Marketing is changing quickly. Managers today need to balance strategy, data, creativity, and leadership—often all at once. The new Marketing Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) was created for professionals who already have marketing experience and want to strengthen their ability to lead teams and drive results.
“Employer demand for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, says Molly Hahne, associate director of Professional Development Programs for CCAPS. “This trend reflects continued demand for professionals who can guide effective marketing strategy, analytics and audience engagement. These roles — particularly among experienced marketing managers at the director level and above — are expected to continue expanding as organizations invest in strategic, data-driven marketing.”
From Managing Campaigns to Leading Strategy
This program is designed for marketers who are ready to take the next step, from managing day-to-day campaigns to shaping long-term strategy. The certificate consists of four six-week courses that help learners connect high-level goals with measurable marketing results.
- Marketing Strategy Management and Execution: Learn to create actionable plans that align organizational objectives with on-the-ground execution.
- Marketing Operations Management: Explore how efficient processes, budgeting, and resource management help teams deliver consistent results.
- Brand Management and Content Strategy: Strengthen your brand’s identity and develop content that communicates value to key audiences.
- Marketing Analytics and Strategic Applications: Use data to evaluate campaigns, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions.
Each course is taught by instructors who work in marketing and understand its day-to-day challenges. They bring real examples to class and focus on how to apply new ideas right away.
“Marketing professionals are often promoted to management for their ability to execute successful campaigns; however, once there, they must quickly learn the nuances of leading a department,” says Sarah Felmet, an instructor and developer of the program. “This program helps participants set strategic, actionable marketing goals and manage the people, budget, and technology needed to deliver strong results. It also gives them practice applying data-driven decision-making.”
Who Should Enroll
This program is a good fit for marketing professionals who have experience running campaigns or managing projects and now want to broaden their leadership perspective. It’s especially helpful for those stepping into their first management role or for current managers who want to strengthen their skills in strategy, analytics, and operations.
Professionals can use what they learn to lead more confidently, connect marketing work to organizational goals, and deliver stronger outcomes for their teams and clients.
Learning That Fits Your Schedule
Each six-week course blends weekly live evening Zoom sessions with flexible project work. Learners collaborate with peers, discuss real challenges, and complete assignments they can bring back to the workplace. You can take one course at a time or complete all four to earn the full certificate.
Lead with Strategy. Deliver Results.
At the University of Minnesota’s College of Continuing and Professional Studies, we offer programs that help professionals strengthen their skills and apply new strategies on the job. The Marketing Management Certificate is designed to help experienced marketers build confidence in leadership, planning, and analytics—so they can guide their teams and campaigns with purpose and clarity. For organizations looking to develop their teams, CCAPS’s Workforce Development Program offers customized group training aligned with workforce goals.
Monique Dubos is a writer and content strategist with the U of M College of Continuing and Professionals Studies, where she covers the College’s noncredit professional development programs. Her previous beats included CCAPS's construction management, healthcare management, and IT infrastructure programs. She has also written for the Institute on the Environment, the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, and various publications. Connect with her via LinkedIn.
