will examine the
fundamental concepts and techniques used in marketing research and
learn the value of marketing research with respect to
decision-making in marketing and in business. During this 10-week
course, we’ll discuss problem formulation, research design, survey
design, sampling, data collection, and data analysis as well as how
to effectively present the data and insights uncovered during the
marketing research process. We’ll also explore qualitative and
quantitative research methods, primary and secondary research,
exploratory and causal research, and data visualization techniques.
Throughout the course, students will gain hands-on experience in
conducting, analyzing, and presenting both qualitative and
quantitative research.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
Public relations is a core management function for every type of
organization, whether public or private. Public relations spans a
wide range of marketing disciplines including media relations,
corporate reputation, community affairs, issues/crisis management,
investor relations, and government affairs. PR is one of the
primary tools used to reinforce a company's brand and support its
competitive position. Students learn the essential components of an
effective PR strategy; how to evaluate and manage outside PR
counsel; essentials of media relations and crisis management; and
how to draft PR messages.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
This course was formerly MKTG 390-CN / ADVT 370-CN Introduction to
Public Relations.