Why This Matters

  • PREPARE FOR OVER 20 POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

    Digital marketing skills are in demand in a variety of industries, opening up job opportunities as a digital marketing manager, online media buyer, social media specialist, digital content producer, and more.

  • NEED FOR MARKETING MANAGERS INCREASING 8%

    The increased focus on digital marketing has been a driving factor in growing employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,900 new jobs by 2028.

  • EARN $54,800 MORE WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE

    A bachelor’s-level position such as PR specialist earns an average annual salary of $60,000. With a master’s degree, you can rise to a PR manager position, and earn an average annual salary of $114,800.

Our Research

We concentrated our research on master’s-level program 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 fully 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. Our top picks for the best online master’s in digital marketing are well-regarded, flexible, and affordable. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 57 hours to write this article
  • 178 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 422 education programs we compared

The Top 15 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing between an MS or MBA in digital marketing, it’s important to consider your career goals. An MBA focuses on business and management skills, preparing you for leadership roles within the digital marketing sphere. An MS degree will allow you to do a deep-dive into digital marketing, with a research emphasis.

Digital marketing is a diverse field encompassing a range of responsibilities. Individuals pursuing an advanced degree in this field should have a basic understanding of social media, online advertising, and Internet trends. Other aptitudes needed include verbal and written communication skills, creativity, and the ability to think strategically and work as part of a team.

There are no mandatory credentials for digital marketers, although a number of voluntary credentials and professional organizations exist, including the International Association of Business Communicators, and the Public Relations Society of America. Obtaining these credentials is beneficial as they demonstrate your knowledge and skills, and offer valuable networking and continuing education opportunities. Annual dues may be required to join and maintain membership in these organizations.

An online degree offers flexibility and convenience. However, hands-on experience is highly valued for digital marketers, so it’s beneficial to enroll in a program that offers some experiential learning opportunities. This is particularly important for students who do not specifically have a background in digital marketing.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Digital Marketing programs:

  • How are online classes delivered? There are two formats for online classes, synchronous and asynchronous. When classes are delivered synchronously, students attend their classes remotely at set times. In asynchronous classes, students can access lesson and course materials at any time. Consider your scheduling needs when selecting a program delivery method.
  • Do I need to take standardized tests for this program? Most MBA programs require students to take the GRE or GMAT, two common standardized tests for admission into graduate programs. If the programs you are applying to require scores from either of these tests and you have not yet taken them, you should make plans to take them as soon as possible. This will ensure you have your scores in time to submit them with your application.

Now is also the time to review application deadlines and requirements, and start collecting your application materials. You can usually find this information on the program’s website, or you can contact the school’s admissions department.

You should also research your financial aid options, including student loans, scholarships, assistantships, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer.