Master Certificate in Internet Marketing at Univ. of San Francisco

75 replies
Wow!

This is amazing. I can't believe this program is so expensive and doesn't seem to offer that much.

University of San Francisco

Master Certificate in Internet Marketing

Master Internet Marketing With USF 100% Online

$5,995

Plus I'd rather learn from the gurus and "real people" who are out there in the field, really doing this stuff, rather than the people they've chosen.
#certificate #francisco #internet #marketing #master #san #univ
  • Profile picture of the author ADAMw3
    I checked it out and am unimpressed... You can learn everything in their masters plan right here on this forum for free!
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    • Profile picture of the author kf
      No doubt with all the traffic this thread will bring them, they'll start harvesting this forum for their curriculum.

      Originally Posted by Adam Bshero View Post

      ... You can learn everything in their masters plan right here on this forum for free!
      More broadly, I'm not sure whether I'm depressed or excited by this. It shows, on the one hand, that there is a hungry market looking to be 'certified' (or is that certifiable? ). On the other hand, IM (imo) is about entrepreneurship and creative thinking and nothing will kill that faster than institutionalized education that (at most levels) encourages linear thinking, awards regurgitation and - at least where it comes to IM - doesn't have a hope in h*** of keeping a finger on the pulse of the various aspects involved.

      Sadly, I think (my opinion ...) that 'educating' people in this way will produce a lack lustre herd of sales people and employees vs. entrepreneurs who excel at salesmanship and, at some point, stall growth as other indoctrinated in the 'herd mentality' choose to deal only with someone who is 'certified'.

      Hmmm. Or maybe I just need more coffee.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Whyte
    That market we are in moves so rapidly and I think it is better to be right here with a large group that is living the life...

    Just my opinion... And I'm sticking to it....LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Hanuka
    I think I'm gonna be sick... *barf!*
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  • Profile picture of the author BizBooks
    yes.. but if you go there you have a degree.

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    • Profile picture of the author melanied
      That's actually the sad thing - you don't. You have a "certificate."

      Originally Posted by BizBooks View Post

      yes.. but if you go there you have a degree.

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    • Profile picture of the author Jack Martin
      Originally Posted by BizBooks View Post

      yes.. but if you go there you have a degree.

      In this case, you don't even get a degree. You get a certificate.

      They've carefully named it so that it sounds like a "Master's Degree." But it's not. It's a "Master Certificate".

      Certificate programs are outside the control of accreditation organizations.

      This is a clear attempt to confuse and, effectively, cheat the customer.
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      • Profile picture of the author jascraft
        Hi everybody. Guys, you are right in your own unique way each other, but... Just try to imagine what would happen if one day all University would be closed and people would be required to do those jobs only according to practical skills... Sorry to say that , but it would be chaos. The main idea of degree (I am not talking about these jokes like classes where you can get the art but not the profession) - is to teach you how to learn the stuff really fast. And this is great. definitely, you can't become IM professional even after master's in IM (like Full Sale). But you will get something more valuable - you will get deeper understanding of surrounding life and higher level of availability to make decisions in business or whatever it is... You can tell me about all this big guys like Bill Geitz and so. on .... But - he started at the era where it was not any computers at all and now in his stuff there are a lot of highly educated people. AND THE SAME SITUATION IN ANY KIND OF BUSINESS. The idea that Harvard graduates can be less successful than some plummer is correct, but - some very rich plummer can not go farther than pluming, but educated person can learn something really fast just because he has had this brain massage in university. Education is always good, but we need to be careful about ocean of "universities" , charging impossible prices . Thats why we are talking about this question so much - just to not be cheated. Please don't get offended if i said something you don't want to believe. God bless to everybody.
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        • Profile picture of the author Testy Today
          Formal education (degrees at land-bound institutions of higher learning) has been the traditional mode of learning for most people in most countries for decades if not centuries.

          What's new (the last 10 years) is this kind of "Warrior Forum" education: put together by the learner out of current need using informal resources. Prior to the internet it was almost impossible for the average learner to do anything like this (referring to other subjects, since internet marketing didn't exist!). Learners had to go to formal institutions for education.

          Undoubtedly (if not happening already), master's thesis candidates will be lurking on this forum, studying adult learning behavior as well as marketing behavior.

          As internet marketing matures, I guess it's not surprising that formal teaching institutions start to offer if. Just like you can get an MBA versus learning business on the streets. Over time we'll probably see increasingly interesting mashes of these formal and informal modes of learning. Already we see high school students delivering WSOs: talk about practical on-the-job training!

          In the year I've been reading threads on the Warrior Forum and buying WSOs, I've thought that what I've done is gotten the equivalent of a master's degree in internet marketing --- pretty painlessly and at low cost.
          Today being the American Thanksgiving Day, it's appropriate for me to state that I am very grateful!
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          • Profile picture of the author benjaminroyce
            I've completed the University of San Francisco Masters Certificate of Internet Marketing. I read this discussion before I paid the $5500 ($500 discount) and decided to do it anyway. Here is the result:

            1) It is not a degree. At all. It is a certification sanctioned only by the University Alliance, of which USF is a member.

            2) It is a series of three Certificate of Achievements (yeah, I know, kind of pathetic for almost $6k). The 3 series are "Search Engine Marketing and Usability, Integrated Online Strategies and Advanced Interactive Marketing Measurement"

            3) All video lectures are from some B rate industry leaders. Some are top shelf in presentation and information, others are painful to watch.

            4) Adam Bshero is right, it is relatively simple, and I flew through most of it first try on the tests. There is really nothing advanced about this aside from some SEO tips that really could be found here on Warrior.

            5) There is nothing wrong with certifications if it helps you get in the door and clear up your standing in a benchmarking scenario.

            6) Is it going to take you from beginner to advanced internet marketer? No. The only justifiable reason for doing this is to let those around you know that you have a certain level of expertise that is verified by some one other than yourself and your hand picked references. Too bad that the benchmark it sets is pretty low, and pretty expensive.
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        • Profile picture of the author creature
          Intersting to see so much scoffing here about a new program that no one knows anything about or who is teaching (maybe some pretty good, experienced successful marketers?).

          Personally, if I ever needed a brain surgeon I'd prefer one who had completed medical school at a reputable University - wouldn't even talk to one who learned "brain surgery" in his basement from his online buddies, no matter how great his sales pitch and testimonials were.

          But then, that's just me...
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    just imagine how your trust, and credibility would grow with a degree in internet marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author dail
    I think there are more non university graduates that have made millions out of internet marketing compared to the graduates.
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    • Profile picture of the author adamv
      I think the only thing that keeps the "Master Certificate" program from being completely worthless is the fact that you can waive your certificate around in front of people who have even less of a clue about IM and it may help people pick up offline clients.

      You could use your "certification" to impress offline businesses without an online presence and provide services to these businesses. Although a certificate is not needed to go out and do that anyway so this program is just a hair away from worthless IMO.

      There's no way in hell I would pay $6K for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    How can you guys comment on a program you've never taken? I'm sure 6K is less than what many people have spent on DVD courses or software online and they still aren't where they want to be in IM.

    If you all took that program and came out disappointed, then all you naysayers would have an argument.

    Curtis
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Wilkinson
    The same University was also one of the first in the country
    to offer a certificate program for technical analysis of stocks
    and options. This is essential education for any serious trader.
    However, their program didn't take into account good sense,
    a wide range of risk tolerence, experience and a "feel" for
    trading. Some people will never be traders regardless of how
    good they become at the "techs". Other people seem to "see"
    the solutions as a matter of course. The best trader I ever knew
    was never able to articulate her exact process. She just did it.
    Tom
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  • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
    Perphaps the people who offer coaching, training, etc. should get together and create a University and give people a Master Certificate too.
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    • Profile picture of the author zapseo
      Some parts of the world (especially Europe) are degree-crazy.

      I'm became aware of this when I went to work for a heavily-French influenced company (well, joint venture, to begin with, part of the JV support was from Thomson of France.). The head of engineering was French -- and nearly every software engineer in the company that I was aware of had a Ph.D. -- IN Computer Science. Because they didn't go around asking to be addressed as "doctor", it was a long time before I realized this.

      In fact, I was talking with a very well-known (and wealthy) copywriter who was off getting his ph.d. (I forget the specific field or what he was attempting to accomplish -- but I do remember that a big part of his reasoning for getting the ph.d. was to be acceptible in the European market.)

      Nothing wrong with credentials.

      They provide a minimum level of competence.

      And $6000 ? Gee...what do we hear about some of the IM courses?

      There's still a lot of basics that aren't going to change that much.

      And, if you haven't been involved in education at a master's or higher level -- one of the very important parts of the education is very much about thinking for yourself. At that level, you are expected to become leaders, which means you need to produce NEW stuff. That's what theses are all about -- proof that you can do that!

      Okay -- soapbox off.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lloyd Buchinski
    It was probably about 3 or 4 years ago that I read SF is producing
    a new millionaire a day through the internet, so the word getting
    around would at least give the university business, and be a smart
    move on their part.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hanuka
    There's no need for a certificate in the IM business.
    In most cases we do all the work for ourselves(outsourcing some of the
    more pesky works), the only way we make contact with other businesses
    is when we go JVing.

    Thing is, other businesses don't give a DAMN if you finished school or have
    some silly IM certificate. Businesses who have their head on their shoulders
    care only about what's in it for them(results).

    We are not traditional marketers, never forget that.
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  • Profile picture of the author 20colors09
    Especially in the Internet marketing arena, practical learning is more important than theoretical learning. Also, I went through their course and it is not that impressive plus expensive too. I am definitely not joining Univ of San Francisco for this course. Though I am looking for a good university or college which can offer a degree program in Internet marketing. Do anyone of you have any knowledge?
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zimmerman
      If you think about it, while I agree it's bullshit, it's actually pretty smart marketing on the university's part. It's no different than any other B.S. program that you buy on the net that makes claims of overnight fortunes.

      The university is using their "reputation" as a college to intice people to spend the $5000.00 in order to get taught by a place that has a reputation. Definatly underhanded but I bet they are going to get a lot of money from it. You just hope that thing about Karma comming full circle eventually kicks them in the ass.
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  • Profile picture of the author HervinBalfour
    I don't think that this industry needs to start handing out degrees and certificates because they are not measurements of success. One of my susperstars on my downline has no high school diploma at all, dropped out of school at age 17 (is in their 40's now) and is absolutely killing this business.

    One of the absolute beauties of this industry is that it transcends cultures, religions, education or social status. I have nothing against getting training. In fact, one should always continue to educate one's self on how to improve your business.

    However, I will stick to being mentored and coached by someone who has proven themselves in the industry as well as coach and mentor others to do the same. Besides, you can't learn everything there is to no about internet marketing in one small 8-16 week course. It's a constant ongoing process.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I know that most entrepreneurs are usually "anti formal education"
    but having a certification from a recognized university cannot
    hurt you especially when you are approaching big companies.

    This certificate may be the only thing that distinguish you from the
    other guy. It's not what YOU think that's important but how the
    client sees you.

    -Ray L.,
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  • Profile picture of the author kennethtang
    Interesting...

    Scoff if you must. Which is understandable. However, regardless of what most here (in this thread) think of the course (and cost), there are implications to this that you may not be taking into account.

    What could those implications be?

    Let's discuss...

    Kenneth
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  • Profile picture of the author Hanuka
    Well.. if you are to go there for the certificate you'd certainly be needing
    to study what they tell you, and if you don't they'll just won't give
    you this certificate. Think of all the quality knowledge you can get
    and the thing you can get done in that time period if you havn't gone on
    that program!!

    I seriously doubt that any out-of-the-blue big comapny which favors
    certificates will have a good enough deal for you that it be worth the
    wasted time spent in that stupid school.

    Are you going to go to Microsoft and ask them to advertise you? dun think so..
    We are all FreeBirds afterall!
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  • Profile picture of the author flalax22
    I don't know...looks pretty comprehensive to me. I've been doing internet marketing for my own ecommerce website for 6 years and at my full time gig, and I know a little bit about everything, but I can't say that I've ever received training in all of these areas in ONE place.

    social media, internet law, google certification, SEO, creative development, viral, affiliates, a/b testing, mobile marketing, choosing an agency, web analytics certification, and email marketing. My company could use this for training half the people I work with! I'm sure those of you in the corporate marketing departments can relate...how do you really know that people understand this stuff?

    A seminar or forum can't really compare to this type of delivery. I'm going to at least check it out......
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    • Profile picture of the author Reid Stevens
      I wonder what these teachers really know about Internet Marketing. I wonder if they have their own ecommerce operation or did they just learn from being online and buying information products.
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      • Profile picture of the author stacyfox
        I don't think the target audience for this course is the entrepreneurial IMer who hangs out at the WF. People like us get our education "on the street" so to speak, though many people who have been doing this for a couple of years have spent that kind of cash on courses and seminars.

        This certificate is for people who want corporate jobs doing internet advertising. I think it would be hard to approach Google or Intel with the line "I don't have a resume but I learned everything I know at forums." While the people that launched companies like those came from the entrepreneurial ranks, they hire staff who have degrees. That's the way of the (corporate) world.

        So, if you were wanting to head to a big advertising agency or a Fortune 1000 company, having a certificate like this might make a lot of sense.

        If you are trying to make a 6 or 7 figure business with your own websites, through affiliate marketing, or any of the other ways discussed on the WF, you'd be right to take a pass.
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  • Profile picture of the author GreatBiz
    When there is a demand, there is a supply. I am not surprised that the academics are taking IM mainstream. But as everyone knows, IM is an everchanging field. I am afraid the course material can only cover the bare basics unless it is taught collectively by the real gurus.
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  • Profile picture of the author DarcyDro
    This program is a certificate - not a degree - some may not be noticing that. It is only three courses taught online with no assignments or homework - just tests. Each course is 8 weeks long. This has little academic legitimacy as far as "credentializing" for the european market is concerned. It may help you a little in the offline world - but it is run by University Alliance - not directly by University of San Francisco. University Alliance runs many of these courses for Universities such as Florida Tech.

    Look at UNC Award of Achievement in Web Analytics if you want academically recognized 100% online education - it is delivered in partnership with the Web Analytics Association.

    UBC also offers a Certificate in Web Intelligence in association with UC Irvine.

    I don't work for them, I've just been researching for my personal career development...
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    a degree in IM... rofl...
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  • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
    I think it was Eben Pagan who said that the education in colleges and universities is fast getting outdated. This is a classic example.
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  • Profile picture of the author embrown
    I was about the make the same post after seeing an ad for Full Sail's Internet Marketing Degrees. The BS is $53,000 and the MA is $28,000! They compare it to MIT and a few other school's BSes which they quote as being $100,000+. Quite a bargin! :roll:

    Anyway, I when I come back from bootcamp for the guard, I was considering an online school and found this one. I think I'm going to stick to traditional state colleges and maybe take a few courses in marketing. Could be fun.
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    • Profile picture of the author Cali16
      Originally Posted by embrown View Post

      The BS is $53,000
      Okay, now this made me laugh! (Sorry, couldn't help myself!)



      Btw, this thread was started in Jan of 2009... so kind of OLD news.... :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author The Pension Guy
    Actually, they are pretty good in "tricky" salespage
    They just used the word "master" and almost everybody jumped on the false conclusion that it was a Masters Degree... which is not!

    And if the succeeded to trick all the experienced warriors here - they might have even bigger success with others.
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    • Profile picture of the author raiko
      I would agree that a university would have difficulty keeping abreast of the latest developments in most any quickly evolving industry - especially internet marketing. And, of course, there is always that oft heard phrase:

      "Those who can - do, and those who can't - teach".

      Having three degrees myself I would have to say that that statement is fairly accurate. It takes a certain level of risk tolerance and aversion to "comfort" to be an 'online marketer' whereas teaching tends to be very low risk and very comfy (especially if you're tenured). So most teachers, even at the university level, aren't really successful at applying what they teach. That doesn't mean they aren't great teachers though. It just means that you can't rely upon them for real world advice.

      However, that being said, if I put on my cynical hat for a moment USF is really just marketing a product just as the rest of us are. And, as has been mentioned here many times, it's all about selling the sizzle rather than the steak. Yet, I see that USF's steak is getting heavily criticized here. When I browse the WSO section here I am ALWAYS wondering why it is that a person who has a product that they claim can make them $20k a month or $100k a month would waste their time packaging it and selling it for $97 on this forum. Should they not be making $100k a month with their product? Why voluntarily increase the competition? Unless they are not actually effectively using their own product. But, therein lies the conundrum...

      I would also mention that while a traditional degree may not be seen as very valuable by this community it may very well add credibility to someone dealing with the general public. I know people who have graduated from Harvard that really aren't too bright. But, when they mention they 'graduated from Harvard' those who don't know them personally are immediately impressed and afford them more credibility than they probably deserve. If you don't know anything about two people other than that one graduated from Harvard and the other failed to graduate from high school who are you going to choose to accept advice from first? Of course, later you may find out that the Harvard grad is unemployed and the high school drop out is making $20k a month online. Then your perception may change. Income trumps degrees when it comes to credibility within a similar niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    When all is said and done, I think their definition of IM and our definition of IM are two different things.

    Having said that. In our area there are hundreds if not thousands of private colleges, universities, and other schools who offer alternative education, heck even the learning anex qualifies for this. I'd venture to say many Warriors could approach their local schools of this type and "sell" them on starting such a course.

    You'Ve got to hand it to that sales page. It is going to get them some students.

    Whether it is worth the money remains to be seen.

    I do agree with one statement from a post above. The certificate will open doors to offline businesses. The sheepskin, unfortunately, does talk. I say unfortunately because I know a lot of deserving smart/knowledgeable people who are held back not because of their skills and not because of their ability but because they don't have that darn paper.

    George Wright
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      When all is said and done, I think their definition of IM and our definition of IM are two different things.

      Having said that. In our area there are hundreds if not thousands of private colleges, universities, and other schools who offer alternative education, heck even the learning anex qualifies for this. I'd venture to say many Warriors could approach their local schools of this type and "sell" them on starting such a course.

      You'Ve got to hand it to that sales page. It is going to get them some students.

      Whether it is worth the money remains to be seen.

      I do agree with one statement from a post above. The certificate will open doors to offline businesses. The sheepskin, unfortunately, does talk. I say unfortunately because I know a lot of deserving smart/knowledgeable people who are held back not because of their skills and not because of their ability but because they don't have that darn paper.

      George Wright
      No it won't. Not anymore than a good sales presentation and experience.

      I've sold against a lot of people in my day. Never once did a prospective client ask me, "yeah, but do you have a degree in software development?".

      No.

      They don't give a crap.

      Can you deliver a solution that makes them money?

      Can you show them a return on the investment in your time and effort?

      If you're relying on your pedigree to get you "offline" business, then you'd better come up with something better in short order, because someone is going to sell your client out from under you.
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  • Profile picture of the author embrown
    Well, most regular schools do have Master Certificates in various areas, so I can see where the confusion lies. For example, UofMD has a Master Certificate for their nursing program.

    Yea, I've been turned down for many a job because I didn't have a degree, even thought I've been doing whatever it was for a while for a temporary agency or through freelancing.
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  • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
    Originally Posted by Jillian Slack View Post

    Wow!

    This is amazing. I can't believe this program is so expensive and doesn't seem to offer that much.

    University of San Francisco

    Master Certificate in Internet Marketing

    Master Internet Marketing With USF 100% Online

    $5,995

    Plus I'd rather learn from the gurus and "real people" who are out there in the field, really doing this stuff, rather than the people they've chosen.
    I went and visited the site. I've got the impression that they don't know much about internet marketing because:

    1. I didn't see any testimonials of students with clickbank and paypal earnings and payment proof.

    2. A person, even an institution who really knows IM should have priced it at $5,997 :-)

    3. They should have at least asked some super affiliates to promote it.

    4. Added youtube video to hype it up..

    and lastly,

    5. They should have mentioned something to this effect:

    Curriculum based on hottest threads of the WARRIOR FORUM.

    Then I would have enrolled immediately.

    oMar
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    • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
      While some of the responders in this thread have said that anyone thinking about taking this course could get the same education here on WF, let's not forget that everything here on WF is not in any 'structured' format and to a lot of people, that would cause confusion and/or frustration and more then likely, cause someone to suffer from 'analysis paralysis'...aka information overload.

      Also, most here balk at the price, but then have no problems turning around and spending that much on the latest 'membership' being offered by the current 'guru'...

      I'm sure if Frank Kern or Mike Filsaime offered some type of educational backed 'certificate program' for the same price, you guys would eat it up in New York Minute.

      I agree with CurtisN...how can you comment on something you have absolutely NO KNOWLEDGE of..oh, wait....with many here, that's to be expected.
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      • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
        Originally Posted by Ray Erdmann View Post

        I agree with CurtisN...how can you comment on something you have absolutely NO KNOWLEDGE of..oh, wait....with many here, that's to be expected.
        Please watch what you say about people here...
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      • Profile picture of the author DarcyDro
        There's another program - The SEMPO Institute offers courses including Insider's Guide to Search Marketing, Effective Search Marketing: Keywords and Copywriting, Advanced Search Engine Optimization, and Advanced Search Advertising.

        Courses are offered by The Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization a non-profit group of industry professionals.

        Again. I don't work for them, but Microsoft announced an education alliance with SEMPO Institute - 20,000 affiliates of the MSN search engine will have access to SEMPO Institute's online learning program - so that may give them some cred if you believe in those types or organizations.

        I know Enquiro, one of the industry leaders in search requires all employees to take the SEMPO courses.
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  • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
    Why would this be bumped after 5 months?

    It not even a good topic...
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    You are right Michael. I hadn't had my coffee yet. Thanks for the kick in the pants. Much needed and appreciated. I've always felt the way you expressed it. Just a lapse in tenacity I guess. Thanks again.

    George Wright
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      You are right Michael. I hadn't had my coffee yet. Thanks for the kick in the pants. Much needed and appreciated. I've always felt the way you expressed it. Just a lapse in tenacity I guess. Thanks again.

      George Wright

      Hey man, no prob. I just don't want anyone to think that because they've got some paperwork that they can outsell some Elmer Fudd on the street. In fact, I've seen more people who are successful in sales that are NOT papered and blessed by their college Deans.
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      • Profile picture of the author JB
        I find it baffling that a lot of WF members think there would be little to no benefit in doing a proper University course in IM. I'll probably get flamed for saying this but anyone here who has done a degree in Marketing will agree that the vast majority (not all!) of marketing blogs and ebooks offer almost no information in comparison. This is the same for pretty much any degree course so why would it be any different for a course in IM?
        The information you get from a proper college course is scientifically validated and scrutinised. To say that everything from such a course can be found here is just not true. Another misconception is that the material will be some how be out of date by the time you complete such a course - I'm sorry but what you learn in University is usually ahead of the curve in terms of theory and trend prediction. Besides proven theory a lot of the information would be coming from university funded think tanks, state funded bodies and government research programs. I doubt that this course has been created with the idea of promoting affiliate programs etc- more like big companies.
        I'm not endorsing this particular course but I do think that there is an illogical mindset among a lot of IM'ers that they are the worlds foremost experts on the subject.
        And before I get blasted from here to Timbuktu I do agree and accept that there is a wealth of information here - the best possible education would be a University course supplemented with what you learn here in the WF.
        (Leaps of soapbox in an attempt to dodge rotten fruit!)
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Riddle
    Here's a little look behind the curtain, My family comes from a long line of teachers and University professors.

    My Brother in law has a degree in library science, and is a board member of the nations largest association of librarians, he also teaches at the University.

    He teaches people who are going to be head librarians. (by the way this class is being taught to people who will move home to their countries and develop library plans for the entire country)

    Many of my friends are also a part of the university, Managers for the radio and tv stations on campus, as well as the operations manager for the radio station.

    And here is why I am telling you all these things.

    All these people are very good at their jobs, but the reason they are where they are is because of the system that they are a part of depends on university graduates.

    IF you are not a university graduate in the field of study you simply will not be hired.

    Colleges and university are finding it increasingly difficult to hire and maintain staff, because of the influx of "Commercial Schools" <- they use that as a derogatory term;

    The only way that the educational system will stay intact is to require people to have degrees.

    They do not hire based on knowledge and experience only, they require an applicable degree in the subject.

    This is one answer for the much needed influx of real world knowledge into our education system, no matter how small it is compared with what you believe you can find on the warrior forum, or through other channels.

    One of the key to marketing on the internet is to understand your niche, this internet marketing degree is a perfect example of understanding their niche.

    Mark Riddle
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    Today isn't Yesterday, - Products are everywhere if your eyes are Tuned!
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  • Profile picture of the author ebenzoni
    This is my situation- I have graduated from college about 5 years ago with a degree in Communications and a minor in visual arts, and for about the first 3 years of my professional experience, I held more account management positions (with an agency and direct mailer), currently I work as marketing coordinator, handling mostly the print aspects of the companies marketing, and I barely get to dabble in internet marketing end. Knowing that this is the way of the future though, I would like to get invovled in it, I realize that most of you have learned through real-life on the job experience, but what do you do if you don't have the ability to do that on a daily basis? I have been looking into USF Masters Certificate program, and no I don't believe that this class will teach you everything need to know, especially with a subject that changes so rapidly, but what are people who have no basis to start on, and no job that allows them to learn these skills supposed to do? Its the same debate with teachers going back to school alternate route, vs. traditional- not everyone knows their route and how to get there and some people need traditional education to teach them the basics of things. Its funny because so many people say that this certificate or degree is worthless....honestly you can say that about most degrees, excepts for ones that give you specific training, most just give you the basics, everything else you learn on the job. To me it just sounds like a lot of yuppie entrepenuer talk from people who are worried that there may be other creative people out there learning their jobs and gaining their skills. Talk about unoriginal!
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  • Profile picture of the author Fox30
    It would be helpful to have such a degree for credibility if you have your own internet marketing company of you are planning on joining a company that requires such skills.

    -If you run your own business affiliate marketing or with your own products. Worthless.
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  • Profile picture of the author stickynote
    Interesting to read about the professional opinions regarding this course. I paid for it yesterday and will start on Dec. 1.

    I am an MBA and work for an MBA that is slightly older than me. It's just us. We sell our services (engineering testing and consulting) over the internet primarily and have a $6,000 per month PPC budget. Currently I have zero involvement in the internet marketing aspect but the other guy built it on his own from nothing starting in 2002. He wants me to eventually take control of all of the internet marketing functions and strategies.

    It's interesting to read what you guys wrote because here is how we got to the point where we paid for me to take the class -
    He built his PPC campaign on his own and used to (until the end of 2009) pay less than $3M per month and was always listed first on Google (not organically - PPC only). He hired one the "experts" (maybe someone on here?) to take us to the next level. That person completely screwed it up so well that the phones stopped ringing altogether. We got rid of this person and then hired a huge company that recently got into PPC advertising. I won't say their name but it begins with an A and only has three letters.
    This company was given two lists: one list with words and phrases that WORK and one list with words and phrases that DO NOT WORK and geographical regions that we do not want to do business in. Guess which list was loaded into our PPC campaign? Yeah, that's right. Then when we figured this out the company was unable to change it for a few weeks. We were getting phone calls for completely unrelated services for MONTHS and the calls came in at all hours.
    We called and fired the company. Of course they sent in three corporate "suits" to talk us into staying with them. I knew that nothing would change and I told him that we will never see any of these suits again... guess what? I was right.
    So, we fired them AGAIN and then looked locally. The couple of agencies able to do this in central/ western MD were to busy to even provide us a proposal.
    So - there we were in June of this year, 6 frickin months behind in our PPC and paying twice as much as before when we (he) did it ourselves.

    So, that is our experience with "the experts". Not good and so we want to do it ourselves.

    My opinion is that most agencies are too busy (internet marketing and PPC specifically) to help a "small guy" like us so we are going to try and learn the tools on our own.

    Also, an observation: most of you have learned how to do this stuff the hard way. How is someone else supposed to get a foundation/ building blocks to do this without paying someone else and crossing fingers. (I left out the question mark because it is rhetorical).
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Hmm, I think that is one cleverly disguised CPA page. ROFL
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    gotta tell ya, i wouldnt be subscribing to that school.

    Why? I have my PHD in internet marketing It was called "School Of Hard Knocks!" LOL

    And I bet I paid more than those guys with the stuffups I made...some really bloody hum dingers. But all is well that ends well.

    My point is.....that if you want to be good at this game you gotta get out there and get the right knowlege, try things out test them more...and see what works. My guess is that course might be outdated and not anywhere near the great advice you can come in here at the WF and get access to.

    This place is a gold mine and some of these threads should be used in college marketing classes. Priceless i tellz ya!
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  • Profile picture of the author ELVISTHEPELVIS
    Wow.. By the time that you graduate most things that you would have already learned probably would have changed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tom E
    We are conditioned into thinking that if a University offers something (like a college education), it's great, and it will make our lives so much better. With a $6000 budget, this seems like just about the worst thing you could spend your money on.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    I realize this topic is over a year old, but anyway.

    For those of us who constantly get told by their families to go get a Master's Degree so you can get a better job than the rest, perhaps a little fake degree (as it's just a certificate, right?) in internet marketing could help them eat their words.

    That and making bags of money. But even with that, "This kind of thing doesn't really last. You should go get a Master's so you can get a real job and get paid more than those without post-grad degress." etc. etc. etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zodiac108
    To learn IM one must do IM.
    Usually I'm disgusted with repeated methods sold over and over under different names, but this is a whole new level.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oneal Degrassi
    I took a cert. course on Adobe SiteCatalyst/Omniture from this University. So I do have a little experience with the University and the procedures.

    Everything was very smooth and the course did what it claimed to do - it taught me how to use the software and had me 100% prepared to take the Adobe exam.

    You guys have to remember that we are not the target audience for this course - we've already learned Internet Marketing. This course is for those who are not at our level of IM and are looking to break into it by learning from a professional educator.

    So for us, the course may not be such a good idea, but for someone who knows nothing about the industry, or a corporation who wants to break into IM - or train their employees - I think this could be just what the doctor ordered.

    Oneal
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  • LOL, they are also trying to make money by selling prestige...
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  • Profile picture of the author ManieE
    I can't see any formal education program keeping up with the IM world, things develop to quickly!
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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    The basis of any good education is to form a *foundation* for further learning. It is irrelevant how fast a given field is changing as that is part of a continual education that *should* be a part of everyones progress.

    The problem with the WF is the "education" is both scattered and littered with inaccurate information. Without a good foundation, it would be impossible to separate the wheat from the chaff. Many of the comments don't seem to recognize/acknowledge that fact.

    Marvin
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    • Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

      The basis of any good education is to form a *foundation* for further learning.
      Excuse me, but you dont go to university or MBA for *foundations* in your education. That's what high school is for. You go to university for *advanced* and *professional caliber* education, and this Master Certificate from the SF University simply won't be you that.
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      • Profile picture of the author Oneal Degrassi
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        Excuse me, but you dont go to university or MBA for *foundations* in your education. That's what high school is for. You go to university for *advanced* and *professional caliber* education, and this Master Certificate from the SF University simply won't be you that.
        It won't be you that??? LOL

        How do you know? Did you take the course?
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      • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
        Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

        Excuse me, but you dont go to university or MBA for *foundations* in your education. That's what high school is for. You go to university for *advanced* and *professional caliber* education, and this Master Certificate from the SF University simply won't be you that.
        I didn't state where the foundation originated.

        It sounds like daffynitions are getting in the way here, so it is best to agree to disagree.

        Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author Kathy459
    It looks like most of the post on this subject are a couple of years old. Has anyone at this point taken the certificate program from Univ of SF? It seemed like the general consensus was that the program would not help. What recommendations would you have for a newbie to internet marketing?
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  • Profile picture of the author Omdllc
    Wow now the education system is tryng to get a piece of the pie. I fee bad for the beginners - cuz I think it's going to get harder and harder if you don't already have a good knowledge of this business.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Im amazed at how many people want financial freedom, and yet scoff at the idea of investing a measly $6k.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
      Originally Posted by nicholasb View Post

      it's worth nothing more than the paper it's printed on
      It could be worth a WHOLE lot more than that ... it all depends on how it is used.

      Generally all a diploma/certificate/etc. does is open some doors. After the door is open, it is up to the person to actually do something to keep the door(s) open.

      Marvin
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  • Profile picture of the author joekyut
    Where there is demand? Supply follows, and a certificate becomes the added advantage. Success to all who desire to jion, hope you start learning here and then graduate there. Maybe it will make you feel better.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    I am surprised it has taken so long for a programme to be developed
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