Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Digital Marketing

Online Colleges Offering Digital Marketing Degrees

Online Digital Marketing Degree Overview

An online digital marketing education provides a flexible learning opportunity for students seeking a higher education degree. These degrees focus on the growing trends and professional expertise in online communications across widespread businesses and industries. Although there are digital marketing programs that are offered fully online, some colleges and universities offer hybrid curriculums that consist of both online or in-person courses.

Digital marketing programs are designed to help students master key industry competencies, such as social media management, customer relationship management (CRM), design and content development, strong writing and editing skills, research, and analytical thinking skills. Below we'll cover the programs you might expect to find at each degree level.

Online Associate Degrees in Digital Marketing

An online associate degree in digital marketing typically requires approximately 60 credits. The coursework often focuses on topics like business communications, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and marketing campaigns with a focus on branding and growth strategies. Courses are designed to provide an understanding of the technologies and best practices used to reach target audiences with web analytics, effective communications, and other essential marketing tools.

Obtaining an associate degree in digital marketing can lead to greater opportunities for entry-level employment and is usually a pathway towards enrolling in a bachelor's degree program.

Depending on the school, an associate-level digital marketing program typically results in an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS). Common courses in associate-level digital marketing curriculums include general courses in composition, mathematics, and social science with additional courses in business, content marketing, social media marketing, and market research.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Digital Marketing

Online bachelor's degrees in digital marketing are designed to provide core instruction in business principles with an emphasis on digital marketing that explores consumer behaviors, online communications, and strategies for generating brand awareness.

Most bachelor-level programs require that students complete 120 credits and develop a portfolio of work representing key program outcomes. Completion of the program culminates in a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Marketing. Some schools may offer a degree in business administration with a concentration in digital marketing.

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in digital marketing have the opportunity to find employment as market researchers or even positions in marketing management, although there are many other options for them to choose from including industry-specific opportunities, for example, in the hospitality or technology fields.

Online Master's Degrees in Digital Marketing

Master's degrees in digital marketing or similar subjects require a bachelor's degree for admission and provide a more advanced curriculum in business and digital marketing concepts. Students in a master's-level program usually take about 30 credits of business and marketing coursework within two years, although program durations depend on the student's full-time or part-time status.

Students pursuing a master's degree in digital marketing may decide to enroll in a related subject like marketing analytics or strategic marketing communications that boost their field expertise and allow them to stay in touch with developing markets and communication challenges that industry professionals face. Most master-level programs in digital marketing and other marketing subjects culminate in a Master of Science (MS).

Online Doctoral Degrees in Digital Marketing

A doctoral degree in digital marketing is the highest-level education students can seek to further their expertise in the field. A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is usually the preferred academic rank for leadership roles and higher education teaching positions.

Students enrolled in online digital marketing or marketing doctoral degree programs undergo rigorous course studies with the opportunity to conduct independent research in data analytics, marketing methodologies, and strategic communications and digital content. Additionally, many doctoral programs allow students to design their own curriculums under the supervision of a senior faculty member or program advisor.

Doctoral programs usually take about three to five years to complete, but several factors may determine actual program lengths.

Online Certificates in Digital Marketing

There are many online continuing education options for individuals interested in studying digital marketing. Whether for professional development, career advancement, or in preparation for a career change, certificate programs in digital marketing offer students the opportunity to learn new skills or improve upon the skills they already have.

Depending on the school, certificate program durations may last a matter of weeks, six months, or up to a year. Selected courses tend to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts related to digital marketing and online communication strategies.

Many schools offer other types of certificates, including graphic design, website design, writing, and editing that are ideal for copywriters and content developers in the digital marketing field.

Digital Marketing Specializations/Concentrations

Online bachelor's digital marketing degree programs cover several aspects of online communications and marketing concepts. Specializations in digital marketing vary from school to school, however, there is typically the option for students to concentrate on the foundations of marketing analytics or social media marketing. Additionally, some programs may integrate digital marketing specializations with a core curriculum in business administration.

Marketing Analytics

A concentration in marketing analytics typically dives into the ways in which professionals gather, visualize and use data related to consumer behavior. Courses in this concentration might focus on statistics, economics, big data and strategic marketing.

Social Media Marketing

A concentration in social media marketing offers a contextual background in social media campaigns, digital platforms, and online engagement. Additionally, learning outcomes include ways to implement digital marketing strategies that boost customer and product relationships, as well as user experiences. Social media marketing concentrations may also cover other creative aspects, such as content development, basic graphic design elements, and professional writing.

Curriculum/Coursework for a Digital Marketing Degree

Digital marketing curriculums are designed to equip students and young professionals with the skills to succeed in the modern-day corporate world. Courses in online bachelor's digital marketing degree programs are varied and focus on ways to best create and execute strategic communications across a variety of digital platforms.

Some colleges and universities offer a core business curriculum in addition to a digital marketing component that provides students with an understanding of key business principles, management, and entrepreneurial skills.

The following course titles are most commonly offered in online bachelor's digital marketing degree programs:

• Business Law
• Market Research
• Search Engine Optimization
• Brand Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Data Analytics
• Professional Writing

Search Engine Optimization

This course aims to equip students with the expertise to develop best SEO practices that enhance website traffic from search engine results. Course topics include tools and strategies for examining website performance, keywords, inbound links, conversion tracking, and editing content and site structure to increase page rankings in search results.

Market Research

This course gives students an overview of marketing research strategies utilizing qualitative and quantitative techniques. Students should be able to learn the ways in which these research techniques are used to make data-driven decisions in the field of marketing, including researching competitors, studying consumer behaviors, and determining what type of influence design implementations have on marketing results.

Social Media Communications

This course is designed to provide students with comprehension of digital marketing campaigns across social media platforms. An emphasis is placed on strengthening brand awareness, engagement, and promotions in business communications, advertising, and public relations. Key outcomes include the ability to research target audiences, utilize creative skills, and execute a compelling social media campaign that builds and maintains an effective presence in the online community.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Digital Marketing?

Online bachelor's digital marketing degree programs require students to complete approximately 120 credits in order to graduate. This is about 40 classes over four years; however, depending on whether a student attends part-time or full-time, program lengths may vary.

Other factors to consider when determining the length of a program are whether a student transferred credits from another school, whether the digital marketing program is offered in an accelerated curriculum, if there is a cap on the number of credits a student can take in one semester, and if there is the option to enroll in summer courses.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Digital Marketing Degrees

Accreditation is given to a college, university, or specific program when it provides a high level of academic instruction. This is determined by a particular set of criteria, such as whether it meets or exceeds the academic needs of its students through its curriculums and resources. Choosing an accredited college or university is necessary if a student is seeking financial assistance through the federal or state governments, or are part of an employer tuition reimbursement program.

Specialized accreditation is given to certain law, business, or medical programs. While an online bachelor-level program for digital marketing does not require its own specialized accreditation, some digital marketing curriculums are offered in the college's business school which may have its own accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited schools. Students may visit their college or university's website for more information regarding its accreditation.

Digital Marketing Licensure & Certification

Digital marketers who want to enhance their skills and showcase their expertise in the field may decide to pursue a credential. General certifications are available, such as Certified Social Media Strategist or Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), that are designated for individuals who are able to pass an in-depth exam covering key components of the marketing industry. More focused marketing certifications may be available depending on an individual's specialization in the field, for example, digital design, product management, brand management, hospitality marketing, or financial marketing. Certification typically requires professionals to pass an exam and pay a fee; some may have continuing education requirements.

Other certificates for professional development are available for digital marketers. Content writers, email marketers, and copywriters, for example, may wish to improve their writing and editing skills with certificates in writing, editing, and SEO to stay abreast of evolving marketing trends or for career advancement.

Digital Marketing Career Information

As digitization advances across broad industries, employers are in search of professionals with the creative and technical know-how to generate brand awareness, branch out to target markets, and increase their revenue. Bachelor-level digital marketing programs are meant to prepare students to fill these roles through specialization in areas of writing, data analysis, design, social media communications, and customer relationships.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in digital marketing careers had median salaries of:

• Social Media Coordinator (or Public Relations Specialist): $61,150
• Market Research Analyst: $63,790
• Marketing Manager: $149,200
• Content Creator (or Graphic Designer): $52,110
• Copy Writer (or Writers and Authors): $63,200

How to Become a Social Media Coordinator

Social media coordinators, also classified as public relations specialists, carry out digital marketing strategies that generate brand awareness and develop an online presence through content sharing, such as images, videos, or writing. To better understand the efficacy of their online communication strategies and engagement, social media coordinators use web analytics to examine and determine their results.

Familiarity with social media platforms and technology, marketing communication skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical and creative thinking is necessary to be successful as a social media coordinator. Typically, social media coordinators have a bachelor's degree with a background in digital marketing, communications, or business. Employment growth for public relations specialists is expected to increase (2019-2029) by 7 percent.

How to Become a Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts are responsible for investigating and estimating marketing and sales trends as it pertains to products and services. Collected data typically includes a breakdown of several demographics and geographies, as well as consumer buying habits and industry competitors. Market research analysts gather this information using special marketing methods, such as interviewing, surveying, and polling. The data is then interpreted in graphs and reports and presented to managers and clientele.

Market research analysts are experienced in utilizing statistical software and technologies and possess competencies in analytical and critical thinking. Available jobs for market research analysts are expected to increase by 18 percent (2019-2029).

Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Digital Marketing Degrees

Enrolling in an online bachelor's degree program for digital marketing is a cost-effective alternative to in-person education. While tuition varies according to the college or university, pursuing an online degree saves costs on room and board, transportation, and other campus expenses. Additionally, technology fees may include access to online books and resources that take the place of required print materials and textbooks.

Students who need assistance in paying for their education may qualify for financial aid through the federal government. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will tell you what aid you are qualified for. This may include grants and loans. Otherwise, financial assistance may be available for students who are active military personnel, veterans, or entitled to employer tuition reimbursement benefits at their workplace.

For scholarships, grants, and other prizes, current and prospective students may search online and apply for awards to help pay for their education. Some colleges and universities offer scholarships opportunities to students, as well, and it is recommended that individuals contact the school's financial aid office to inquire about tuition and financing.

Custom Creatives Digital Marketing Scholarship Program

The Custom Creatives Digital Marketing Scholarship Program is available to U.S. students attending a college or university for an associate or bachelor's degree in digital marketing. To apply, students must complete the online form and submit an essay of 400-500 words about the following topics:

• The student's digital marketing professional goals
• Unique methods of enhancing the online customer-business rapport
• The ways in which social media aids business students

A scholarship of $1,000 is awarded to two winners. The deadline to apply is May 31.

Future Digital Marketers Scholarship

The Future Digital Marketers Scholarship is available to U.S. students enrolled in an associate- or bachelor-level digital marketing-related program at an accredited U.S. college or university. To apply, students must submit the online application by December 1, along with a public social media post explaining what they believe is the future of digital marketing. Social media posts must be uploaded to the designated social media platforms and include the required hashtags in the caption. Entries are judged based on quality and engagement. One winner will be chosen to receive $1,000.