The best schools for social media marketing can help students gain the relevant skills they need to work in the industry and allow them to prepare a strong portfolio. The best social media marketing universities also offer career counseling services and host job fairs. If you want a career in this industry, knowing what the best social media marketing schools are will help you succeed.
In this career guide, you will learn about the best social media marketing colleges where you can get your undergraduate and graduate degrees. The use of social media has grown exponentially, and by 2025 there will be almost 4.41 billion social media users, according to Statista. Getting a higher education in social media marketing will almost guarantee you a lucrative career that takes advantage of this.
Best Social Media Marketing College and University Rankings: Top 10 Social Media Marketing Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person, online | 117 |
| California State University | CA | In-person, online | 12 (regional) |
| Columbia University | CA | In-person, online | 2 |
| Cornell University | NY | Online | 17 |
| Florida International University | FL | In-person, online | 162 |
| Fordham University | NY | In-person, online | 68 |
| Husson College | ME | In-person, online | 299-391 |
| Point University | GA | In-person, online | 71-93 (regional) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | NH | In-person, online | 131-171 (regional) |
| St. Edward’s University | TX | In-person, online | 9 (regional) |
Social Media Marketing School Rankings: Best Social Media Marketing Colleges and Universities
The best social media marketing colleges and universities include programs with topics like the fundamentals of digital marketing, digital analytics, social media strategy, social media management, and content marketing. Many also offer flexible online programs. Below is a list of the best social media marketing schools in the country offering certificate programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The Best Schools for Social Media Marketing: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for social media marketing offer different levels of college degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and certificate programs. There aren’t many PhDs in Social Media Marketing, but a PhD in Digital Marketing with a concentration in social media marketing is a good alternative. Here’s a breakdown of the types of social media marketing degrees you can get.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Social Media Marketing Schools: Other Social Media Marketing University Rankings
The best social media marketing schools are accredited universities in the US that offer a degree in digital marketing or social media. Social media marketing is a relatively new subject, so you may not find many schools offering a specialization in this field. That being said, many accredited universities have started offering blended or online programs in social media marketing.
Best Online Social Media Marketing Schools
- Arizona State University. ASU is among the few universities to offer a certificate, a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a bootcamp in social media marketing. The university offers all of its programs online and on campus.
- Johnson and Wales University. This university provides a 100 percent online bachelor’s program in digital marketing and social media. The program allows students to focus on search engine marketing, data-driven marketing, and data analytics.
- Point University. Point University’s online bachelor of science allows students to develop strong soft and technical skills in marketing. The university also encourages and helps its graduates earn additional credentials in social media marketing.
Best Community Colleges for Social Media Marketing
- Scottsdale Community College. Scottsdale Community College’s Certificate in Social Media Marketing requires the completion of 17-18 credits. It provides hands-on training on relevant strategic marketing skills in social media, digital communications, integrated marketing, media relations, and brand management.
- Mesa Community College. In this program, you can learn how to create a socially responsible social media campaign. You’ll also learn to apply relevant social media marketing theories, models, and research to the way you build a digital community.
- Kirkwood Community College. This program aims to teach you the marketing principles you need to know for entry-level jobs. Students need to complete 18 credits of the program’s core coursework covering topics like social media in business, content marketing, web content, and ecommerce systems.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Social Media Marketing
- Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU’s online bachelor of science offers a great learning experience through a blend of theory and practical education. Students learn to use social media tools and strategies to engage consumers and achieve business goals.
- Strayer University. Strayer University offers a unique program where students learn to develop, execute, and analyze social media strategies. In it, you’ll learn to use consumer insights to help scale businesses and gain an understanding of business logistics management.
- Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Media focused on the impact of social media on businesses and consumers with an emphasis on teaching the practical skills required to produce digital social media content. Students learn to design, write, and create social media and email marketing campaigns, blogs, and websites.
Best Graduate Schools for Social Media Marketing
- Columbia University. Columbia University’s Master of Science program allows students to learn statistical modeling and data-driven decision-making skills and take courses on social and economic networks and market intelligence.
- Pace University. This university offers a Master of Science in Marketing, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing, where students specialize in digital marketing communications. In it, they learn to design and analyze social media and mobile marketing strategies.
- West Virginia University. West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications is the first program in the country to focus on data-driven marketing. In it, students learn to use digital advertising, social media metrics, web analytics, customer relations management platforms, and website usage statistics.
Best Social Media Marketing Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Eller College of Management | MS+MBSA in Marketing and Business Analytics. Students can combine a Master of Science with a Master’s of Business Analytics to gain analytical and marketing skills using cutting-edge technologies. In it, you’ll learn about core subjects like business intelligence, international marketing, and brand management.
- Boston University | MBA + MS In Digital Technologies. This dual degree allows students to get hands-on experience working on business solutions with emerging technologies. Students earn an MBA and an MS and learn core programming concepts in Python, core databases, and SQL, as well as the application of technology in marketing.
- Aurora University | MS in Digital Marketing and Design. This online program offers a great combination of graphic design and digital marketing and can be completed in less than a year. It offers courses in marketing management, media strategies, content creation, and campaign planning, as well as an internship opportunity.
Best Schools With Accelerated Social Media Marketing Programs
- Arizona University | MGM Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy). ASU allows students to earn a bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Global Management with a focus on digital audiences. Students develop marketing, design, and product development skills in addition to management and global leadership skills.
- Lewis University | BS in Digital Marketing (Accelerated). This program provides its students with a foundation in marketing strategies and helps them gain practical social media skills. Students study real-life cases to learn how to create strong digital marketing strategies. They also learn how to use SEO and pay-per-click (PPC) tools.
- Rochester University | BS in Digital Marketing (Accelerated). Rochester University‘s BS in Digital Marketing teaches the different strategies used to drive an organization’s marketing efforts. Students learn to use digital tools like SEO, social media marketing, paid ads, content marketing, and more.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Social Media Marketing Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for social media marketing. The advanced technical skills you’ll learn in graduate school will prepare you to work in managerial and leadership positions. Graduate schools are a great way to develop a professional portfolio under the guidance of expert instructors and can be a great avenue for finding an internship.
Keep in mind, however, that only a handful of schools offer a graduate program in social media marketing and that a graduate degree in digital marketing may be easier to find and just as worth it. Alternatively, you can also enroll in a graduate certificate program or a bootcamp. These are usually career-focused programs with excellent career counseling services.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Social Media Marketing Degree?
The jobs you can do with a social media marketing degree are similar to what you could do with a digital marketing degree, like working as a social media marketer, marketing manager, and advertising or promotions manager. Other common jobs include being a content or social media manager, digital marketer, online community manager, and public relations manager.
A degree in social media marketing opens a pool of endless possibilities as the skills you learn are highly transferable. You can work in marketing, sales, advertising, public relations, journalism, and communication. After earning your degree, you can gain advanced certifications or real-world experience by applying for internship programs.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Social Media Marketing?
With a degree in social media marketing, you can earn a good income, especially if that degree is a master’s or a PhD. That being said, marketing bachelor’s degree holders earn an average salary of $66,000 per year, according to PayScale, and master’s degree holders in the same field earn approximately $70,000 per year. Your actual salary will depend on your location, employer, experience, level of education, and job title.
Highest-Paying Social Media Marketing Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $133,380 | #42 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $133,380 | #14 |
| Director of Digital Marketing | Master’s degree or a graduate certificate | $98,582 | #2 |
| Social Media Director | Master’s degree or a graduate certificate | $77,574 | #49 (tie) |
| Digital Marketer | Bachelor’s degree | $71,000 | #49 (tie) |
| Content Marketing Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $70,022 | #6 |
| Writers and Authors | Bachelor’s degree | $69,510 | #28 |
| Marketing Communication Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $67,802 | #179 |
| Market Research Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $63,920 | #23 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Bachelor’s degree | $62,800 | #59 |
Best Jobs With a Social Media Marketing Degree
The best jobs with a social media marketing degree are in digital marketing, advertising, and digital communications. A degree in social media marketing allows you to work in many different sectors. Some of the jobs require industry experience and managerial skills. So, you might need a business administration degree or advanced technical skills to get a competitive salary.
How Can I Pay for Social Media Marketing School?
You can pay for social media marketing school through federal scholarships, loans, and government grants. You can also apply for internal scholarships offered by your school and external scholarships offered by companies or foundations. Some employers will even sponsor your higher education. Here are some of the top ways to pay for college.
- Federal scholarships. The US government offers a wide range of scholarships to talented students with excellent academic backgrounds. By filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form when applying to a program, you’ll be able to complete your studies at an accredited institution with less student debt to worry about.
- Merit scholarships. Another way to pay for college is to apply for merit scholarships that can help cover your tuition. Most universities offer merit-based scholarships, and you can speak to the admission office to learn about which ones you are eligible for. You can also apply for external scholarships offered by NGOs and other institutions.
- Grants. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are an excellent way to fund your college experience and are offered based on financial need. The amount of financial aid you receive will depend on your chosen college, program, and academic background.
- Work-study jobs. Finding an on-campus job can help you manage your tuition and earn some extra money. These work-study jobs can help you pay for your books and supplies and allow you to gain work experience while you study. Some work-study programs are even offered by the federal government.
- Sponsorship. You can also ask your employer to sponsor your college if you are a working professional. Many employers run sponsorship programs to help upskill their employees. Employers can also recommend you to a college and help you enroll in your chosen degree program.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Social Media Marketing School for You
To choose the best social media marketing school for you, you should consider several factors such as the school reputation’s, program length, core coursework, accreditation, and career services. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential factors you need to watch for.
Accreditation
When choosing a program, make sure an accredited institution offers it. Accreditation ensures that the university you’re selecting offers quality education as it means that it’s been vetted by an external body. Studying at an accredited school qualifies you for federal financial aid and is more respected by employers.
Career Services
An ideal program should offer hands-on experiences and practical training led by industry experts. It should also provide student career services such as career counseling, mock interviews, and portfolio building. Many schools help students prepare to enter the workforce through real-world project simulations, interview preparation, and resume and cover letter support.
Specialization Options and Curricular Content
Another crucial factor to consider is the core curriculum and coursework. Because the field of digital and social media marketing is rapidly evolving, you want to be learning the most up-to-date techniques and skills. When choosing a program, have a look at their sample courses and make sure that what they are teaching is still relevant.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation can go a long way. Having a degree from a well-respected and reputable school can impress potential employers and give you a leg up over other candidates. You can also look at reviews left by alumni during your school search.
Program Length
While this isn’t necessarily important for every student, a program’s length can influence whether or not it is suitable for you. Depending on your financial situation and other responsibilities, a shorter program may be better. If this is the case, look for accelerated programs. Conversely, a part-time program may be better if you have many other things to juggle as you study.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Social Media Marketing?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for social media marketing. Some universities offer better services and a more advanced curriculum than others. Because social media marketing is such a new field of study, it is not a very commonly offered major. If you can’t find a degree in social media marketing, look for a digital marketing degree with a concentration in it.
That being said, you can also become a social media marketer without going to college. If you decide not to get a higher education degree, you will have to get the required skills and relevant work experience on your own. A degree will make it easier for you to get a job at a good company. Most schools update their curriculum annually to help students gain the latest in-demand skills.
Social Media Marketing University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Social Media Marketing
We ranked the best social media marketing schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our social media marketing university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of social media marketing degree program offerings.
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Best Social Media Marketing Schools FAQ
Yes, social media marketing is a good career. Nowadays, every business requires a social media marketing team to maintain its online presence. The demand for social media marketers will only increase in the future, and earning a six-figure salary will be possible if you have the right analytical, technical, and communication skills.
Yes, you can study social media marketing. Many institutions offer associate, bachelor’s, certificate, and master’s programs in social media marketing. Some universities also provide social media marketing as a concentration in their digital marketing program. Additionally, working professionals can learn social media marketing through bootcamps.
Yes, social media marketing is worth learning. Millions of new users sign up for social media apps every year and keep up with social media trends. Businesses need social media marketers to build their digital presence and promote their products, making a degree in social media marketing likely to get you a high-paying job. With one, you’ll be able to work in a company’s sales, social media, or marketing team.
A social media marketer can make an average of $133,380 annually when working in a management position for a large company, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, some of the top marketing managers in the US are paid more than $208,000 per year.
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.
