#United States #online education #Springfield #Risepoint #University of Illinois

Expanding Educational Opportunities at UIS

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has launched two new online marketing certificate programs aimed at helping working professionals advance their careers. This move comes as response to the increasing demand for marketing expertise in today's business landscape. Beginning in Fall 2025, the MBA Certificate in Marketing and the Graduate Certificate in Marketing are designed to offer a flexible learning experience for busy professionals.

Versatile Online Learning

In an era where online education is rapidly gaining traction, UIS stands out as an early adopter, having established a reputation for delivering high-quality online programs. The new marketing certificates exemplify this commitment, allowing students the freedom to study at their pace without compromising on their work and personal lives.

Dr. Som Bhattacharya, Dean of the UIS College of Business and Management, stated, "Our goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills that align with industry needs. These certificates enrich our online portfolio and are tailored to meet the evolving job market demands."

The MBA Certificate in Marketing is intended for business professionals looking to refine their strategic marketing skills, while the Graduate Certificate in Marketing offers specialized education for those hesitant to commit to a full degree. Both programs underline UIS’s focus on providing accessible education that directly benefits the workforce.

A Collaborative Effort

These programs have been developed in collaboration with Risepoint, an education technology company dedicated to enhancing online education offerings for regional universities. Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint, expressed excitement about the expansion of UIS’s marketing programs: "Our partnership has thrived on our shared mission to improve educational access and align programs with the needs of working adults. These certificates will allow students to acquire critical skills while maintaining their work-life balance."

This partnership emphasizes the importance of innovative educational pathways, supporting UIS's mission to offer robust, workforce-aligned programs. The growing relationship between UIS and Risepoint has led to significant advancements in their educational offerings, expanding possibilities for nontraditional students.

Benefits to Students and Industries

The certificates' design focuses on providing students with the tools necessary to excel in today’s marketing industry. As companies increasingly rely on digital marketing strategies, the need for skilled professionals is correspondingly surging. By enrolling in these programs, students will gain specialized knowledge that will empower them to compete in the competitive job market.

With the first classes scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, interested individuals should take note of the application deadline of August 1, 2025. For more information and to learn how to apply, prospective students can visit onlinecbm.uis.edu.

About UIS and Risepoint

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public regional university that emphasizes a student-centered approach to education. By combining active learning, meaningful research, and civic engagement, UIS prepares graduates for significant contributions to society. For more insights, visit uis.edu.

Risepoint focuses on partnering with universities to help expand their online degree programs in vital sectors such as business, nursing, and teaching. Their mission is to increase access to affordable education for working adults, thus meeting both community and employer needs. Explore more at risepoint.com.