Social Media for Business Certificate
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Print- Introduction to Social Media – Learn the fundamentals of social media platforms and communication strategies. (Must be taken before the other two courses.)
- Marketing Using Social Media – Develop and implement an effective social media marketing strategy.
- Integrating Social Media in Your Organization – Learn how to manage social media tools and integrate them into business operations.
Prerequisite: "Introduction to Social Media" must be completed before taking "Marketing Using Social Media" and "Integrating Social Media in Your Organization."
Social media has revolutionized the way businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies communicate, market, and engage with their audiences. This certificate program is designed to help organizations leverage social media effectively to enhance their brand, grow their reach, and improve customer interactions.
You will explore the new principles of communication that apply across all networks, gaining insight into how social networks function and the potential applications they hold for your organization. The program will also cover strategies for developing two-way communication and marketing engagement, along with best practices for integrating social media into your business operations to strengthen connections and drive results.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
- A comprehensive understanding of social networks
- Practical, how-to techniques for successful implementation
- A customized plan to integrate social media into your organization
- Understand how social media platforms function and apply best practices
- Develop a social media marketing strategy tailored to your organization
- Identify effective communication strategies for different social networks
- Learn how to engage customers, increase brand awareness, and track social media performance
- Create a customized plan to successfully integrate social media into your business or organization
Who Should Take This Certificate?
- Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to expand their digital presence
- Marketing and communications professionals seeking to refine their social media strategies
- Nonprofit and government agencies wanting to improve public engagement
- Organizations and professionals aiming to integrate social media into daily operations
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.
Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.