Key Takeaways
- Industry certifications help people build targeted, job-relevant skills without committing to a full degree timeline.
- These programs can be a smart fit for professionals who want to upskill quickly, validate experience, or move into a new specialty.
- Certifications often work best when paired with real projects, so learners can show proof of skill, not just course completion.
Specialized skills that give you an edge in the workplace are one thing everyone can use more of. Now DU’s University College is offering a unique set of non-credit courses that can quickly teach relevant skills leading to valued industry certifications.
University College’s online industry certification programs are designed to help you rapidly gain in-demand competencies. Whether you’re seeking to build expertise in your current role, move up the leadership ladder, or pivot to a new career, you’ll get the demonstrable skills you need.
Each course is paired with one or more industry-recognized certifications, helping you boost your resume in high-growth career areas.
The new programs are:
- Accelerated, delivering outcomes in just 10 weeks
- Respected, based on industry-driven curriculum and taught by experts
- Flexible, with an online format and self-directed learning
- Accessible, with no educational prerequisites
- Affordable for learners and earners at all levels
The industry certification courses are offered in partnership with Ziplines Education, which delivers certificate courses designed to prepare professionals for today’s digital-first workforce.
You can choose from six different in-demand areas:
- Digital Marketing learners leave the program with foundational skills and industry-recognized certifications in HubSpot, Google Ads, and Google Analytics.
- Business Analytics learners are grounded in the essentials of data analytics and earn Tableau micro-credentials.
- Project Management learners earn a Jira Software Essentials Associate Certification and 23 hours toward the Project Management Institute’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification.
- Sales Development learners obtain the employable skills, Salesforce Trailhead credentials, and real-world experience needed to launch a sales career and amplify earning potential.
- Sales Operations learners gain the strategic know-how, Salesforce Trailhead credentials, and real-world experience to increase sales productivity and revenue.
You’ll complete the program with practical skills, a strategic playbook to showcase your new skills to employers, and a non-credit certificate from the University of Denver.
University College specializes in delivering high-quality, career-focused educational experiences for busy adults. The college’s Center for Professional Development provides non-credit online courses, industry certifications, and boot camps to help workers reach career goals.
See all of DU’s industry certification programs at Professional.DU.edu/Courses/Industry-Certification-Courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do certifications feel like a good option for busy professionals?
They focus on a specific skill set and usually require less time than a degree. That makes them easier to fit into a work schedule while still creating a meaningful career boost.
How do I know if a certification will actually help my career?
Look at job postings in your target role and see which certifications show up repeatedly. If the credential aligns with your goals and helps you demonstrate practical skills, it is more likely to pay off.
Can certifications help with a career change, not just advancement?
Yes, because they can build credibility in a new area while you are still gaining experience. They also give you language and structure to talk about your new skills in interviews.
What’s the best way to make a certification stand out to employers?
Pair it with a portfolio, a project, or a work example that shows you can apply what you learned. When you can explain results, the credential becomes much more convincing.
