I'm an affiliate marketer and have a passion for the game. I have bought a lot of junk over the years trying to make money online. Most of it didn't work as promised and that's where I think affiliate marketing can get a bad reputation. However, there are good programs out there and quality people selling them. You can take a look at the University of San Francisco's
search engine marketing training program and learn affiliate marketing for a high ranking university as reported by US News and World report. The certification is something to add to the resume as well.