Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR MARKETING MANAGERS TO INCREASE BY 6%
As businesses of every size seek to reach new consumers and increase revenue, the need for skilled digital managers is expected to grow faster than the national average for all U.S. occupations.
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18,800 MORE MANAGERS ARE NEEDED BY 2029
There will be 333,700 advertising, promotions, and marketing managers nationwide by the end of the next decade.
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MARKETING MANAGERS EARN $135,900 PER YEAR
With a median hourly salary of $65.34, marketing and digital marketing managers earn over three times more than the median annual wage for all U.S. occupations.
Our Research
This list covers graduate programs in digital marketing that teach students advanced concepts in social media, search engine optimization, and conversion optimization. Degrees offered include Master of Business Administration in Digital Marketing, Master of Science in Marketing Research & Analytics, Master of Science in Marketing, Master of Science in Digital Innovation in Marketing, Master of Arts in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics, and Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Media.
Digital marketing programs that meet certain academic standards and prepare students for senior-level positions receive accreditation at the national and regional levels. The programs on this list are accredited by national organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Schools on our list also receive regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 57 hours to write this article
- 57 universities and colleges we assessed
- 190 education programs we compared
The Top 25 Master’s in Digital Marketing Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a marketing career, consider pursuing a general degree in marketing or a master’s in business administration (MBA). While digital advertising continues to grow, having a deeper understanding of traditional marketing practices and how to combine offline and online targeting experiences can help you adapt to future changes in the field of marketing and advertising. If you have an undergraduate degree in marketing or are interested in starting your own company, you may want to consider pursuing an MBA to gain additional insight into tactics and strategies that help businesses succeed. These tactics can then be applied in your digital marketing efforts and prepare you for additional careers after graduation.
Certifications are valuable in the field of digital marketing due to the pace at which things change. You may also consider obtaining certifications instead of pursuing a master’s in digital marketing if you are a professional looking to expand your career without the financial and time commitment required for a master’s degree program. Consider obtaining certifications such as the Google Analytics IQ Certification, Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification, Google Ads Certification, HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, and the Facebook Blueprint Certification.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask yourself when researching graduate programs in digital marketing:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in digital marketing must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Some programs may require a work portfolio and letters of recommendation. You may also need a minimum GPA and GRE or GMAT test score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most graduate programs in digital marketing take two years of full-time study to graduate. The programs on the list require students to complete a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 48 credits.
Research the academic prerequisites and application deadlines for the program to which you are applying. Visit the school’s website or contact the admissions department for detailed information.
Graduate degree programs require a financial investment, and you should consider how to cover academic-related costs. You may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal student aid. Make sure to turn in all financial aid applications on time.