Social media strategists and online community managers are quickly becoming the face of brands across Canada. Today's customers consistently go online to collect information, to interact with brands directly, to make purchases or to have a fun and memorable experience. Brands are urgently seeking ways to be there for their customers, to be relevant to their needs and to do that in a way that makes financial sense. These brands are seeking leaders and strategists who can help them plan and execute integrated social media plans. This graduate certificate program will offer hands-on experience in content creation, community management, social engagement, reputation management and crisis prevention as well as require all students to set up and maintain an online presence across a variety of platforms. This program is an ideal addition to an undergraduate degree, a great asset for both profit or not-for-profit sectors, and a must for entrepreneurs planning to open a business in the future.

The program will prepare graduates to take the lead on developing a social media strategy for a company and to execute that strategy. Additional career opportunities include online community managers, social media co-ordinators, online communications specialists and social media strategists. This program will also appeal to individuals who want to update their social media skills, including small business owners or freelancers who undertake their own marketing and communications functions.