Are Online Marketing Degrees Legitimate?
Here we will discuss whether online marketing degrees are legitimate, the benefits of studying online, and showcase accredited universities offering these degrees.
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.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
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
