Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s School of Graduate & Professional Studies (GPS) is expanding its online undergraduate course offerings to include majors in digital marketing and project management. 

Both new majors were developed to provide students with expertise in high-growth skill areas that employers across industries are searching for.  

“The School of Graduate & Professional Studies is focused on providing working adults with the skills they need to continually advance and grow in their careers,” said Eric Stetler, GPS dean. “As we analyzed emerging skills that would differentiate MVNU graduates in the workforce, both digital marketing and project management stood out as invaluable skills to local businesses and industries.” 

Digital Marketing

Previously dominated by TV, print, and broadcasting, the marketing industry has gone digital. The most desired skills for open marketing jobs are all related to digital channels like social media, and by 2026, 68 percent of marketing budgets will be spent on digital. Despite a growing need for talented digital marketers, there are few robust digital marketing programs offered by colleges across the country.  

MVNU’s digital marketing program is built to help existing and emerging marketing professionals thrive in this shifting landscape with courses in search-engine optimization, analytics, social media strategy, and automated email marketing.  

Students will learn to integrate their online learning into real-life applications as part of the required coursework and will earn six industry-approved certifications from Google and Hubspot. Another popular aspect of the digital marketing program is that all materials needed for the major classes will be provided — no textbooks are needed. 

Project Management

According to the Project Management Institute, an average of 2.2 million new project-oriented roles will be available each year through 2027. Students enrolling in the project management major will be prepared with the skills and insight to lead a work team to achieve goals and meet success criteria – something 97 percent of organizations agree is critical to the success of the company.  

The major courses include Introduction to Project Management; Project Planning; Project Execution, Monitoring & Control, Implementation & Closure; and Advanced Project Management Practicum. 

Students who complete the degree program will be eligible to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management exam — a credential that will distinguish students in the job market and enhance their effectiveness in their current roles.  

For more information on these and other GPS programs, or to apply, visit mvnu.edu/gps.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University