Business just isn’t what it used to be. That’s right. Digital technology has reset the landscape for all sectors of business, and that’s true particularly for marketing, advertising and public relations. None of that is news. But the fact that these three areas have evolved in major ways in recent years means that strategies which worked in the past no longer apply.

That’s why the College of Charleston’s School of Professional Studies began offering a certificate in digital marketing and social media last year as part of its Job Bridge Program. This not-for-credit certificate is designed for professionals in the Charleston business community who want to augment their skill sets and increase their chances for advancement. Specifically, it’s ideal for two populations: small business owners who do their own marketing, and professionals who handle the marketing outreach for their employers.

Why would anyone need such a course? Consider that in the U.S. alone, digital advertising and marketing expenditures are expected to reach nearly $60 billion this year. And it’s no secret that consumers use the Internet to purchase, research, review, interact and network nearly 24 hours a day. That makes it critical for companies to have a sound digital strategy in place in order to remain competitive.

The courses that make up the Digital Marketing and Social Media Certificate are taught by marketing professionals who operate on the cutting edge of this field. Collectively, their expertise covers search engine optimization, digital lead generation, social media marketing, holistic digital strategies, web analytics and email marketing. These courses range from “Content, Blogs and Catchy Titles” to “Google Adwords” and “Search Engine Optimization.”

This certificate program can be taken in its entirety, which requires two full days, or you can enroll in the component courses separately. The Digital Marketing and Social Media Certificate will be offered next on May 21, 2015, and registration for that closes on May 11. Additional information is available here.