Academic Catalogs

Advertising, Certificate of Specialization

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 1_CE_MKAD

Not Financial Aid Eligible


The Marketing certificate programs are designed to train those individuals whose career paths involve the creative techniques of both oral and written sales presentations, advertising, and marketing. Courses emphasize the tools used by marketers, the
environmental forces affecting the marketing process, sales communication skills, the major components of modern advertising and promotion, marketing research, and advertising planning and strategy. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Program Outcome

Function effectively in entry-level advertising business positions using the skills, principles, and tools they have acquired.

Certificate of Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
ART A120/A120HBeginning Drawing3
or DMAD A182 Graphic Design
CMST A180Introduction to Mass Communications3
or FILM A150 History of Radio & Television
MKTG A130Principles of Advertising3
Total Units9

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ART A120
Beginning Drawing
or Beginning Drawing Honors
or Graphic Design
3
CMST A180
Introduction to Mass Communications
or History of Radio & Television
3
MKTG A130 Principles of Advertising 3
 Units9
 Total Units9