Are Online Digital Marketing Degrees Legitimate?

If you're considering an online digital marketing bachelor's degree, you're probably curious if your degree will be respected by potential employers.

Yes, online digital marketing degrees are legitimate and many schools offer them. Studying online makes it possible for many students who wouldn't otherwise be able to return to school to finish their education.

Do Employers Respect Online Digital Marketing Degrees?

As online learning becomes more common, employers in every industry are hiring greater numbers of job candidates with online degrees. Generally speaking, legitimate online digital marketing bachelor's degrees are respected as much as traditional degrees earned on campus.

Digital marketing is a great choice for an online degree because it doesn't require any in-person work or training, and many reputable schools offer degrees in the industry.

Many digital marketers work from home. Employers hiring remote candidates may prefer those with online degrees, as they will have already developed many skills from online learning that will benefit them in a work-from-home role.

Even if you don't want to work from home, most employers are not going to care that you got your degree online. They will be more interested in determining whether you're the best fit for the position.

What To Look for in an Online Digital Marketing Degree Program

It's important to get an online degree from a good school. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your online digital marketing program:

Accreditation

Any school you attend, whether online or in-person, must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved accrediting body. Examples of these organizations include the Higher Learning Commission and the New England Commission on Higher Education.

If you have any doubts or questions, there are several ways you can check a college for accreditation before applying.

Reputation

A school's reputation can depend on factors like academic standards, average GPA, graduation rate, awards and recognition, and more.

Always try to choose a school with a good reputation, as this will further ensure that your degree is respected.

Graduation Rates

A school's graduation rate is a good indicator of its curriculum and academic support services, which in turn can affect the quality of education you receive. Always try to choose a school with a good overall graduation rate, and it can be helpful to look at online graduation rates in particular if this information is provided.

Differences Between Online Digital Marketing Degrees and Traditional Digital Marketing Degrees

If you're in a traditional digital marketing program, you will complete most or all of your classes on campus. You will attend in-person class sessions at set times each day. Most classes follow a 16-week semester-based format. You will have homework and study assignments to complete on your own time.

If you're an online student, you will complete most or all of your classes remotely. In many cases, you will have the freedom to do this anytime as long as you meet all deadlines. Classes commonly follow an accelerated eight-week format. In addition to class sessions, you will also have homework and assignments to complete.

Online degree programs are highly flexible but don't offer as many opportunities for interacting with peers and educators. Traditional programs are more structured and generally provide a greater number of interactive, hands-on learning experiences.

Benefits of Earning Your Digital Marketing Degree at an Online School

Are you self-motivated and self-disciplined? Looking for greater flexibility than a traditional degree program can offer? Majoring in digital marketing online can offer a variety of benefits.

Many online students are parents, full-time employees, and other nontraditional students who need a flexible education option. Since online learning allows them to fit classes into their existing life, getting an online degree can make it possible for them to complete their education on their terms.

What's more, online digital marketing degrees may be cheaper than in-person degrees. Costs vary widely by school, but many schools offer fewer fees and lower tuition rates for online students. Plus, online students can save even more money by not having to commute or pay for on-campus housing.

Featured Online Digital Marketing Degree Programs

The following schools offer legitimate online digital marketing degrees at various program levels.

1. Champlain College Online

Champlain College Online is a private school with around 3,000 students. Located in Vermont, it also offers many of its degree programs online. The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Two digital marketing degrees are available:

• Online bachelor's in digital marketing
• Online master's in digital marketing and technology

2. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large Christian school offering hundreds of degree programs at its Virginia campus and online. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

This school offers the following digital marketing degrees:

• Online BS in business administration and data analysis - digital marketing and advertising concentration
• Online MS in marketing - digital marketing and advertising concentration

3. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private school based in Missouri, though it places a strong emphasis on online education. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Consider these digital marketing degrees available at this school:

• Online BS in digital marketing
• Online MS in digital marketing

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is another large private institution. It offers more than 200 degree programs, many of which can be completed online. It maintains accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Students can complete two digital marketing degrees at this school:

• Online BS in marketing - digital marketing concentration
• Online MS in marketing - digital marketing concentration

5. Bryant & Stratton College

Bryant & Stratton College is a private school with multiple campuses and an online component. It offers a wide variety of associate and bachelor's degrees in both on-campus and online programs. Its accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Two undergraduate degrees can be completed at this school:

• Online AAS in digital marketing
• Online BBA in digital marketing