Digital marketing is still one of the most in-demand skill sets in Canada, but it no longer looks the way it did even a few years ago. Nearly every organization depends on digital channels to reach customers and drive growth, yet the tools, workflows, and expectations behind those channels are changing fast.
Generative AI is reshaping the industry. Today’s marketers work alongside automation across the entire stack: from content and creative testing to media buying, analytics, personalization, and performance optimization. As AI handles more executional tasks, employers are prioritizing marketers who can think strategically, interpret data, and make smart decisions about where and how automation should be used—not just those who know how to push buttons on a single platform.
That shift is transforming digital marketing education. While short, intensive bootcamps remain popular for rapid upskilling, many Canadian colleges and universities have significantly updated their certificate programs to reflect how marketing actually operates today. The strongest offerings now blend applied strategy, hands-on projects, analytics, and exposure to AI-enabled tools, helping learners build judgment and adaptability alongside technical skills.
Most digital marketing courses still cover core foundations like SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, copywriting and content strategy, web fundamentals, and analytics. Where programs increasingly differ is in depth and relevance. Programs that emphasize integrated campaigns, measurable outcomes, real client work, and business context tend to prepare graduates far better for a market shaped by constant change.
Self-directed platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, GA4 Academy, edX, and even HubSpot remain valuable for learning specific tools or refreshing skills. But for learners seeking formal credentials, career progression, or a meaningful pivot into marketing, structured certificate programs offer something those platforms can’t: guided learning, accountability, and credentials employers recognize.
CourseCompare’s ranking of the best digital marketing certificate programs of 2026 highlights programs that reflect where the industry is heading to help you build your marketing career in Canada. Our methodology prioritizes applied learning, credible credentials, experienced instructors, and curricula aligned with current employer expectations, so you can build skills that hold up in an AI-driven marketing landscape.
CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.
Humber Polytechnic
Humber Polytechnic is a large public college in Toronto, Ontario, with three main campuses in the Greater Toronto Area and a wide range of programs in media, business, marketing, and related fields. It offers more than 200 credentials, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and flexible professional learning options.
Humber’s programs in advertising, marketing, digital business, and communications combine theoretical foundations with applied work and industry input. Students can gain hands-on experience through applied projects, field placements, and industry collaborations embedded within academic programs. For example, the Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma offers project work with real briefs through Humber’s in-house agency environment, and the Marketing Management graduate certificate integrates strategy, digital marketing, branding, and analytics.
In addition to full-time academic credentials, Humber’s continuing professional learning division offers part-time certificates and micro-credentials designed for current professionals and learners seeking specific skills. These include a Social Media certificate and a micro-credential in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Marketing and Communications, which focuses on how AI tools are used in marketing workflows.
Admission requirements depend on the credential. Graduate certificates typically require postsecondary education, while continuing education certificates and micro-credentials are generally open to a broader range of learners with varying levels of experience.
What Students Are Saying
Timothy Welland, Social Media“Great program. Andrea Tavchar was my prof and she was amazing - a practitioner who also had a PhD in the field. That's the great thing about Humber, you get a strong academic background (theory) with loads of practice, practice, practice. Employers around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) also know Humber very well. ”
What You’ll Learn
Humber’s digital marketing education is offered through multiple credential types, including part-time professional certificates and micro-credentials, as well as full-time academic programs. Together, these options cover core areas such as digital marketing strategy, social media management, analytics, content development, and the applied use of AI in marketing workflows.
Professional Learning and Micro-Credentials
The Social Media Certificate focuses on platform strategy, content planning, audience engagement, analytics, and paid social fundamentals. Courses emphasize hands-on application using current tools and platforms.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Digital Marketing & Communications (Micro-Credential) introduces how AI is used in marketing and communications, including prompt design, automation concepts, and evaluating AI tools within real marketing contexts.
Academic Certificates and Diploma Programs
The Marketing Diploma includes digital and social media marketing alongside research methods, analytics, CRM, and campaign planning. Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing includes digital marketing strategy and tools within a comprehensive business and marketing curriculum. The Digital Business Management Degree combines digital marketing concepts with business strategy, technology, and e-commerce.
Marketing Management (Ontario Graduate Certificate) integrates digital marketing with broader marketing strategy, branding, planning, and communications.
Other Related Programs with Digital Marketing Skills
Several media and communications programs also include digital marketing coursework such as the Media Communications Diploma, which covers digital content creation, social media marketing, web design, and strategic media writing. Humber’s Advertising and Marketing Communications Diploma introduces digital marketing communications, campaign planning, and foundational web and design skills.
Across these credentials, students develop skills in website and content strategy, social media planning and analytics, paid digital advertising, SEO fundamentals, digital campaign development, marketing automation, and the applied use of AI tools for marketing execution and measurement.
Locations
Online; Toronto
University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) offers professional, non-degree education for adult learners through open-enrolment certificates and individual courses. Its marketing and communications offerings are designed for learners entering the field as well as professionals looking to deepen or formalize their digital marketing expertise.
SCS’s Digital Marketing Management certificate focuses on the core disciplines of digital marketing, with an emphasis on search engine marketing and social media strategy. The program is structured to support learners pursuing specialist, leadership, or management roles and emphasizes practical application, measurable outcomes, and return on investment (ROI).
Most SCS courses are open to learners aged 18 or older, with no formal degree admission process. Certificates are completed by successfully finishing required courses within a defined time window.
What Students Are Saying
Angelica Garcia, Foundations of Digital Strategy and Marketing Management“I enrolled in the digital strategy and marketing management certification with about four years of experience in a traditional marketing role. My instructors were highly qualified and had a lot of industry experience, many even work in management roles and teach at the same time, so the case studies are recent and detailed. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their skills in digital marketing and already has some work experience behind them. ”
What You’ll Learn
The Digital Marketing Management certificate covers the foundations of digital marketing along with focused training in search and social channels. Instruction combines lectures, readings, case studies, exercises, and graded assignments.
Students learn how to:
- Define and evaluate an effective digital marketing presence
- Apply best practices in search engine marketing to achieve measurable results
- Plan and manage social media campaigns, including platform selection, community management, metrics, and reporting
- Understand key concepts related to e-commerce and e-business
- Use industry tools and techniques to support customer engagement and service
- Analyze how leading organizations use digital marketing to drive business performance
To earn the certificate, students complete three core courses, with structured substitution options available. Standard core courses include Foundations of Digital Strategy and Marketing Management, Search Engine Marketing, and Social Media Strategy.
Students have three years from the start date of their first course to complete the certificate. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) may be granted for one course, subject to review.
Learners interested in adjacent or more advanced study may also consider Advertising, Marketing – Advanced, Marketing and Sales for Entrepreneurs, and Digital Strategy & Communications Management programs.
Locations
Online; Toronto
BrainStation
BrainStation is a private digital skills provider founded in 2012, known for its professional certificate courses in tech and business disciplines, including digital marketing. It delivers part-time, project-based training both online and at campuses in Toronto, Vancouver, New York, and London. BrainStation’s marketing offerings are designed for professionals with varied backgrounds, with no formal experience required for entry into its core digital marketing certification.
The Digital Marketing Certification (DMC™) course is focused on practical skills employers look for, including campaign planning, SEO and SEM, content strategy, social media marketing, email marketing, analytics, and performance measurement. Students work on real-world projects and build portfolio pieces as part of the curriculum.
BrainStation also offers a Marketing Leadership Certification (MLC™) for learners who want to deepen their strategic understanding of marketing and prepare for leadership roles. This program emphasizes customer-centric strategy, data-driven decision-making, and brand leadership.
In addition to its core digital marketing and leadership certificates, BrainStation runs workshops, networking events, and free prep courses to help learners explore key digital marketing concepts before enrolling in a full certification.
Admission requirements are minimal for certificate courses, and learners can often begin without prior marketing experience. The curriculum is delivered in a cohort format with live instruction and hands-on projects.
What Students Are Saying
Francesca Palermo, Digital Marketing Course“My experience with BrainStation Digital Marketing program was truly incredible. The course covered a wide range of topics, all of which were highly relevant to today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. This was especially important for me as I’m transitioning careers, and this program gave me the perfect foundation to start from. I couldn’t have made a better choice. The professors were engaging but also incredibly supportive throughout the entire course, and I especially appreciated their real-life insights. I also loved the in-person classes, which added an extra layer of interaction and connection. The final project was a real challenge, it pushed me to apply everything I had learned in a real-world context. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of the material. It was also inspiring to see and learn from the diverse projects my peers worked on, which offered fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Overall, BrainStation Digital Marketing course far exceeded my expectations. ”
What You’ll Learn
BrainStation focuses on practical digital marketing skills and contemporary tools. Typical curriculum components include:
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Search engine marketing and optimization
- Content strategy and copywriting
- Social media and paid media fundamentals
- Email marketing and automation basics
- Analytics and performance measurement
- Marketing leadership foundations (in the leadership certification)
Most digital marketing certificates are delivered part-time with a mix of live virtual instruction and peer collaboration, making them suitable for working professionals. Courses typically run 4 to 8 weeks, with options for evenings or weekends.
Locations
Online; Toronto; Vancouver; New York; London, UK
Canadian Marketing Association
The CMA is Canada’s national marketing trade association, established in 1967. It serves as a hub for professional development, industry insight, standards, and community engagement across marketing disciplines. Through research, events, advocacy, and education, CMA supports marketers in business, agency, nonprofit, and public sectors.
CMA’s learning offerings include online marketing certificate courses, live and on-demand trainings, and stackable micro-credentials designed for practitioners at different stages of their careers. The association also champions the Chartered Marketer (CM) designation, Canada’s professional marketing designation, which signals advanced strategic knowledge and commitment to ongoing development.
All CMA courses and micro-credentials are delivered online. Formats include self-paced, on-demand digital learning; semester-paced, instructor-led courses; and short live trainings (webinars and seminars) with industry practitioners. This mix allows professionals to build skills around work schedules and career commitments.
What Students Are Saying
Madeline Dennhardt, Chartered Marketer (CM) Designation Program“The CM Designation not only opened doors for my professional growth but also empowered me to contribute more strategically to the company's success. ”
What You’ll Learn
CMA’s educational portfolio provides flexible options to build practical marketing skills that apply in digital and broader marketing roles. CMA offers a suite of online marketing certificate courses that can be completed on demand or in instructor-led formats. Topics cover essential and specialized skills marketers use today, including:
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Digital Analytics
- Generative AI for Marketers
- Marketing in Canada
- Marketing Metrics
- Mastering Leadership Skills
Certificates are awarded upon completion, and each course also provides professional development credits that can support ongoing learning goals.
The Chartered Marketer designation is CMA’s flagship professional credential. It recognizes deep marketing expertise and strategic capability validated by industry. To pursue the CM designation, learners complete a set of qualifying courses and meet eligibility criteria based on experience and education. Pathways are structured to accommodate marketers with varying backgrounds, including accelerated options for those with relevant academic credentials or extensive professional experience.
CM pathway courses cover areas such as:
- Tools for Success
- Finance and Campaign Execution
- Creative Elements of Marketing
- Brand, Media, Insights, and Generative AI electives
- Summit course (culminating requirement)
Chartered Marketer holders must maintain their designation through ongoing professional development and annual requirements that reflect current best practices.
CMA also administers the Digital Marketing Skills Canada (DMSC) initiative, which provides opportunities for certain learners to access the CM designation or components of CMA training at no cost or with funding support, particularly for those who are unemployed or working part-time.
Locations
Online
Seneca Polytechnic
Seneca Polytechnic has multiple campuses in the Greater Toronto Area and is known for career-focused programming and strong industry connections. For digital marketing, Seneca’s main options are delivered through Seneca Business and focus on applied campaign work, measurement, and current digital tools.
Seneca offers an eight-month certificate in Digital & Social Media Marketing (DMM) and a two-year certificate in Digital Marketing Communications & Analytics (MRK). Both are hybrid programs, and starting in May 2026, the courses currently offered at Seneca@York will move to their Newnham campus.
DMM puts real practice at the centre of its programming. The certificate includes hands-on learning through a student-run marketing agency, and there’s an optional work term for learners who want workplace experience built into the credential. This program appeals to those who want a shorter, skills-focused credential, especially career switchers or early-career marketers who learn best by building real campaign work they can point to.
MRK is a longer, more in-depth option. It includes an industry-partnered capstone project and a mandatory work term, so learners graduate with both a major applied project and formal work experience as part of the program. This is a strong fit for those who want a longer runway to build strategy, analytics, and performance evaluation skills, with work experience that’s part of graduation rather than an add-on.
For DMM, applicants typically need a degree or diploma (or equivalent), and applicants with partial postsecondary plus three to five years of related work experience may be considered with a resumé and references. For MRK, applicants typically need a degree or diploma (or equivalent), with English proficiency requirements.
What You’ll Learn
Digital & Social Media Marketing (DMM) focuses on the core skills needed to plan, run, and evaluate digital and social campaigns. Coursework covers:
- Digital and social media strategy
- Consumer behaviour for digital marketing
- Search engine strategies
- Technical skills for digital and social media
- Content marketing management
- Managing web design and development for digital marketing
- Content creation
- Internet market research
- Data and analytics for digital and social media marketing
- Influencer-based marketing
- A digital and social media marketing capstone project
Digital Marketing Communications & Analytics (MRK) builds toward integrated marketing communications and stronger analytics skills, with more time spent on planning, presentation, and project work. Coursework covers:
- Marketing fundamentals and an introduction to Canadian business
- Digital and social media strategy, plus search engine strategies
- Content creation
- Internet market research and campaign evaluation
- Data and analytics, including data visualization
- Integrated marketing communications
- Project management
- Professional presentations and presenting complex material
- Intercultural communications and branding
- A digital marketing communications and analytics capstone project
Locations
Online; Toronto
Centennial College
Centennial College is Ontario’s first public college and one of the province’s largest, with multiple campuses across Toronto. Its School of Business offers a range of post-diploma and graduate certificate programs designed to build applied, career-ready skills in business, marketing, and digital strategy.
Centennial’s Marketing–Digital Engagement Strategy program is a graduate certificate intended for learners who already hold postsecondary credentials. Admission typically requires a three-year college diploma or university degree in a related field. Applicants with a two-year diploma or partial university education may be considered if they also have relevant professional experience. As part of the admissions process, applicants are required to complete a written assessment.
What Students Are Saying
Nitin Dhuppad, Marketing - Digital Engagement Strategy“As a current student in the Digital Engagement Strategy course at Centennial College, I have experienced a transformative journey of learning and growth. Skills Development and Hands-On Experience: The course has provided me with a solid grasp of digital marketing tools and strategies, from social media analytics to content creation. The emphasis on real-world applications, including live projects with actual clients, has significantly boosted my technical abilities and confidence. Global Citizenship, Equity, and Inclusion: Working with classmates from diverse backgrounds has enriched my understanding of global citizenship and inclusivity. These experiences have broadened my worldview and inspired me to advocate for inclusive practices in digital marketing. Career Influence: The global perspective I have gained is crucial for my career aspirations. Understanding global market trends and cultural nuances has prepared me to create more effective and inclusive marketing strategies, which will be invaluable in my future career. Student Life and Support: Centennial College offers a supportive environment with engaged and helpful instructors. My involvement in co-curricular activities has enhanced my personal, academic, and professional growth. The college’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity has contributed to a fulfilling student experience. Overall, my time at Centennial College has been highly rewarding, and I am confident that the skills and perspectives I have gained will positively influence my future career. ”
What You’ll Learn
The Marketing–Digital Engagement Strategy graduate certificate focuses on how organizations design, deliver, and measure digital marketing initiatives that support customer engagement and business growth. Coursework emphasizes strategic planning alongside practical application.
Students learn how to:
- Develop and evaluate digital marketing and engagement strategies
- Analyze customer behaviour across digital channels
- Plan and manage integrated digital campaigns
- Apply data and insights to improve marketing performance
Experiential learning is embedded throughout the program. Students participate in applied projects that may involve working with marketers, retailers, or agencies on real or simulated client challenges. These experiences are designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration, project management, and professional communication skills while applying theory in practice.
As part of the curriculum, students may have opportunities to prepare for industry-recognized certifications, such as Google Ads and Google Analytics. Program content also aligns with competencies recognized by professional marketing bodies, supporting ongoing professional development.
The program is delivered on campus, with structured coursework completed over a defined academic schedule typical of graduate certificate programs.
Locations
Toronto
University of Alberta
University of Alberta (U of A), based in Edmonton, Alberta, is a research-intensive public university consistently ranked among Canada’s leading institutions. Through its Faculty of Extension, U of A offers a Digital Marketing Certificate designed for learners seeking practical, career-oriented training in digital marketing skills.
The certificate is offered by the Faculty of Extension in a flexible format that supports part-time study and online delivery. There are no formal prerequisites to begin the digital marketing certificate; learners from a range of backgrounds can enroll and start building digital marketing competencies.
What You’ll Learn
The University of Alberta’s Digital Marketing Certificate is structured around a set of required core courses plus three electives. Each course is typically worth 12 hours of instruction and can be taken online at the learner’s own pace. Learners complete five core courses that establish foundational and applied digital marketing skills. Topics include:
- Digital Marketing Fundamentals
- Analytics and Reporting
- Content Marketing and Communications
Additional core areas are aligned with integrated marketing and analytics.
The certificate also includes a capstone project that requires learners to plan and execute a digital marketing campaign, integrating core concepts from the program. Core courses can generally be taken in any sequence, but the capstone project is taken last once other requirements are met.
Students also choose three electives from a list of options such as Integrated Marketing Strategy, Ecommerce Sales and Marketing, Risk Management and Crisis Response, and Intellectual Property and Copyright in Digital Media.
Electives allow learners to tailor their studies toward specific interests or career paths. Each course can also be taken independently on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it possible to build up the certificate over time or use individual courses for targeted upskilling.
All courses in the digital marketing certificate are offered fully online, allowing learners to complete coursework remotely and on a schedule that fits around work or other commitments. Online formats combine recorded content with practical assignments.
Locations
Online; Edmonton
Bow Valley College
Based in Calgary, Bow Valley College is a public college known for serving a diverse student population and offering career-focused programs aligned with regional labour market needs. The college delivers certificates, diplomas, and post-diploma credentials across business, technology, health, and creative disciplines, with an emphasis on applied learning.
Bow Valley College offers a post-diploma Digital Marketing certificate designed for learners who already hold a postsecondary credential or have relevant professional experience. Admission typically requires a diploma or degree, with consideration given to applicants who can demonstrate equivalent experience.
What Students Are Saying
Blake S., Digital Marketing Post-Diploma Certificate“Good well-rounded program the ventures into UX design and SEO, plus some time on web development. The capstone project is key. Put a lot into that and you can graduate ready to start working on campaigns from start-to-finish the next day. The non-credit Employment Search Prep course, which is optional, is also worth taking. I had a good experience as a mature student going back to school after choosing the wrong career for me. ”
What You’ll Learn
Bow Valley College’s Digital Marketing certificate is delivered over two academic terms and combines in-person instruction with online learning. The program is structured around a sequence of courses that build practical digital marketing skills in stages, moving from foundational concepts to more advanced applications.
Coursework covers areas such as digital marketing fundamentals and professional communication, digital media production and content development, web design and user experience principles, data analysis and marketing metrics, applied coding concepts relevant to digital environments, and visual design and presentation for digital platforms.
Instruction includes live classroom sessions delivered at Bow Valley College’s downtown Calgary campus, supported by online components. Students may also choose to take an employment search preparation course, which focuses on career readiness through resume development, portfolio building, interview preparation, and self-marketing strategies.
Locations
Online; Calgary
General Assembly
Founded in 2011, General Assembly is a global education provider focused on practical, career-oriented training in digital, data, and technology fields. Originally launched as a co-working space in New York City, GA now delivers live online programs to learners worldwide and has built an alumni network of more than 70,000 graduates.
General Assembly’s instructors are drawn from industry, and its programs are designed around current employer needs. Offerings cover digital marketing, data analytics, front- and back-end development, UX design, and product management, with a strong emphasis on applied skills and real-world problem solving.
Learning formats vary by program and region but typically include part-time and immersive options delivered live online. In Canada, digital marketing training is primarily offered in flexible formats suited to working professionals. GA’s digital marketing course is beginner-friendly and does not require prior experience.
What Students Are Saying
Sam Thompson, Digital Marketing“This course covers EVERYTHING! Branding, strategy, SEO, email marketing, PPC, content marketing, analytics and so on. It's a lot to cover in 10 weeks but it is taught in a way that lets you work on passion projects or actual work (I was about to launch a startup) in the classroom. This has been a major asset for me and helped me build my first landing page and drive traffic to convert sales. What more can I say than that? ”
What You’ll Learn
General Assembly’s Digital Marketing curriculum is hands-on and project-based, with a focus on building practical skills that transfer directly to the workplace. Students learn how to plan, execute, and evaluate digital marketing campaigns across channels, using contemporary tools and frameworks.
Course topics include marketing objectives and measurement, customer insights, social media strategy, paid media, search marketing, SEO fundamentals, and content strategy. Learning is delivered through a mix of instructor-led sessions, discussions, exercises, and project work, often supported by short pre-class assignments.
The program culminates in a final project where students are given a real-world marketing scenario and asked to develop and present a complete digital marketing plan, demonstrating both strategic thinking and executional understanding.
Locations
Online; Toronto; Vancouver; 13+ other campuses globally
Growclass
Growclass is a Toronto-based private training provider focused on practical digital marketing skills delivered through a community-oriented, self-directed learning model. The platform combines on-demand coursework with peer interaction, coaching, and live sessions designed to support learners as they build and apply marketing skills.
Growclass is open to learners at all experience levels and offers tiered subscription plans. Pricing typically ranges from lower-cost self-paced access to higher-tier plans that include expanded community features, workshops, and coaching. Access is time-based rather than cohort-based, allowing learners to move through content on their own schedule.
What really sets Growclass apart is the tight-knit, supportive community that all members are welcomed into upon enrollment. Well after completion of the program, learners can continue to connect and learn with fellow members, getting even more value out of their experience.
What Students Are Saying
Michael Ly, Growth Marketing“I’ve been part of Growclass for five years and still stay as active as I can, even now as the leader of my own marketing team. Growclass is so much more than a course. It’s a supportive community of marketers who show up for each other. Whether through Slack in-person meetups or online co-working calls. Even when I’ve taken time away I keep coming back to ask questions learn and stay connected to what’s happening in marketing. This course & community isn't some salesy space where people just push their services and make false promises. It’s a real, relatable community that's helped me grow my confidence, learned more about myself as a marketer, and even earned promotions thanks to the insights I’ve found here. I’ve made amazing friends and always leave any event/workshop/course/interaction feeling encouraged and inspired. Growclass has truly shaped my career and I just know will continue to do so in the future. ”
What You’ll Learn
Growclass delivers digital marketing training through a modular, on-demand curriculum. Courses are structured into a series of learning modules made up of short video lessons, with optional live sessions and community engagement layered on top.
Its flagship program is the six-week Growth Marketing certification, where students learn:
- Growth experimentation and performance thinking, including acquisition, engagement, retention, and referral strategies
- Customer psychology and behaviour
- Copywriting for digital channels
- Email marketing fundamentals
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Paid advertising fundamentals, including Google Ads and social advertising platforms
In 2025, Growclass launched a second program: the AI Marketing & Strategy Certification. This program is a six-week course designed to demystify artificial intelligence and equip marketers with the tools and strategies needed to confidently integrate AI into their work. Participants leave the program with a customized 90-day AI integration plan tailored to their business goals.
Learners can progress through the curriculum of their program at their own pace. Course materials remain accessible for a defined access period, allowing learners to revisit content as needed. Delivery is via self-paced online modules with optional live online workshops, coaching sessions, and community-based support.
Locations
Online
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
British Columbia Institute of Technology is located in Metro Vancouver and well known for applied, career-focused training across business, tech, and skilled trades. BCIT offers two part-time Associate Certificates through flexible learning.
Designed for part-time learners, BCIT offers Digital Marketing Foundations and Digital Marketing Strategy delivered in a blended format. Both certificates require BCIT’s English Language Proficiency (Category 3).
What You’ll Learn
The Digital Marketing Foundations certificate focuses on fundamentals for planning and running digital campaigns, with coursework that includes:
- Marketing fundamentals
- Digital marketing foundations, including CRM, email, and website promotion concepts
- Social media essentials
- Content planning
- Media planning and buying
The Digital Marketing Strategy certificate program adds more strategic depth and measurement, with coursework that includes:
- Social media essentials and social media strategy planning
- Content planning
- Search engine marketing, including SEO and paid search, with hands-on audit and campaign work
- YouTube marketing
- Digital marketing analytics and dashboard-style reporting
- Media planning and buying
Locations
Online; Vancouver; Burnaby
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Toronto Metropolitan University
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at TMU focuses on flexible, career-oriented learning for working professionals. Its digital marketing offerings are structured as certificates, course series, and stackable micro-credentials, allowing learners to build skills gradually or focus on specific areas like strategy, search, or social media.
The Chang School offers a Digital Marketing Strategy micro-certificate, and longer certificate programs that integrate digital marketing into broader marketing and communications training. Programs are delivered online or in hybrid formats, with evening and part-time options designed to fit around work schedules.
Admission requirements vary by option. Most certificates are open enrolment for adult learners, with no formal degree requirement. Some certificates may recommend prior marketing or business experience, and learners typically have up to three years to complete certificate requirements once enrolled.
What You’ll Learn
The Digital Marketing Strategy micro-certificate is earned by completing four focused micro-credentials. It centres on strategic decision-making and measurable outcomes, with coursework covering:
- Search engine optimization (SEO) strategy
- Google Ads strategy, including Performance Max campaigns
- Social media marketing strategy
- Building client-focused digital strategies tied to KPIs
The Strategic Marketing Management certificate is one of the more extensive continuing education marketing programs The Chang School offers, that provides a broader marketing foundation with digital components embedded throughout. Coursework includes:
- Marketing fundamentals and consumer behaviour
- Marketing metrics, analytics, and decision-making
- Integrated marketing communications, including digital channels
- Developing and evaluating integrated marketing plans
Locations
Online; Toronto
York University School of Continuing Studies
York University is one of Canada’s largest universities, with a broad academic footprint across the Greater Toronto Area. Its School of Continuing Studies (SCS) delivers professional, non-degree programs designed for career development, upskilling, and entry into new fields, including digital marketing.
York SCS offers two distinct digital marketing credentials that serve different learner needs. Its Digital Marketing Certificate is designed for working professionals and career switchers seeking targeted, skills-focused training. The Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing is aimed at recent graduates and early-career professionals looking for a more structured and comprehensive pathway into the field.
Admission requirements vary by program. The post-graduate certificate typically requires a bachelor’s degree or three-year college diploma with a competitive academic average, while the certificate program offers open enrolment for adult learners.
What You’ll Learn
The two digital marketing programs differ in scope, duration, and delivery format.
The Digital Marketing certificate program consists of three required courses, each focused on a specific area of digital marketing practice. Course topics include Customer relationship management (CRM), Web analytics and reporting, and Consumer behaviour in digital environments.
Students can choose between different delivery formats, including blended or accelerated options. Courses are delivered through a mix of in-person instruction and asynchronous online learning. Depending on pacing, learners may complete the certificate in as little as a few months.
The post-graduate certificate in Digital Marketing is a more intensive program consisting of eight courses completed over approximately eight months. Coursework covers a broader range of digital marketing competencies, including content creation and digital storytelling, marketing automation, campaign planning and execution, and digital strategy and performance measurement.
Classes are typically delivered in person at York University’s Keele Campus, with some components offered online depending on the intake.
Locations
Toronto; Online
George Brown Polytechnic
With a campus in the heart of downtown Toronto, George Brown places a strong emphasis on applied, career-focused learning. Its programs are designed to connect classroom instruction with real-world practice through project-based coursework, simulations, and industry-informed assignments.
Experiential learning is a core feature across many of George Brown’s career-focused programs, with opportunities that may include applied projects, work-integrated learning components, or simulated business environments. This approach allows students to develop practical skills while studying in one of Canada’s largest and most active employment markets.
Admission to George Brown’s digital marketing program typically requires a previous postsecondary diploma or degree. Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
What Students Are Saying
Bethany Flynn, Post-grad program gave me practical skills I was missing“This program gave me the practical skills and experience I didn't get during my undergraduate degree. Classes are taught by industry professionals and the co-op experience was a great way to give my education context. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a bridge between university and the digital marketing industry. ”
What You’ll Learn
George Brown’s Digital Marketing Management certificate is delivered over two academic semesters and consists of a structured sequence of required courses. Instruction focuses on applied marketing practice and integrated campaign development rather than tool-only training.
Course topics include marketing fundamentals and applied business communication, search marketing and digital advertising, omnichannel and integrated marketing strategy, database marketing and customer insights, and digital analytics and performance measurement.
Students complete a capstone project that requires them to develop and present an integrated digital marketing campaign, applying strategic, analytical, and executional skills developed throughout the program. Experiential learning is embedded through applied assignments, case-based learning, and simulated business environments. Some intakes may offer opportunities for work-integrated learning or industry engagement, depending on availability and program structure, but a co-op placement is not a universal or mandatory requirement for all students.
Delivery formats may include hybrid options, combining in-person and online instruction, as well as fully online delivery depending on intake and scheduling.
Locations
Online; Toronto
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university based in Calgary, Alberta, with a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. Through its Continuing Education division, the university offers professional certificates designed for working adults and learners seeking focused skill development.
The Digital Marketing Certificate is delivered through Continuing Education and is designed to be accessible to learners from a variety of backgrounds. While prior marketing experience is recommended, there are no formal prerequisites. Learners without a marketing background are encouraged to complete an introductory marketing course before beginning the certificate.
What You’ll Learn
The University of Calgary’s Digital Marketing Certificate is structured for flexibility and part-time study. Courses are delivered fully online, allowing learners to progress at their own pace while balancing work or other commitments. After completing an introductory course, students may take their remaining courses in any order. Each course typically includes approximately 20 hours of instruction and focuses on practical digital marketing applications.
Course topics include:
- Digital promotion and optimization strategies
- Social media platforms and content management
- Digital campaign planning and execution
- Performance measurement and evaluation
Courses are offered multiple times throughout the year, with variable enrolment dates to accommodate different schedules.
Some learners may be eligible for limited scholarships offered through Continuing Education, depending on availability and individual eligibility criteria.
Locations
Online; Calgary
Fanshawe College
Located in London, Ontario, Fanshawe College has a practical, industry-facing approach to business education. Its main certificate-level options for digital marketing careers are graduate certificates that blend marketing fundamentals with digital channels, content, and measurement. Fanshawe’s two graduate certificate options are Marketing Management and Digital Communication Management. Both are one-year programs (30 weeks) built for learners who already have postsecondary education and want job-ready skills in digital channels, content, and measurement.
Marketing Management is the more typical marketing-led route, blending marketing planning with analytics, web, CRM, and campaign work. The certificate is available in London and online, with both full-time and part-time options depending on intake.
Digital Communication Management is the more communications and production-focused option. It centres on writing, design, multimedia, web content management, and digital optimization, with full-time delivery in London and part-time online options.
Admission requirements are similar across both programs. Applicants typically need a two- or three-year college diploma or a degree, with a minimum C+ average (or cumulative 2.5 GPA). Marketing Management also allows consideration based on a combination of related work experience and postsecondary education, or five years of work experience in a marketing or business field, and applicants may be asked for a resumé and cover letter.
What You’ll Learn
Marketing Management focuses on planning and managing marketing work with a strong digital and measurement component. Coursework includes:
- Market research with client-based project work
- Web design for user experience
- CRM and marketing automation
- Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and SEO, including audit work
- Analytics and metrics for marketing performance
- Social media and content management, including campaign planning and analysis
- Marketing planning and marketing management foundations
- E-commerce and global marketing fundamentals
Digital Communication Management builds practical digital communication skills across content, creative production, web, and optimization. Coursework includes:
- Writing for digital media (including more advanced campaign writing and editing)
- Digital media design using common creative software
- Multimedia production (photo, video, and audio)
- Website design and content management (HTML/CSS basics and WordPress)
- Digital analytics and optimization, including Google Analytics, KPIs, and SEO measurement
- Social media management and reporting
- Digital marketing strategy development and measurement
- Digital project management
- A portfolio-focused final project
Locations
Online; London, Ontario
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is a public polytechnic based in Calgary with a long-standing focus on applied, career-oriented education. Through its Continuing Education division, SAIT offers short-form certificates and micro-credentials designed to help working professionals build practical, in-demand skills.
SAIT’s Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate is positioned as an entry-level credential. There are no formal prerequisites, making the program accessible to learners from a range of educational and professional backgrounds.
What You’ll Learn
The Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate consists of four required courses, each delivered as a 30-hour micro-credential. Courses are paid for individually and may be taken in any order, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
Course topics include:
- Digital marketing promotion strategies and channel selection
- Search and optimization fundamentals
- Marketing analytics and performance measurement
- AI adoption in marketing workflows
- Brand voice development and digital content fundamentals
All courses are delivered online in live, synchronous evening classes, providing real-time instruction while remaining accessible to working professionals.
Locations
Online
Digital Marketing Institute
Founded in Ireland in 2009, Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is an international professional body focused on digital marketing education and certification. DMI delivers standardized digital marketing curricula through its own online programs and through partnerships with universities, colleges, and training providers worldwide.
DMI certifications are used by postsecondary institutions in Canada and internationally as part of accredited programs. In Canada, DMI curriculum is integrated into offerings at institutions such as the University of Lethbridge, University Canada West, and the Toronto School of Management.
DMI works with industry practitioners and technology partners to regularly update its frameworks and course content, ensuring alignment with current digital marketing practices and tools.
What Students Are Saying
Colin Campbell, Certified Digital Marketing Professional“This is a great online course. DMI sets the curriculum for many colleges in Canada and around the world. After completing the course, I knew enough about PPC campaigns, social media marketing and SEO to launch my own small business from home where I work with about 6 different clients. I had marketing experience beforehand, about 4 years, but very little digital knowledge or skills. I haven't looked back! ”
What You’ll Learn
DMI offers a tiered set of professional certifications designed for different experience levels, from entry-level practitioners to senior marketers.
DMI’s most widely recognized credential is the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, delivered fully online. The program covers core digital marketing disciplines, including:
- Digital marketing strategy and planning
- Content marketing
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Website optimization and user experience fundamentals
- Digital analytics and performance measurement
The program is self-paced, with learners typically completing it within several months, depending on study intensity.
DMI also offers advanced certifications, including specialist credentials and an expert-level diploma for experienced marketers seeking deeper strategic and leadership-focused training.
All DMI certifications are delivered online, allowing learners to study remotely and progress at their own pace. Programs combine instructional content, practical exercises, and formal assessments aligned with DMI’s certification standards.
Locations
Online
Editorial Team