University College, DU’s school of continuing professional studies, will launch a graduate specialty program in new media and Internet marketing this spring. Students can choose to pursue a master’s degree or an advanced graduate certificate in the specialty.
The program is intended for professionals who already have a foundational, educational or professional background in public relations and marketing but want to learn how to integrate cutting-edge new media and Internet marketing technologies and strategies into their existing communication practice or workplace.
“Though many communications practitioners are implementing social and new media strategies in their workplace, we believe that a formalized education in this field will help with strategy effectiveness, efficiency and ROI,” says Academic Director Amy Kelsall.
According to a University College infographic about trends in the new media and Internet marketing industry, jobs in these fields are growing exponentially, with social media marketing positions up 307 percent since 2009 and use of email marketing expected to increase 60 percent in 2012.
With these industry trends in mind, Kelsall says the new specialty program will prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills they need for careers in social media, email and mobile marketing, digital media marketing and more.
University College instructors all work in the fields they teach, and each program has an advisory board of community professionals who help University College keep a pulse on marketplace trends, advise on new course content and occasionally locate instructors. The college also cultivates partnerships with companies, organizations and professional associations to offer internships that help students gain real-world experience outside of the classroom.
“We emphasize cutting-edge topics and technology that are grounded in theory and very applied,” Kelsall says. “Students take lessons from every class that they can put to use the next day.”
The new media and Internet marketing specialty is one of a handful of graduate programs currently offered in this field nationwide, although Kelsall expects more programs to pop up.
“We are proud to be ahead of the curve,” Kelsall says.
The master’s degree requires 48 credit hours (12 classes), including three professional foundation courses, four specialty courses, three further study courses to be determined by the student, a graduate research and writing class, and a capstone project. The graduate certificate of advanced study requires 24 credit hours (four specialty classes and two further study options to be determined by the student) and can count toward a degree.
Spring quarter classes begin March 26 and are offered online and on campus. Registration is open through March 16. For more information, visit the new media and Internet marketing program website.
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