Looking for online Digital Marketing degrees? Compare programs and see what you could be doing after graduation.
One of the major perks of the internet is its ability to connect us to valuable resources, specifically when it comes to education and obtaining an online digital degree.
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By earning your Digital Marketing degree online, you can set yourself up to pursue jobs that have average salaries of $50,600 or more per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Types of Online Digital Marketing Degree Programs
There are two routes that lead to digital marketing:
Which one you pick will depend on your career goals. Read about both or click on the one you’re interested in to jump to that section.
Marketing – General
You may want to earn a general Marketing degree if you’re interested in handling more than the digital side of advertising, lead generation, and sales.
If you plan on working for a small business in which you’ll handle all of the marketing efforts, or for a company as a marketing manager, having an overview of the entire department can help. The coursework in a general Marketing program typically covers everything from graphic design to branding strategy to market research to pricing. And yes, you’ll probably spend quite a bit of time on digital marketing.
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There’s no doubt that digital marketing is a hot and growing field, but traditional marketing is still a viable way to create brand awareness and generate sales. A generalist program can help you see how all of it fits together.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is the implementation of traditional marketing techniques in the digital world. Instead of using older methods of marketing and promotion, like television or radio ads, billboards, and word of mouth, digital marketing utilizes new technology to get the word out about a product or service.
Since there is so much competition in the world, especially online, skilled digital marketers are in high demand. Search engine algorithms are always changing, so digital marketers need to be on top of evolving SEO trends in order to be effective. They must also stay apprised of any new platforms or applications that could help get the word out.
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The best person suited to a career in digital marketing is someone who is eager to learn about new technology, computer savvy, and has the flexibility to deal with new platforms and shifting algorithms.
Courses for A Digital Marketing Degree Online
Although there are tons of different courses that you can take to hone your digital marketing skills, these are some of the more popular and useful choices.
Search Engine Optimization: Search engine optimization, or SEO, is one of the cornerstones of digital marketing. SEO refers to where your company is listed on Google or Bing’s search engine. The higher up you are in the search results, the better off your company is.
Good SEO is a multi-pronged approach and one that you want to have in your pocket in order to succeed in digital marketing.
Social Media Management: Social media is an important part of anyone’s online footprint, and active social media accounts can add credibility to your company. Managing social media properly is a true art form because each platform is different, and there are specific times and dates when it’s most advantageous to post.
Good digital marketers understand the nuances of social media and can create dynamic plans that allow their clients to get the most out of these platforms.
Branding Campaigns: Branding is one of the most essential elements of traditional and digital marketing. In the past, branding campaigns were mostly carried out through print and billboard advertising, or long ad campaigns rolled out on television and radio stations.
These days, those mediums are still used, but online branding has really taken center stage. Good digital marketers know how to create and maintain a brand through digital media, and they maintain brand message and consistency across multiple channels.
Digital Strategy Development: To be effective online, you will need a strong digital strategy to cut through the competition. Courses on developing long and short-term digital strategies are great tools in a digital marketer’s toolkit, as they allow them to see the bigger picture and then create actionable steps and milestones to get to a specific goal.
One of the biggest hurdles that most companies face is the inability to be able to conceptualize where they want to be online. A digital strategy is a higher-level function of a digital marketing expert and absolutely critical when it comes to success. Many companies will pay handsomely for someone who is skilled in this particular arena.
Digital Marketing Degree Salary
Digital marketing degree salaries vary depending on your skill level and the type of organization that you work for. Generally, you can expect to make less money when you first start out.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations managers make an average salary of $118,430 per year. Top earners can make anywhere between $165,340 and $208,000, depending on the type of company they are affiliated with.
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Plenty of people opt to do freelance digital marketing, and pay varies widely depending on what kind of clientele they get. Digital marketers working with larger companies on branding campaigns can generally expect to pull in quite a bit more than those doing standard SEO campaigns.
Although salaries vary, you can certainly expect to make a fairly good living if you decide to pursue a career in digital marketing. You should start off at a comfortable base and be able to work yourself up. A bachelor’s degree in this field can be a great start especially for those looking to advance their education with an online masters in digital marketing or even an online PhD in marketing.
Professional Organizations for Those with a Digital Marketing Degree
As with any professional career, there are plenty of organizations that you can join to help build your digital marketing skills and network with others in the field. If you decide to pursue a career in digital marketing, it can be a good idea to join some of these groups.
American Association of Advertising Agencies
The American Association of Advertising Agencies, or AAAA, has been around for almost a century and focuses on two critical elements: best practices and next steps. Both of these need to work in tandem for marketing initiatives to succeed.
The 4 As s a fantastic place to network and learn some traditional marketing skills that you can apply to your digital career.
American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association focuses predominately on professional development through ongoing education. It’s a great place to hone your skills and pick up a few new ones.
Even when you have your digital marketing degree, it’s important to continue to stay competitive by constantly educating yourself on new trends in the field. The American Marketing Association is tremendously helpful in this capacity.
Association of National Advertisers
The Association of National Advertisers focuses heavily on both personal development and brand development. They believe in brand excellence and creating clean campaigns.
If your digital marketing specialty is in digital strategy or brand development, this is a great organization to bounce ideas off other people and pick up some new skills. It’s also a good place to meet those who are working on personal development and can help you hit professional goals.
Branded Content Marketing Association
The Branded Content Marketing Association is an excellent resource for those who are working with content or web copy.
It’s fairly easy to get off-track with your copy and not remember to emphasize the brand message, so this organization can help you cultivate the skills needed to create great copy and stay on message all of the time.
Internet Marketing Association
The Internet Marketing Association is a fantastic place to join if you are looking for a support system and mentors. It’s a large group that covers all different sectors, and they have regular meet-ups and sessions that will help you grow.
If you are just starting out in digital marketing, you should really consider joining the Internet Marketing Association.
Accreditation for an Online Digital Marketing Program
When looking into your digital marketing degree, you will want to make sure that your online university has regional accreditation.
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This simply means that is has been recognized as legitimate by the state, and that you can apply for financial aid.
Financial Aid for a Digital Marketing Program Online
Just as with traditional schools, there are plenty of state and federal level financial aid programs available to those who wish to pursue an online degree in digital marketing.
Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then continue your search with scholarships from universities and private businesses or organizations.
Questions Related to Earning a Degree in Digital Marketing Online
It is natural to be skeptical about any sort of new degree. These are the most commonly asked questions about getting an online digital marketing degree.
Is There a Degree for Digital Marketing?
Yes, there is a degree for Digital Marketing! It’s a growing field that is very high in demand. You can find a number of universities offering Digital Marketing programs both online and on campus.
What Should I Major in for Digital Marketing?
The two majors you should consider for digital marketing are general Marketing and Digital Marketing. You’ll need to decide if you want an overview of all the aspects of marketing or want to zero in on the digital side.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Online Digital Marketing Degree?
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing takes four years. However, some schools offer accelerated marketing degree programs that allow students to finish quicker than the average four years.
Is Google Digital Marketing Course Free?
It depends on the course. Some of the classes offered by Google are free, but you need to pay for others. Check online for more details.
Universities Offering Digital Marketing Programs Online
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.
American Public University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Marketing degree program that can equip students with the vital knowledge in product development, sales promotion, research, planning, and strategy. It is composed of 120 credits in an 8-week program format.
- BA in Marketing – Digital Marketing
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Appalachian State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Advertising. It is an online program designed to explore a wide range of advertising topics required to make an engaging brand experience. It takes 6 semesters to complete, with 12 hours per semester.
- BS in Communication – Advertising
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Arkansas State University’s B.S. in Strategic Communication with Social Media Management certification is offered online with affordable tuition and career-focused courses. It is a 120-credit program, including 36 hours of core courses. It is aimed to develop students to become communications industry professionals with expertise in social media strategies.
- BS in Strategic Communication – Social Media Management
Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The online Digital Marketing Management degree at Bay Path University trains students to develop effective media campaigns, perform online media research, manage digital media tools and apps, and many more. Core courses include Branding, Digital Marketing Management, Social Media for Business, and Financial Management.
- BS in Business – Digital Marketing Management
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing online program trains students to use strategic data-driven marketing knowledge to solve business problems. It is offered 100% online and focuses on providing students with opportunities for hands-on practice and tackling real-world scenarios.
- BS in Marketing
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
California Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media. It is offered entirely online, with 48 required major units. The average time of program completion is 16 months. The university was ranked Best Online Bachelor’s Program by U.S. News & World Report.
- BA in Graphics Design and Digital Media
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Cambridge College offers a Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing. Concentrations are available in Marketing Analytics, Strategic Marketing, and Virtual Marketing. The program is 100% online, allowing students to study according to their own schedules. There are six start dates offered every year, and prospective students can apply at any time.
- BS in Digital Marketing
Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado Technical University’s online BSBA in Digital Marketing program works to equip learners with the fundamental skills and knowledge to leverage digital marketing platforms, including search engines and social media. It introduces students to the importance of modern media marketing tools, as well as developmental marketing structures and online business strategies.
- BSBA – Digital Marketing
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Franklin University offers a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, which trains students to demonstrate knowledge of general principles of marketing, marketing research methods, consumer behavior, marketing plan, and excellent oral and written communication. This program is available entirely online with affordable tuition fees and a Project-based curriculum.
- BS in Marketing
Franklin is fully-accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Granite State College offers a B.S. in Digital Media, an online program that combines technical skills in marketing and creativity in digital media. Courses include consumer behavior, design fundamentals, digital media production, and media and strategic communication. These courses are taught by professionals who are experts in their fields.
- BS in Digital Media
Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Harrisburg’s Online Digital Marketing Concentration trains students to understand broad categories of the digital marketing environment. They make links between digital marketing and marketing through traditional channels, analyze social media dynamics, create consumer engagement, and create analytics for all online platforms.
- BS in Management, Entrepreneurship, and Business Administration
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a B.S. Marketing program online and in a blended format. It is aimed to help students develop business analysis and problem-solving skills, use appropriate marketing communication methods, apply relevant marketing technologies, and integrate biblical values within the marketing environment.
- BS in Marketing – Digital Branding, Advertising, and Promotions
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited as a whole by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Johnson and Wales University offers a Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing and Social Media to answer the growing need for professionals who can effectively communicate brand messaging across different digital platforms. The degree is entirely online and can be completed within 4 years, with 11-week courses.
- BS in Digital Marketing and Social Media
JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Liberty University’s B.S. in Strategic Communication – Social Media Management is a fully online program with 120 credit hours. It is flexible, affordable, and high-quality. This degree course aims to train graduates in building relationships between companies and consumers through various social media platforms.
- BS in Strategic Communication – Social Media Management
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lindenwood University offers a B.S. in Social Media Content Strategy. It is designed to provide students with the necessary skills in creating, analyzing, and optimizing social media content. The program is available online or in a hybrid format, where students combine online classes with on-campus courses.
- BS in Social Media and Digital Content Strategy
Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
National University’s B.A. in Digital Media Design provides learners with hands-on experience using modern tools and technologies in the media arts workspace. The program is fully online, with 4-week classes – allowing learners to focus on one subject at a time.
- BA in Digital Media Design
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
NECB’s Online Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing trains students to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in web development, design, and advertising. Course emphases include web analytics, digital content, search engine optimization, email marketing, automated online tools, and viral marketing.
- BS in Digital Marketing
New England College of Business is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc.
The BSBA Digital Marketing at Old Dominion University is available on campus and online. It aims to build links for future generations of marketing professionals by preparing them for engaging and high-demand marketing careers. Some of the courses in the program are multinational marketing, internet marketing, and social media marketing.
- BSBA in Digital Marketing
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oregon State University’s Digital Marketing option is offered under the Business Administration major. Currently, this option is provided through the university’s Ecampus and requires 24 credit hours. This program involves the mastery of digital marketing strategy, planning, design, and evaluation.
- BABA – Digital Marketing
- BSBA – Digital Marketing
Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Penn State’s Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design is an interdisciplinary program where students can learn to discover, develop, and deliver compelling designs through information technology. Courses include visual arts and design, information technology, and communication. To complete the program, students are required to complete 120 credits.
- Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design
Penn State World Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Post University offers a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, which can be completed on campus or online. Graduates should be skilled in dealing with marketing strategy, target, research, communication, and business ethics. Courses are taught by professionals who have years of experience in the marketing field.
- BS in Marketing – Digital Marketing
Post University is accredited by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Regent University’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – Internet and Social Media prepares students to communicate through various online platforms effectively. Students are trained to be proficient in writing for the web. They also explore how to use social media to connect with people and prospective clients.
- BA in Communication Studies – Internet and Social Media
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regis University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business with a specialization in Marketing. The curriculum is based on the most current practices and trends in advertising, promotion, and digital marketing. Students are taught the ethical practice of business with a blend of real-world experiences.
- BS in Business – Marketing
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southeastern University’s online degree in Digital Media & Design prepares students for jobs in the areas of graphic and web design, marketing, and communication. It is a 120-credit program that can be completed within 48 months. It includes 56 credits for general education courses, 37 credits for major courses, and 27 credits for electives.
- BS in Digital Media and Design
Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. It trains students to effectively use digital marketing strategies and analytics, develop digital marketing plans, and maximize marketing opportunities. The program is efficient and flexible with its six 8-week terms, wherein students can work at their own pace.
- BS in Marketing – Digital Marketing
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Strayer University’s online Bachelor of Marketing allows students to explore skills and techniques in market research, product development, marketing communications, marketing channels, product management, promotion, and distribution. Core courses include Consumer Behavior, International Marketing, Management Concepts, Business Ethics, and Business Law.
- BSBA – Marketing
Strayer is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
UMGC offers a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Web Technology, an online degree that is designed to unleash students’ creativity and skills in digital media and technology. Students are taught how to design and develop social media and web-based media to meet customers’ needs.
- BS in Digital Media and Web Technology
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at the University of Texas – Permian Basin is a fully online program that teaches business fundamentals and best practices that students need to succeed in different professional marketing careers. Upon completing the program, graduates are expected to have the competence to become leaders in their fields.
- BBA in Marketing
University of Texas – Permian Basin is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Wisconsin – Stout offers a B.S. Digital Marketing Technology, which is delivered online or on-campus. The program applies an interdisciplinary approach to applied theory and hands-on learning. Students are trained in marketing research, creating web applications, evaluating processes, and using data to support user interaction.
- BS in Digital Marketing Technology
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools.
Western Governors University’s Online Marketing Degree works to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully thrive in the modern business world. The majority of the students complete this program within 36 months. They can exceptional support from faculty, who provide guidance and instruction every step of the way.
- BSBA in Marketing
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Is a Digital Marketing Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Digital Marketing degree is worth it for many students. Management jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 5% in the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Common careers in this field include search marketing strategist, internet marketing consultant, SEO specialist, account executive, and communications manager.
You can use your skills to advance the needs of companies using new technology while keeping a job.
