Online Marketing Degree

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Online Marketing Degree

An online degree in marketing aims to teach students how to price, place and promote products. It then applies business tactics to drive results with certain consumer groups. Depending on your goals, there are at all levels of marketing programs. Bachelor’s, master’s and and PhDs. Many online schools offer these degrees in their school of business. They may also have a wide range of focus areas. Choosing one may tailor your studies to your marketing career interests. Market research, sports marketing and digital marketing are a few.

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing

An online bachelor’s degree program is entry level. As a rule, it entails about 120 credit hours. Fewer if you enter with an associate degree and qualify to use transfer credits. 

Many bachelor’s programs span many areas apart from a marketing curriculum. These span gen ed classes, core marketing courses and electives plus some type of capstone. Many online schools offer marketing students several types of degrees. An online bachelor of science in marketing (BS) or bachelor of arts (BA). 

A key difference between the BA and BS is the focus. A BA may focus more on humanities and liberal arts. Things like buyer behavior and the customer relationship. Whereas a BS, may stress analytics for regular and internet marketing campaigns. Areas such as market research and strategy. 

There is another path that many online business schools offer. A bachelor of business admin (BBA or BSBA). For many, a BSBA is the entry point to a career in business. These are business programs first. So, you may take study global business principles. Like finance, operations and sales management. Plus, a handful of online courses for the marketing concentration.

While learning the business landscape, marketing majors may also learn how customers make decisions. This may mean that you learn how to create a marketing plan using research and stats. You may also learn about how agencies work. Things like branding, social media, sales and public relations.

If you’re thinking about cost, tuition rates vary (as will the classes you take) for each school. NCES tells us the average cost for an in state public university is $6,691. For out of state schools, this cost is $29,420. You may find online degree programs from schools that cost less (or more) than the norm.

Master’s Degree in Marketing

An online masters may be an MS or MBA program that takes about two years to finish. On average, you take from 30 to 36 credit hours and may have a final thesis. Many of these programs are for current marketing professionals who want to take the next step in the marketing field. That may be to study marketing for international business. Or, to grow technical skills in search engine optimization.

Course plans often look at how to apply data to analyze demand, supply and global trade. Grads may thus take away skills in tactical leadership. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) companies seek these skills. If you wonder about tuition, that varies between schools with online programs. On average, the cost of a graduate degree from a public college is $11,617.

Online Masters in Marketing vs MBA

One way a masters in marketing differs from an MBA is the scope of the program. An MS is likely to have a marketing core plus a focus in one area. Market research, Internet marketing, etc. This type of degree may appeal to those who have a marketing background and want to climb the ladder. This might be done by honing a certain marketing skill set.

The MBA focuses on a business core plus a handful of courses to meet your area of focus. People who choose the MBA may want to build their manager skills. Or other skills that apply to direct marketing campaigns or another area of business.

PhD in Marketing

A PhD is a research degree. It is also the highest level degree one might earn in marketing. This type of program aims to build the skills needed to do original research. Often online students are able to choose an area of focus in a PhD program. Some students may want to study marketing science models and data. Others may prefer to research behavioral science and how it explains buyer choices.

At some point in the program you select an anchor point for your own research. Along side, you may to learn how to write and present your findings. As a thought leadership degree, a PhD is often pursued by those who want to remain in academia. This may mean teaching at the college level. Or doing research to impact policy at a major firm.

What can I do with an Online Marketing Degree?

Many of today’s managers work in digital marketing. Things such as pay per click, display network, paid social, and SEO. Others work in branding, raising funds or promotions in various sectors. Business, education, health, pharma, sports. You name it – there are marketing specialists at work.

1. Marketing Manager

Managers help develop price strategies and identify product markets. They max the profits for a company by trying to gain as much market share for a product as possible. Important skills include being creative, analytical and able to work with other teams. Most marketing managers need at least a bachelors degree.

2. Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers usually help develop a companies brand, or identity. They do things like write press releases and help execs communicate with the public. In some cases, they may also create ad and promo campaigns. A bachelors degree may be ok for some companies. In other cases, some places may want candidates to have a masters degree.

3. Market Research Analyst

Research analysts do many things including forecasting sales trends, measuring how well marketing campaigns work and looking at complex data. Most marketing research analysts need at least a bachelors degree.

4. Chief Executive

CMOs drive forward department goals and oversee the entire marketing arm of a company. Most top execs have at least a bachelor’s degree and a considerable amount of work experience.

Is An Online Marketing Degree Worth It?

A degree may yield skills that apply to many in demand marketing jobs with high wages. BLS predicts managers are among these with growth predicted at 8% percent in the next 10 years. That means about 21 thousand new jobs in the U.S. Demand is due in large part to digital media which makes it easier to reach target groups. Yet also asks for more complex planning, forecasts and analysis.

You are probably also wondering what you might earn with an online degree in marketing. This is going to vary. But, the BLS shows Manager salaries ranged in the lowest 10% from $71,010 to the highest 10% of $208,000. That places the median annual marketing salary at $136,850 in 2019.

Marketing Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as a Marketing Manager

Online Marketing Degree Courses

The classes you take in this field depend on the level of degree and choice of program. Mainly, bachelors programs include ‘overviews’ and ‘basics’. While masters and PhD programs are more in depth. They will build off the basics and will include more complex research methods.

Bachelors Degree Courses

Marketing majors at this point study the ways to develop and sell products. This means learning about how to identify and connect with customers. As well, you may learn many methods to promote a company’s products and services.

Graduate Program Courses

Masters programs often build a deep knowledge of the many facets of the field. Now that you know about consumers, you may study how to research, analyze and apply the data. PhD and DBA programs include more writing, research methods and analysis. You might also study global marketing. How to make marketing decisions for global campaigns and such.

Popular Areas in Marketing

Tailor a general program in marketing to your career goals and interests. Here are a few popular areas that many online colleges offer.

1. Digital Marketing

This focus is about using digital and social media activity and data to inform decision making. You may study content, mobile and email marketing. As well as analytics pay per click (PPC) and search engine optimization (SEO). 

2. Marketing Research Analytics

In this area you study ways to analyze and interpret data to develop marketing plans. This skill may help you gather info from interviews, focus groups, surveys and public opinion polls. All with the goal to manage a brand using specific metrics.

3. New Media and Communications

Many businesses engage buyers with online tools. Like social networks, video, blogs, podcasts and mobile technology. So, this area might hone the skills needed for success with these media. From writing and graphic design. To video production and specific marketing tactics.

4. Social Media Marketing

In this area, you explore the ways social impacts website traffic and revenue. And how to direct and coordinate attention grabbing campaigns for mobile devices. Along the way, you may gain skills to go for industry certifications (Hubspot, Hootsuite). 

5. Marketing Management

With this focus, you are likely to study all the managerial functions in the field of marketing. Things such as turning a plan into a successful campaign. And, the tools that evaluate the marketing mix to ensure they are effective.

How long does it take to earn an Online Marketing Degree?

The time it takes to earn a marketing degree online varies by program level and your course load. A BS or BS degree may take four years or less. If you’re working towards a masters or MBA, it may take two years or less. For a PhD or DBA, it may take between two and four years. Many online schools have transfer credit policies in place which may help lessen your course load. Also, some of these programs allow you to waive summer break. This can also speed up the time it takes for you to complete your program.

Scholarships for Marketing Majors

Scholarships are useful sources of financial aid that help make a degree more affordable. If you meet the eligibility, apply! 

Alliance for Women in Media Austin Affiliate

For college Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors studying media / marketing or a related field at a university in the Austin area. Students attending other colleges who graduated from an Austin area high school and keep an Austin area permanent address may also apply. Applicants need a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must be full time students. There will be one $5000 award winner.

Deadline: March 2, 2021

Promotional Products Education Foundation

PPEF is a nonprofit organization. They award college scholarships to students who have a parent at work in the promotional products industry. Or who are working for a company in the industry. Most of their named awards are need based and for undergrads. To qualify, you must have a 3.0 GPA and submit a copy of the Student Aid Report.

Deadline: March 15, 2021

Marketing EDGE Scholarship Program

For current U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a career in marketing. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. As Marketing Edge partners with several orgs to provide funds, there is one general application. Applicants get matched to the programs that meet their qualifications. Awards range in value from $1,000 to $7,000 each, non renewable. 

Deadline: April 15, 2021

Black Marketing Leaders Grant

For a Black student or recent graduate who plans on (or already is) pursuing a career in marketing at a start up and shows impact and drive. There will be one winner of $1,000.

Deadline: May 11, 2021

LaFleur Marketing’s Importance of Good Writing Scholarship

For currently enrolled students at a 4 year institution or community college as well as high school seniors. All applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and need to prove full time enrollment. It is also necessary to submit a 750 to 2,000 word essay about the importance of good writing. One winner receives $1,000.

Deadline: June 30, 2021

15 Online Marketing Degrees

Many online schools have marketing degrees at all levels. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Florida International University
2. University of Alabama
3. Western Governors University
4. University of Cincinnati
5. Arizona State University
6. Florida State University
7. University of Phoenix Arizona
8. Southern New Hampshire University
9. Temple University
10. Michigan State University
11. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
12. Florida Atlantic University 
13. Texas Tech University 
14. Pennsylvania State World Campus
15. Grand Canyon University

FIND AN ONLINE MARKETING DEGREE

Many online schools have marketing degrees at all levels. Here are 15 schools where you might earn a degree in marketing online at various levels.

*Unemployment Earnings.  Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.