Customer journeys that drive engagement and growth
6 - 9 months
12431944
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):
MKTG.X400
$650
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Oct. 6 - Nov. 10, Tue, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
MKTG.X400.(37)
Schedule
| 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, Gary Armstrong, & Sridhar Balasubramanian, 20th edition, 2026, Pearson, ISBN 9780135413265. There are multiple ISBNs for this book, depending on how it is purchased (book, ebook, etc.) The ISBN provided above is for the hardcover version.
It is acceptable to use an older edition (such as 18th or 19th). However, please note that the classes are based on the 20th edition. Also note that the publisher's website offers a low-cost monthly eBook: ISBN 9780135413524.
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jan. 27 - Mar. 3, Wed, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
MKTG.X400.(38)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 01-27-2027 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 02-03-2027 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 02-10-2027 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 02-17-2027 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 02-24-2027 | 5:30pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 03-03-2027 | 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.
IMPORTANT: STUDENTS MUST ATTEND AND FULLY PARTICIPATE IN A MINIMUM OF FIVE OF THE SIX CLASS SESSIONS.
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 Textbook: Principles of Marketing, Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong, 19th edition, 2023, Pearson, ISBN: 9780137864898 (hardcover).
Please use this edition for most recent updates. Note the publisher offers an eTextbook. (https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/principles-of-marketing…)
The 18th edition is acceptable. However, please note that the lecture is based on the 19th edition.
Fall
Winter
2. Required Course(s):
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
3. Completion Review:
O-CE0537
$50
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Schedule
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
Instructors
Program Chair
Ly-Huong Pham
Educator, Business, and Technology Executive
LY-HUONG PHAM, Ph.D., M.B.A., M.S., has over 30 years of experience in high tech and is CEO of Mobiscale LLC, a provider of management, educational and software consulting services. Her clients range from startups to Fortune 500 companies in various sectors, including high tech, social media, mobile, education, and healthcare. She serves as chair of the Marketing Management Certificate Program Advisory Board for UCSC Extension.
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.
Bouwien Luppes,
Art Entrepreneur and Marketer
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.
Sean Zaidman,
Director, Communications and Marketing, Five Branches
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.
Eliana Silva
