Students who graduate with a master’s degree in digital marketing are qualified to create, navigate, interpret, and optimize marketing strategies in today’s digital world. They can pursue careers in copywriting, internal marketing, online advertising, social media and email marketing, web development, search engine optimization, and other related fields.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for web developers and digital designers in 2021 was $78,300, while marketing managers made an average of $135,030. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a master’s program in the 2020-21 academic year was $12,394 at public universities and $26,621 at private universities. It takes one to two years of full-time study to complete this degree.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Program
Choose your area of study
Since graduates of this degree can pursue careers in different areas of digital marketing, it is important to consider your desired career path when choosing an area of study. Programs may offer various concentrations that focus on areas such as online advertising, social media marketing, promotions, analytics, public relations, and others. Not all universities provide the same concentrations, so it’s essential to have an idea of what you want to focus on to help guide your search.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve determined your area of study, research the different schools and their programs. You can do much of this online. Some universities include many program details on their websites, while others do not. In the second case, you’ll need to call or write for additional information.
Search for programs that offer courses and specializations specific to your career goals. Also, check to see if internships are a required or optional part of the curriculum. Additionally, if you’d like to do an internship, find out if any are available locally.
Check the program’s admissions page – there may be one specific to the program or just general admissions requirements for the university – to confirm that you’re eligible to apply. Along with academic information, here are some other important factors to consider.
- Is the school accredited? You should only attend an institution that is accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This affects not only the quality of education you receive but also what financial aid you can get and job opportunities after graduation. Additionally, if you want to complete a postsecondary program later, institutions usually don’t recognize degrees from unaccredited schools.
- What is the cost of the program? Save time by checking this early in your research process. Before you start, have a general idea of how much you can pay for the degree program. This makes it easier to eliminate programs that don’t fit your budget.
- Where is the school located? Even for students who plan to study online, the school’s location may be a factor when choosing a program. Proximity to the school means the ability to participate directly in student clubs and organizations, in-person orientations, meet-and-greets, career days, and other on-campus events. Additionally, some universities offer a hybrid format for online programs, which means students can attend some classes on campus if they wish.
- Is the program synchronous or asynchronous? An asynchronous program gives you the most control over your schedule, as there is no requirement to attend classes or lectures at specific times. A synchronous curriculum, however, allows students to interact more closely with one another as well as with instructors. Determine which type of schedule will best fit your schedule and preferences. If you have obligations related to family or work, find out if the university offers a part-time study option, as not all do.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admissions requirements vary depending on the institution, so check the school’s website or contact an admissions counselor for details. Some schools offer rolling admissions, while others require that applications and supporting documentation be submitted by a specific date. Online programs don’t always start at the same time as on-campus courses, so admission requirements in this regard may differ.
Whatever the case, be sure to check admissions deadlines and submit all material on time. Entrance exams aren’t generally needed for graduate programs, but some universities require GRE scores.
Select your program
Once your research is complete and you have all the necessary information, use it to select a program. Decide which factors are most important to you. You may find a program that ticks all the boxes, but since there’s no guarantee you’ll be accepted to that one, look at other options as well. Make a list, in order of preference, of all the programs you’d want to enroll in, and then apply to all the schools on the list. If you receive more than one acceptance letter, choose the school that’s highest on your list.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The U.S. government offers financial aid through loans, grants, and work-study programs, so it’s important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Also, check to see what scholarships you’re eligible for through the university or other organizations. The school itself may offer financing and pay-as-you-go options. Previously earned graduate-level college credits may be transferable, which will save money on courses you don’t have to take. Discounted tuition rates are often available to veterans or those currently serving in the military. And if your schedule allows, you can get a part-time job to help pay for the program.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs
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How We Rank Schools
We concentrated our research on master’s-level programs in digital marketing. The two most common degrees in this field are a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in digital marketing.
We sought programs that are primarily or entirely delivered online to guarantee accessibility for the greatest number of students. Some programs are also available on campus, and students may be able to complete the program with a mixture of in-person and online classes.
All of the schools on our list are regionally accredited. Most programs also have programmatic accreditation through a body like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the International Accreditation Council for Business Accreditation (IACBE).
We evaluated each program based on cost, outcomes, flexibility, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score of each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Program?
For this degree, students learn how to make data-driven decisions and leverage websites, social media, mobile phones, and other digital platforms to target specific audiences and promote services and products. Topics such as web analytics, social media strategy, and search engine optimization are covered in detail. Coursework includes both business and marketing subjects, along with classes that deal with IT. Students can expect a program that requires 30-45 credits.
Coursework is usually delivered to students via an online learning platform such as Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard. Some universities have their own proprietary platform. Students log on and receive course material such as the program syllabus, schedules, assignments, reading and audio-video material, recorded lectures, announcements, grades, and more. The student portal also provides access to chats and message boards so students can communicate with instructors and one another. Many programs are available fully online, while others are available in a hybrid format.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in digital marketing degree program
- Social media marketing. This course teaches social media from a business perspective, and students learn how to use it to build brand awareness, forge relationships with customers and potential customers, and increase a company’s client base. It includes creating strategies that can be used across various social media platforms to target specific audiences and generate leads.
- User experience design. More and more, user interfaces for digital platforms are a determining factor in whether potential customers interact with a business or not. People want something that is simple and eye-catching. This course teaches students both design principles and technical aspects so they can create interfaces that maximize the user experience.
- Marketing communications and storytelling. Students learn to create narratives that evoke emotions and feelings and tie those feelings to a brand or product. Media channels, messages, timelines, campaign types, and market development considerations are among the topics considered.
- Product management. In this course, students learn what tools and concepts are used by market, product, and brand managers in today’s environment. It covers policy formulation as well as how to choose market strategies, formulate new product development, and various organizational models.
Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in digital marketing degree program?
Applications can usually be filled out and submitted through the university’s website. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, although it may or may not have to be in a related field. Transcripts should be submitted, and there is usually a minimum GPA requirement, but this varies by institution. You’ll likely be required to submit, along with the application and transcripts, your resume, a personal statement or writing sample, and one or more letters of recommendation.
Many universities also require proof of U.S. citizenship or residency, and if English is not the applicant’s first language, they should submit test scores proving English proficiency.
Each university has its own admissions requirements, so applicants should always speak with an admissions counselor before applying.
How much does an online master’s in digital marketing degree cost?
A master’s in digital marketing usually costs between $14,000 and $32,000, and there will likely be additional fees involving technology and software resources. University services and books may add additional expenses. The tuition for out-of-state students is often higher than it is for in-state residents at public universities, but this doesn’t always apply to online students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in digital marketing degree?
Since the program requires 30-36 credits, a traditional on-campus master’s in digital marketing for a full-time student can take up to two years to complete, and online programs can take that long as well. However, accelerated programs are offered that can be completed in as little as 12-15 months. If a part-time study option is offered, this can increase the time required, but there is usually a limit to the time allowed to complete the program.