There is an expansive job market for professionals with digital media skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for professionals in digital marketing will increase by 10 percent between 2020 and 2030 and there will be more than 31,800 job opportunities every year for professionals in advertising, promotions, and marketing.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best digital marketing associate degrees and potential jobs for graduates. Check out our all-inclusive guide if you want to learn more about digital marketing and the best program to help you tap into this demand.
What Is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is the process of advertising using electronic devices. Through digital marketing, business owners get to reach a wider audience. They rely on social media, emails, and search engines to reach their target markets.
In conventional marketing, digital marketing specialists rely on magazines, direct mail, and radio to reach the preferred audience, making the audience reach much narrower. To be successful in digital marketing, prospective students need to learn digital marketing strategies and engagement. Learn more about how to get a digital marketing associate degree below.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing include Borough of Manhattan Community College, Gateway Technical College, Hinds Community College, Lake Area Technical College, and Las Vegas College, among others. These colleges offer fantastic in-person and online marketing programs.
What Schools Offer the Best Digital Marketing Associate Degrees?
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
- Mid-State Technical College
- Rowan College South Jersey
- Spokane Falls Community College
- Western Technical College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing are not typically very demanding. Most community colleges have an open admission policy, meaning that applicants don’t need a specific GPA or SAT/ACT scores to be considered, nor do they have specific prerequisites such as programming language requirements.
The typical Associate Degree in Digital Marketing requirements includes the submission of your official transcripts from all educational institutions you’ve attended in the past, the filling out of an application form, and sometimes a placement test. Online marketing programs may require you to have certain equipment to participate in their college courses.
Digital Marketing Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Application form. All community and technical colleges require applicants to submit a form indicating their program of interest and personal information. This can typically be submitted online, but some colleges allow students to submit the form in person or over mail.
- Official transcripts. The main requirement applicants need to fulfill to be admitted to an associate degree program is the completion of their high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. As proof, applicants need to submit their official transcripts to their college of choice.
- Placement test. Some colleges require applicants to complete a placement test before registering for classes. This test is usually not required for those with a high enough high school GPA or SAT/ACT scores, but this varies. The test helps the school make sure that their students are placed appropriately within their classes.
How to Get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing
You can get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing by attending a community or technical college and completing its digital marketing program. When going to college for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing, you should have some knowledge of social media, sales, and communication, although it’s not mandatory. This will greatly help you navigate your courses.
The best way to get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is to find a community college near you or that you are willing to move close to, apply for its program, and do your best to pass your classes. Making strong connections with your teachers will help you ace your classes and even get job opportunities after graduating.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
On average, you need 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. These credits are usually made up of specialization credits, general education credits, elective credits, and sometimes internship credits.
Digital Marketing Degree Requirements
- Specialization credits. The courses which provide these credits are the ones specific to your degree. Typically, these take up 24 of your required 60 credits. The specific amount will vary from program to program.
- Elective credits. Elective credits come from courses that are outside of your general education and specialization credits and are outside of your major’s field of study. For example, as a digital marketing student, a music class, philosophy class, or biology class would make great electives. Typically you only need 6 credits’ worth of electives.
- General education credits. General education courses, which typically include English, math, and humanities classes, take up the rest of your curriculum. These classes help give you a well-rounded education. Similar to the specialization credits, these classes usually take 24 credits.
- Internship credits. Some programs provide students with the opportunity to work in a for-credit internship. This internship usually lasts a semester and is often applied toward your specialization credits.
Best Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Associate of Science in Digital Marketing | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Gateway Technical College | Associate Degree in Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Hinds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Marketing Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Lake Area Technical College | Associate of Business in Marketing and Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Las Vegas College | Associate of Science in Business Digital Marketing | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Mid-State Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Associate Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing Emphasis | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
| Rowan College South Jersey | Associate of Applied Sciences in Digital Marketing | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Spokane Falls Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Western Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Best Colleges for Digital Marketing: Top Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs
We curated a list of the best colleges for digital marketing to help you narrow your search. The top digital marketing associate degree programs listed below are accredited and feature world-class training.
What Is a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
A digital marketing associate degree is a two-year program helping professionals launch their careers as digital marketers, social media managers, SEO analysts, mobile marketing managers, or email marketing coordinators. The degree program covers the basics of search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing, and social media marketing.
A digital marketing associate degree can be an Associate of Business, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree. The first two are intended to be used as stepping stones to enter a bachelor’s program at a university, while the latter is intended to prepare graduates to enter the workforce immediately.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
An Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is important because it can either let you transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing later or equip you with the skills you’ll need to apply for entry-level positions in the field. While some of these skills can be developed independently, studying in an associate program will provide you with support from peers and teachers.
The main reasons why an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is important are the following:
- Job opportunities. Most digital marketing jobs are not open to people without a degree in the field. Understanding concepts in direct marketing, marketing research, and business management aren’t easy, and companies are more likely to trust and hire applicants with a degree from an accredited institution.
- Network. Getting an associate degree at a college helps you build a network of peers and professors who can help you land well-paying positions after you graduate. Teachers can also provide you with feedback on your work during your time in school and help you become better.
- Access to higher education. One of the big advantages of getting an associate degree from a community college is the possibility of transferring to a bachelor’s degree after graduating. This is a great way to access higher education if your grades weren’t great during high school.
What Types of Associate Degrees Can You Get in Digital Marketing?
You can get the following types of Associate Degrees for Digital Marketing:
- Associate of Business
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
The type of associate degree you should get for digital marketing if you intend on transferring to a bachelor’s is an Associate of Business or Associate of Science degree. If you plan on immediately entering the workforce after graduating, you should get an Associate of Applied Science digital marketing degree.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Digital Marketing?
It’s better to get an Associate of Science digital marketing degree if you intend on transferring to a bachelor’s after you graduate from community colleges. These degree programs are usually partnered with specific universities and make it easy to transfer. Their curricula also tend to be less intensive than Associate of Applied Science degrees.
An Associate of Applied Science digital marketing degree is better for getting you a job straight after graduation as its curriculum will be more concentrated on teaching you hands-on skills for the industry. These degrees often provide students with an internship opportunity at the end of their degree to help them enter the job market.
What Is the Difference Between a Digital Marketing Associate Degree and a Digital Marketing Certificate?
The main difference between a digital marketing associate degree and a digital marketing certificate is that an associate degree is meant to train people with no experience in the field from the ground up. As opposed to a degree, a certificate is meant to help working professionals with an established skillset upskill or reskill to start working in a new field.
If you’ve just graduated high school or have no experience in the marketing industry, you should get a digital marketing associate degree. If you’ve already worked in marketing, are currently working in marketing, or are working in a related field but want to specialize in digital marketing or learn a few very specific skills, a certificate will cost you less time and money.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the tuition and required fees at two-year institutions that confer digital marketing associate degrees are $3,621 per year. Public institutions’ tuition costs only $3,377 whereas private non-profit institutions charge $15,828 on average.
Digital Marketing Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Digital Marketing Degree
Students enrolled in college and university degree programs can access student loans, institutional grants, state or local grants, or federal grants. According to NCES, over two million students were awarded some form of financial aid in the 2018-19 school year. There are plenty of options for students needing financial aid for Associate Degrees in Digital Marketing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
It takes two years to get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. Most colleges in the country use the semester format, meaning that the two years will be divided into four terms. In a 60-credit program, each term will require the completion of 15 credits to be completed on time. Some programs offer an internship opportunity, which may take an additional semester to complete.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
An Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is not hard to get. Associate degrees are intended to build students’ skills from the ground up and prepare them adequately to either join the job market or transfer to a bachelor’s program. With typically no entry requirements, community colleges are intent on training as many people as they can to contribute to the workforce.
Additionally, while the classes themselves may not be too difficult, what may make getting a digital marketing associate degree hard is your own ability to commit to the program and its courses. While the curriculum may not be as demanding as that of a bachelor’s degree, you will still need to dedicate yourself to your studies consistently.
Why Should You Get a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing are as follows:
- Learning important skills. The biggest benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing are the skills you’ll develop and master throughout your time studying. While some of them may be obtainable if you’re self-taught, many of them require the support of an experienced teacher.
- Building a support network. Every community college has a career services team whose job is to help students excel after graduation. On top of this, your teachers will be able to support you during your studies if ever you find yourself struggling. Lastly, you’ll be able to rely on your classmates to offer you help throughout your studies.
- Achieving career growth. Without any kind of degree, you will be extremely limited in how high you can climb the career ladder. Associate degrees open you up to entry-level positions, and transferring to a bachelor’s degree program before entering the workforce will open you up to an incredible amount of employment opportunities.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Digital Marketing?
The required courses for digital marketing associate degrees will help you develop key skills needed for your future career. These skills will even be transferable to jobs indirectly related to digital marketing, such as retail management, financial accounting, business administration, and marketing research. Below are some examples of college courses you can take.
Introduction to Business
An Introduction to Business is one of the first Associate Degree in Digital Marketing courses you’ll take. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of operating procedures in a business, what makes a business profitable, and other foundational knowledge pertaining to business management and administration.
Principles of Advertising
In a Principles of Advertising class, you’ll learn the founding principles of effective advertising, the evolution of advertising practices across history, how to create your own advertisements, and more. This is one of the most important courses for a digital marketing associate degree.
Social Media & Internet Marketing
No Associate Degree in Digital Marketing course list would be complete without a class that focuses on digital marketing in the modern age like a Social Media & Internet Marketing class. In a class such as this, you’ll learn to apply the principles of advertising to social media and Internet-based mediums.
Web Development
Knowing the basics of coding is useful for any digital marketing professional. In a web development class, you’ll learn the basics of full stack web development, including front end and backend development, and how to apply it to digital marketing strategies.
Accounting
In this class, you’ll learn the basics of accounting and how it can be used in conjunction with marketing. While not directly related to the everyday skills a digital marketing professional uses, accounting knowledge can help you plan for more cost-effective marketing strategies and help you better run your own business in the future.
Continuing Education Paths for Digital Marketing Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a digital marketing associate degree after graduating is to transfer to a bachelor’s degree. Optionally, you can continue to a master’s afterward, but this isn’t totally necessary. A bachelor’s is more than enough to start climbing your way up the ladder in your workplace. You can also look into getting specific certifications to buff up your resume.
Related Digital Marketing Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Digital Marketing Associate Degree Programs
The best digital marketing associate programs have a few things that set them above the rest. Up-to-date curricular content, a strong reputation, high graduation rate, legit accreditation, and low cost are the top things to look for in a college for an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing.
Curricular Content
As Internet trends come to life and die, so do the marketing strategies they come with. With the rapidly changing ecosystem of the Internet, the best digital marketing associate degrees need to keep their curricular content aligned with the newest trends and developments.
Institutional Reputation
The reputation of the best community colleges should precede them. During your school search, check out reviews left by alumni. These can give you a good idea of what to expect if you were to enroll in the same program. See how the alumni felt about the courses, their teachers, and the overall learning environment, and keep an eye out for any red flags.
Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate is a good indicator of the quality of the education the school offers. A high graduation rate usually means that the courses are engaging, the teachers provide solid support, and the learning experience provided by the college is positive. A low graduation rate usually points to the opposite.
Accreditation
An important factor to consider when choosing the right college is its accreditation. You want to make sure that the college you are attending is accredited. This is proof of the program’s legitimacy. A degree from an accredited college holds much more recognition in the industry than a degree or diploma from an institution that isn’t accredited.
Cost
When considering different schools, you should heavily consider the cost of your education. A higher cost doesn’t always equal better education. Consider what all the fees associated with a college’s costs are before deciding to apply. You should also take into consideration what financial aid opportunities the school provides for its students.
What Is the Most Affordable Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The schools with the most affordable Associate Degrees in Digital Marketing are:
- Hinds Community College | Tuition: $3,750 per year
- Spokane Falls Community College | Tuition $3,826 per year
- Mid-State Technical College | Tuition: $4,417 per year
- Western Technical College | Tuition: $4,572 per year
- Gateway Technical College | Tuition: $4,688 per year
What’s the Average Digital Marketing Associate Degree Salary?
Digital marketing associate degree jobs are widely available as more and more of the advertisement industry focuses on digital mediums. The average Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is relatively high-paying as well, making it a great industry in which to start your career.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. An associate degree will provide you with all the skills you need to succeed in a career in digital marketing. That being said, a bachelor’s will help you move further up the ladder. Getting an Associate Degree in Marketing will open the door for you to apply for entry-level jobs across the country.
What’s the Average Digital Marketing Associate Degree Salary?
The average annual salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Marketing is $51,000. You can easily increase your income potential by getting additional certifications, gaining professional experience, or pursuing higher education.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Digital Marketing Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a digital marketing associate degree include working as a market research analyst, mobile marketing specialist, search engine optimization strategist, digital marketing specialist, and marketing assistant. These are some of the highest-paying digital marketing jobs for associate degree holders.
Digital Marketing Degree Jobs
- Market Research Analyst
- Mobile Marketing Specialist
- Search Engine Optimization Strategist
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Assistant
Potential Careers With a Digital Marketing Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing?
You can make between $37,452 and $65,810 with an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. As you gain more experience in the field and move from entry-level positions to mid-level and senior-level positions, the amount you can make will go up as well. Getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree after your associate degree will let you apply for higher-earning jobs.
Top Digital Marketing Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Digital Marketing Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $63,920 |
| Social Media Specialist | $62,800 |
| Mobile Marketing Specialist | $60,159 |
| Search Engine Optimization Strategist | $58,671 |
| Email Marketing Specialist | $54,037 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $52,778 |
| Entry-Level Public Relations Specialist | $51,280 |
| Email Marketing Coordinator | $50,497 |
| Event Promoter | $49,470 |
| Marketing Assistant | $37,452 |
Best Jobs for Digital Marketing Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for digital marketing associate degree grads all have a great job outlook and earning potential. With an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing, you can easily apply for these positions and start your career with a running start. You can work at a huge variety of companies as a digital marketer, making you a fantastic asset for any company.
*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Market Research Analysts
**Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing is worth it if you want to become a digital marketer in 2022. Numerous job opportunities come from acquiring a degree in digital marketing. An associate degree program will equip you with in-demand skills and knowledge to navigate the marketing industry with ease.
An associate degree will give you an excellent opportunity to network with professionals in the field. You will interact with expert instructors, career coaches, and advisors if you choose to attend any of the top colleges offering two-year degrees in digital marketing.
Additional Reading About Digital Marketing
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Digital Marketing Associate Degree FAQ
According to ZipRecruiter, a digital marketing associate earns a salary of $50,221 per year. The salary of each individual digital marketing associate depends on experience, education, skills, and location.
Yes, associate degrees from specific community colleges feature job search support. In-person and online associate degrees offer students career services to help them land a job after graduation.
The job positions a digital marketing associate can land after acquiring work experience include becoming a content strategist, SEO specialist, marketing manager, social media director, paid ads manager, and partnership marketer.
The main types of digital marketing strategies include email marketing, social media marketing, search engine marketing, and online advertising. Depending on your specific role within the company, you may be asked to take on one or more marketing strategies.
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.
