Home Education & Certification POPAI Virtual University

Welcome to POPAI Virtual University!

POPAI U is pleased to introduce online learning 24/7.

This six-week online course provides a unique learning experience that allows students to work at their own pace, while still connecting with colleagues. The courses are the core competencies of the industry; the things that everyone should know. It offers students the opportunity to learn about marketing at retail and what makes it such a powerful tool.

From online forums to virtual discussions, these courses will provide distinctive understanding of marketing at retail. Facilitated by world class industry professionals and scholars, this self study course will prepare you for POPAI's Marketing at Retail Certification (MaRC).

Benefits of POPAI Virtual University

Available - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;

Convenient - easy to use

Engaging - directly interact with software and with your colleagues

Custom - work at your own pace and place of your choosing

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a facilitated self-study course work? What can I expect? Look below for the answer to these and many other frequently asked questions.

What is a six-week facilitated self-study online course? A course is divided into six weeks that consists of six modules to include and overview and  summary of marketing at retail. Each will begin on Sunday and ends on Saturday. Participants are able to access the course 24/7 on their own schedule and at their own pace for upwards of ten weeks. Participants will have access to a facilitator and course administrator who is accessible throughout the duration of course.

How does a facilitated self-study course work? A facilitated self-study online course runs six weeks from start to finish. Participants gain access to the online facility approximately one week prior to the official start date to navigate the technology. Once the course has ended participants will be able to access the facility for an additional four weeks to download content and colleague/facilitator contact information. In total, participants will have upwards of ten weeks to access the course. Each week consists of a topical presentation and assignments; these assignments includes readings from POPAI's The Power of Marketing at-Retail, Third Edition handbook, discussion postings, and related assignments. The topic of the week is discussed amongst faculty and participants within a designated discussion area. By the end of six weeks participants will have discussed six modules of content and completed required assignments.

Do you provide a demonstration of an online course? Yes.

What is my investment of time? Each course is equivalent to one MaRC credit and while each individual works at a different pace, we recommend reserving approximately two to six hours per week.

Is there a specific time to log into the course? No, this is why a self-paced course is a great alternative! Although there is an official start date and end date, participants and faculty regularly engage each other on their own time during the six-weeks the course is in session.

What if I am not able to participate during a particular week? A weekly assignment schedule is recommended and provided to participants at the start of the course. We suggest that participants complete assignments within its corresponding week. However, we also understand participants lead very busy lives and when individuals are aware that they will not be able to engage during a particular week we encourage the participants to either work ahead or catch up as necessary.

Why is there a start and end date? Although designed in a self-study format, we believe the online learning experience is most valuable when participants are guided by faculty. In order to include facilitators within our courses we need to be mindful of their schedules, by adding a start/end date we ensure their highest level of engagement.

If I live outside of the USA will I be able to participate in POPAI's Virtual University? Yes. This is an asynchronous course which means participants are able to access the course at any time and in any location throughout the world; all that is required is an Internet connection and an understanding of the English language. Participants are not expected to be online at any specific time to engage with other peers within the course. The live online meetings held weekly are the only synchronous component of the course and attendance is not required for completion of the course. Course contents and reading materials are delivered in the English language.

What are the minimum requirements for completing the course? POPAI Virtual University has a start and end date. All assignments must be completed on or before the close of business of the last date of the course to receive credit. Minimum course requirements include, but not limited to:

• Participants must post a minimum of two discussions within the weekly discussion area of their choosing
• Completion of weekly assignments (e.g. readings, discussion boards, etc.)
• Completion of the online course evaluation

Will I receive MaRC credits? Yes, Six (6) - a certificate of completion will be sent to course participants who complete the minimum course requirements.

What do I receive with my registration? Participants can expect to receive access to facilitators and six weeks of online discussions as well as the sharing of ideas and best practices. Participants will also receive easy access to the course syllabus and reference materials, course assignments that can be applied to one's job.

How do I register for POPAI Virtual University? You may register online by visiting www.popai.com. You may also contact us directly by calling 703.373.8800.

What if I do not receive my email confirmation after registering for POPAI Virtual University? If you do not receive your email confirmation 24 to 48 hours following registration, please contact us on 703.373.8800 or by sending an email to education@popai.com