Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate Program
Whether targeting consumers or other businesses, marketing communications should arise from a well-developed marketing plan and a clear understanding of the audience's wants and needs. The communication strategy should follow the goals of the organization through direct marketing, sales, advertising and public relations.
The Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) certificate is a marketing program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals needed to build a clear, cooperative communication strategy for your organization by strategically aligning your advertising, promotion and direct and digital marketing.
Program Requirements
To receive the IMC certificate, students must successfully complete three required courses and two elective courses plus one seminar. Each marketing course, certificate program and/or seminar can be taken as a stand-alone class; however, there is a benefit to obtaining the comprehensive skills associated with the IMC certificate. The selection of electives may vary from year to year.
Required Courses:
- Building an Effective Marketing Plan Certificate Program
- Jacobs & Stone Multichannel Marketing Communications Certificate Program
- Practical Internet Marketing Certificate Program*
Elective Courses (choose two):
- Content Marketing Strategy Certificate Program*
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Certificate Program*
- Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate Program*
- Effective Presentation and Communication Skills Certificate Program
- Google Analytics Prep Course: Apply for Google Certification
- Marketing Research Certificate Program
- Negotiation Strategies and Skills Certificate Program
- Predictive Analytics Certificate Program*
- Professional Business Writing Certificate Program
- Public Relations Essentials in a Digital World Certificate Program*
- Search Engine Marketing Certificate Program
- Social Media Marketing Certificate Program*
Seminars (choose one):
- Business Writing and Grammar Essentials
- Marketing Return on Investment
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social Media Marketing
* Note: Students can take either the in-class or online course offering.
- Building an Effective Marketing Plan Certificate Program
- Business Writing and Grammar Essentials Seminar
- Content Marketing Strategy Certificate Program
- Customer Relationship Management Certificate Program
- Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate Program
- Effective Presentation and Communication Skills Certificate Program
- Google Analytics Prep Course: Apply for Google Certification
- Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate (Internal Only)
- Jacobs & Stone Multichannel Marketing Communications (MC2) Certificate Program
- Marketing Research Certificate Program
- Marketing Return on Investment (ROI) Seminar
- Negotiation Strategies and Skills Certificate Program
- Practical Internet Marketing Certificate Program
- Predictive Analytics Certificate Program
- Professional Business Writing Certificate Program
- Public Relations Essentials in a Digital World Certificate Program
- Search Engine Marketing Certificate Program
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Seminar
- Social Media Marketing Certificate Program
- Social Media Marketing Seminar
“I was on a career journey to add digital marketing courses to enhance my resume. When I reviewed the courses that DePaul offered compared to the other schools, it was an easy decision. I decided to enroll in the IMC program at DePaul because they offered so much more and each course seemed so interesting, essential, and practical. During my classes, I was impressed with the instructor’s level of expertise and the valuable resources they provided. The program is amazing and I learned so much! The certificate has given me confidence to look for a job that includes integrated marketing.”
---Jenny Thornton
"The IMC certificate program at DePaul was an excellent way for me to enhance my skills in Digital Integrated Marketing and learn from the best and brightest about their companies and career journey. The professors put time and energy into the courses and each one offered unique skills while also building on material learned across the required curriculum. I also appreciated being able to choose electives to complement the required coursework. I recommend this program and the Kellstadt Marketing Center to anyone looking to enhance their skills and broaden their opportunities."
---Lisa Moes
"The IMC Program from DePaul is an excellent program for marketing professionals as well as those who are changing careers or looking for new skill sets. The content is rich and practical, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the schedule is flexible. I was able to immediately apply what I learned to my work and was able to make improvements within our marketing department."
---Alla Antonov, Senior Marketing Specialist
"I was a temporary visitor to Chicago. I came from Jordan to obtain an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) certificate. I looked at all the non-credit marketing courses in Chicago and chose DePaul because it offers flexible, comprehensive non-credit certificate programs for professionals who are looking to gain distinctive skills. This certificate has given me more credibility at work as I've taken on more responsibilities. DePaul is the best place to get this marketing certification in Chicago."
---Sufian Hasan Muhsen
- Experienced marketers wishing to acquire new skill sets
- Marketing managers
- Account managers
- Marketing research professionals
- Advertising professionals
- Public relations practitioners
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
What are the requirements for the Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate?
To receive the IMC certificate, students must successfully complete three required courses and two elective courses plus one seminar.
Do I get DePaul credit for these classes?
No, but some have been approved for CEU credits. These classes are professional education classes with different requirements than courses taken for academic credit.
How big are the classes?
Class size is limited to allow for a more interactive environment in the classroom. Most classes have fewer than twenty students.
Will I have to write papers and take exams?
While the assignments differ for each instructor and course, you will be assigned non-graded homework, and you will receive feedback on each of your assignments. Some courses also include in-class presentations.
Are the courses very technical?
Some of the topics are technical but are described in a way that a non-technical person can understand. At every stage of the program, theory is integrated with the technology - we aim to provide insight for technical and non-technical participants.
Does this program qualify for financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
In order to find out if you qualify for financial assistance, you must first contact Workforce Development. As a certified program under the ILLINOIS workNet initiative, this program has been approved for workforce training grants for those who are eligible. Funding may be available for those receiving unemployment benefits. Please contact Workforce Development for more information.
What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?
A certificate is earned after completion of a course or a series of courses. Certificates are usually awarded by a training provider or an educational institution. Certification typically includes an experience, an educational component and requires passing an exam. Certifications are awarded by governmental and/or professional agencies and often require recertification to remain certified.