Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Consumer Insights

Develop the strategic skills of a marketing specialist and prepare to take on the unique business challenges of today.

With a graduate certificate in marketing and consumer insights from Elmhurst University, you’ll be an asset to businesses as a researcher, analyst and decision-maker.

Solve Real-Life Marketing Problems

Get hands-on experience in marketing and consumer research through the D.K. Hardin Center for Market Research at Elmhurst University. You will also gain real-world business experience through a research practicum in which you help clients such as the Brookfield Zoo and Morton Arboretum.

Marketing and Consumer Insights Certificate Program Admission

To apply for the graduate certificate program in marketing and consumer insights, complete the application for graduate admission and follow the instructions for non-degree students.

Program Format

You have the option to experience either of the first two classes in-person or 100% online in our signature EU Flex format. Then, you’ll join us onsite at our campus in Chicago’s western suburbs to participate in the hands-on practicum. Webinars are recorded, so you can view them on your schedule.

Required Courses

.75 credit

An overview of marketing research focusing on key concepts and tools in the field. The use of primary and secondary data as well as qualitative and quantitative approaches from a strategic, decision-making perspective are covered. The course will cover the relevance of customer relationship marketing and consumer insight as well as data collection methods and analysis.

.75 credit

An in-depth look at the use of social and digital media and its application in marketing research to drive decision making. Emphasis is placed on appropriate application of social/digital media and data collection methods. Understanding and applying secondary data within business needs will also be stressed. A strong emphasis on application of skills will be provided in a live-case scenario.

.75 credit

Course will meet with an actual client to solve a strategic business challenge and marketing research need. Students will apply knowledge from MBA 583 and MBA 584 to determine management issues, identify research approach, and develop the survey instrument with a focus on data needs. Strong emphasis on project and client relationship management is also core to this practicum.

Prerequisites: MBA 583, MBA 584.

.75 credit

Students will meet with an actual client to solve a strategic business challenge and marketing research need. Students will apply knowledge from MBA 583, MBA 584 and MBA 585 to focus on data analysis for project from Practicum Part 1. Additionally, application of SPSS statistical software will be incorporated in the data analysis approach for client project. A presentation and report are developed and presented to the client with recommendations for next steps based on the research findings and analysis.

Prerequisites: MBA 583, MBA 584, MBA 585. 

Prerequisites

The program is available to students who hold an undergraduate degree in marketing or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Although you don’t need a major in marketing, you will need to complete some undergraduate courses before beginning the program: a basic marketing and statistics course. Prerequisites can be met as part of a student’s undergraduate coursework or transferred from another college or university.

Market Research Career Opportunities

The expected rapid rise in the demand for market research analysts and consumer insights specialists will make you highly sought after. Graduates of the certificate program in marketing and consumer insights at Elmhurst will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a wide variety of research settings.

Career opportunities in market research include, but are not limited to:

  • Director of Research
  • Research Analyst
  • Business/Market Analyst
  • Director of Marketing
  • Marketing Manager
  • Brand Manager or Product Manager
  • Market Research Manager
  • Customer Insights Manager
  • Account/Project Manager
  • Consultant

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