If you are a tech-savvy individual with a knack for communication, an online masters in digital marketing may be a beneficial option for you.
A Master of Digital Marketing degree can help open up a world of career opportunities, from content management and strategy to public relations.
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Not only do you have the opportunity to strengthen your hard skills—like data analysis and keyword research—but you also have the chance to improve your leadership and adaptability skills.
Online Masters in Digital Marketing Programs
In an online digital marketing master’s degree program, you can receive advanced training in using a variety of digital platforms to build brand awareness and promote products.
Why is digital marketing important? As we continue to increase our global dependence on technology, companies are always looking for new ways to increase their sales through innovative and exciting digital marketing campaigns.
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A masters in digital marketing curriculum covers topics like search engine optimization and social media marketing. You’ll likely study the communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills typical of a traditional marketing degree as well.
Additional topics you’ll probably cover during your online digital marketing master’s program include:
- Marketing analytics
- Digital branding and storytelling
- Web analytics
- Digital marketing ethics
- Consumer behavior
While the courses offered varies between schools, digital marketing programs are designed to provide you with the necessary tools to enter the workforce with advanced digital marketing expertise. After earning a digital marketing MS, many graduates go on to help businesses market their products successfully.
Because of its versatility, a masters in digital marketing can prove useful in a diverse range of industries, including:
- Advertising and public relations
- Management
- Finance and insurance
- Market research
- Copywriting and editing
All of these industries can benefit from professionals who possess strong communication skills, leadership skills, and an understanding of topics directly related to digital marketing. Pay-per-click ads and email marketing are just a few examples of in-demand digital marketing tools.
Digital Marketing MS Careers & Salaries
Earning an advanced degree in digital marketing can open up an array of career opportunities. Equipped with data and analytics skills, a strong knowledge of SEO best practices, and the ability to create content, digital marketers can be useful in a number of roles within a company.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some common careers for those with a digital marketing background.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Marketing Managers | $135,030 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $127,150 |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $77,200 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Public Relations Specialists |
$62,800 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
While digital marketing skills are in high demand, a degree does not guarantee a certain professional position or salary. Companies hire employees based on a number of factors, such as previous work experience and specialized expertise.
The type of position you find can also be impacted by your geographic location and the market’s current job availability.
Digital Marketing Masters Curriculum & Courses
Every university offers a unique curriculum with its own set of courses, but as you move through your digital marketing masters program, you may come across some of the following classes:
- Content Marketing: This course teaches how to create engaging content that successfully reaches target audiences.
- Social Media Marketing: This class can help you learn how to use different social media channels to market a company’s products and build brand awareness.
- Mobile Marketing: This course covers the foundations and benefits of mobile marketing, including SMS and in-app marketing.
- Digital Marketing Ethics: This course examines the impact of different ethical beliefs and practices across digital marketing and advertising campaigns.
- Web Analytics: This class covers the basics of retrieving, portraying, and analyzing data from specific websites.
- Digital Branding and Storytelling: This course combines elements of journalism, advertising, and creative writing to teach how to reach a target audience.
- Consumer Behavior: This class explores the selection and purchasing habits of consumers and discusses how to use this data to inform future marketing strategies.
- Marketing Research and Analysis: This class covers the foundations of conducting research and how to use this research to boost the success of a product.
- Websites and Search Engine Optimization: This course covers the basics of how a website functions and how to employ SEO strategies to ensure content is being seen and consumed.
- Email Marketing: This course covers the different types of commercial emails and how to use them to convert or interact with potential buyers.
While the specific courses you’ll take will vary, your digital marketing program should help you develop a strong understanding of digital marketing tools.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Degree Program
There are several factors to consider as you research different master in digital marketing degrees:
- Cost. The overall cost of an online master’s program will typically be less than a brick-and-mortar option. Depending on your financial situation, it can be helpful to look for schools that fit within your budget.
- Program length. Online master’s programs generally range in length, from 1 to 2 years. You may want to select a program that matches your availability.
- Coursework. If there are specific skills that you are hoping to learn, examining the curriculum before applying to a program can help ensure that they offer the courses you need.
- Application requirements. Every school has its own set of admissions requirements. Making sure that you meet the minimum requirements can help raise your chances of being accepted.
Researching each of these aspects prior to applying can help you develop a strong list of potential colleges.
MS in Digital Marketing Admissions Requirements
While every school has its own unique admissions process, there are often similar requirements among institutions, such as the following:
- GMAT or GRE scores (if required)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal statement
In addition to the items listed above, most colleges will ask for a small application fee. All the pieces of your application are intended to paint a picture of who you are as a candidate, both as a student and an individual.
Digital Marketing Graduate Programs Accreditation
It’s strategic to choose a digital marketing graduate program from an accredited school. Regional accreditation signifies that a college or university offers educational programs that are up to the industry standard.
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Future employers will likely want to see that you attended an accredited school. In addition, your school’s accreditation status can impact things like the amount of financial aid you qualify for and the quality of the education you receive.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is often available to qualifying students through federal and state loan programs, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits.
You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see how much federal aid you are eligible for. State financial aid varies between states, so you can check the requirements for your state of residence.
Scholarships and employer tuition benefits are unique to each school and company. You can check with each for specifics on application processes and aid opportunities.
Digital Marketing Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization allows you to network with other like-minded individuals.
- American Marketing Association (AMA): The AMA offers memberships tailored toward professionals, academics, and undergrads, along with a range of available certifications.
- Association of National Advertisers (ANA): The ANA acquired the Data & Marketing Association (DMA), which helps its members create change through the development of innovative marketing strategies and brands.
- Internet Marketing Association (IMA): Open to professionals from a variety of fields, including marketing and programming, the IMA offers resources to help its members achieve success in their careers.
The right professional organization for you will ultimately depend on your career aspirations.
What Can You Do with a Digital Marketing Masters Degree?
Since our global economy is heavily dependent on technology, a digital marketing master degree can lead to many lucrative career opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists advertising, promotions, and marketing managers as one of the top career paths for digital marketing graduates. Additionally, many graduates choose to become market research analysts or public relations specialists.
Earning a masters degree in digital marketing does not guarantee a specific salary or position post-graduation. After earning their masters, some students elect to continue on and earn either an on-campus or an online PhD in Digital Marketing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in Digital Marketing Online?
Graduate programs that consist of 36 credit hours and don’t require a thesis can usually be completed in 1 year with full-time enrollment, including the summer term. An online master’s in digital marketing program will typically have shorter terms than in-person options.
The overall length of your online degree in marketing program may be extended if you are required to submit a thesis. Likewise, if you only attend school part-time, you can expect to graduate later than a full-time student.
Is a Masters in Digital Marketing Worth It?
Yes, a masters in digital marketing is worth it for many students. A diverse range of companies are relying more heavily on their online presence to drive sales. In addition to flexible career choices, many of the professional positions associated with a master’s in digital marketing are experiencing faster than average job growth.
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For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers over the next ten years. Market research analysts are expected to experience 22% job growth over the same time period.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Digital Marketing Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
At Brandeis University, students can complete a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Design fully online, typically in only 1 to 3 years. Courses cover how to design and optimize marketing campaigns while collaborating with stakeholders and remaining on budget. Coursework can be completed on a part-time or full-time schedule.
Brandeis University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
East Tennessee State University’s Master’s in Digital Marketing program is designed to set graduates up to succeed in the growing and dynamic field of digital marketing. The curriculum can help prepare students for marketing in a variety of digital environments, from social media to search engines.
The program consists of 36 credits and is offered fully online.
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Science in Digital Marketing. The program is designed to help students obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the rapidly expanding field of digital marketing.
The curriculum includes 30 credits of coursework, and the program can potentially be completed in just 2 years.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Master’s in Digital Marketing online degree program at Liberty University is designed to prepare graduates for successful marketing in both traditional and digital media platforms.
By offering flexible scheduling and online classes, Liberty helps students fit their education around their existing responsibilities and complete their degrees in their own time. On average, students can complete the 36 credit digital marketing program in 1.5 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Science in Digital Marketing. The program contains courses on key aspects of digital marketing, including email, social media, databases, and paid digital marketing.
All classes are held online, and the length of the program depends on students’ undergraduate studies and hands-on professional experience.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rutgers University offers a Master’s in Digital Marketing. The curriculum centers on understanding the motivations that drive online consumer trends and crafting effective, budget-conscious marketing campaigns.
The program consists of 10 courses and can typically be completed in just 9 months with flexible, online scheduling.
Rutgers University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
With flexible, online courses, Southern New Hampshire University’s Master’s in Digital Marketing is often a great fit for busy students looking to launch a career in marketing. The degree can potentially be earned in just 15 months.
The curriculum covers key concepts in digital marketing, like pay-per-click campaigns, search engine optimization, and social media strategies to serve their clients.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
At Temple University, students can learn how to harness technology to transform marketing strategy and better serve brands. Temple’s online Master’s in Digital Marketing program spans 5 semesters and includes courses such as Social Media Innovation, Consumer and Buyer Behavior, and Business Intelligence.
The program is designed to help students thrive in their marketing careers.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
In-depth knowledge of marketing in digital environments may broaden career prospects in the marketing field. This makes earning a Master’s in Digital Marketing at Wake Forest University a potentially rewarding step for many students.
The program’s 10 courses can typically be completed in just 2 years and aim to provide graduates with leadership skills, digital acumen, and marketing expertise.
Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Industry mentorship and technological innovation are the cornerstones of Yeshiva’s Master’s in Digital Marketing program. Students can specialize in either Marketing Analytics or Digital and Social Strategies, though both share one core curriculum.
Courses are offered online or on campus and can be taken full-time or part-time, allowing students to complete the program’s 30 credits at their own pace.
Yeshiva University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing Online
Earning a masters degree in digital marketing online can be a lucrative choice for many individuals. If you have strong communication skills and are eager to develop innovative ways for brands to reach their target audiences, then this degree may be a good fit for you.
Digital marketing degree online programs can help you balance your studies with work and other responsibilities.
Many people who earn an advanced degree in digital marketing go on to become integral members of sales and marketing teams. They tend to hold roles like content strategist, SEO specialist, and ecommerce manager.
To begin your journey toward your degree, you can start researching accredited online digital marketing masters programs today!
