The Business and Digital Marketing Specialist diploma program teaches you SEO and SEM essentials as well as provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 12-week field placement.
Career Opportunities
As a Business and Digital Marketing Specialist graduate, you will qualify for positions such as: Digital Marketing Specialist, Social Media Coordinator, Integrated Marketing Strategist, and Email Marketing Coordinator.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
Grimross Brewing
Managed Digital Media Services Inc.
The Lisa Larter Group
Maritime Aquatics
Mackegan Marketing
Salary
93%
Employment Rate*
$ 27
Average Wage/hr**
$ 46
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2018 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1123 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar, and based on Nova Scotia data. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in July, 2021.
Available Learning Options
At Eastern College we aim to provide learning options that
meet everyone's need. This program is currently available in:
In-Class
Instructor-led classes held in-person at one or more of our 4 campuses.
Digital marketing is the mammoth field that everyone has their eyes on. If you’re interested in search engine and social media marketing, and want to learn skills including content optimization and email marketing, then the Business and Digital Marketing diploma program will put you in the direction of a promising career.
Learn the principles of digital marketing pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, website analytics, plus more, through this 61-week long program. Focus on real-world projects and assignments, such as constructing brand identities, developing customer personas, assessing SEO needs, as well as creating your own search and display campaigns using Google Ads.
Learn the key concepts and trends that drive marketing for businesses and graduate with the confidence to apply digital marketing tools and best practices to your projects.
Students enrolled in the program receive:
Free software subscriptions for Microsoft Office, Windows;
One-on-one job placement;
Eligibility to be certified in Google Ads.
Course Listings: New Brunswick
Bookkeeping Level I and II
Emphasis is placed on analyzing and recording business transactions using the rules of double-entry bookkeeping. Adjusting journal entries are recorded and basic financial statements prepared. Preparation and posting of journal entries for a merchandising business are examined, coupled with preparation of cost of goods sold, cash and trade discounts, closing entries, and the use of special journals and subsidiary ledgers. Students will learn fundamental accounting principles, understand the classification of assets, liabilities, equities, utilize the double-entry system and a general ledger chart of accounts, post entries to those accounts, and prepare trial balances and the three financial statements. The complete accounting cycle is examined through closing entries, worksheets and the post-closing trial balance.
Business Math
This module provides the students with an understanding of arithmetic, mathematics, and measurements used in common business and industry environments. At the end of the module the student will be able to define whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages; become familiar with equations and formulae; and learn the use of graphs..
Online Community Management
This course allows students to understand the importance of cultivating, nurturing, and engaging with their audience as part of a larger content strategy, but more importantly, from a practice of real time engagement. Community managers are community advocates, brand evangelists, have savvy communications skills and shape editorial, and gather community input for future products and services.
Content Strategy
Content is at the core of all marketing activity. In this course, students learn how to plan content marketing, how to develop content that works well for the target audience, and how to measure its impact.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Part II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Part I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Part I will be reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate employment.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.
Digital Marketing Foundations
This course will give students a solid foundation in the strategic, tactical and creative essentials of Digital Marketing. Students will be introduced to many core concepts related to marketing communications, learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and how it's different from traditional marketing, as well as introductions to budgeting and its considerations. Students will have the opportunity to creating a brand style guide, and an analytics dashboard.
Display Advertising & Mobile Marketing
Display advertising is a powerful marketing tool, strengthened by new platforms like mobile, new video opportunities, and enhanced targeting. In this course, students learn how display advertising works, how it is bought and sold (including in a programmatic environment), and how to set up a display advertising campaign using AdWords by Google.
Email Marketing
Email is an effective marketing channel, especially at the conversion and retention stage of the customer journey. In this course, students learn how to create an email marketing strategy, create and execute email campaigns, and measure the results.
Field Placement - Business and Digital Marketing Specialist
At the completion of the in-class section of this program, students are required to complete an 12-week work placement at a business or organization which utilize digital marketing tools and services. Students will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Students will develop foundational skills through exposure to the fundamental principles of graphic design: imagemaking, typography, composition, and working with colour and shape. This course will cover the relationship between graphic design and marketing and how visual media can affect the online consumer. This course will introduce students to the practical skills needed to design and evaluate marketing materials such as logos, images, and branded content.
Introduction to Marketing
In this course students will learn and understand the importance, impact and role of marketing and marketing activities, and the internal and external factors that will impact a marketing plan. Students will learn how to effectively plan marketing activities strategically, based on conducting marketing research. Students will learn how to identify target customers and their needs.
Online Reputation Management
In this course, students will learn how to build a robust and sustainable online reputation. This course will cover how an online reputation can be created, monitored, improved, and measured as well as how to deal with crises. Students will learn a brief history of social media and difficult lessons that were learned as the technology grew and evolved. Social media will be a key element of this course. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies and discuss how reputations were irreparably damaged, salvaged, and/or resurrected. The importance of a well-trained media relations manager will be stressed.
Search Engine Analytics
Because online activity can be tracked, the overall effect of a company's digital marketing efforts can also be tracked. In this course, students will learn how to use Google Analytics, an essential measurement tool that allows businesses to collect intelligent data and analytics to evaluate their audience, measure the success of acquisition and engagement efforts, evaluate user conversions related to organizational goals, and utilize the information in planning and budgeting.
Search Engine Marketing with Ads
In this course, students will learn how to use Google AdWords, including the Search and Display platforms. Google AdWords is a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) platform created by Google to ensure a company is visible on Search Engines and affiliate websites. Additionally, students will be exposed to PPC techniques that will help maximize marketing spending.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engines are an essential part of the online experience. Students will learn how to optimize search engine presence, to ensure their content reaches their target audience, and to monitor the success of keyword selections. Students will analyze traffic, ranking, and conversions, creating a maintenance checklist. SEO strategies across multiple platforms will be discussed and practiced, as learners develop methods to optimize online traffic.
Software Lab - Database Management
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Access. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, including creating and modifying database tables, defining table relationships, sorting data, creating simple and advanced queries, creating and formatting forms and reports, and creating and running macros.
Software Lab - Advanced Excel
Excel is a powerful application that can be used to create spreadsheets. From Beginner’s to Expert level, this course will provide you with the skills to create Workbooks using: "what if" analysis; utilize multiple sheets; Formulas and Functions; and create Graphs. Emphasis will be placed on organizing and consolidating data with efficient multi-sheet models; applying arrays and formulas to new and powerful uses; working in an OLE (Object-Linking and Embedding) environment; recording and running macros; Pivot tables, and advanced charting. Some noted power and speed tips will be explored.
Software Lab - Presentations
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft PowerPoint. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills centered around the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations. Students learn how to effectively use and format animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts and tables, as well incorporate speaker notes and annotations into their presentations.
Software Lab - Word Processing
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Word, and builds on the skills introduced in Computer Fundamentals. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document sections, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics and pictures, working with templates and themes, using advanced editing features, and working with mailing tools.
Software Lab - Spreadsheets
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Excel. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating, formatting and printing worksheets, creating simple and advanced formulas, using mathematical, logical, statistical and financial functions, creating and modifying charts and pivot tables, and using data tools.
Social Media Platforms and Strategies
Social media technologies continue to transform interactions between businesses and their customers, providing an opportunity for consumers to voice their opinions and influence brand perception. In this course, students will learn how to use social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to identify influencers, deliver targeted content, and understand the basic concepts of measuring success.
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
Website Content Management
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the changing nature of website design and viewing (on large screens, Smartphones and everything in between). Students will discuss the ways in which digital marketing professionals are adapting to the changing nature of web design and how to manage a complex interactive media project. Learners will become familiar with the required steps in building a functional website incorporating graphics, video, and other marketing tools. Examining aspects of website and data security, students will become familiar with eCommerce, content marketing, blog and social media posts, plug-ins, video channels, podcasts, and playlists as marketing tools.
Writing for Comprehension
Through lectures, textbook exercises, and classroom labs, this module teaches students the skills and knowledge necessary to apply basic business writing skills when creating various memos; routine letters; good news letters; persuasive and bad news letters; presentations; and meeting agendas.
Writing for Online Success
In this course, students will understand how the digital world is affected by writing. Additionally, they will understand how to structure their writing so that online readers will remain engaged until the end of the article. Students will also learn the difference between copywriting and content writing.
Course Listings: Nova Scotia
Bookkeeping Level I and II
Emphasis is placed on analyzing and recording business transactions using the rules of double-entry bookkeeping. Adjusting journal entries are recorded and basic financial statements prepared. Preparation and posting of journal entries for a merchandising business are examined, coupled with preparation of cost of goods sold, cash and trade discounts, closing entries, and the use of special journals and subsidiary ledgers. Students will learn fundamental accounting principles, understand the classification of assets, liabilities, equities, utilize the double-entry system and a general ledger chart of accounts, post entries to those accounts, and prepare trial balances and the three financial statements. The complete accounting cycle is examined through closing entries, worksheets and the post-closing trial balance.
Business Math
This module provides the students with an understanding of arithmetic, mathematics, and measurements used in common business and industry environments. At the end of the module the student will be able to define whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages; become familiar with equations and formulae; and learn the use of graphs..
Online Community Management
This course allows students to understand the importance of cultivating, nurturing, and engaging with their audience as part of a larger content strategy, but more importantly, from a practice of real time engagement. Community managers are community advocates, brand evangelists, have savvy communications skills and shape editorial, and gather community input for future products and services.
Content Strategy
Content is at the core of all marketing activity. In this course, students learn how to plan content marketing, how to develop content that works well for the target audience, and how to measure its impact.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Part II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Part I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Part I will be reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate employment.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.
Digital Marketing Foundations
This course will give students a solid foundation in the strategic, tactical and creative essentials of Digital Marketing. Students will be introduced to many core concepts related to marketing communications, learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and how it's different from traditional marketing, as well as introductions to budgeting and its considerations. Students will have the opportunity to creating a brand style guide, and an analytics dashboard.
Display Advertising & Mobile Marketing
Display advertising is a powerful marketing tool, strengthened by new platforms like mobile, new video opportunities, and enhanced targeting. In this course, students learn how display advertising works, how it is bought and sold (including in a programmatic environment), and how to set up a display advertising campaign using AdWords by Google.
Email Marketing
Email is an effective marketing channel, especially at the conversion and retention stage of the customer journey. In this course, students learn how to create an email marketing strategy, create and execute email campaigns, and measure the results.
Field Placement - Business and Digital Marketing Specialist
At the completion of the in-class section of this program, students are required to complete an 12-week work placement at a business or organization which utilize digital marketing tools and services. Students will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Students will develop foundational skills through exposure to the fundamental principles of graphic design: imagemaking, typography, composition, and working with colour and shape. This course will cover the relationship between graphic design and marketing and how visual media can affect the online consumer. This course will introduce students to the practical skills needed to design and evaluate marketing materials such as logos, images, and branded content.
Introduction to Marketing
In this course students will learn and understand the importance, impact and role of marketing and marketing activities, and the internal and external factors that will impact a marketing plan. Students will learn how to effectively plan marketing activities strategically, based on conducting marketing research. Students will learn how to identify target customers and their needs.
Online Reputation Management
In this course, students will learn how to build a robust and sustainable online reputation. This course will cover how an online reputation can be created, monitored, improved, and measured as well as how to deal with crises. Students will learn a brief history of social media and difficult lessons that were learned as the technology grew and evolved. Social media will be a key element of this course. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies and discuss how reputations were irreparably damaged, salvaged, and/or resurrected. The importance of a well-trained media relations manager will be stressed.
Search Engine Analytics
Because online activity can be tracked, the overall effect of a company's digital marketing efforts can also be tracked. In this course, students will learn how to use Google Analytics, an essential measurement tool that allows businesses to collect intelligent data and analytics to evaluate their audience, measure the success of acquisition and engagement efforts, evaluate user conversions related to organizational goals, and utilize the information in planning and budgeting.
Search Engine Marketing with Ads
In this course, students will learn how to use Google AdWords, including the Search and Display platforms. Google AdWords is a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) platform created by Google to ensure a company is visible on Search Engines and affiliate websites. Additionally, students will be exposed to PPC techniques that will help maximize marketing spending.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engines are an essential part of the online experience. Students will learn how to optimize search engine presence, to ensure their content reaches their target audience, and to monitor the success of keyword selections. Students will analyze traffic, ranking, and conversions, creating a maintenance checklist. SEO strategies across multiple platforms will be discussed and practiced, as learners develop methods to optimize online traffic.
Software Lab - Database Management
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Access. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, including creating and modifying database tables, defining table relationships, sorting data, creating simple and advanced queries, creating and formatting forms and reports, and creating and running macros.
Software Lab - Advanced Excel
Excel is a powerful application that can be used to create spreadsheets. From Beginner’s to Expert level, this course will provide you with the skills to create Workbooks using: "what if" analysis; utilize multiple sheets; Formulas and Functions; and create Graphs. Emphasis will be placed on organizing and consolidating data with efficient multi-sheet models; applying arrays and formulas to new and powerful uses; working in an OLE (Object-Linking and Embedding) environment; recording and running macros; Pivot tables, and advanced charting. Some noted power and speed tips will be explored.
Software Lab - Presentations
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft PowerPoint. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills centered around the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations. Students learn how to effectively use and format animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts and tables, as well incorporate speaker notes and annotations into their presentations.
Software Lab - Word Processing
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Word, and builds on the skills introduced in Computer Fundamentals. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document sections, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics and pictures, working with templates and themes, using advanced editing features, and working with mailing tools.
Software Lab - Spreadsheets
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Excel. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating, formatting and printing worksheets, creating simple and advanced formulas, using mathematical, logical, statistical and financial functions, creating and modifying charts and pivot tables, and using data tools.
Social Media Platforms and Strategies
Social media technologies continue to transform interactions between businesses and their customers, providing an opportunity for consumers to voice their opinions and influence brand perception. In this course, students will learn how to use social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to identify influencers, deliver targeted content, and understand the basic concepts of measuring success.
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
Website Content Management
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the changing nature of website design and viewing (on large screens, Smartphones and everything in between). Students will discuss the ways in which digital marketing professionals are adapting to the changing nature of web design and how to manage a complex interactive media project. Learners will become familiar with the required steps in building a functional website incorporating graphics, video, and other marketing tools. Examining aspects of website and data security, students will become familiar with eCommerce, content marketing, blog and social media posts, plug-ins, video channels, podcasts, and playlists as marketing tools.
Writing for Comprehension
Through lectures, textbook exercises, and classroom labs, this module teaches students the skills and knowledge necessary to apply basic business writing skills when creating various memos; routine letters; good news letters; persuasive and bad news letters; presentations; and meeting agendas.
Writing for Online Success
In this course, students will understand how the digital world is affected by writing. Additionally, they will understand how to structure their writing so that online readers will remain engaged until the end of the article. Students will also learn the difference between copywriting and content writing.
Admission Requirements
· High school graduation or equivalent. For those without high school completion, please refer to the Program Overview at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
“The material that is taught is always hands-on and allows students to stay ahead of the "curve" in their career choice. Great atmosphere and caring staff make for an exceptional vocational college.”