Best Online Marketing Associate Degrees 2024

A marketing associate is an entry-level role in the marketing industry that helps marketing teams research, plan, and monitor advertising and marketing campaigns. Although they may not have as much training as someone with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, they perform similar tasks as marketing specialists and can be vital to a marketing team’s success.

Employers typically seek candidates with a marketing associate degree for these positions. This degree takes about two years to complete and introduces concepts like consumer behavior, managerial accounting, and marketing decision-making.

A 2020 report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that graduates with associate degrees in marketing, business management, or administration earn a median salary of $40,000-$50,000.

Explore this guide to learn what to expect from a marketing associate degree, the kinds of jobs it can lead to, and how it can propel your marketing career. Browse some of the top online marketing associate degrees based on our ranking methodology.

The marketing and business field attracts diverse candidates. Some aim to work with specific products and services, while others pursue the field for its flexibility. In general, marketing and sales careers often appeal to individuals with strong communication and organizational skills. Professionals usually possess high levels of self-confidence and initiative.

Associate degrees in marketing equip students with knowledge related to promoting goods and services. In addition to teaching learners marketing and selling strategies, most marketing degrees at this level offer general business and marketplace training.

Typically, an online associate degree in marketing features approximately 60 credits and takes students two years to complete. Learners often encounter general education classes, along with coursework in research and management.

While many graduates enter the workforce after completing associate degrees, these programs also provide an pathway to further education. Associate degree-holders can often transfer their credits directly to online bachelor’s degrees in marketing to save money when compared to a four-year degree.

The exact curriculum in a marketing program varies by school, but students can expect to encounter some common courses along the way. In addition to general education and business foundation courses, enrollees may take the following marketing-specific classes:

Students can pick up human and technical skills that apply to most careers in marketing, including:

Prospective students should consider multiple factors when choosing an online college to ensure it meets their needs and professional aspirations. As with on-campus schools, learners should research program curricula, specializations, and available student services.

They should also explore online-specific options, such as asynchronous vs. synchronous course delivery, flat-rate tuition policies, and residency requirements.

Graduates with associate degrees in marketing can qualify for entry-level positions as marketing assistants, media planners, content creators, and brand representatives. They may work under promotions or advertising managers or take on sales-related roles.