Marketing - Certificate - College of Lake County

Attract interest, persuade and sell

Become proficient in marketing

How do you get people to consider buying? How do you move them to take the next step? It’s a key moment—and skill—for any business. Specialize in marketing and take that skill to a marketing and sales role in any business.

Learn how to:

prepare a marketing plan and a sales pitch
market a product or service
sell a product or service
manage a project

What can you do with a certificate in Marketing?

The certificate in Marketing prepares you to work in an entry-level sales and/or marketing job within a business setting.

Upon completion, you can stack the credits/credentials you earned from this certificate toward the Business Administration Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,435
  
  Median
  
  $120,761
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $307,155
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.28
  
  Median
  
  $58.06
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147.66
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.67%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.04%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.44%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5.87%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,966
  
  Median
  
  $57,304
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $192,020
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.41
  
  Median
  
  $27.54
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $92.31
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.31%
  
  Some college
  
  2.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  41.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $67,182
  
  Median
  
  $116,598
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $182,048
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.29
  
  Median
  
  $56.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  72.73%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  22.73%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,430
  
  Median
  
  $67,248
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99,813
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.91
  
  Median
  
  $32.33
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $47.98
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95.24%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,636
  
  Median
  
  $45,435
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $66,080
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.61
  
  Median
  
  $21.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $31.76
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.42%
  
  Certificate
  
  17.08%
  
  Some college
  
  5.87%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  33.47%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  0.94%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.23%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,176
  
  Median
  
  $78,471
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,920
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.72
  
  Median
  
  $37.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60.87%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  39.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $88,828
  
  Median
  
  $161,312
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $243,078
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42.70
  
  Median
  
  $77.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116.86
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.53%
  
  Some college
  
  2.8%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.03%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  55.76%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  34.88%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 237	BUS 237 Managerial Communication Class Description This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 237
Course Title	BUS 237 Managerial Communication Class Description This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 234	BUS 234 Principles of Retailing Class Description This course is focused on the world of retailing from a managerial viewpoint. Students will explore the different types of retailers, multichannel retailing, consumer buying behavior, retail marketing strategies, selecting retail site locations, supply chain management, effective merchandising, pricing, store layout/design, store management and customer service. The course is intended to meet the needs of those now working in a retail environment and those wishing to learn more about how retail businesses operate.	3	Online/Virtual options available
BUS 214	BUS 214 Advertising Class Description This course provides an understanding of advertising within the integrated marketing communications of the firm. Principles and practical applications of promotional research, consumer behavior, media identification and selection, creative strategy, copyrighting, layout, budgeting and legal aspects of advertising and promotion will be covered. Students will develop an advertising campaign for a single product, service or small business.	3
BUS 227	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 234
Course Title	BUS 234 Principles of Retailing Class Description This course is focused on the world of retailing from a managerial viewpoint. Students will explore the different types of retailers, multichannel retailing, consumer buying behavior, retail marketing strategies, selecting retail site locations, supply chain management, effective merchandising, pricing, store layout/design, store management and customer service. The course is intended to meet the needs of those now working in a retail environment and those wishing to learn more about how retail businesses operate.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 214
Course Title	BUS 214 Advertising Class Description This course provides an understanding of advertising within the integrated marketing communications of the firm. Principles and practical applications of promotional research, consumer behavior, media identification and selection, creative strategy, copyrighting, layout, budgeting and legal aspects of advertising and promotion will be covered. Students will develop an advertising campaign for a single product, service or small business.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 227
Course Title	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose BUS 213 instead of BUS 234. Students also can choose BUS 239 instead of BUS 214.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 223	BUS 223 Principles of Management Class Description This course is a study of management theories and practices, emphasizing key concepts and skills needed to execute the classic management functions of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Emphasis is on theories, concepts, and models related to these key management functions with the intent to better understand the manager's role and responsibilities in contributing to an organization's desired objectives.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 238	BUS 238 Project Management Class Description This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.	3	Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 223
Course Title	BUS 223 Principles of Management Class Description This course is a study of management theories and practices, emphasizing key concepts and skills needed to execute the classic management functions of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Emphasis is on theories, concepts, and models related to these key management functions with the intent to better understand the manager's role and responsibilities in contributing to an organization's desired objectives.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 238
Course Title	BUS 238 Project Management Class Description This course will focus on the concepts and tools related to the management of projects within organizations. Students will examine all phases of project management including planning, scheduling, control, and termination. Topics include writing project plans, developing work breakdown structures, project scheduling, resource management, earned value analysis, and project risk management.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available

Total Credit Hours

23

Business Administration at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

Our student profile is varied. You’re in classes with students from a range of backgrounds. Some are your age, but not all. Some will have completed a college degree in another field. Your combined experience creates a dynamic and meaningful environment for learning.
Compared to a four-year university, your class sizes are smaller, and your professors have a greater connection with students. Professors devote 100% of their time to teaching (no research required) so they can be dedicated teachers and make themselves more accessible to you.
The practical, real-world focus—that’s what our students tell us. Even the more abstract skills (writing, communication, analysis) are taught so you can see how to apply them in day-to-day work.
Many courses in this program are offered in an online format.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

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Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about CLC

Leanne Linsky
Graduate
“The CLC student body is diverse, my classmates had more work and life experience. When I transferred, I was better prepared for university life.”
Leanne studied business administration at CLC. She transferred to earn a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree and created an online app for comedians.
Read Leanne's story

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Marketing Certificate

Attract interest, persuade and sell

Become proficient in marketing

What can you do with a certificate in Marketing?

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

WIOA Program

Stackable Credentials

Career Outlook

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Business Intelligence Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fundraisers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Marketing Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 8 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Business Administration at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Are there students like me in the program?

How is my learning experience going to be different at CLC?

What’s the best thing about this program?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

What students say about CLC

Leanne Linsky

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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