2026–27 Graduate Academic Catalog Page 71 Robert W. Plaster School of Business Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy Purpose Statement The Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy equips students with the knowledge and skills to plan, evaluate, and implement effective digital marketing and social media initiatives through a biblical worldview. The program emphasizes audience-centered communication, ethical use of data and technology, and the development of data-informed strategies that reflect professional excellence, creativity, stewardship, and service to others. Values • Excellence – adhering to the highest standards in ethical and moral behavior. Providing continuous quality goods and services using processes that are customer-focused. Applying biblical wisdom and discernment in everyday business interactions. • Missional Purpose – recognizing that our purpose is to serve Christ and minister to others. Reflecting godliness as salt and light in a business world. Edifying others who we interact with on a daily basis. • Stewardship – using our talents, skills, money, and time recognizing that they originate from God and are for use in His purposes. Making decisions that reflect the diversity of stakeholders in ways that bring glory to God. • Servant’s Heart – an attitude of humbly serving God and our fellowman with compassion in the business setting. Showing mercy and grace in business relationships, which reflects God’s love for us. Program Objectives Candidates who complete the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy are equipped to: • Evaluate marketing and communication strategies through a biblical worldview. • Design audience-centered marketing and social media initiatives that demonstrate service to others. • Critique marketing research and analytic practices for ethical soundness, applying biblical principles of honesty, accountability, and stewardship in the use of data and technology. • Develop comprehensive, data-informed marketing strategies and social media campaigns that exemplify professional excellence, creativity, and strategic alignment with organizational skills. Program Delivery Cedarville University has designed the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy to be flexible and responsive to student needs. Courses are offered in fully online seven-week sessions. Not all courses are available every semester. Some courses are offered only during specific semesters. To complete the program in a timely manner, students are encouraged to work with their program advisor to plan their course schedules accordingly. Course Requirements Course requirements involve a minimum of 12 semester hours, including: COM-6302 Managing the Organizational Message.......................3 COM-6303 Social Media Analytics and Campaigns.......................3 MRKT-6200 Strategic Marketing Planning.....................................3 MRKT-6250 Responding to the Marketplace.................................3 Graduate online course content will be available for student access one week prior to the start of the course. Admission Standards Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy requires meeting the University's general admission criteria, application requirements, and the following: • Evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. • Applicants not meeting program admission standards may be considered for conditional admission to the program. • Official transcripts confirming a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or otherwise approved institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Conditional acceptance may be offered in certain circumstances where the overall GPA is at least 2.0. Specific conditions will be decided by the Admissions Committee. • Completion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be required for those with a grade point average below 2.75. Some exceptions are made on an individual basis. The GRE is an acceptable alternative. • Computer proficiency and ability to take courses in an online environment. • One professional or academic reference (faculty member or supervisor) and one Christian character reference (pastoral or mentor). Family members and personal friends are not eligible to serve as references. Admission Process and Timeframe Applicants should follow specific admission criteria found in the Admissions section of the graduate catalog. Application decisions are generally made by the graduate program leadership in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business within two weeks after an admission application is completed. Graduate Enrollment will notify applicants of the admission decision. Tuition and Fees Tuition cost for the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy for the 2026–27 academic year is $680 per semester hour. Audit is $340 per semester hour. The technology fee is $40 per semester. Financial Aid Digital marketing strategy courses completed for the graduate certificate, as a non-degree program, are not eligible for federal or state aid. However, students may qualify for personal loans to pay for this program. Digital marketing strategy courses completed for the MBA degree program may be eligible for federal and state aid. For more information, contact Financial Aid.
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