About this Program
Does your organization’s content work effectively? Is it delivering the best message to the targeted audience, in line with your business objectives? Or is it missing the mark? Answering these questions is the job of the content strategist, a dynamic role that’s becoming increasingly essential in today’s information-driven marketplace.
In this three-course certificate program, we’ll explore proven techniques to create a powerful cross-channel content strategy. You’ll study storytelling principles to engage users in compelling ways and investigate methods to evaluate the user experience and tailor your approach to specific scenarios. We’ll also cover key data and measurement tools that will help you understand your audience and achieve your content goals.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a Content Strategist
▸ Related Article: Find the Right Marketing Program for You
DESIGNED FOR
Professionals in marketing, communications, advertising and public relations, and those interested in entering these fields.
Those who want to enter the UX writing field or create better user experiences through website or app copy might consider the Foundations of UX Writing course.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have one year of full-time equivalent work experience in any field.
Also Recommended
- Familiarity with creating content using authoring tools like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Previous exposure to marketing concepts, media platforms and web technologies
- Comfortable working with others, contributing to discussions and doing presentations in class
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 4 to 6 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
Classroom students will need:
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
- High-speed internet connection
Online students will need:
- Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset
- Webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- The principles and practices that make for creative, memorable storytelling
- Techniques for defining the user journey and determining voice and tone
- How to plan for and distribute content across multiple channels
- Content-governance strategies
- How to use data analytics to refine your content strategy and measure its success
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
- Perform a content audit of a brand and its competitors
- Create a content strategy for a real-world client as part of a group project
- Develop content and a storytelling strategy for a select online channel
- Use tools such as Google Analytics and heatmaps
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
91%
Alumni working in field
Top Employers
Microsoft, University of Washington, Amazon, Facebook, Avalara, Expedia
56%
Projected job growth for marketing managers in Washington state (2018-2028)
$155,560
Average salary for marketing managers in Washington state

EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.