The evolution of digital technology has vastly impacted the way we communicate, live and work. As organizations shift their communication and business objectives to the digital space, there is a need for agile professionals who understand and can flourish in this rapidly evolving field. The certificate in Digital Content Management is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts and strategy of digital content and technology. Students learn theoretical and technical approaches to user experience, the essentials of compelling visual design, concepts and tools for content creation, tactics for persuasive, effective communication in the digital space, and the social and cultural influence of digital media. All courses are offered evenings and weekends.
The program is aimed at individuals who want to develop their skills in information management, design, technology and creative oversight in the digital space. The certificate is ideal for content creators, editors, writers, social media managers, web producers, educators, startup entrepreneurs and consultants, as well as marketing, advertising, public relations and media professionals.
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 Digital Content Management
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.
Digital Content Management 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 Digital Content Management Program
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 on Wednesdays on 1/3, 1/17,
1/31, 2/14 and 2/28 via Zoom from 6:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an area of research that
encompasses usability, design, information architecture,
psychology, ethnography, and software engineering. In this course,
we draw on these disciplines to understand how people interact with
technological systems in everyday life. The main focus of this
course will apply a user centered design approach to iteratively
develop and evaluate a prototype. Course topics include: contextual
interviews, design process, prototype construction, and evaluation
techniques. While no prior programming experience is required the
student will benefit from experience with computing conventions as
well as appreciation and willingness to learn.
There is no available section.
Topics: Digital Media and Society <> COMM_ST 395-DL
How has digital media transformed our sense of self and our
relationships with others? In this digital literacy course, we will
attempt to answer this question by studying contemporary and
historical media research from a variety of fields, including
social science, philosophy, media studies, and communication
studies. Students will participate in group work and self
reflection activities intended to help them analyze and evaluate
the role that digital media plays in their lives. They will
practice using different interpretive strategies and analytical
tools to help them determine the social and cultural impact of
digital media. We will pay special attention to the influence of
digital media on conceptions of self and community, so that we may
better understand how digital media affects how we work, play,
learn, and communicate with one another. Each week, students
will learn about a particular topic through readings, videos,
mini-lectures, and podcasts. Then they will participate in online
discussions and complete homework related to the topic. The course
will be highly interactive, and students will work with each other
and with the instructor throughout the course.
The course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition. This course is part of the Business Leadership
year two curriculum.
Topics: Digital Media and Society <> COMM_ST 395-DL
How has digital media transformed our sense of self and our
relationships with others? In this digital literacy course, we will
attempt to answer this question by studying contemporary and
historical media research from a variety of fields, including
social science, philosophy, media studies, and communication
studies. Students will participate in group work and self
reflection activities intended to help them analyze and evaluate
the role that digital media plays in their lives. They will
practice using different interpretive strategies and analytical
tools to help them determine the social and cultural impact of
digital media. We will pay special attention to the influence of
digital media on conceptions of self and community, so that we may
better understand how digital media affects how we work, play,
learn, and communicate with one another. Each week, students will
learn about a particular topic through readings, videos,
mini-lectures, and podcasts. Then they will participate in online
discussions and complete homework related to the topic. The course
will be highly interactive, and students will work with each other
and with the instructor throughout the course.
The course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
This course helps students find their writing voice through
independent reporting, coaching and class critiques. It emphasizes
visual story telling -- i.e., photos and text together. This course
focuses on reaching a specific audience -- professional, academic,
familial. It does so by allowing the student to select an
appropriate topic for a photo essay. Students research, report and
write their stories which become the script for a final project
that resembles a slideshow. Coaching and class critiques help
students along the way.
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, innovative IDEAS
grounded in/supported by real time 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 and
marketing math required to make informed decisions. The key themes
that run through this course, and differentiate it from traditional
ways traditional Marketing is taught.
Class periods will consist of participative discussions along
with lecture content focused on key topics supported by relevant
readings, discussion board peer to peer conversations, case study
analyses, and a team project centered on building an IMC plan.
This course was formerly MKTG 390-CN: Topics in Marketing:
Integrated Marketing Communications. This course will be running
remotely on Tuesdays during the Fall 2023 quarter.
In this course, students will learn the basics and best
practices of project management and some of the tools and
techniques that help manage projects smoothly and successfully.
These include the essentials necessary for project success, the
stages of project management, determining a project's feasibility,
defining a vision for the project, setting measurable objectives,
assessing resources and constraints, creating a managing a project
plan, and dealing with change. This course is designed for those
who have no knowledge of project management and for those who have
been managing projects without any formal training. Its objective
is to prepare project managers to plan, implement, monitor and
evaluate projects of all kinds successfully, thus reducing stress
and ineffective communication while increasing efficiency and
success.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will
be added to tuition.
