OCNews

Okanagan College has become the only public post-secondary institution in British Columbia with Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) pre‑approved marketing credentials, giving eligible graduates an accelerated pathway to the CMA’s Chartered Marketer designation. 

Five Okanagan College marketing programs have been formally recognized by the CMA for inclusion in its Accelerated Education Pathway. As a result, eligible graduates can fast-track the Chartered Marketer (CM) designation with fewer courses, less time and lower overall cost than the standard route.

“This recognition reflects the intentional design and real-world focus of our marketing programs,” said Joe Baker, dean of the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College. “Being recognized by the CMA confirms that our curriculum aligns with national professional standards and supports strong employment outcomes for our graduates.”

The CM designation is the only professional marketing credential recognized across Canada, signaling to employers that professionals have both strategic insight and practical skills aligned with current industry expectations. 

The following Okanagan College programs are recognized by the CMA as eligible for the Accelerated Education Pathway to the CM designation:​

• Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing Specialty
• Business Administration Diploma – Marketing Specialty
• Business Studies Certificate – Marketing Specialization
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Marketing 
• Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Marketing and Data Analytics
   

“For students considering a future in marketing, this recognition adds tangible, long-term value,” added Baker. “Choosing an Okanagan College marketing specialization now means graduating with a credential that puts you on a faster path to a nationally recognized professional designation — giving graduates a meaningful head start as they enter the workforce.” 

“This pathway is about outcomes for learners and employers,” said Aidan Cole, professor, Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship. “Whether you’re a current marketing student planning your next step after graduation or an alumnus who graduated years ago, having accelerated access to the CMA’s Chartered Marketer designation builds on the strong foundation of an OC business education and sends a powerful signal to employers about the quality of our graduates.”

Okanagan College marketing students benefit from industry-experienced instructors, strong employer connections and applied learning opportunities through student clubs like Enactus OC and national competitions such as the InterCollegiate Business Competition. These experiences help students build portfolios, networks and confidence for in-demand roles in areas like digital marketing, analytics and brand management. Ranked among the best business programs in British Columbia, the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship has a 10-year accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 

For alumni, the benefits extend beyond advanced standing toward the CM. “Chartered Marketers join a national professional community with access to networking, industry events and ongoing professional development that supports long-term career growth in a fast-evolving field,” said Jeffrey O'Leary VP, new programs and learning, CMA. 

More information about the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship and its marketing programs is available at okanagancollege.ca/business. 

Details about the Chartered Marketer designation and the CMA Accelerated Education Pathway for OC alumni are available at okanagancollege.ca/chartered-marketer.