Online social media marketing associate degrees are two-year distance-learning programs. Their goal is to teach students the necessary skill set to pursue marketing career opportunities on a variety of social media platforms. The best online associate degree programs are a great option because they let you pursue high-quality education at a lower cost and with more flexibility.
There’s a wide variety of jobs you can get with an online degree in this field, from entry-level jobs to higher-level marketing positions. In this article, you’ll learn everything to know about the best online social media marketing associate degrees.
Where Can I Get a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get a remote associate degree in this field are Chippewa Valley Technical College, Rhodes State College, and Southern New Hampshire University. These schools offer well-rounded programs that will teach you the basic principles of marketing and social media management.
What Schools Offer the Best Social Media Marketing Associate Degrees?
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Northeast Lakeview College
- Rhodes State College
- Seminole State College of Florida
- Southern New Hampshire University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Associate Degree?
The usual admission requirements for an online degree in marketing include submitting an online admission application, paying an application fee, submitting your official transcripts, and meeting with an admissions representative for an interview.
Some schools also require you to submit your scores for standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT. However, many of the colleges that offer online associate degrees have open admissions policies, which means that any student with a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate can attend.
Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Submit an online application
- Pay application fee
- Submit official education transcripts
- Meet with an admissions representative counselor
How to Get a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Online
You can get online associate degrees in this subject by fulfilling all of the program requirements. In general, it takes approximately 60 credits to graduate from an associate degree program. Other graduation requirements include achieving a minimum GPA, completing internships, and completing the required course load.
Social Media Marketing Degree Requirements
- Complete the credit requirements. Usually, you need 60 credits to graduate with an associate degree. Over 60 percent of this credit load consists of core courses, while 10 percent of the credit load is made up of elective options, and the remaining percentage is made up of general education courses outside the major.
- Complete the required course load. Most schools require you to take and pass required core courses. Some may be related to marketing, but others might be general education courses outside your major—for instance, an English, mathematics, or history requirement.
- Meet the academic requirements. Some schools require a minimum final cumulative GPA.
- Complete an internship. Some schools, like Rhodes State College, ask their students to complete an internship related to their major as a requirement for graduating.
Best Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bryant and Stratton College | Digital Marketing Associate Degree | Middle States Commission of Higher Education |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | Associate Degree in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Ensign College | Social Media Marketing Associate of Applied Science | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Northcentral Technical College | Digital Marketing Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northeast Lakeview College | Associate of Applied Science in Social Media and Digital Marketing | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Point University | Online Associate of Arts in Social Media Marketing | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Rhodes State College | Digital Marketing and Media Associate’s Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Social Media and Marketing Associate in Science Degree | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Associate of Science Degree in Marketing Online | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Ventura College | Social Media Marketing Associate in Science Degree | Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Best Schools for Social Media Marketing: Top Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Programs
In order to choose the right program, you must take into consideration the different characteristics of each school. Some important aspects to consider before applying for a marketing associate degree include tuition, graduation rate, location, admission requirements, and accreditation.
What Is an Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree?
An online social media marketing associate degree is a two-year undergraduate academic program. These online programs aim to give students the basic technical skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the marketing industry or to continue their education with a bachelor’s degree in this field.
Online associate degrees in social media programs cover foundational marketing principles, such as social media strategies, market research, business law, and statistics for marketing. The format of these programs offers many advantages over traditional in-person learning.
Online vs In-Person Social Media Marketing Degrees
Distance education has become more accessible than ever before, and many colleges and universities now offer hybrid and fully remote two-year degrees. Some benefits of an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing include flexible scheduling, lower cost, and career advancement opportunities.
However, despite its benefits, online education isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. Some students prefer an on-campus setting, which also has many advantages, such as a more traditional college experience. Some of the benefits of an in-person degree include fewer distractions, more networking opportunities, and the opportunity to participate in student life.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing
- Flexible scheduling. Online degree programs allow you to learn and complete your work at your own pace. Being able to set your own schedule will let you manage your time better.
- Lower costs. The tuition for online associate programs is generally cheaper than the cost of in-person programs. Also, by getting an online associate degree, you won’t have to pay for housing, commuting costs, or on-campus meals.
- Development of time management skills. Getting an online associate degree will help you learn how to manage your time efficiently. In order to keep up with the workload, you’ll need to set specific times during the week to focus entirely on your studies.
- More free time. Not having to commute to and from campus for classes and being able to set your own schedule will give you more free time. This is great for students who want to work while studying or have other personal commitments.
- Career advancement. The flexibility offered by online associate programs makes it easy to work while getting a degree. This is excellent if you want to go back to school while working or if you just want to gain professional experience while you’re still attending school.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing
- Less distractions. Getting an in-person degree will allow you to study in distraction-free learning environments, such as classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls. In these spaces, you’ll be able to focus entirely during class time without annoying distractions like car alarms or barking dogs in the background.
- Hands-on learning. In-person associate degrees offer the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills with hands-on learning experiences.
- Networking opportunities. In an in-person program, you’ll be able to interact with other students from different backgrounds and with different interests. In the future, these connections could lead to professional opportunities.
- Participate in student life. Students who attend classes on campus get full access to all the programs and events their university offers, such as support services, clubs, tutoring, and academic events.
- Connecting with peers and faculty. Attending an in-person program will let you meet other students with similar interests, which can be helpful for making new friends or creating study groups. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with teachers in person rather than through email.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Social Media Marketing?
The three types of available degrees at this level are an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science, and an Associate of Applied Science. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are considered foundational degrees, and Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to prepare graduates to enter a career in marketing immediately after graduation.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Associate of Science Degree in Social Media Marketing?
It is better to get an Associate of Applied Science degree if you want to start looking for career opportunities in marketing as soon as possible. An Associate of Applied Science degree is a terminal degree, designed for those looking to join the job market after graduation.
If earning an associate degree is a step along the pathway to further education, such as a bachelor’s degree, then an Associate of Science degree is the better option. It is a transfer degree designed to provide an academic foundation for a future bachelor’s degree.
How Much Does a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Cost?
The average annual cost of an associate degree is $3,621, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This includes the cost of tuition and other additional fees students have to pay. Associate degrees usually last two years, which means that the total cost of an associate degree totals a little over $7,000.
The cost of tuition for an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing depends on the cost per credit each institution sets. This means you can pay as little as $1,398 per semester in some schools, like Ventura College, or as much as $21,850 per semester at institutions like Point University.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Online?
It takes two years to get an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing. This is the average time to graduation for a typical associate degree, but in some cases, it can take more time, especially if you study part-time.
In general, students need approximately 60 credits to get an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing. In the case of a full-time student, it would take 15 credits per semester to complete an associate degree program of this kind in two years.
Are Online Social Media Marketing Degrees Respected?
Yes, social media marketing associate degrees are respected regardless of your learning format. According to NCES, 37 percent of universities now offer distance education courses. Because of this, hiring managers consider online degrees to be as credible as degrees earned through traditional on-campus education.
Is Social Media Marketing Hard to Learn Online?
It is not hard to learn essential skills for this field online. The basic elements of this career can easily be learned through a distance-learning program. And given that this is a career that thrives in a digital environment, learning how to apply everything you learn in real-life projects is something that doesn’t require an in-person learning environment.
Social Media Marketing Bootcamp vs Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
Online social media marketing associate degrees are the better option. While social media marketing bootcamps can teach you the fundamentals, an associate degree will help you gain a more in-depth knowledge of this field that will prove beneficial in your future career.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree
- Financial aid. Associate degrees can be more expensive than bootcamps, but you can apply for scholarships or financial aid to help cover costs.
- Program focus: Associate degrees tend to explore essential concepts in more depth than bootcamps. This will let you learn important aspects of the discipline, such as business administration or sales strategies, that may be overlooked in shorter programs like bootcamps.
- Career opportunities: Earning an associate degree will typically open a greater number of career opportunities than completing a bootcamp. Most companies will likely choose an associate degree holder over someone who only enrolled in a bootcamp.
- Networking opportunities. With an online program, you’ll be able to interact with other students who want to work in this field. The connections you make with your peers could lead to professional opportunities in the future.
- Flexible scheduling. Online social media marketing associate degrees allow you to learn at any time and place. This flexibility will let you incorporate your studies into your daily life in a way that suits you best.
Top 5 Benefits of a Social Media Marketing Bootcamp
- Fewer expenses. Tuition costs and additional fees make degree programs more expensive. Bootcamps don’t have as many expenses and, because of their length, are cheaper.
- Shorter time frame. Bootcamps can last from a couple of days to several months. These programs are designed to teach you the basics or specific aspects of social media marketing in short periods of time.
- Hands-on experience. Bootcamps try to focus on teaching important elements and skills through hands-on experiences, such as projects and campaigns. This is a great way of building your portfolio.
- Small classes. Usually, bootcamps take cohorts of only a few people. This is a great advantage because instructors can focus on each student’s needs throughout the course.
- Career support. Bootcamps provide students with career services. This means you’ll not only learn the fundamentals of the discipline but will also receive career coaching from industry professionals.
Why You Should Get a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Online
You should get an Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing because it will give you the freedom and flexibility to take courses at your own pace without having to commute to campus every day. This flexibility will come in handy if you want to work while attending classes.
Online associate programs are also a great option if you are looking to gain a degree at a more affordable price. Tuition fees for online students tend to be cheaper. In addition, as an online student, you won’t have to pay for relocation or commuting expenses that come with attending classes in person.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Social Media Marketing?
In order to get an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing, students have to learn and understand fundamental marketing principles. That’s why most programs include college courses such as Marketing Principles, Business Law, and Marketing Statistics.
Marketing Principles
In this course, students learn important marketing skills and concepts, such as target market selection, marketing analytics, marketing research, search engine optimization, and the importance of marketing from a business perspective. This course is often taken early in the program to ensure students have a strong foundation for later marketing classes.
Social Media Marketing
This course covers the fundamentals and tools used in the field. Students will gain the skills needed to create a personal brand, use different social media tools, and learn how to execute digital marketing strategies on social media.
Business Law
This course is designed to teach students the legal aspects that business managers and owners should know. By taking this course, students will have a better understanding of the laws that affect important aspects of business management, such as hiring new personnel, creating contracts, and protecting their intellectual property.
Marketing Statistics
Digital marketing professionals have to work with data on a daily basis, so associate degree-seeking students need to learn how to interpret data in meaningful ways. With this course, students will learn how statistics can be used for identifying market trends and evaluating the success of marketing campaigns.
Communication
With this course, students will develop oral and written communication skills needed for working in digital marketing. They learn how to communicate their ideas through different platforms and how to create campaigns and messages that target specific audiences.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Graduates
After graduating, some social media associate degree holders decide to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program to continue learning about important aspects of this field. Another popular option is to pursue digital marketing certificates or bootcamps, where graduates can focus on more specific subjects or areas of the field.
Related Online Social Media Marketing Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Programs
The important aspects to look for in the best associate degree programs in this field are the accreditation of the school or the program, the format, the employment outcomes for graduates, the quality of the student services, and the curricular content.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures the academic quality of a university and its programs. It means that the school has proven that it has positive outcomes for students, such as high retention and graduation rates. Regardless of what you want to study, you should make sure the school or the program is accredited by a reliable institution.
Format
Many colleges now offer hybrid and online associate degree programs. If you want to study social media marketing remotely, you must make sure the program you’re applying to is completely online and not a hybrid program that will require you to take some courses on campus.
Employment Outcomes
Before applying for an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing, take the time to learn about the school’s employment outcomes. If the graduates of a school have a high employment rate, it means the school makes sure their students have the necessary skills and experience to land good jobs.
Student Services
The student services department offers students a wide variety of services, such as career counseling, tutoring, and networking events, that enhance student well-being and provide opportunities for professional development. Because of this, it’s important to learn what types of services are available before applying to an online associate degree program.
Curricular Content
The curriculum of online Associate Degrees in Social Media Marketing incorporates core courses approved by the school. These courses include general education courses, courses focused on social media marketing, and, in some cases, electives. Checking the curricular content of an associate degree program will give you an idea of the skills and knowledge you’ll gain.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree?
The most affordable online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing is Ventura College’s Social Media Marketing Associate in Science degree. Online students pay an enrollment fee of $46 per unit, which totals $690 at 15 units per semester. Other expenses include an optional $2 fee for student representation, a student center fee of $1 per unit (not to exceed $10 per year), and the costs of books and other materials.
Can I Get a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get an associate degree for free. But you can apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages that can help you pay for your degree. If you want to learn social media marketing online for free, you can enroll in online courses, such as Meta’s Introduction to Social Media Marketing course on the learning platform Coursera.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Graduates
Getting a social media marketing associate degree will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to apply to a wide variety of jobs in the marketing industry. Professionals with an Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing can work in positions such as social media director, marketing manager, and sales manager.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Social Media Marketing Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a degree in social media marketing. The demand for social media marketing professionals has grown significantly over the past years, as more and more companies have focused on launching marketing campaigns on social media. Moreover, this field is projected to grow 14 percent in the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What’s the Average Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for a professional with a social media marketing associate degree is $46,292, according to PayScale. This salary varies depending on the specific area that a professional focuses on. For example, professionals with marketing communications skills make $50,244 on average per year.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree?
Some jobs you can get with an online Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing are digital media manager, search engine optimization specialist, social media marketing associate, and social media specialist. You can also become a social media manager.
Social Media Marketing Jobs
- Digital media manager
- Search engine optimization specialist
- Social media manager
- Social media marketing intern
- Social media specialist
Potential Careers With an Online Social Media Marketing Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree?
On average, you can make between $63,920 and $133,380 per year with an online two-year degree in social media marketing. The gross income varies depending on professional experience and job title.
The field of marketing offers a lot of career opportunities for social media associate degree holders. Professionals with this qualification can land higher-level marketing positions, such as director positions in marketing management or sales management.
Highest-Paying Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing manager | $133,380 |
| Sales manager | $127,490 |
| Social media director | $75,463 |
| Marketing and communications director | $71,872 |
| Market research analyst | $63,920 |
Best Jobs for Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Grads
Some of the best associate degree jobs in this field are marketing manager, sales manager, social media director, marketing and communications director, and market research analyst. In most cases, you can land the same jobs regardless of whether you studied online or in person.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online social media marketing associate degree is worth it. In this degree program, you’ll learn the basic principles of marketing and social media management. These online programs guarantee a flexible, high-quality education without having to spend money on high tuition costs or on-campus living expenses.
Associate degrees in this subject qualify you for a variety of high-paying career opportunities in the marketing industry, such as marketing manager, sales manager, social media director, marketing and communications director, and market research analyst.
Additional Reading About Social Media Marketing
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Online Social Media Marketing Associate Degree FAQ
An online associate degree program in social media marketing usually lasts two years. In general, associate degrees consist of 60 credits. A full-time student who takes 15 credits per semester can complete an online associate degree program in two years.
It is not hard to get an Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing. Most schools have a 60-credit requirement for graduating. This is achievable as long as you develop and maintain good study habits.
With an Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing, you’ll be able to find a variety of entry-level positions in the marketing industry, such as marketing assistant and market research assistant. Moreover, experienced associate degree holders are able to land higher-level marketing positions like director of marketing research or marketing manager.
Yes, social media marketing is a good career choice. This is a fulfilling and challenging career with a lot of opportunities for growth. The demand for professionals with knowledge in digital marketing has grown a great deal in recent years and is expected to keep growing in the following years.
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.
