Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialized Studies Program

Six-Month Specialized Study Program

UC Davis Extension’s six-month Search Engine Optimization Specialized Study Program is specifically designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to gain employment in Search Engine Optimization (including job titles such as SEO analyst, SEO specialist, SEO coordinator, SEO marketing manager and SEO account manager).

In just six months, you’ll learn the modern SEO strategies and tactics used by leading-edge companies and digital agencies—all taught by top SEO professionals through an engaging mix of online lecture, peer-to-peer interaction, hands-on projects and instructor guidance.

The six-month Search Engine Optimization Specialized Study Program is designed not only for professionals who are eager to advance their careers in Search Engine Optimization but also for those who are new to the field.

The entire program consists of four courses, taken over six months: Fundamentals of SEO, Optimizing a Website for Search, Advanced Content and Social and Advanced SEO Strategies. You can pre-pay for the entire program at a significant cost savings, or you can enroll in the individual courses that best fit your needs.

Hands-On Curriculum & SEO Portfolio

SEO is a skill set best learned by doing, and each course emphasizes hands-on, project-based activity that transforms your knowledge into demonstrable, marketable skills. The SEO curriculum focuses on building a portfolio of SEO project work that demonstrates your skills and expertise to potential employers or clients in the following areas:

  • Keyword research
  • Link-building strategies
  • Off-site SEO
  • On-site SEO
  • SEO reporting and analysis
  • Technical site audits
  • ….and more.

The Courses

  • Fundamentals of SEO
  • Optimizing Website for Search
  • Advanced Content and Social
  • Advanced SEO Strategies

Why Take This Program?

UC Davis Extension’s six-month Search Engine Optimization Specialized Study Program will teach you the theories and successful strategies behind modern SEO. As you move through the courses, you will create a portfolio of SEO projects that translates your new knowledge into demonstrable skills that top employers are seeking.

  • Develop the essential skills to land a job and build your career in SEO
  • Learn from acknowledged leaders at the forefront of SEO
  • Build a project portfolio that showcases your work and expertise to potential employers and clients
  • Learn to build and position your personal brand as a successful SEO expert

Career Outlook

Search Engine Optimization is a fast-growing career.  Demand for qualified SEO professionals continues to grow and outpace job growth in other professions.

  • The number of SEO-related jobs has increased 1,900% from 2006 – 2012*
  • Starting salaries for SEO entry-level positions average $52,000 with SEO and marketing managers making an average of $72,000**.

*Indeed.com

** Blue Nile Research

What You Get

The six-month Search Engine Optimization Specialized Study Program is a convenient, engaging online program designed to meet the needs of working professionals. As an SEO student, you will receive:

  • Online instruction and interaction from top SEO instructors
  • The opportunity to build an interview and employer-ready project portfolio
  • Peer-to-peer online interaction
  • Program and instructor assistance and support
  • Verified UC Davis Extension Specialized Study certificate upon successful completion of the program

Teaching Methods

Classes will be taught primarily through online lecture.  Live and recorded guest lecturers may be utilized. Online chat and interaction with the instructor and peers will also be encouraged.  Students will be assessed and graded based on a combination of hands-on practicum assignments, online quizzes, and online participation.

Requirements

To obtain your Search Engine Optimization Specialized Study Certificate from UC Davis Extension, you must successfully pass all three required courses.

Estimated Cost

The cost of this program can vary, depending on how you choose to enroll.

If you enroll in each course separately, the cost is $800 per course, for a total program cost of $3,200. However, if you opt to enroll in the entire six-month program (all four courses) at one time, you will receive a discounted rate of $2,720.

Please note that these prices do not include textbooks or additional fees that may apply.

Lead Instructor

Rebekah May is the SEO and social media manager at Leadqual, LLC, an industry recognized leader in lead conversion and online marketing, devoted to delivering ROI-focused strategies to our clients.

As the SEO and social media manager, May works with clients to develop and launch successful social and SEO campaigns designed to increase online presence. Her specialty is delivering high-value digital marketing strategies that leverage current and emerging online trends, social platforms, tools and technologies.

Program Advisory Board

Charles Davis, VP Solutions Director at Blast Analytics & Marketing

Eric Enge, Author of The Art of SEO, and founder/CEO of Stone Temple Consulting

Jordan Koene, Chief Evangelist, Searchmetrics

Scott Laughlin, MBA, SEO manager at WalMart

Dave Lloyd, Sr. Manager, Adobe Digital Marketing

Kent Yunk, Vice President, Roaring Pajamas.  Former Sr. Director, Search Optimization, GoDaddy

Course Code
500732