Social Media Certificate Cost Comparison

I recently performed a Google search entering the character string “social media certificate.”  I then eliminated any sites returned that were not institutions of higher learning.   After a bit of additional research, I was able to add data regarding the structure and cost of each program appearing on the first page of search results.  I divided the results into two categories:  paid and non-paid, to showcase the institutions that rely on organic SEO rather than a large marketing budget.  After all, a social media program should be able to practice what it preaches.

As I reviewed the list (reproduced below) I noticed that only Drury University offers a Graduate Certificate in Social Media, including 3 hours of transferable graduate credit, and Drury’s fees are between 19% to 38% lower than the other programs.  Drury’s SMC students pay less and receive more.

It appears that Drury has truly earned its Kiplinger’s ranking as one of the “Best Value Private Universities” in America for 2011 – 2012.

Paid search results:

1.      University of San Francisco (USF) Online Advanced Social Media Certificate

• Eight week online program.  Cost of program is $2,480 (not a graduate certificate).

Non-paid search results:

1.      Drury University’s Graduate Certificate in Social Media.

• Seated delivery over six full weekend days in June of each year with virtual discussions bridging seminar and lab activities.  Curriculum developed, delivered, and maintained by four experienced professors holding Ph.D.’s in their fields.  Program cost is just less than $1,800 (Graduate Certificate and three hours of transferrable graduate credit from Drury University conferred upon completion).

2. Drury University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Social Media.

• Online version of Ph.D. generated seated course content.  Four or Eight week online program facilitated by Deltina Hay, noted author and Social Media consultant.  Program cost is $2,000 (Graduate Certificate and three hours of transferrable graduate credit from Drury University conferred upon completion).

3.      UC Irvine Extension Social Media and Web 2.0 Certificate Program.

• Seven course program.  Total cost is $3,177 (not a graduate certificate).

4.      NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies Certificate in Social Media.

• Five course program (seated or online).  Total cost is a minimum of $3,215 depending on track selected (not a graduate certificate).

5. Purchase College SUNY Westchester, Social Media Marketing Certificate.

• Five course program. Total cost is a minimum of $2,515 depending on track selected (not a graduate certificate).

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