Program overview
Get the frameworks and tools necessary to understand consumers, market trends, and competitive marketing strategies with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Marketing.
In this program you will learn about
- market research
- domestic and international product and service distribution
- consumer behaviour
- e-marketing
- international marketing
- marketing strategy
The program also emphasizes the development of critical and strategic thinking skills, enhancing your ability to make informed marketing decisions.
Routes and options
Credit earned in this certificate program may be transferred into the Bachelor of Management, General program.
To be sure you get the most benefit from your certificate courses, if you think you may want to transfer your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with a program advisor.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
You will not receive transfer credit for senior (300/400) level courses more than 10 years old in the following disciplines
- Accounting (ACCT)
- Management Science (MGSC)
- Legal Studies (LGST)
- Marketing (MKTG)
- Finance (FNCE)
- Taxation (TAXX)
If you are working in the field and provide evidence of current experience in these areas, this restriction will be waived.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- demonstrate knowledge and skills in identifying customer needs through market research, developing new products and services based on marketing strategy formulation, and promoting and distributing products and services with relevance in both domestic and international settings.
- demonstrate a basic understanding of issues related to international trade controls, foreign trade operations, location of markets, negotiation practices, monetary issues, and international public relations.
- demonstrate entry-level marketing skills for use in government, industry and private sector organizations that engage in exporting or importing goods and services in world markets.
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour, e-marketing, international marketing, marketing strategy, sales-force management, and marketing research.
Possible career options
- advertising
- corporate sales
- communications
- media relations
- public relations
- e-commerce
- Fundraising Campaign Co-ordinator
- Internet Communications Specialist
- Marketing Researcher
- Promotions Officer
- Regional Sales Co-ordinator
- web communications
- web marketing
- community economic development
- industrial development
- regional development
- tourism development
- tourism industry