Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the curriculum for this certificate program?

Taught by experienced marketing professionals, this online marketing certificate provides students with marketing case studies that focus on real-world application of marketing research and analytic methods to diagnose marketing problems, iterate solutions, and evaluate marketing effectiveness. From advertising analytics to marketing campaign strategy, all students who successfully complete this online certificate program will be prepared to provide the marketing insights needed to deliver data-driven marketing.

Courses include:

• Foundations of Advertising Insights and Marketing Analysis (required for the certificate)
• Achieving Consumer Centricity
• Campaign Objectives & Strategy
• Discovering and Testing the Key Consumer Insight
• Informing Creative Development
• Media Assessment & Tactical Planning
• Campaign Effectiveness Measurement

2. Which courses will be offered and when?

The next cohorts start April 29, 2024 (enrollment cut-off April 5) and June 17 (enrollment cut-off May 24).

3. When the do the courses begin?

Upcoming session dates are as follows:

• • Summer 1: April 29 – June 16
    
  • Summer 2: June 17 – August 4

4. What is the required time commitment?

Students should expect to commit 4-5 hours per week for each course. This includes one hour of synchronous (live) and one hour of asynchronous class time, and 2-3 hours of readings and assignments per week. Each course will take seven weeks to complete.

5. When will the synchronous (live) sessions take place for each course?

The timing of the synchronous (live) sessions for each course varies, but will likely be between 6:00-9:00pm EST on Mondays – Thursdays. The intention is to schedule the timing of these courses to ensure that they do not overlap with each other.

6. Is taking the Foundations course a requirement before enrolling in any of the electives?

No. Students may enroll in any of the electives and/or the Foundations course. 

7. How long will it take to complete the certification program?

It depends on how many elective courses a student is willing to take at once. In general, students who take one course per term should be able to complete the certificate in less than one year. For example, a student could take the Foundations course in the first term of the Fall semester, then take one elective in each of the following terms (second half of Fall semester, first half of the following Spring semester, and second half of the same Spring semester).

8. What are the benefits of completing the certificate program vs. taking individual courses?

Students who complete the certificate program will be able to access the following benefits:

• Alumni Gatherings at ARF Events – access to ARF specific events, giving them the opportunity to connect with each other.
• Course Certificate and Letter from the ARF CEO – presented with a certificate of completion from the ARF CEO.
• Alumni Directory Listing – ability to network with other alumni and access an exclusive job board with postings from ARF members.
• Digital Badge of Completion – receive digital “badge” certificate to post on Linkedin, resume, and work presentations.
• Access to the ARF Knowledge Center – gain access to ARF knowledge through the self-service tools in the Knowledge Center while in classes and for one year following graduation.
• Attend ARF Member events – attend ARF member events while in classes and for one year following graduation.
• ARF Young Pros – join the ARF Young Pros (if age appropriate) and attend special sessions which will include post-event speaker talk backs.

9. How will my company benefit from an employee completing this course?

All students who successfully complete this program will be able to provide professional research support for marketing and advertising campaigns by utilizing best practice methodologies by experienced practitioners rooted in academic rigor. Students will learn how to use qualitative and quantitative analysis and insights to support the creation and development of marketing and advertising. Students will also be able to develop the core knowledge and critical skills required to plan and execute research designed to assess the effectiveness and impact of marketing and advertising.

10. Who do I contact for more information or to register?

Contact the ARF Membership team at arfcertification@thearf.org.