If you want to launch a career in advertising, sales and marketing, then you may want to consider earning an online marketing degree.
You’ll study the marketing practices skills and technologies that are vital for success in today’s business and marketing climate. A marketing program could be the first step toward a successful career in marketing research, advertising sales, event planning, or business management.
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Marketing is a dynamic field, and you can embrace its many opportunities as a marketing major.
Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in marketing comes in two key forms these days. You might opt for traditional marketing that addresses a variety of industry strategies and marketing practices, or you can choose a digital marketing degree program that focuses on blending marketing and technology.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Regardless of the specialty you select, you will still receive a strong foundation in marketing and related courses.
Online Marketing Degree
In an online marketing program, for example an online bachelors, an online marketing MBA, or an online PhD in Marketing, you’ll study sales management strategies and consumer behavior. The curriculum might also cover how companies make pricing decisions. Other courses can teach you about the different channels that marketing pros use for communications.
It’s also common for marketing programs to spend time on analytics. By gathering and evaluating data, marketing professionals research what sells and how consumers develop loyalty.
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Some marketing bachelor’s degree programs include internships so that you can spend time working in a real-world marketing department. Others might include capstone projects in which you present a marketing proposal.
Valuable skills for the marketing world include strong communication and the ability to tell compelling stories. A willingness to collaborate and a desire to work in fast-paced settings can help as well. Graduates often work as marketing specialists, marketing research analysts, or managers.
Online Digital Marketing Degree
If you decide to get a degree in digital marketing, you’ll study many of the same marketing practices that you’d cover in a regular marketing program. These can include brand development, consumer behavior, personal selling, and communications strategies. In addition, though, this online degree will take a deeper dive into topics surrounding technology involved in marketing efforts.
Digital media has an enormous influence on today’s marketing strategies. To stay on the cutting edge of current trends, you’ll study topics like search engine optimization (SEO), digital analytics, and online sales management platforms. As with a traditional marketing program, you might do an internship or work on a senior capstone project in internet marketing.
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Graduates often pursue careers in social media marketing management or copywriting. You can also pursue marketing jobs that don’t have digital terms in their titles. Tech-related skills are commonly included in job listings for today’s marketing jobs, even if they’re roles that seem broader.
Marketing Careers & Salaries
Many people go to school for marketing because they want marketing jobs. But what marketing job titles are out there?
You might get started in the industry as a marketing specialist. A specialist’s responsibilities can include learning about market trends and developing campaigns to increase brand awareness. Another position in the field is market research analyst. This position is even more involved with tracking current trends in marketing and consumer behavior.
With experience, either of these roles may eventually move into a marketing management position. Managers head up teams of marketing professionals. Someday, a manager might even become one of their company’s top executives.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing, advertising, and promotions managers earn a median annual salary of $141,490.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Marketing Managers | $142,170 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $133,460 |
| Sales Managers | $132,290 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $118,430 |
| Top Executives | $107,680 |
| Writers and Authors | $67,120 |
| Market Research Analysts | $65,810 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $54,940 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $51,560 |
These salaries represent national averages, and they aren’t a guarantee of income. Your actual salary will often depend on a variety of factors, including your education, experience, job title, and geographic location.
Not all marketing professionals have “marketing” in their job titles. Some work in advertising or promotions as specialists, sales agents, or managers responsible for the company’s marketing efforts.
Marketing skills can also help you work as a copywriter. Copywriters use written material to increase sales or brand awareness. In this position, you can benefit from knowing about SEO and other digital concepts.
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There are actually a number of marketing jobs related to digital media for marketing graduates. One example is a social media marketing manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics considers social media jobs to be part of the public relations category.
A marketing skill set can also be applicable to a career in event planning. Understanding marketing concepts can be useful for promoting an event and coordinating communications. Similarly, this degree can also be beneficial in the sales field.
Marketing Curriculum & Courses
Getting a marketing bachelor’s degree usually requires earning 120 credit hours. Your marketing curriculum may include classes like:
- Advertising Concepts: You’ll learn about writing copy, planning layouts, selling ad space, or planning advertising campaigns.
- Brand Management Principles: This class introduces you to the importance of brand management and then teaches you strategies for building brand awareness and loyalty.
- Consumer Behavior: You’ll study the science of consumer behavior, marketing research, and how customers make decisions about spending their money.
- Content Development: This class talks about how articles, podcasts, and other content can contribute to an organization’s online presence and marketing strategy.
- Digital Marketing Concepts: In an introductory class in this specialty, you might get an overview of content creation, social media marketing strategies, search engine marketing, and search engine optimization.
- Market Research Strategies: During this class, you’ll learn about surveys and other options that marketers have for learning about consumer preferences.
- Marketing Communications: This class can develop your ability to deliver compelling messages and distribute them through various channels.
- Marketing in International Settings: Your international marketing strategies can vary depending on the culture in which they’re being implemented, and this class can help you learn skills necessary for working in a global business environment.
- Social Media for Marketing Professionals: You’ll learn to work with a wide range of online media, including podcasts, social networks, and blogs.
- Web Analytics: You’ll learn data techniques to determine how well websites or ad strategies are performing.
In addition to marketing courses, you may take some core business classes, such as operations management, customer relationship management, and financial management as well.
Admissions Requirements
What does it take to get into a marketing online degree program? Applying to a school might involve submitting the following materials:
- Application form and fee
- References from people who know you well
- SAT or ACT test scores (if required)
- Transcripts from high school and other colleges
Some colleges accept applications only during set periods, and others take submissions year-round. If there’s a firm deadline, you may want to turn in your materials well in advance of that date.
Accreditation
For the best chance of accomplishing your professional goals, it’s strategic to complete a marketing degree program from a college with a good reputation. That means going to a school with regional accreditation.
Accredited colleges have the approval of organizations that are officially in charge of evaluating educational programs. You can learn more about these organizations from the US Department of Education.
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Credits earned at an accredited school are more likely to transfer to another university. An accredited degree can also be useful for getting into a master’s program or being chosen by a hiring committee.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There’s financial assistance available for marketing students who qualify. One way to learn about your financial aid opportunities is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you enter on this form will determine how much aid you can get at various schools. Both your state and federal aid might be tied to it.
Grants from the government don’t have to be returned after school. Loans are only borrowed money, so you’ll pay a loan back later with interest. In general, government student loans are more affordable to repay than private ones.
Scholarships, like grants, are free gifts of tuition money. While grants are given because of need, scholarships are often awarded to candidates based on merit. You can check with your workplace, too, to see if they’ll contribute to your costs.
Marketing Professional Organizations
You can increase your connections to the latest happenings in the marketing world by joining a professional organization.
- American Marketing Association (AMA)
- eMarketing Association (EMA)
- Internet Marketing Association (IMA)
Signing up for a membership to one of these groups might put you on a newsletter list, grant you discounts to annual events, and help you learn about job opportunities. Other benefits can include access to professional journals, online resources, mentoring opportunities, and industry reports.
What Is a Marketing Degree?
A marketing degree program is one that prepares marketing graduates for careers related to marketing, advertising, and sales.
In this bachelor’s program, you’ll typically study brand management, personal selling, market research, operations management, business strategy, international marketing, and consumer decision-making. Other topics can include social media marketing management and client relationships.
Some marketing programs focus on digital marketing. In that case, you might take classes on search engine marketing, search engine optimization, content management, and data analytics. As part of your studies, you may use the lessons you’ve learned to develop a marketing proposal of your own.
Is Marketing a Good Major?
Yes, marketing is a good major for many undergraduate students. People who graduate with this degree work in a variety of positions.
Some are research analysts. Others sell advertising spots or work as meeting planners. Because this is such a diverse field, marketing majors might also go into sales, writing, or social media marketing management. Employment for these jobs is found in many different industries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top sector for market research analysts is the consulting field, but it accounts for only 11% of jobs for this position. Other potential fields for marketing graduates include finance, wholesaling, business, and many more.
What Can You Do with a Marketing Degree?
Potential job titles for marketing professionals include media planner, market researcher, copywriter, or advertising sales representative. Other graduates may become meeting planners or marketing specialists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experience as a salesperson or a marketing specialist can help you move into management roles.
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Some management positions in this field include marketing and promotions managers, social media director, marketing research analysts, and sales manager. Experienced managers may even have an opportunity to join the C-suite as chief marketing officers someday.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marketing Degree?
Students generally take 4 years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree program. This is the traditional approach to an undergraduate degree, usually involving 16 week semesters.
Other students may get through school more quickly, particularly those who enroll in online programs. Many online colleges structure their courses around shorter terms for online students. Terms are sometimes only 8 weeks or 10 weeks each. You can also take online courses year-round if you want to try and graduate in less time.
Can You Get a Marketing Degree Online?
A growing number of accredited business schools offer a bachelors and a masters in marketing online. Online students might be able to finish their entire degree from a distance. Through online studies, you can take classes, complete assignments, and engage with others in your program.
A curriculum for online students is often comparable to what they’d have for an on-campus degree. You can earn it by learning similar content and completing similar assignments. You might even end your studies with a senior project that showcases your learning.
How Much Does an Online Marketing Degree Cost?
Tuition costs vary from school to school, but online colleges often charge between $300 and $500 per credit hour. Since many classes are worth three credits each, you may spend about $900 to $1500 per course.
Most students need to earn 120 credit hours before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. If you have credits to transfer in, you might be able to save a bit on the cost of school. Plus, if you qualify for financial aid, it may help reduce your out-of-pocket tuition expenses.
How Fast Can I Get a Marketing Degree?
Getting your degree from an online college with accelerated terms can help you meet the graduation requirements for a marketing degree in just 3 years. This quick approach to studies might involve taking year-round courses that last about 8 weeks each.
If you have college credits to transfer in, your schooling might be even faster. Some marketing programs are tailored for students who have already completed all of their general education classes. These types of programs may last for just 12 to 17 months. At some business schools, professional experience can also help you shave time off your studies.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Marketing Degree?
Some marketing professionals work as market research analysts, working with data to learn about sales trends. Analysts are employed by a diverse array of industries, including financial institutions, wholesaling companies, and publishing houses.
There are also professionals in the field who coordinate conventions or other events. They prepare meeting spaces and coordinate vendors. Some work for lodging or food service companies. Others are employed by professional or civic groups.
In addition, marketing professionals work in advertising to sell ad space, plan promotions, or coordinate advertising teams. Advertising professionals may be self-employed or work for ad agencies.
How Much Do Marketing Managers Make?
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a marketing manager may earn between $74,620 and $208,000 every year. The average median salary is $142,170.
A marketing manager who works for professional, scientific, and technical services typically earns the highest salaries. Their annual average is $150,840. With an average pay rate of $150,280, the finance and insurance sector comes in second.
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Other top-paying industries for a marketing manager include company management, manufacturing, and wholesaling. Of course, your salary could be higher or lower than the median salary. Getting more education or experience may help you advance over time.
What’s the Difference Between Marketing vs. Advertising?
Marketing and advertising are similar fields, but they aren’t quite the same.
| Marketing | Advertising |
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You can often work in marketing jobs with an advertising degree and vice versa.
What’s the Difference Between Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing?
Today, some marketing students get a broad education that covers many different types of marketing, and others focus their studies on the latest developments in the field.
| Traditional Marketing | Digital Marketing |
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Even in a traditional marketing program, you can expect to study some digital marketing concepts.
What’s the Difference Between Traditional Marketing vs. Communications?
Whether you study marketing or communications, it’s necessary to be able to communicate well. There are differences between these fields, though.
| Traditional Marketing | Communications |
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You can think of marketing as a subset of communications.
Is a Marketing Degree Worth It?
Yes, a marketing degree is worth it for many professionals. Marketing is a diverse, innovative field that plays a key role in the success of many different businesses and organizations.
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The skills taught in marketing programs are highly valued in today’s workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for marketing managers are expected to grow at a 7% rate over the next ten years. Roles for market research analysts are increasing even faster. The estimated growth rate for analyst jobs is 18%.
Universities Offering Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bellevue University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. The program requires 127 credits to graduate and can potentially be finished in 2.5 years.
Each course is 8 weeks long. Applicants must have proof of high school completion or the equivalent and must submit transcripts if they have attended any post-secondary institutions.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Students may choose to add one of 21 different specializations to their degree.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. Applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and either have 2 years of experience or be 23 years old or older.
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
East Carolina University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 120 semester hours, with 18 hours dedicated to marketing. Applicants must have a high school degree with courses in algebra, laboratory science, and foreign languages.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida Atlantic University offers a program for online students leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Students must obtain 120 credit hours and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher to graduate. Those interested in joining the program must have 60 qualifying credit hours to transfer in and fulfill a foreign language requirement.
FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida International University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours, including pre-core business courses, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must submit an online application with their SAT or ACT scores and official high school transcripts.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Students must complete 120 credit hours, including credits towards one of 2 concentrations: Business Development and Sales or Digital Marketing. Applicants interested in the program must apply online and submit their ACT or SAT scores.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Houghton College offers a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication. To graduate, students must complete 124 credit hours, including 46 required credits. The program can typically be completed in 18 months. When applying, applicants must submit high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Houghton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lindenwood University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. The requirements of the Bachelor of Science program are more specific to marketing, while the Bachelor of Arts is more general. Applicants must submit their ACT or SAT scores and high school transcripts when applying.
Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minot State University offers a program for online students leading to a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate.
Students who aren’t in degree programs related to business may also take some of the courses in the program to receive a concentration in Marketing. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. ACT or SAT score requirements depend on the applicant’s GPA.
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New Mexico State University offers a program for online students leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours.
The program can typically be completed in 4 years. Applicants must submit an online application and must have completed Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and an additional math course.
NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Oklahoma State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Marketing. Students may choose to add a Communication specialization to their degree. A total of 120 credit hours are required to graduate. Applicants must apply online and submit an application essay. The application also includes financial aid applications.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oregon State University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with the option to add a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 180 credits to graduate, with 23 dedicated to the concentration. Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Pennsylvania State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and must have taken 8 prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Temple University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.
Students may choose to specialize in Consumer Insights, Digital Marketing, Retail, or Sales Force Effectiveness. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts along with SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and a report on the extracurricular activities they’ve participated in.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alabama—Birmingham offers an online Bachelor of Science in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 50 credits related to their degree and a capstone project. Those interested in the program must complete an online application, submit all official transcripts, and speak with an enrollment advisor.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Mary offers a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. The program is designed for working adults who are returning to school and offers rolling admission, allowing students to join every 5 weeks. To graduate, students must complete 124 semester credits. Applicants must submit their post-secondary transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
The University of Mary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts—Amherst offers an online bachelor’s degree in Marketing. To graduate, a total of 53 credits must be obtained from the school. Students must have 27 transferable credits and a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Minnesota—Crookston offers an online Bachelor of Science in Marketing program. Students must complete 120 credit hours and an internship to graduate. Applicants must submit an application with their GPA, high school transcripts, and a short personal essay about themselves or the reason for applying.
The University of Minnesota – Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin—Whitewater offers an online bachelor’s degree in marketing program.
Students may choose to add an emphasis in Digital Marketing or Professional Sales. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours and 20 community service hours. Interested applicants must connect with a recruiter and complete an online application.
UW-Whitewater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Washington State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in marketing program. Students must complete 120 semester hours, with at least 40 credits from upper division courses. Each course is 7 weeks long. Applicants interested in the program may contact an admissions counselor to determine if the program is right for them.
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Marketing Degree Online
If you’re interested in traditional or digital marketing, a marketing bachelor’s degree can help you develop the necessary skills for this dynamic field.
You’ll typically study consumer trends, communications principles, data analytics, and digital media. During your studies, you may gain skills in market research, sales, advertising, or copywriting.
For studies that fit into your busy life, you may want to consider earning an online degree in marketing. An online program tends to offer you the convenience of learning whenever and wherever works for you.
Accredited online colleges are reputable and reliable. To get ready for a successful career in this dynamic field, you can start by exploring online marketing programs.
