In today’s world, an online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is one of your best tickets to a fulfilling career in marketing. Marketing is a field that focuses on advertising goods and services by creating a brand’s image with striking visuals, promotions, and campaigns. The best online digital marketing associate degrees introduce you to these core marketing concepts.
If you are interested in a marketing career, you should investigate online digital marketing associate degrees. An online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing will help you land entry-level positions and jumpstart your career. This guide will help you choose between the best online digital marketing associate degrees by listing each degree’s tuition and graduation rate, alongside other helpful information.
Where Can I Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Online?
Some of the best online digital marketing associate degrees are at Ashworth College in Georgia, Bryan University in Arizona, Lakeshore Technical College and Northcentral Technical College in Wisconsin, and Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire.
What Schools Offer the Best Digital Marketing Associate Degrees?
- Ashworth College
- Bryan University
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Southern New Hampshire University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The admission requirements for an online digital marketing associate degree include filling out an admissions form on the school’s website with the list of institutions you have attended prior to your application. Some schools require prospective students to submit their high school diploma or equivalent. You also have to pay a registration fee, which varies per school.
Because the associate degree program will be online, some schools also require you to pass a computer and Internet speed assessment to meet technical requirements. Usually, a school’s admissions representative will guide you through the whole admissions process. They will also require you to submit the necessary financial aid forms and any other documentation.
Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Admissions form
- List of institutions you have attended
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Registration fee
- Computer and Internet speed assessment
How to Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Online
You get a digital marketing associate degree online by fulfilling the graduation requirements of the program. While graduation requirements vary between institutions, you must complete all credits in the program’s core courses, usually around 60 credits.
Digital Marketing Degree Requirements
- Complete 60-63 credits across general education courses, low-level courses, and high-level courses
- Complete general education courses, such as PowerPoint – Level 1
- Complete low-level courses, such as Content and Copywriting
- Complete high-level courses, like Integrated Web Concepts
- Fulfill any additional graduation criteria, subject to the individual program
Best Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Associate Degree in Digital Marketing | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Bryan University | Associate Degree in Digital Marketing | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| California Coast University | Associate of Science in Business Marketing | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Associate of Arts in Marketing | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Marketing Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Lakeshore Technical College | Associate Degree in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northcentral Technical College | Associate Degree in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Post University | Associate of Science in Marketing | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Associate of Science in Digital Marketing | New England Commission of Higher Education |
Best Schools for Digital Marketing: Top Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs
An Associate Degree in Digital Marketing can help you become a digital marketing professional. With the best online digital marketing associate degrees, you can gain marketing skills that will help you land jobs and start your career in the marketing field. Here are 10 schools that offer the best online digital marketing associate degrees.
What Is an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
An online digital marketing associate degree is an academic program that teaches students about digital marketing strategies, taught via the Internet. It will help you gain entry-level positions in the field of digital marketing.
Graduates of online Associate Degrees in Digital Marketing will be responsible for creating, overseeing, and managing electronic advertising campaigns and product developments within their future careers in marketing. Online programs are often more affordable than studying on-campus. Plus, you can complete the coursework at your own pace.
Online vs In-Person Digital Marketing Degrees
Online digital marketing degrees are usually cheaper than their on-campus counterparts, and they typically allow online students to complete coursework at their own pace. So, if you’re looking to enhance your current knowledge of marketing without breaking the bank, then an online digital marketing associate degree could be right for you.
An in-person degree will benefit full-time students who want more hands-on experience when honing their marketing skills. Attending programs on campus will also allow students to network and socialize in person. However, compared to online programs, in-person digital marketing degrees are more time-pressured and less flexible than online classes.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing
- Flexible. The flexibility of online learning makes it easier to work and have more time for personal goals. Online schools allow online students to choose their schedules and have more self-paced programs.
- Affordable. Online Associate Degrees in Digital Marketing are more affordable than in-person degrees. Online schools charge less than most in-person universities and colleges.
- Less time-consuming. Coursework can be accessed from anywhere with an online school. With online learning, you won’t need to commute to complete your degree requirements.
- Worldwide program access. Most schools offering online associate degrees in digital marketing provide the program for international students. This means that you can access the program from anywhere in the world.
- Learn time management skills. Most online programs are self-paced, so you will need to learn how to manage your time to complete the coursework requirements.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Digital Marketing
- Use of campus facilities. Studying for an in-person Associate Degree in Digital Marketing will give you access to campus facilities, such as the college library and athletic facilities.
- More one-on-one time with the instructor. An in-person degree program allows you to have one-on-one time with your professors for more guidance. Since you are in the same classroom, it is easier to ask questions and communicate.
- Live interaction. In-person digital marketing classes allow for live interaction with your classmates and instructors. Through this, you have more avenues to learn from each other and form bonds.
- More hands-on experience. Because of the live interaction, in-person classes give students more hands-on experience in aspects of marketing. For example, you can witness sales strategies live from your professors and classmates during lessons.
- Less distraction. In-person classes are taught in a physical classroom. Therefore, you have fewer distractions, so you can focus on the tasks to learn the skills you need to gain a degree in marketing.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Digital Marketing?
The most common online associate degrees you can get in digital marketing are an Associate of Science, an Associate of Arts, and an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing. You can also get various Associate Degrees in Marketing, aside from digital marketing, such as associate programs in business marketing, traditional marketing, and marketing management.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science in Digital Marketing?
Getting an Associate of Science in Digital Marketing is better if you are sticking to a budget or time limit for your education. Most Associate of Science programs are designed for students who want to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Both types of digital marketing degrees will help you excel in digital marketing, as you’ll gain professional experience in whichever degree you choose.
An Associate of Applied Science degree will let you apply for entry-level positions in digital advertising, international marketing, and mobile marketing. However, if you have ambitious digital marketing career goals, you should consider a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing as it will give you more critical thinking skills and marketing strategies to have an advantage in the field.
How Much Does a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Cost?
Across all institutions, in 2019-2020, a digital marketing associate degree cost an average of $16,445 for students living on-campus, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It cost $10,024 for students living off-campus with family and $19,304 for students living off-campus without family. This cost differs depending on whether a school is public, non-profit, or for-profit, and whether you’re studying in-state or out-of-state.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Online?
It takes two years to get a digital marketing associate degree online. Most online programs require you to complete around 60 credits to graduate. Most online digital marketing associate degrees are self-paced programs, so this time frame is flexible. Also, digital marketing associate degrees online are done on a semester basis, with around 15 weeks per semester.
Are Online Digital Marketing Degrees Respected?
Yes, online digital marketing degrees are respected in the digital advertising field and by marketing institutions. Many reputable colleges and universities offer online digital marketing degrees in the United States. Plus, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in Fall 2019, around 36 percent of undergraduate students were taking online programs.
To ensure that your online digital marketing degree will be recognized and respected in the job market, the school providing your education must be accredited by a reputable governing body. You find this out by visiting the school’s website and seeing if the institution offering the program has earned its accreditation.
Is Digital Marketing Hard to Learn Online?
No, digital marketing is not hard to learn online. While it’s true that students who commit to fully online degrees will not get the same kind of in-person experiences and opportunities from an on-campus program, online programs are more flexible and less structured. For example, lectures are taught online and are recorded so you can go back to them and review them.
Digital Marketing Bootcamp vs Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An online digital marketing associate degree is better for more in-depth education, while digital marketing bootcamps are better for online students looking for fast-paced learning opportunities to develop their skills and navigate the marketing industry.
Ultimately, the better option depends on your career goals and professional development objectives. Below, we will analyze the unique benefits of a digital marketing bootcamp and an online digital marketing associate degree.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree
- New job opportunities. Acquiring a digital marketing associate degree will help open up plenty of job opportunities for a career in marketing. You can become a social media strategist, content strategist, email coordinator, SEO specialist, or marketing coordinator.
- More internship opportunities. Studying for an online associate degree through a college or university will let you take advantage of university internship programs.
- Accredited programs. Always enroll in accredited online marketing degree programs because it will make it easier for you to land positions in the marketing field. Many hiring managers check if job applicants have degrees from accredited institutions before hiring.
- Possibility for a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree students can pursue continuing education. They will acquire the necessary credits and academic requirements to join four-year programs in digital marketing and advance their knowledge.
- Flexible programs. You are not limited to attending full-time in-person degree programs if you choose an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. You can easily opt to attend your classes online in the evening or during the weekend.
Top 5 Benefits of a Digital Marketing Bootcamp
- Flexible financing options. Digital marketing bootcamps feature multiple financing options to help students cover their bootcamp fees. Student loans, scholarships, and income share agreements are usually available for paying your tuition.
- Career-oriented curriculum. Bootcamps curate their programs to ensure they address the current skill gap existing in the marketing field. The curriculum is constantly updated to make it more career-oriented.
- Affordable. Unlike degree programs, digital bootcamp programs are relatively inexpensive, which is one of the top reasons why you should attend a bootcamp program.
- Flexible learning options. You can easily balance your work schedule and skill advancement by attending a bootcamp. The programs offered are often offered on a part-time or self-paced schedule.
- Job search support. Digital marketing bootcamp programs offer job search support to ensure students land the desired positions in the industry. In addition, they provide career services that help online students prepare for interviews.
Why You Should Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Online
You should get an online digital marketing associate degree because it is an affordable and effective way to get a solid foundation that can help you succeed in a career in marketing. An online digital marketing associate degree gives you flexible scheduling options and allows you to take classes on your own time. It is also a cost-effective option, as it has lower tuition rates.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Digital Marketing?
An online associate degree program in digital marketing lets you take courses that help you gain the right skills to succeed as a digital marketing professional. Here are five core digital marketing courses you may take when pursuing a digital marketing associate degree program online.
Introduction to Marketing
Introduction to Marketing is one of the common courses offered under an associate degree program that will help you learn about the tools used to create value for customers. In this introductory course, you will gain knowledge on marketing research, target market selection, pricing, product selection, product promotion, and digital strategy.
Social Media and Marketing Communications
This course will guide you through the basics of integrated marketing communications. You will learn how to navigate social media marketing and advertising. You will also learn about search engine optimization and development planning, research, and creative skills for branding in the digital sphere. You will learn all about digital marketing strategy through this course.
Business Law
A Business Law course will help you learn more about the US legal system and its application to businesses. You will be discussing product liability, criminal law, contracts, sales, cyber law, and the ethical and legal technicalities of firms in the US.
Business Communication
Business Communication examines the principles of communication used in the workplace. You will be learning about memos, letters, reports, and white papers. This course will help you improve your writing skills, honing your grammar and style. It also introduces techniques for writing informational, persuasive, good news, and crisis-handling communications.
Entrepreneurship
This course will guide you on how to establish a business. You will learn how to create a business plan and establish a business ethically and responsibly. This course applies concepts from business administration. In learning entrepreneurship, you will be using the marketing principles you learn in other classes under the program.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Graduates
An online marketing associate degree can help you land entry-level positions in marketing. Still, if you want to fully expand the career options available to you, you can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing. Most associate programs have the opportunity to transfer the credits you gain from your associate degree to the bachelor’s program.
Related Online Digital Marketing Degrees
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What to Look for in the Best Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best digital marketing associate degree programs are accreditation, flexibility, and the reputation of the school, among other qualities. Here are five things that make the best digital marketing associate degree programs. Look for these qualities in your school search.
Accreditation
One of the things that you should be looking for in a digital marketing associate degree is accreditation. The program must be offered through an accredited school and officially recognized by the government and other reputable organizations.
Flexibility
When choosing an online program, you should consider its flexibility. The best digital marketing associate degree programs should be flexible and suit your schedule and needs. A flexible online program should allow you to balance school, work, and personal goals.
Accelerated Options
One of the main reasons people choose to get an online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is that it offers them a way to get into the workforce sooner than a bachelor’s degree. If this is your concern, you should consider a degree program with accelerated options to get you through school faster and land a job sooner.
Reputation of the School
You should ensure that the school offering an online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing has a good reputation. Do your research and read online reviews on the school. Forums and social media sites, like Reddit and Twitter, will vet if the school is legit or not. You can also check the US News & World Report for credible rankings of schools.
Career Services
Online schools should also offer students career services and job placement assistance. These resources will help you market yourself as a candidate for potential employers. The career services department should teach you how to write an effective resume, let you network with people in your field, and also connect you to job openings.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The most affordable online digital marketing associate degree is the Associate Degree in Digital Marketing from Ashworth College. Tuition costs amount to $2,798 per year or $5,596 for the full tuition. However, you have to pay a $75 application fee and additional fees for books and course materials on top of the tuition.
Can I Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a digital marketing associate degree online for free unless you can qualify for a full scholarship. However, there are free digital marketing massive open online courses (MOOCs) where you can get certificates for digital marketing. If you have professional marketing experience already, you can consider getting certifications to upskill.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Graduates
When you finish a two-year online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing, you are well prepared to enter the job market and start working toward your career goals. There are many career opportunities in digital marketing, so we’ll cover what you can expect in terms of salary and employment outlook within this growing field.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a digital marketing associate degree. If you are just starting your career in marketing and you’re fresh out of an online digital marketing associate degree program, the career services offered by your school will help you find entry-level jobs.
If you earn a digital marketing associate degree, you might find that job opportunities are plentiful. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
What’s the Average Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the average salary for an entry-level digital marketing specialist is $43,365. Online digital marketing associate degree jobs are usually entry-level. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you might want to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing as this leads to a much higher annual salary, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online digital marketing associate degree are focused on social media positions and entry-level positions in marketing. You can become a social media marketer, marketing assistant, social media manager, or sales associate.
Digital Marketing Degree Jobs
- Social Media Manager
- Business Development Assistant
- Advertising Assistant
- Content Writer
- SEO Specialist
Potential Careers With an Online Digital Marketing Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
You can make between $52,000 and $155,000 per year with an online digital marketing associate degree, but higher-paying jobs usually go to bachelor’s degree holders. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for advertising, promotions and marketing managers was $133,380 in 2021. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs for people with an online marketing associate degree.
Highest-Paying Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Digital Marketing Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $153,440 |
| Advertising and Promotions Manager | $142,860 |
| Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist | $63,920 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,800 |
| Advertising Account Executive and Sales Agent | $52,340 |
Best Jobs for Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Grads
With an online digital marketing associate degree, you can find the best online digital marketing associate degree jobs in a high-paying industry, such as marketing manager and public relations specialist. New graduates with an online marketing associate degree are fortunate to have various employment opportunities.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online digital marketing associate degree is worth it if you would like to pursue an entry-level career in marketing or move on to a bachelor’s degree. An online marketing associate degree helps you have a career that combines creative thinking, business administration, and technology.
An undergraduate degree is essential for starting a marketing career. However, if you don’t have the time or funds to study for a bachelor’s degree, an online Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is the perfect way to update your knowledge and skills and help you stand out when applying for jobs. This is especially beneficial if you are switching careers or upskilling.
Additional Reading About Digital Marketing
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Online Digital Marketing Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, employers hire people with online degrees. Distance learning spiked in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it is now recognized as a valid form of education by many employers.
Email marketing is a form of digital marketing that uses emails to acquire and engage customers. It typically involves sending emails to promote a brand or product and can take the form of promotional or transactional emails.
When you enroll in an online digital marketing associate degree, you’ll learn the fundamentals of how to promote and market products or services through different platforms. This can include social media, email, blogs, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid ads.
Yes, a marketing assistant is an entry-level position in marketing. A marketing assistant is responsible for performing market research and analysis to evaluate trends in the market. They will assist in promotional events and collaborate with managers to monitor and prepare budgets.
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