Are Online Marketing Degrees Legitimate?

Earning an online marketing degree is a great way to become a:

• Marketing assistant
• Marketing manager
• Digital marketer

But are online degrees legit? Yes, online marketing programs are as legitimate as on-campus programs.

Of course, you don't want to assume you'll just stumble upon a great online program. It's important to conduct plenty of research and know what you're looking for.

Some factors that reflect an online marketing program's quality include whether it is accredited and how it ranks among other programs. Consider how online and traditional programs differ to pick the option that matches your needs. Also, keep in mind there are many affordable online marketing degrees available.

Do Employers Respect Online Marketing Degrees?

Yes, employers respect online marketing degrees. Research shows that 61% of human resources leaders believe the quality of online learning is equal to or greater than traditional learning methods.

But what makes employers view online degrees in a positive light? Some believe the technology associated with online education will eventually become superior to face-to-face instruction. However, not all degrees are viewed equally by employers. Some executives believe online degrees are best when earned from reputable, accredited institutions that produce well-prepared graduates.

What To Look For in an Online Marketing Degree Program

Your search for the right online marketing program should begin by comparing various institutions. Looking at their accreditations, reputations, graduating classes, and other factors can help you make an informed decision.

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures colleges and universities meet acceptable quality standards. When searching for online marketing degrees, ensure the school and program you choose are accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education. Also, see if the business school housing the marketing program has accreditation from organizations like the following.

AACSB

The Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB) is a specialized form of accreditation for institutions and their business programs. Only 6% of business schools across the globe have AACSB accreditation.

ACBSP

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits business programs at more than 1,000 campuses. The ACBSP looks at teaching excellence and student learning outcomes to determine accreditation.

Reputation

Another way to determine whether you're on the right track when comparing programs is to look at school rankings and accolades. Some schools earn high marks for their business schools and others rank high for specific marketing programs.

Of course, different ranking entities use their own criteria to determine what ranks one school higher than another. Common factors for deciding a school's reputation include:

• Retention rates
• Graduation rates
• Student debt
• Graduate career earnings
• Standardized test scores
• Affordability

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Nonprofit and for-profit schools both offer online marketing degree programs. So, how can you decide which degree is best for you? Examining the characteristics of each type of school helps.

What Are Nonprofit Schools?

Nonprofit schools operate without the goal of financial gain. Instead, they primarily focus on providing students with educational and research opportunities.

Common characteristics of nonprofit schools include:

• Lower tuition fees
• A broader range of degree programs
• Stricter admission processes

Nonprofit schools also have:

• Flexible transfer policies
• Traditional schedules
• Better academic reputations

What Are For-Profit Schools?

For-profit schools operate as businesses and generate revenue from tuition and other sources to pay shareholders. Common characteristics of for-profit schools include:

• Higher tuition
• Vocational or career-oriented programs
• Strict transfer policies
• Flexible admissions and schedules

Graduation Rates

Keeping track of a school's graduation rates helps determine whether it effectively helps students complete their studies. A school with high graduation rates is typically successful at:

• Student recruitment
• Class scheduling
• Campus communication

So, as you search for online marketing degree programs, it's good to factor in graduation rates.

Differences Between Online Marketing Degrees and Traditional Marketing Degrees

Traditional and online marketing degrees have some things in common ?but they also have differences. Some of their similarities could include coursework and credits required to graduate.

But what about differences? Here are characteristics that make online and traditional marketing degrees unique.

Online Marketing Degrees

The biggest difference in an online marketing program is the ability to learn from any location with the internet. Online programs usually have asynchronous schedules (though some are synchronous, or deliver coursework on set days and times). Students often do these on their own time:

• Review lectures
• Participate in discussions
• Complete assignments and exams

Traditional Marketing Degrees

Traditional marketing programs are usually delivered on a college or university's campus and aren't as flexible. Classes meet on set days at specific times each week for an entire semester. Students have due dates for assignments and take exams together.

Benefits of Earning Your Marketing Degree at an Online School

There are a lot of great reasons to earn your marketing degree online. Just a handful of perks include the following:

• No set class times
• 24/7 access to course materials
• Flexible assignment due dates
• Same degree requirements
• Accredited programs

Many online programs deliver the same coursework, have the same academic reputations, and use the same faculty as traditional programs. They are usually more convenient and accessible, which is great for busy students.

Featured Online Marketing Degree Programs

The following schools deliver some of the best online marketing bachelor's degree programs nationwide. Many of these programs boast top accreditations and rankings.

1. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is home to the fully online Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing program. The business school's online undergraduate business programs are ranked among the best in the nation and are AACSB-accredited.

• Online BBA in marketing

2. Louisiana State University

LSU offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in marketing program, ranked among the country's most affordable degrees. This AACSB-accredited program provides the same learning experience on-campus students receive.

• Online BS in marketing

3. Penn State World Campus

The 100% online Bachelor of Science in marketing at Penn State World Campus is nationally recognized alongside the school's other online bachelor's degrees. Faculty with doctoral degrees and corporate marketing experience teach this AACSB-accredited program.

• Online BS in marketing

4. Oregon State University

At Oregon State University is an online marketing degree available as a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art. This program is ranked among the best online bachelor's business programs, taught by expert faculty, and accredited by the AACSB.

• Online BA in marketing
• Online BS in marketing

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University delivers an online Bachelor of Science in marketing that features experiential learning opportunities. The program features Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing concentrations and is accredited by the ACBSP.

• Online BS in marketing