The best online digital marketing master’s degrees offer a great way to get hands-on experience and gain technical skills for students and working professionals. These online digital marketing degree programs are usually flexible and can lead to fruitful career opportunities.
Digital marketing has emerged as one of the most in-demand skills in the past few years. In fact, according to LinkedIn, a digital marketing specialist is one of the jobs on the rise in the US. Going over each program’s costs, requirements, and possible digital marketing master’s degree jobs will help you discover which online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing is right for you.
Where Can I Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Online?
You can get a digital marketing master’s degree online from Brandeis University, Fort Hays State University, Rutgers University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Florida.
What Schools Offer the Best Digital Marketing Master’s Degrees?
- Brandeis University
- Fort Hays State University
- Rutgers University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Florida
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online digital marketing master’s degree are an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. Although some universities do not have a GPA requirement, an excellent GPA does improve your chances of getting selected.
Most universities require students to create an account and fill out an application form. Students have to submit their official transcripts and other necessary documents such as resumes, letters of recommendation, GRE or GMAT scores, and personal essays. Before filling out the form, you should check the complete application requirements on the university website.
Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Online application form
- Excellent GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Essays
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
How to Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Online
You can get a digital marketing master’s degree online from an accredited institution by meeting graduation requirements. Every online program has a specific graduation requirement. Some ask students to pass all semester examinations, while some programs require a thesis.
There are some standard graduation requirements for most digital marketing master’s degrees. These include credit hours, a minimum GPA score, and demonstrating skills gained. Find below the common requirement for online digital marketing graduate degree programs.
Digital Marketing Degree Requirements
- Complete 30-40 total required credit hours
- Pay graduation fee
- Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0
- Upper-level digital marketing courses
Best Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design | New England Commission Higher Education |
| Concordia University | Master of Business Administration, Digital Marketing Specialization | Higher Learning Commission |
| Eastern Michigan University | Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication | Higher Learning Commission |
| Fort Hays State University | Master of Business Administration, Digital Marketing Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Michigan State University | Master of Science in Marketing Research | Higher Learning Commission |
| Montclair State University | Master of Business Administration, Digital Marketing Specialization | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northern Illinois University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Rutgers University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). |
| University of Florida | Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Digital Strategy | The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
Best Schools for Digital Marketing: Top Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs
Finding the best online Master’s Degrees in Digital Marketing can help you advance your career and land you high-paying jobs. Below, we dive into the top ten digital marketing master’s degrees and discuss their admission requirements, tuition costs, and application process.
What Is an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
An online digital marketing master’s degree is a flexible way of learning the analytical and technical skills required to launch a career in the marketing field. You will learn to promote products, services, and brands using popular digital channels such as social media, emails, or broadcast media.
With a digital marketing online program, students gain hands-on experience in creating an effective digital campaign strategy to build brand image and attract customers. An online degree is an ideal fit for part-time students and working professionals who want to gain knowledge without visiting the campus.
Online vs In-Person Digital Marketing Degrees
The primary difference between online and in-person degrees is the learning format. With an online degree, you can attend recorded lectures anytime you want, while a traditional degree takes more time and requires frequent campus visits. Online learning has become a popular option among students because of its convenience.
As many as six million students were enrolled in a distance education course in 2019 in the US, as per the National Center for Education Statistics. The number of students has only increased in the past three years. Read below to find out about the top benefits of attending an online and in-person degree and figure out the right option for yourself.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing
- Lower tuition costs. Online programs offer cost advantages to students. Although some programs may have the same per-credit tuition fee as in-person degrees, students don’t have to pay for travel, meals, and other campus facilities.
- Flexible schedule. Students have the freedom to decide the program length. They may complete it in 12 months or take two years depending on their schedule.
- Personalized learning. Online programs facilitate direct interaction with the tutor through live chat rooms. It also eliminates some students’ hesitation in a classroom setting.
- Accessibility to digital resources. Most programs offer recorded lessons to students, which they can access anytime they want. This is especially helpful in self-paced learning.
- Continue working while studying. You can work while you attend an online program and gain industry experience. This way, you can get a hands-on experience of all technical skills.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing
- Structured learning environment. Students have to follow a fixed schedule while attending classes in a college setting. The disciplined environment of the classroom can be motivating.
- Extracurricular activities. You can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities like sports or theatre. Colleges also have clubs where like-minded students can improvise their skills.
- Interpersonal skill development. An in-person degree creates an excellent opportunity for full-time students to communicate with each other and have healthy discussions, leading to interpersonal skill development. These are skills that are essential to marketing careers.
- Networking opportunities. Students have many great opportunities to network with other students, from attending class together to doing group projects.
- Campus facilities. Students can access the college library, internet center, cafeteria, and hostel while attending an in-person degree.
What Types of Online Master’s Degree Can You Get in Digital Marketing?
The different types of online Master’s Degrees in Digital Marketing you can get are a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Below we will discuss which of these degrees is better for digital marketing.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science Degree or a Master of Business Administration Degree in Digital Marketing?
It is better to get a Master of Business Administration in Digital Marketing because there is a much wider variety of program specializations you can take. With an MBA degree, students learn business growth strategy, economics, ethics, and digital marketing skills, while the MS program focuses on teaching only digital marketing-related skills.
You will have to determine your career goals to figure out whether it is better to get an MS or an MBA Degree in Digital Marketing. If you want to land a managerial job such as a business analyst, an MBA in digital marketing will be ideal. However, if your end goal is to become a professional digital marketer, you should consider an MS in digital marketing.
How Much Does a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Cost?
The cost of an online degree in digital marketing from a public institution is $12,171, according to the 2018-2019 average graduate tuition survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, a master’s degree from a private institution usually has a higher graduate tuition and fees and students might have to pay closer to $27,776.
Note that these numbers do not include also technology fees, enrollment fees, and graduation fees. When applying for your degree program, talk to the financial aid office at the university to explore scholarship and financial aid options available for you.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Online?
An online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing takes 15 months to two years to complete on average. Since these advanced degrees are flexible, students can choose to complete them at their own pace. Before applying to any university, you should visit the official website of the college and check the suggested program length.
Digital marketing students have to complete 30 to 36 credit hours to earn a master’s degree. If students complete 15-18 credits per semester, it’s possible to complete a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing in one year.
Are Online Digital Marketing Degrees Respected?
Yes, online digital marketing degrees are respected by employers in the US. An online degree is as valuable as any traditional degree program. With rapid digital advancements, today’s employers look for skilled talent irrespective of their degree type.
Distance learning in high education has seen tremendous growth in the last ten years. According to NCES, more than a quarter of all college students in the US, about 7 million, were enrolled in at least one distance learning course in 2018. Nearly 3 million students preferred taking an online course over a traditional degree.
Is Digital Marketing Hard to Learn Online?
No, it is not hard to learn digital marketing online. An online program gives you hands-on experience working with different toolkits and software. Additionally, you can practice the skills learned by working on a project while completing your degree. Most programs offer excellent student career support services which can help you get an internship or even land an entry-level job.
Digital Marketing Bootcamp vs Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online digital marketing master’s degree is better than a digital marketing bootcamp. Deciding on which educational pathway is right for you depends on several factors, such as the length of the program, cost, and industry relevance. We’ve compiled the benefits of master’s degrees and bootcamps below to help you decide.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree
- More career options. A digital marketing master’s degree will give you a wide range of career options. You’re not just limited to careers in sales and marketing but in any field where you can use your creative and strategic skills.
- Institutional accreditation. A master’s degree from an accredited institution shows prospective clients and employees that you’re competent and educated in the digital marketing field.
- Attractive salary potential. With a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing, you have a higher earning potential. You can apply for and receive higher annual salaries because you have the degree to back up your skills.
- Broad curriculum. A master’s degree broadens your scope of reasoning in business and marketing. You’ll be able to easily analyze and project industry trends and use this information to your advantage.
- Long-term relevance. A master’s degree prepares you for changes in the field and equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to stay relevant in the industry.
Top 5 Benefits of a Digital Marketing Bootcamp
- In-demand marketing skills. Digital marketing bootcamps ensure that you have the necessary skills to excel in the industry. These programs equip you with the marketing, analytical, and strategic skills that will give you effective results.
- Opportunity to work on real-life projects. Digital marketing bootcamps emphasize hands-on training. You’ll get the chance to work on projects that are relevant to your field and gather the professional experience you need to excel.
- Career services. Most digital marketing bootcamps offer career services to students as part of the course training. They can help you set up your profiles on social platforms so you can find good job prospects. They can also provide you with connections to get started.
- Flexible learning formats. You have access to remote learning and self-paced options so you don’t have to disrupt your job or current schedule.
- Affordable training. Digital marketing bootcamps are relatively cheap compared to master’s degrees. You can save money and still get the results you desire.
Why You Should Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Online
Digital marketing is one of the most in-demand skills right now. As digital advancements continue to happen, the demand for skilled digital marketers will intensify. An online master’s degree in digital marketing can help you kickstart your marketing career and earn a competitive salary.
Since the entire degree program is online, you can also gain work experience and add some advanced skillset while you study. You don’t have to commute or rush for classes which allows you to design a flexible schedule that suits your need and align it with your career goals. You can depend on student support services to provide you with career guidance.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Digital Marketing?
When selecting a digital marketing program, you should choose a program that aligns best with your career goals. Before applying to any school, you should always see the core classes it offers such as user experience design, social marketing, or digital brand management.
Since a master’s degree is an advanced level degree, most universities expect students to have a fair understanding of the fundamentals of marketing and digital marketing communication. We’ve prepared a list of common classes you might encounter.
Digital Marketing Strategy
Digital marketing strategy covers the basic concepts, theories, ethics, and practices of developing communication strategies. These promote products through direct and indirect communication channels. Students also learn how to develop digital marketing plans and sharpen their communication skills.
Multichannel Marketing
Multichannel marketing refers to the different channels through which digital marketers can do promotion. Students learn the basics of multichannel marketing and also specialize in one form of channel marketing such as social media marketing, mobile marketing, or email marketing.
Search Engine Marketing and Optimization
Students learn the techniques of search engine optimization (SEO) and get hands-on experience in driving web traffic from search engines. They learn about the methods to improve search traffic through content strategy, SEO strategy, digital marketing, and advertising campaigns.
Integrated Marketing Communication
Integrated marketing communication (IMC) teaches all the methods of promoting a brand, product, or service to the masses. Students learn the fundamentals of public relations, social media marketing, audience analytics, and advertising. In addition, they also learn how to create strategic communication campaigns that target all the channels.
Digital Marketing Analytics
Through digital marketing analytics, you can learn how to study customer behavior and analyze online marketing trends. You will get hands-on experience in conducting advanced marketing analysis to gather data. Further, you will also learn how to build digital marketing campaigns based on actionable data.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Graduates
After finishing your master’s degree, you can pursue doctoral programs. A PhD can prepare you for a mid-senior role in the industry or land you a job as a professor or academician. If your goal is to sharpen your skill you can join a digital marketing bootcamp. You can also get a certification from American Marketing Association and apply for international jobs.
Related Online Digital Marketing Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs
Finding the right degree program to help you fulfill your career aspirations can be challenging. Apart from the coursework, there are multiple factors that you should consider while choosing a master’s degree program.
We’ve prepared a list of common factors that you should check before applying to any programs. These factors determine whether you have to prepare for scholarships, take any prerequisite course, or design a study plan.
Cost of Attendance
Not all degrees can fit into your budget. Before applying to a university, compare the cost of attendance with other universities, making sure to consider technology fees, student support fees, and other expenses in mind while estimating the cost of the entire program.
Major Courses
You should thoroughly check the core curriculum of the degree program and ensure that it is offering career-focused skill development. If you consider an MBA in Digital Marketing specialization, you should check the elective courses offered by the university. Make sure the courses offered interest you and will advance your career.
Flexibility
If you are a working professional, you should ensure that you can design your own study schedule. Although most programs offer customized learning, some universities require students to attend live classes.
Faculty Members
Students should check the faculty members who are teaching the program at the university. An excellent team of faculty members can immensely help in career advancement. They know the best scholarships available and can also help talented students land an internship.
Student Support Services
Career support services are a good way to prepare students for a job role. Many schools conduct one-on-one or group mock interviews to help students and help them in resume building.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
Fort Hays State University’s MBA with a concentration in digital marketing is the most affordable program on the list. Students have to pay $350 per credit for the program. To get admission into the program, you might have to pay an application fee of $40. In addition, FHSU also offers many scholarships and grants to help students with their finances.
Can I Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a digital marketing master’s degree online for free. However, many schools offer free online courses in digital marketing and related field. You can enroll in any of these courses and start learning digital marketing skills. That said, you won’t get a degree or a certificate specifying that you have that skill.
Some of the colleges that offer free digital marketing courses are the State University of New York, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, University of Colorado Boulder, and Rutgers University.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Graduates
Online digital marketing master’s degree programs can open several career opportunities for students. Students can join a company’s marketing department or choose a managerial position. Continue reading this article to understand the job outlook, salary, and other essential details for a digital marketing graduate.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
It is not hard to find a job with an online digital marketing master’s degree. A marketing manager is one of the most in-demand careers, with projected job growth of 10% through 2030. As social media and digital advertising see fast-paced growth, the number of businesses looking for a digital marketing specialist intensifies.
An online degree program in digital marketing can teach you the advanced hard skills needed to enter the marketing industry such as effective marketing strategies, marketing analytics, and marketing management. Students also learn soft skills like critical thinking, problem writing, leadership, and team collaboration.
What’s the Average Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Salary?
You can earn an average salary of $63,000 a year with a Master of Science Degree in Digital Marketing, according to PayScale. Graduates with MBA in Digital Marketing have a median salary of $87,000 a year. The median salary of a digital marketing graduate depends on a skillset.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing are digital marketer, content strategist, social media marketer, marketing analyst, advertising manager, and business analyst. You can also work as an SEO manager, public relations specialist, and brand marketer. Keep reading this article to know the best-paying jobs for digital marketing graduates.
Digital Marketing Degree Jobs
- Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Product Marketing Manager
- Demand Generation Manager
- Channel Marketing Manager
Potential Careers With an Online Digital Marketing Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
A student with an online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing can earn anywhere between $39,000 and $71,000, according to PayScale. These numbers vary on many factors, such as job title, company, or state. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best-paying jobs for Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing graduates.
Highest-Paying Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | $135,030 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $133,380 |
| Product Marketing Manager | $85,626 |
| Demand Generation Manager | $84,450 |
| Channel Marketing Manager | $83,354 |
Best Jobs for Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Grads
Students can pursue many excellent career opportunities after finishing their digital marketing programs. If you are interested in a digital marketing career, you should learn about the best-paying digital marketing jobs, their salaries, and duties.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online digital marketing master’s degree is worth it. Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US. According to Statista, companies spent nearly $365 billion on digital advertising in 2020.
Having an online Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing can help you land a high-paying job. The program will help you gain hands-on experience working as a digital marketer and hone your skills while studying your flexible degree program. After graduation, you can explore multiple career options.
Additional Reading About Digital Marketing
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Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree FAQ
The highest-paying marketing job in the US is chief marketing officer (CMO). According to Payscale, a chief marketing officer has an average salary of $175,030 per year. An entry-level CMO with less than a year of experience makes $85,301 per year. In contrast, a CMO with work experience of 20 years or higher can earn $198,169.
No, an online master’s degree in digital marketing is not less valuable than a traditional in-person degree. According to U.S. News and World Report, most employers accept online degrees. In fact, many accredited institutions in the U.S. have started offering online degrees.
To become a digital marketer, you will need a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. You will also need to develop a sound understanding of digital marketing tools such as Google Ads. In addition, you will need to build a solid professional portfolio demonstrating your technical skills.
Yes, you can get an MBA degree in Digital Marketing from various universities like Concordia University or Montclair State University. These degrees are designed to prepare students for leadership roles such as a chief marketing officer. Students study MBA’s core curriculum such as business growth strategy and hone their digital marketing skills.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
