Customer journeys that drive engagement and growth
This program is perfect for
- Marketing professionals looking to build expertise in CRM, digital strategy, and customer experience.
- Digital marketers who want to improve campaign performance through data-driven insights and lifecycle marketing.
- Professionals transitioning into roles focused on customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.
Program review underway
As we evolve our programs to reflect today’s technology landscape, the specialization in Digital and Customer Experience Marketing is under review and is not currently open for new enrollment. If you are enrolled in this specialization and are finishing up your courses, please reach out to us at extension@ucsc.edu. We will help you plan your journey.
After reviewing the current market conditions and engaging with industry, we are now offering new short programs, that are flexible paths to get the skills you need fast. During this time, our specialization programs continue to be under review and we are committed to assisting all enrolled students to finish the specialization programs. To learn more, visit our Short Programs page.
Courses are open to everyone
You are invited to enroll in individual courses to build your knowledge and develop new skills.
Design smarter customer journeys, drive measurable growth
Gain hands-on experience with CRM systems, marketing automation, and digital strategy to create seamless customer experiences across every touchpoint.
The Digital and Customer Experience Marketing Specialization prepares professionals to connect digital marketing with stronger customer relationships. As organizations increasingly rely on CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, and customer data platforms, marketers need the ability to design seamless customer experiences across the full customer journey.
In this specialization, students learn to plan integrated digital campaigns, apply CRM tools, and develop strategies for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. Coursework emphasizes practical application and real-world scenarios, helping students align digital tactics with customer experience goals and measurable business outcomes.
Program learning outcomes
- Understand the role of CRM and digital platforms in shaping customer experience
- Apply strategies for customer acquisition, retention, and engagement
- Design integrated campaigns that connect digital channels with customer relationship strategies
What is customer experience marketing?
Customer experience (CX) marketing focuses on designing and optimizing every interaction a customer has with a brand across the full journey—from acquisition to retention.
Courses
Program Requirements
- Complete three required courses | 6 units.
- End with Certificate of Completion Review.
1. Prerequisite(s):
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 10-06-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Tue, 10-13-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Tue, 10-20-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Tue, 10-27-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Tue, 11-03-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Tue, 11-10-2026 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.
To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Required Text: Principles of Marketing by Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong, 19th edition, 2023, Pearson, ISBN-13: 9780137864898 (hardcover). The 18th edition is acceptable. However, please note that the lecture is based on the 19th edition.
2. Required Course(s):
3. Completion Review:
Please enroll in the Specialization in Digital and Customer Experience Marketing Completion Fee only when all of the specialization requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.
Grade Requirements
Please note that only letter grades of C or higher may be applied to a certificate, and in some programs, students may have more stringent requirements. Students in most employer- and government-sponsored payment programs, such as workforce development, as well as international students on F-1 visas, need to maintain a B average to meet their requirements.
See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.
Establish Candidacy
The response from my fellow students was so enthusiastic that I had to think more in depth. It evolved. Every course demands that you think in a certain way. Every course took me a step further.
It’s great to have a teacher with so much experience. She was able to take what's in the book and apply it to real-world examples. It helped translate the education into what I would need in my everyday work.
The UCSC certificate really improved my resume and made recruiters more confident I could be a better fit for their company. After completing my certificate, I got two job offers.