KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 7, 2024

Marketing students in Kennesaw State University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program now have an extra credential to go with their degrees thanks to the MBA program’s recent accreditation by the Digital Marketing Institute, one of the world’s largest marketing industry certification bodies.

Beginning Fall 2024, students enrolled in the Michael J. Coles College of Business’s Evening MBA program who complete the Foundations of Digital Marketing course will earn DMI’s Certified Digital Marketing Associate credential. The industry-recognized certificate demonstrates the student’s knowledge of key concepts like developing a marketing plan, leveraging mobile technologies and AI, and using metrics to make marketing decisions.

In addition, because DMI partners with the American Marketing Association on university certification programs, students will also receive the AMA’s Associate Certified Marketer credential upon completing the course. Students earn dual certification at no extra cost and without the need to sit for additional assessments outside their MBA coursework.

“Our partnership with DMI marks a significant step forward in aligning KSU’s MBA program with the demands of the digital economy,” said Renee Bourbeau, executive director of MBA programs for Kennesaw State University. “By offering DMI certification, we are equipping students with advanced, industry-recognized competencies in digital marketing strategy, data analytics, and online engagement.”

With 300,000+ members and more than 75,000 people certified, DMI is the world's largest certification body for marketing professionals. Through their partnership with AMA, the country’s largest trade group representing the marketing industry, DMI has certified marketing students at universities nationwide. Kennesaw State is the first school in Georgia and the 11th in the country to earn DMI accreditation.

Earning accreditation was not an easy process. Representatives from DMI audited course materials and worked with the course’s instructor, Prachi Gala, to incorporate additional material and suggest specific methodologies.

“These new materials ensure that our program is more aligned with industry trends and best practices,” Gala said. “The core structure of the existing course remains, but we’ve integrated new materials to incorporate the latest industry insights from DMI. This includes updated case studies, resources, and interactive elements.”

Helping students earn dual marketing industry certifications enhances the value proposition of the Kennesaw State Evening MBA’s digital marketing concentration, a course track designed to help working professionals become seasoned marketers. Organizations worldwide recognize the DMI and AMA certifications, which makes Kennesaw graduates attractive to prospective employers.

“This integration positions our MBAs to lead with a deep understanding of digital transformation,” Bourbeau said, “giving them a competitive edge in today’s tech-driven marketplace.”

-Patrick Harbin