Why This Matters

  • 10% OF ADVERTISING MANAGERS HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS

    10% of advertising and promotions managers hold high school diplomas, and 8% have completed some college but have no degree. An associate degree will help you stand out in the field.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 15,400 MORE OF YOU BY 2029

    Because sales teams are essential for economic growth, the employment rate for sales managers is expected to increase by 4% over the next decade.

  • EARN $132,290 ANNUALLY AS A SALES MANAGER

    While some sales manager positions expect a bachelor’s degree, many will accept associate degrees. In this position, you’ll enjoy a median annual salary of $132,290.

Our Research

This list focuses on online and hybrid associate degree programs available in the United States. While the majority of programs offer an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Marketing, some provide an Associate of Arts.

Several of the programs on our list are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a peer-reviewed, self-regulated organization that evaluates institutions in southern states. It measures education quality by observing integrity, effectiveness, and academic performances. Credits and degrees from regionally accredited schools are more valuable than those from non-accredited schools because they are easily transferable and often required for professional credentials.

  • 74 hours to write this article
  • 140 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 258 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Associate in Marketing Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

If you’re looking at marketing programs, you might notice that many feature communications classes. Communication is essential to marketing as it helps students connect with audiences and consumers. However, there is a key difference between the two: marketing is promotional while communications is not based on sales.

Students should look for schools that are approved by regional accreditors. For instance, southern students should search for schools accredited by SACSCOC, while learners in the central United States should keep an eye out for institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Students with an associate degree in marketing have the potential to become sales managers, which has a positive job outlook. Employment is projected to increase by 4%, which equals 15,400 more jobs.

There are no formal licenses or certificates required for marketing, but those working in sales may wish to obtain certification as a Professional Sales Person (PSP) to help stand out.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in marketing programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To qualify for an associate degree program, you need to have a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may also expect students to have a certain grade point average (GPA).
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? One of the biggest advantages of associate degrees is that they can be obtained in a relatively short period of time. While the average student completes a bachelor’s degree program in four years, associate degree students typically earn their degree in two years.

While researching programs, carefully monitor your application deadlines and any materials that are required by the institution. These details are usually available online. You should also consider how you plan to finance your degree. If you’re interested in financial aid, thoroughly research scholarships and grants, and be sure to submit applications on time.