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Social Media Certificate Online Graduate Marketing Classes
Program Overview Why get a certificate in social media marketing?
Social media platforms, blogs and podcasts have become a key means of marketing communication for many organizations. The Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate online program at Southern New Hampshire University gives you valuable tools for evaluating strategic uses of social media, developing a social media strategy and marketing campaign, and creating effective social media messaging for specific target audiences.
Skills you'll learn:
- Developing social media campaigns
- Executing successful social media marketing strategies
- Conducting market research
- Targeting messaging to audiences
Courses & Curriculum Online social media marketing courses for developing marketers
The social media graduate certificate is a highly focused program for professionals who want to build and qualify their marketing skills quickly. From strategy and content creation to management and metrics, you'll learn advanced strategies for successfully creating and implementing your own social media marketing campaign.
As a bonus, all 15 credits of this certificate can be applied toward the full online master's in marketing with a concentration in social media marketing program.
Online social media marketing courses
The graduate certificate in social media marketing program has 5 courses with 4 required topics. For your fifth course, it's up to you to decide what to take. Consider adding a class that complements your program, like:
- Brand Management
- Consumer Behavior and Marketing
- Digital Story Telling and Branding
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing
- Market Research
- Online Marketing Channels
- Promotions Management
As a bonus, the Social Media Marketing Strategies course prepares you to sit for the HubSpot Social Media Certification exam – another credential to add to your resume.
Upon completion of the program, you'll have a strong project for your portfolio or a plan you can replicate within your own organization.
Courses may include:
Marketing Strategies
Course ID:
MKT 500
This course is a study of the activity by which organizations discover consumer and other organizations' needs and wants, and then provide satisfaction through a mutually beneficial relationship. Students will explore the topics of selecting a target market, conducting marketing research, and designing product, price, promotional, and distribution strategies through the development of a marketing plan.
Social Media Marketing
Course ID:
MKT 555
Explore possibilities and limitations of contemporary social media platforms and tools. Construct and evaluate social media content, its impact, and practical use in marketing context. Analyze general strategic uses of social media for advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, and civic and political participation. Gain hands-on experience with several forms of the most current social media technology.
Social Media Marketing Strategy
Course ID:
MKT 655
This course will develop the students' ability to effectively and successfully create, and implement a social media marketing campaign and evaluate as well as measure its success. Intensive skill building will be placed on creating, applying and integrating the appropriate social media tool that will enable marketers to build high-value relationships with their constituencies. The course will focus on key elements such as determining and matching social media tactics with the appropriate target market and developing strategies to engage those markets using relevant social media channels.
Social Media Marketing Campaigns
Course ID:
MKT 666
This course will develop the student's ability to effectively and successfully create and implement a social media marketing campaign and evaluate as well as measure its success. Intensive skill building will be placed on creating, applying and integrating the appropriate social media tools to meet the marketing objectives of the organization. The course will focus on key elements such as a) audience, b) campaign objectives, c) strategic plan, d) tactics, e) tools, and f) metrics to measure the campaign.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Graduate Certificate in Social Media Marketing.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Nov. 10, 2025 | Feb. 2, 2026
Next term starts:
August 25, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from faculty with industry experience
At SNHU, you'll learn from instructors who have real-world marketing and social media experience – which can give you an inside look at what's happening in the field today.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Jolivette Wallace
Before joining Southern New Hampshire University in 2023, Dr. Jolivette Wallace spent more than a decade working at Belhaven University and owned and operated a 6-figure business. Dr. Wallace has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including being recognized as a top 1% business faculty member during her tenure at Belhaven University and receiving the A Woman Who Sets the Standard Award from the International Women’s Review Board.
Position
Associate Dean, Marketing
Joined SNHU
2023
Education
- BBA in Marketing from Mississippi State University
- MBA from William Carey University
- PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing from American Marketing Association and the Digital Marketing Institute
Read more about Dr. Jolivette Wallace and other online faculty at SNHU.
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some of our SNHU instructors have to say about our online social media marketing certificate:
"SNHU can give you the power to finish your degree from the comfort of home with caring staff who want to help you reach your professional goals. The skills learned at SNHU can help propel you to the next level in your career by developing your problem-solving skills and strategic marketing experience."
Dr. Lauren Bellflower, adjunct instructor at SNHU
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This certificate is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
Online certificate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 15-credit certificate
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$9,555
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$7,050
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with a social media graduate certificate?
Social media isn't just about getting likes and shares. For many organizations, it's a necessary tool for marketing and the ultimate resource for connecting with consumers.
Companies today need social-savvy marketing managers to run digital advertising campaigns and connect with audiences. Whether you're looking to break into the field of social media or you're a seasoned marketer looking to expand your skill set, understanding how to leverage social media to achieve business goals can help you achieve your career goals.
Occupations
With so many organizations now making use of social media platforms, social media marketers are employed in all kinds of industries. After completing the social media marketing certificate online, you'll be ready for a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:
Content Creator
Create fresh, on-brand social media content that connects with a brand's intended audiences.
Community Manager
Build and maintain a brand's social media presence by replying to comments, answering direct messages and cultivating an online community.
Social Media Strategist
Create robust social media strategies that resonate with target audiences, influencing them to take action that forwards business goals.
Social Media Analyst
Use performance data to help businesses make informed decisions about their organic and paid social media marketing strategy.
6%
Increase nationally in advertising, promotions and marketing manager positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$156,580
Median annual pay nationally for advertising, promotions and marketing managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
The program has certainly enhanced my skills across the marketing and social media landscape. I focus quite a lot on marketing ethics, campaign management and digital strategies throughout my day — and my confidence on those topics can be attributed to what I learned in this program.
Madeline Brydges '20
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best social media course?
The best social media courses are the ones that can immediately help you grow your business. There are so many topics – from creating strategies, to developing content, to analyzing results – that it would be hard to fit them all into one class.
That's why, at Southern New Hampshire University, we've created a Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate, a 5-course program that can help you upskill, and give you tools to help your marketing department engage better with your audience.
Four of the courses in our program are required:
- Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Marketing
- Social Media Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Marketing Campaigns
You'll start your program in a graduate-level marketing course, giving you a better understanding of what consumers want and how to build relationships with them.
Then, your 3 social media marketing courses will give you more of a deep dive into the topic. Create and analyze campaigns and content, target the right market, use the appropriate platforms, understand the impact of your posts, measure success – and then take your learnings into your next campaign.
As a bonus, the Social Media Marketing Strategies course prepares you to sit for the HubSpot Social Media Certification exam – another credential to add to your resume.
For your last course in your program, you have the opportunity to choose any master's-level marketing course, helping you specialize your skill set even further.
Better yet, SNHU's social media marketing classes online are affordable – another benefit you'll find when enrolling in a program here. At just $637 per graduate-level credit hour, our online tuition rates are some of the lowest in the country.
"The most important criteria when I was reviewing options were that it needed to be affordable, fully online, easy to sign up and have a flexible schedule," said Madeline Brydges '20. "SNHU’s program met all of that criteria, and once I began the sign-up process, I never looked back!"
So while "best" is subjective, the courses you take at SNHU can provide value to move you through the next phases of your marketing career.
What can you do with a social media marketing certificate?
A social media marketing certificate can either enhance your marketing skill set or give you the skills to start taking the lead, depending on what point you're at in your career.
A certificate in social media marketing is an excellent credential to add to your resume. And Southern New Hampshire University – a nonprofit, accredited institution – offers a Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate that may be the skills boost you need to further your career.
As more organizations invest in social media, more skills are needed behind the content – so that it better connects with and informs your audience. This includes areas like:
- Blogs
- Content articles
- E-books
- How-to guides
- Images
- Infographics
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Webinars
You can also jump into the metrics. All social media campaigns need to be measured for their effectiveness. Campaigns that meet their goals help the organization – with brand awareness, sales and loyalty.
Plus, your social media marketing classes online can position you for other certifications.
"One big step for me was taking the Google Analytics (GA) exam with my last social media marketing class," said Madeline Brydges '20. "I have been using GA for work the last couple of years but I never pushed myself to actually get qualified. Having a new certification under my belt has given me something 'official' to add to my CV and will help me advance in my current field."
What you can do with your certificate in social media marketing is up to you.
How long does it take to learn social media marketing?
This depends on where you're starting from! If you're already familiar with some of the basics, picking up new skills won't take long at all. On the other hand, if you have no background doing social media in a business context, it could take you a bit longer.
Some may start with an undergraduate social media marketing degree. Others may build off another foundation.
Madeline Brydges '20 earned her bachelor's in biochemistry, but when she realized after a few years that the field wasn't for her, she set her eye on marketing.
While she was able to get a job in marketing, her role has expanded over the years. "I love what I do for work, and since I'm now fully involved in digital marketing, I wanted a degree to back that up," she said.
At Southern New Hampshire University, our social media certificate program has only 5 courses.
Since our graduate terms are 10 weeks long, you can definitely finish the program in a year as a part-time student – meaning you take 1 class at a time.
However, if you want to finish sooner, you could double up on classes for 2 of those terms as a full-time student, meaning you'd finish in closer to half a year.
It's up to you to decide on your timeline at SNHU. Lots of our students enroll part time – making it easier to balance with a job, family and other responsibilities. But if you don't have as many obligations in your life right now, full time may be the way to go.
Brydges says the program was worth it.
"My degree and this program are tangible proof that I chose to invest in my future, go the extra mile to verify my skill set and prove my value as I move forward with my career," she said. "I learned many new things along the way, and I was able to expand my view on things I already had some background on."
Our team of admission counselors and academic advisors can work with you on making the right decision. No matter what you choose, we want you to be successful at SNHU (and beyond).
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed April 29, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.